Yurt Forum Acquires Yurtinfo.org and Livingintheround.org

[Jafo]

One of the reasons I have been pretty quiet here the last couple of weeks is because I have been working on acquiring two new sites:

Yurt Info

and

Living in the Round

These used to belong to Becky Kemery who recently passed away. If you have done any research about yurts then chances are pretty good that you have come across her work somewhere along the line. I would like to thank her estate for considering me when it came time to find these two places a home. I just hope I can do her justice and continue growing what she started!

I don't expect any big changes yet, but will be remodeling things after a while and updating information as I have time.

- Jeff

[HawaiiYurts]

Becky put in so very much work on those sites, helping to share a world based knowledge and network of yurt information. Her focus was mostly educating people, with a highlight in helping ordinary people get into the round.

I am very glad you decided to take on the vast collection of her work. Props to you, and thank you, I suspect I speak from the hearts of many in the industry. Let's all continue to try to come together, sharing our knowledge with respect and warmth. Let's work to make bright, happy, sustainable futures ahead!

[Woodyrock]

Thank you for picking up Becky's forum. even though I have not logged in recently due to the major spam attack. Becy will be missed by many.
Woody

[Surely Yurts - Steve]

Big shoes to fill, and an honor to be chosen by Becky Kemery's estate. You are devoted to this forum and, in my opinion, deserve this charge.

Even those of us whom didn't have the pleasure of meeting Becky, I think, developed a special bond with her in reading her book and other writings.

I will say that with this new honor comes a great new responsibility. Becky was always careful not to advertise or 'weigh in' on yurt manufacturers. She believed in people, first and foremost. I think with this new charge, Jeff, you should be careful not to reccomend specific yurt manufacturers as I have seen exercised on this forum.

It is a safe bet to say that Colorado and Pacific produce consistantly good quality yurts, as we all know. But it is not your place as a new mediator and supposed neutral authority to plug those names. With 'YurtForum.com' being recognized by Becky's estate. This now falls into the realm of journalistic integrity. We all trust you here, and thank you for your dedication to spreading the good word about yurts.

Brava!

[Jafo]

Actually Becky's sites had multiple advertisements for various yurt manufacturers. She did indeed advertise them. I have since removed these ads for now because I am not currently seeking to monetize my sites. I do however reserve that right to do so. There is a lot of work that goes into creating a community like this and there may come a time where I would like to be compensated for it in some way. Most of the people out there who build yurts, make a profit of some kind, and I don't think that makes their work less authentic in doing so.

I feel my place here is to speak about my experience while creating an even larger area for others to do so too. When people ask what kind of yurt I would recommend, then I feel I should give my opinion. I don't believe there is any conflict of interest there. I do not (yet) receive any direct compensation from any yurt manufacturer so I do not see how my opinion adversely affects my integrity. If a day should come where I do have business interests with particular manufacturers, I will be sure to note that when giving my opinions.

My goals are still the same the day I started yurtforum.com, and that is to try and create a repository of information and discussion about yurts. This includes all yurts, be they traditional, architectural, solid, or even metaphysical .

[djspn]

Originally Posted by Jafo

. When people ask what kind of yurt I would recommend, then I feel I should give my opinion.

Thanks......... and please keep it up.

[Surely Yurts - Steve]

Hey Jeff,

I didn't mean to quibble, suppose I was just throwing my two cents in. This forum is becoming a valuable resource for people interested in yurts. Sorry if I was being antagonistic, that was not my intention.

Keep up the good work and thanks again for you're hard work here on the yurt forum. Happy New Year!

[Jafo]

Boy, that is one beautiful looking yurt right there. Do you ever recommend any bracing inside?

[Tree Bones]

Originally Posted by Jafo

One of the reasons I have been pretty quiet here the last couple of weeks is because I have been working on acquiring two new sites:

Yurt Info and Living in the Round

These used to belong to Becky Kemery who recently passed away. If you have done any research about yurts then chances are pretty good that you have come across her work somewhere along the line.

We all will miss Becky. She has and will continue to contribute to everyone who is a real yurt enthusiast.

[Surely Yurts - Steve]

Absolutely Ron (Tree-Bones),

I Visted Bill Coperthwaite at his home this August and he was the first one to inform me of Becky's un-timely passing. He spoke of her as a friend, and we shared a moment of silence. Truly, she was and will continue to be a good example for us all.

__________________

To answer your query Jeff:

When you get over a 20 foot diameter, interior bracing or so-called "Wind and Snow Kits" are a good idea and sometimes (the bigger you go) a neccesity.

In my experience, with a 20 foot or less diameter it is completely un-neccesary and a waste of valuable resources.

I make 20 foot diameter and 10 foot diameter yurts for commercial sale, so, I don't use interior studs.

Also, our design is different in that we are doing some yurts with an 18" over-hang, and all with a pentagonal center piece which changes some of the rules of western American-style yurts.