I was interested in Chuck's response to the question about writing a book, and I would have probably added a different thought (or two) in response to the question.

Books are fantastic things. There must be some incredible sense of satisfaction in producing something so tangible, so permanent, and so comfortable to read and enjoy.

Finding myself between the roles of student (much of the time) and teacher (some of the time), the most compelling advantage of publishing on the web, rather than publishing through a book, is the ability to constantly revise and update, as our knowledge and information changes. I believe that many of our readers, as part-time detectives and part-time historians, can add to our body of knowledge. To draw a line, and put it on a press, would be an intimidating task. Perhaps one of the beauties of websites and discussion boards is that they are never quite final. We change items; add items; correct items . . . but never have to say "This is it. We are finished. Roll the presses."

This is not any false humility on my part. Rather a comfort with publishing through a website (or two) rather than in the form of a book.

People ask me about the possibility of collaborating on a book. I could contribute to some sort of sampler or "coffee table" book -- providing some information, and presenting some pretty pictures. But in my opinion, to attempt a comprehensive book that would be truly definitive
on vintage Heuers would be impossible and frustrating (at least as long as I have a full-time job, five kids, and a dog who needs a bath). Right now, Chronocentric, OnTheDash, ebay and some other online communities are providing a fantastic hobby (and helping me build my own watch collection). To withdraw (in large part) from this community and attempt to turn this fluid, dynamic information into a book . . .well, it just doesn't sound like as much fun.

And besides, you can't really ramble, use weird punction (!!) and start sentence with the word "And" in a book . . . can you??

Jeff

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

: But aren't the best teachers the ones who
: consider themselves students? The teachers
: who learn new things each day? That's the
: schtick... I consider myself a student
: because I don't have a teacher's edition of
: some book that has all the answers and I'm
: learning new things about these little
: machines every day. It's closer to the
: actual situation and besides... If I called
: myself a guru or a professor or a teacher
: it'd sound awfully arrogant. Student is
: accurate.

: You're welcome J, I'm sure you've said
: something in the past about that.

: Cheers and Good Hunting!

: -- Chuck