new member... hi

[HopRiverAles]

Hey folks, new to the site... wanted to introduce myself. Sorry if this is in the wrong place, still finding my way around.

My name's Matt, obviously, I have been home brewing for a year and a half, AG for a year(?). Been blogging about it since March. Just found this site while browsing another beer related blog. Looked cool, a great way to find more like minded blogs and maybe increase my own traffic? Also, constructive feedback from fellow blogger's would be totally welcome.

So... what's the etiquette here? Should I fully post up my older blog posts or just my subdomain (hopriverales.blogspot.com) and then just my new posts from here on out?

Also, I'm on a few other forums (mainly homebrewtalk.com). Also 90% of my internet use is on mobile device, is there a mobile optimized version or an android app somewhere?

[Sud Savant]

I'm not sure of etiquette either.  I've just been using it to find new and interesting things to read and hopefully providing some to others (yes, it also increases traffic).  That said, I've been posting some old stuff, but its not too far behind my new stuff.

 

if you're looking for feedback, I'll send it via message.  

 

Also regarding feedback, I'll take some from whoever reads this.

 

 

[Sud Savant]

Nevermind, can't send a private msg.  So here it goes.

 

The HopRiverAles site is a interesting mix of technical, practical, and recreation.  In one story you talk about some of the technical aspects of brewing and it terrifies me to ever want to delve into brewing again because you write about SO MUCH that I don't know.  It's cool that you have that technical knowledge and can write about it so easily.  The second part that I enjoyed/noticed was the "practical aspect."  This includes everything from bartering prices at Gander Mountain to truly MAKING equipment (kegerators, keggles, aqurium heaters, "radiators" for cooling, etc).  I think its creative and looks like a lot of fun.  The third part that stuck me was despite all that hard work, how relaxing it all can be and what a soothing hobby it can turn out to be.  Very neat way to show someone who doesn't brew (me!) some of the different aspects of the total experience.

[HopRiverAles]

wow, thanks for the awesome feedback! in one point it sounds like youare saying I am overloading on the technical stuff and that intimidates you from getting into brewing... in honesty, that is the opposite of what I am trying to do. my intent with this blog, is to help people interested in getting started or moving up to all grain brewing make the jump. I have been planning on doing a beginner style extract batch, just to show how easy it can be. unfortunately, I have to wait for my wife to go out of town to do that (she HATES the smell) because I want to do it inside on the stove as a beginner would. would you find this helpful?

your second and third points sound like they are very much online with what I am trying to get across. it really is a rewarding hobby in more ways than one. in addition to the relaxation (sorta like mediation), you end up with beer!

Also, I read your blog post on the russian porter, and I will read more when I have time to sit down. But I have to say, I am fully jealous of your tasting abilities. if I drank the same beer, I am sure my analysis would be more like, "mmm beer!" you do a great job describing it...

thanks again for the feedback!

[Sud Savant]

Naw, it's not an overload on the technical stuff.  Though I personally have no idea, it appears to be a very in depth look at some important parts in the process.  That said, because I know nothing about it, it seems very intimidating.  Gravities, boiling times, etc.  If anything, Its a problem I have, not your blog. :)  I'll look forward to reading more on the extract batch.  I have tried brewing once via extract and the results were... less than satisfying.  OK, they were friggin' terrible.

I'm a firm believer of, "If you can read, you can cook."  I can follow any recipe in the kitchen and it goes pretty well, but that beer was awful.