At this time, the Sparks31 blog has been discontinued.
A mailing list has been created to continue discussions, and for book and newsletter announcements. It’s here. If you are a subscriber you should subscribe as all future announcements will be posted there.
Any future technical content will appear in the Signal-3 Newsletter.
My latest two books are available here in PDF format for free download. If you like what you read in it, then subscribe to Signal-3 to get more up to date info. The next issue is coming out later this month, so there is still time to be able to get it. Otherwise, it comes out bi-monthy on every odd-numbered month.
There remain two classes that are open to the public. The information is listed here. Anyone outside of Wyoming who wishes to schedule a class can do so at the standard rate of $2500. An initial non-refundable $1000 is required, with the balance due no later than 30 days before the class date. Do not even bother to email me unless you are ready to pay the initial deposit.
If you live in Wyoming, you only need to ask me for instructional help <sparks31@unseen.is>, and I will be more than happy to teach your group what you need to know. This service is free of charge, but if you feel compelled to reimburse me for the service, throw me a 1/10th ounce Gold Eagle, some 1 oz. Silver Rounds, ammo, (certain) livestock, or even a bottle of Wyoming Whiskey.
So where do I start? It really wasn’t one particular thing that led to this blog going dark. More like a whole bunch of things, aided by the introspection of a 1600 mile drive. Some of the more particularly annoying things were, in no particular order:
Can’t say I blame him for the reasons stated. Everybody’s loss and most can’t see their contribution.
“That’s all I gotta say about it, other than if you want a better understanding go read Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.”
That says it all. Welli f you read the book.
Pretty much everyone in the patriot and prepper community suffers from a case of burnout at some point. Its simply evidence that you’ve been putting in a lot of effort, without seeing much effect.
So, Sparks is taking a step back. The question is, who will step up and fill that void? Because there are a lot of folks who need the training he has been offering.
As a community, we need to stand by each other, and this means that we must be able to respond to such changes in a positive way. Adapting in such a way that when someone needs to take that step back, it is an opportunity for someone else to take a step forward and fill the need, not a cause for dissention, complaining, or casual acceptance of excuses.
I have met Sparks and can comfortably attest to his dedication, commitment, and knowledge. But as a community we are obliged not to demand that our peers be super-human. We must use each of our resources wisely, and that rule applies most stringently to our reliance upon those of our peers who are ‘experts’ at whatever skillset, for they too have an obligation to maintain their all-around preparation and readiness.
How many among us forget that, for every weekend such an expert is teaching a class, they are tending to the needs of others in preference to their own needs? That they have taken that time away from their own family, homestead, and community?
The best way to demonstrate our gratitude to such dedicated individuals is to respect their time, and be particularly generous in expressing our appreciation for their efforts. This precludes such selfish behaviors as being late for training, haggling over fees, or allowing ourselves to be distracted durring training -- particularly by interpersonal issues.
As a community, we must continuously improve our skills in many areas, and that means we need to be training on a regular basis. Those who ignore such a basic duty will ignore other duties of equal importance. Let our actions be the proof of our dedication and commitment, and words shall not be necessary.
As I believe in actions rather than words, I am prepared to offer classes on communications here in the ‘Carolinas. They will not be exactly what Sparks was offering, but will have a similar scope and purpose. Look for a formal announcement early next month for details.
Regards,
LT