Something I dont understand about LHBA

[Yuhjn]

Ok so the only way to get all the great knowledge advertised is to take the class, but the classes almost never happen.

Why?

Why would someone with so much information to share not share it? Or only share it with those fortunate enough to make it into one of the classes?

Supposidly you get a bunch of printed information too, but only if you are in a class.

I'm very confused as to why someone who seems to be so enthusiastic about log home building would prevent so many people from gaining that knowledge.

The only explanation I can come up with is that this is just a money making scam.

If someone can explain why the information isnt available outside the classes than hardly ever happen, I would love to hear it.

[Klapton]

They do the classes quite often, actually. Since last October, when I took the class, they have had at least one a month, if not more. I'm afraid the "no more classes this year" message they post on the home page whenever they don't have one scheduled is a bit discouraging. They schedule them based on availability of the instructors (they make their living building log homes, so if they are in the middle of a build, it's not easy for them to make time), and demand. Fortunately, they added the email reminder linkie that will help them know when they have a full class of people on the waiting list.

As for being a money-making scam, all I can say is that they offer a 100% no-questions-asked money-back guarantee for the course. If for ANY reason (and you don't even have to say why) you are not satisfied that you got your money's worth, you can get your money back. As far as I know, I don't know if anyone has ever taken them up on it. Everyone I know who took the class said it was the best money they ever spent.

As for why they don't just plaster all their info on the internet for the whole world to read? That's a bit more complicated. You see, there is a list of people who are not welcome to take the class. These include people in the kit-building industry and people who work for the government. Why? Some of the stuff they teach in the class is how to deal with government bureaucrats (code inspectors etc.) Because of this unfortunate adversarial relationship that often exists between owner-builders and government bureaucrats, it's best that we don't advertise those tips and tricks.

Another reason why they don't just put all their info online for the whole world is because we who have taken the course (which will be you too, I hope) know certain things that other folks don't, which makes our knowledge and skills more marketable. It's no different than many other professional associations, and a tradition that goes WAY back to trade guilds etc. If you want YOUR knowledge to be valuable, be careful who you share it with.

If you are still convinced this is just a money-making scam, by all means, don't take the class. I can assure you, however, it is NOT a scam. It is indeed a money-making BUSINESS (i.e. a business that provides a very real, high-quality product/service -- and therefore NOT a "scam") for many who take the course, and that's why they don't want the whole universe to know everything about it.

[spiralsands]

It's an association that we pay to join and reap the benefits of. A community. It's not just a class that has 'secret information'.

[Alex]

I just got bak today from the class and I won't be asking my money back, it was worth every penny. Lot's of knowledge and info from Steve and Ellsworth that I got and you can't get just reading.

Enjoy your class

See you soon in the member section

Alex

[Shark]

Ok so the only way to get all the great knowledge advertised is to take the class, but the classes almost never happen.

Why?

Why would someone with so much information to share not share it? Or only share it with those fortunate enough to make it into one of the classes?

Supposidly you get a bunch of printed information too, but only if you are in a class.

I'm very confused as to why someone who seems to be so enthusiastic about log home building would prevent so many people from gaining that knowledge.

The only explanation I can come up with is that this is just a money making scam.

If someone can explain why the information isnt available outside the classes than hardly ever happen, I would love to hear it.


If it was a scam, there wouldn't be so many people that have built so many wonderful log homes. They've been teaching this for many many years.
The only downside is there is Ellsworth & Steve that teach the course, that's it, & they have alot of other stuff going on too, so they fit in classes when they can.

All I can suggest to you is open you mind, read some more, & take the class when one comes available.

[Timberwolf]

Also just got back from class... (after a greuling 24 hour journey across the country but that's a different story.) Alex! Glad to see you made it back in one piece, I'm gonna need extra help when I start to build ;-) (that's recipricle by the way) Already sent my request to gain access to the members forum from the airport.

I can assure you that it is not a scam, it's the real deal. Skip's place is real. Ellsworth and Steve are real (dare I say larger than life). These guys know their log home building.

Want more proof naysayers? Check out the Wallace Falls lodge, built by association members. Ask them if LBHA is a scam. Or I can give you a list of restuarants in the area to call that have LHBA special's on the menu.

Jason.

[stillsmilin]

I don't think anyone is preventing anyone from gaining any knowledge. Ask a question, see if it gets answered. Most likely it will be answered, and the worst someone will tell you is wait for class. Check out the wealth of information in the public access forums, I know it is keeping me busy (2 weeks till my class!).

There are things learned from books and online that you will learn different from being in a class. When I am learning the fundamentals of how my home is built, I want learn it in person where I can ask questions from professionals about the stuff that may I may be fuzzy on. I dunno, maybe thats just me.

I am not sure why people think that valuable information should be free (if you ever have a great idea, let me know for free and I'll split the profits with you 50/50). But $895? It is more like they are giving it away. If they did it any cheaper, they probably could not have a class, or an organization, and no one would be learning how to build homes with the skip method. I feel $895 is a bargain to get my dream rolling!

Don't take me wrong, I understand skepticism. If you don't believe that these methods will work, do a little research. When I first found this site, I thought too good to be true (like many others). However, I did not find one person that took the class and said it was a waste of time or money.

And if there is anything that should convince you, read this forum. It is has given me the confidence build my own home, and I am fully confident the class will give me the framework to start planning it. There is a great sense of community which, I imagine, only gets better on the "other" side. People here are helpful to people that are willing to help themselves.

But if you don't want to believe. Go buy a kit and snatch up a 30 year. When you still have 25 left, come back to the site and look at pictures of my home.

Still smilin' LESS THAN 2 WEEKS LEFT!!!

[Timber]

Got land... looking for logs...
Waiting (im)patiently for the class.
you need to change your signature

ITS good to know its 4 real
Ron

[Timberwolf]

Got land... looking for logs...
Waiting (im)patiently for the class.
you need to change your signature

ITS good to know its 4 real
Ron

Got land... looking for logs...

Newly minted LHBA member.
Class of April 2008

[Timber]

yea thats better :(

Ron

[Shannonbeth]

I am not sure why i need to change it, but i will.

[Lonewolf]

The classes happen, just open your eyes and read the posts. I got some reasons why you will have to pay for it.
1. People rarely appreciate what they are given for free. They have no sense of real ownership.
2. It weeds out the segment of society that is bleeding society dry with an undeserved sense of entitlement. Let them hang on the line with a 30 year
mortgage LMAO!!! Anyone who balks at paying for this class deserves a mortgage.
3. And last but not least, THEY HAVE THE SAME RIGHT TO MAKE A LIVING AS YOU DO. Do you work? How would you feel if people came to you wanting
YOUR services for free? What would YOU tell them? Stop whining and go to the class. I made it there from Louisiana. You get no sympathy on this
from me.
If you have a wife and kids, I really hope you use better logic when providing for them.
That class was worth many times more than what it cost me. One little teeny tiny thing they taught me is going to save me God only knows how many thousands. Take the class, you will be really glad you did.

Marcus Ward

[kirkwatkins]

Kirk Watkins

I agree with Shark and Alex. The class was all it was billed to be and more. This is copyrighted material that is NOT FREE. That's why it is copyrighted. Special knowledge is valuable and should be paid for. I am very glad that I paid for the knowledge because it was worth more than I paid! My son and I are excited to start work. My wife will be looking at plans and we will start the process as soon as we decide what plans to order. Keep watching the website and sign up for the class as soon as it comes available. It could very well be one of the best decisions you have ever made.

[Timber]

your still waiting ;)

Ron

[GENE13]

Ok so the only way to get all the great knowledge advertised is to take the class, but the classes almost never happen.

Why?

Why would someone with so much information to share not share it? Or only share it with those fortunate enough to make it into one of the classes?

Supposidly you get a bunch of printed information too, but only if you are in a class.

I'm very confused as to why someone who seems to be so enthusiastic about log home building would prevent so many people from gaining that knowledge.

The only explanation I can come up with is that this is just a money making scam.

If someone can explain why the information isnt available outside the classes than hardly ever happen, I would love to hear it.



Yes they could put everything they know free on-line, BIG DEAL. That isn't what it's all about, it's about getting years and years of HANDS ON help and experience. EXAMPLE: You can read everything there has ever been printed in piloting an airplane, you could read about it for 10 - 15 years, Now does that make you qualified to fly a plane? Hey you've spent years reading and memorizing every book and web site on the subject, are you ready to solo????? NO. You still need that HANDS on experience, and if you want that type of help does it not seem reasonable that the instructor should be paid for their time and help. My sister is a teacher and she shares info everyday, but she can't afford to do it for free. If you want the assistance and the experience of an accountant or attorney, don't they charge you for their skills? Also the correct application of knowledge means very little, unless you also get the proper hands on experience as well. In reality to much knowledge can be very dangerous without learning first hand and watching the procedure be put into action by someone that has done it before over and over again, ask any doctor that went through med school if upon graduation if they thought they was ready to operate, they had to first get hands on experience, and the process wasn't cheap either. To imply this system of building a log home is a Money Scam is a very harsh accusation. There is also a money back guarantee if you're not satisfied, not only do you get the hands on touch in class, you also get continued free ON-LINE help following class, which support (on-line) is part of what you're paying for when you take the class. Call MicroSoft or Norton's for on-line help when your product expires, and see what they will charge you.

I found this site about 2 months ago, and will be attending class this month, so the wait is actually based upon the demand, and because the instructors also must work for a living, they must find times that will work within their schedules as well. :-)

[CarmenO]

seriously, why is everybody giving this question so much time and attention? with such a display of a lack of (or intentional disregard for) logic, it's doubtful that any well-thought-out answer will get through.

[Shannonbeth]

your still waiting ;)

Ron
I'm not sure why, but i'm really confused now! Must be the pregnancy...lol
Yes i am still waiting!

[ajax]

I think it is because a nerve was struck!!!

I know mine was when I read it. The bottom line is that this is the U.S.A and not the U.S.S.R. (Or what's left of it). We live in a capitalistic land of opportunity and not socialism or communisim.

Yes you pay to take the course, you pay for the travel, you pay for the hotel, you pay for your food, and then you pay your dues peeling and building. Then and only then do you reap the rewards. The only thing you are entitled to is the hard work and effort (And fun), and hard work did I say that?, needed to build your home.

God Bless America....:)

[Timber]

There are far to many ways to answer your question. Time is money--there time my money-they earn for there time and knowledge & i pay them for there valuable information!. If you feel its not worth it then stay away. People come from the class ready to build. People with no prior building skills-build a log home (which is very costly-price them!).There time is as important to them as mine or yours is to you & me. With there time they could earn money elsewhere.

Main Entry: 1val?ue
Function: noun
Pronunciation: 'val-(")y?
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin valuta, from feminine of valutus, past participle of Latin valere to be worth, be strong -- more at WIELD
1 : a fair return or equivalent in goods, services, or money for something exchanged
2 : the monetary worth of something : marketable price
3 : relative worth, utility, or importance <a good value at the price>
4 a : a numerical quantity that is assigned or is determined by calculation or measurement <a value for the age of the earth> b : precise signification
5 : the relative duration of a musical note
6 a : relative lightness or darkness of a color : LUMINOSITY b : the relation of one part in a picture to another with respect to lightness and darkness
7 : something (as a principle or quality) intrinsically valuable or desirable

Ron

[Timber]

I think it is because a nerve was struck!!!

I know mine was when I read it. The bottom line is that this is the U.S.A and not the U.S.S.R. (Or what's left of it). We live in a capitalistic land of opportunity and not socialism or communisim.

Yes you pay to take the course, you pay for the travel, you pay for the hotel, you pay for your food, and then you pay your dues peeling and building. Then and only then do you reap the rewards. The only thing you are entitled to is the hard work and effort (And fun), and hard work did I say that?, needed to build your home.

God Bless America....:)


Well said!

[Yuhjn]

To those of you who spent the time to give honest and thoughtful answers, thank you. (Klapton, spiralsands, Alex, Shark, Timberwolf). Much of what you've said makes sense to me and I have a better understanding of what you group is about.

To the couple of you who were mean and nasty... I have nothing to say.

I know I struck a nerve, and I could have been more tactful in my question, but I think the question is legitamate.

Also contrary to what some of you obviously think I was NOT suggesting that the class should be free, nor that the information should be free. I was simply questioning why the ONLY place the information was available was through the class.

That said, do you guys really think that if this information was made available, regardless of cost, outside of the class that it would in any way reduce the demand for the class? Personally I suspect that if the information was available it would INCREASE demand for the class.

Anyway again thank you to those of you who gave honest responses. Your tone and approach to the question reassures me that you believe in this system. If you did not, you would be defensive and attack me for the percieved attack on you. Of course many of you didnt do that, which leads me to believe you are very confident in your association and the knowledge and process involved.


Thanks, and yes it's very likely I'll be taking the class, depending on availability and scheduling.

[adubar]

Yuhjn,

I hope you do find time to take one of the classes.

Something you might want to take away with you is that the class and the association are about much more than a simple guide to building a log home. In the two days and the following months and years of membership, you would actually be exposed to volumes of information that, quite frankly, most modern humans would never read nor watch if they were available.

When speaking strictly about publishing the two day class sessions for mass consumption:
The main problem would be the choices made in editing. If you have ever read a modern log building book (or any book on building for that matter for the "DIY" set), they are particularly scant on real engineering information and tend to give the novice enough amunition to defeat him/herself (that is mainly because of the general brevity in prublicaitions as well as the intended audience). The association would be faced with similar "editing" challenges.

The philosophy of the LHBA's methodology is to present the whole picture and not some watered down version of it.
In many ways, it would be a discervice to both the association, members and the general public to publish an "overview." A book like many other DIY log home building books would be very much against that philosophy. Do you not agree?

Think of the two day class as the "introduction" to the methodology. As a member you continue to learn as you either build your own home or help other member's with theirs.


Best of luck!

-Andrew

[CarmenO]

Yuhjn,
I'm glad there are other people on this forum who took the time to answer your questions. I apologize for my rude response. I mistook you for someone who browses, leaves nasty posts on forums, and never logs back in, leaving mini chaos in the wake.
I hope you find the time to get to a class. I think it will be life-changing at the most, and informative at the least.
Carmen O.

[GENE13]

To those of you who spent the time to give honest and thoughtful answers, thank you. (Klapton, spiralsands, Alex, Shark, Timberwolf). Much of what you've said makes sense to me and I have a better understanding of what you group is about.

To the couple of you who were mean and nasty... I have nothing to say.

I know I struck a nerve, and I could have been more tactful in my question, but I think the question is legitamate.

Also contrary to what some of you obviously think I was NOT suggesting that the class should be free, nor that the information should be free. I was simply questioning why the ONLY place the information was available was through the class.

That said, do you guys really think that if this information was made available, regardless of cost, outside of the class that it would in any way reduce the demand for the class? Personally I suspect that if the information was available it would INCREASE demand for the class.

Anyway again thank you to those of you who gave honest responses. Your tone and approach to the question reassures me that you believe in this system. If you did not, you would be defensive and attack me for the percieved attack on you. Of course many of you didnt do that, which leads me to believe you are very confident in your association and the knowledge and process involved.


Thanks, and yes it's very likely I'll be taking the class, depending on availability and scheduling.



Yuhjn, I did my best to answer all your questions, and I tried to be as precise as to the how and why. I only took offense with your MONEY SCAM idea. however, I never attacted you and I'm sorry if it came across that way. Also your current question "you guys really think that if this information was made available, regardless of cost, outside of the class that it would in any way reduce the demand for the class?" I tried to explain that in my earlier thread, if this information was available without first getting some hands on trainning, you would have people out there trying to build these homes and getting theirselves hurt in the process. As I said in my earlier thread, nothing can take the place of hands on instruction. Personal injury I'm sure is the last thing the association wants to see. :-)

[greenthumb]

Yuhjn, glad to see you are willing to take the next step of signing up for a class. I hope you've read through all the FAQ's and Articles on the site- if not, you're missing out. You see, you asked why the information is not provided for free. Well, if you read these sections of the site, you will see that a TREMENDOUS amount of information is already provided at no cost. I'm amazed at how much information the association and members have shared in the public forums. As much as is provided for free, however, it is only the tip of the iceberg. The classes provide so much more. It really is hard to explain, but once you've been to Skip's home, you'll understand. I was a skeptic once, too....

Be sure to read everything available on this site- there really are many gems here, for FREE. But, do not think you'll get enough information without taking the class to build a great home, safely. ; )

[Klapton]

Another reason I just thought of for paid memberships is the member forums. There are two major advantages for us having private member forums, and for making joining / taking the class the gateway to membership. One is that it keeps our member forums from being flooded with "newbie" questions. Now, don't misunderstand me -- we are happy to answer newbie questions -- that's why we have public forums too. But it is nice that everyone who is active in the member forums has at the very least the basic knowledge of the subject from having taken the class.

The second, and HUGELY more important reason for having private, members-only forums is PRIVACY. Because they are private, we are able to do things like post phone numbers or email addresses without worries of the general public or SPAMMERS getting our info. We are also able to get advice on very specific questions about our building plans, budgeting, how much we are spending on different things -- all stuff that we share with one another that we wouldn't really want the whole world reading.

And make no mistake -- the member's forum is a HUGE benefit of membership. They give you a workbook and some other resources at the class, but there's simply no way anyone is going to remember it all. Plus there are VERY often issues that come up AS people are building that were unforseen, and they wouldn't have had any idea what to ask about during the class. We are able to get specific answers from very knowledgable people, including folks like Richard Rock, a member who also happens to be a structural engineer, hehe. Quite a handy guy whose input is VERY appreciated among us members.

Because paying the membership fee and taking the class is the prerequisite for the private forums, this keeps them uncluttered by posts from people who are merely THINKING about building a log home. (Again, we have public forums for those folks). If someone takes time to answer a post there, they know that the person they are helping is SERIOUS about what they are doing. (One doesn't shell out the membership fee unless they are SERIOUS about this.)

Hopefully there's enough publicly accessible information here, AND folks like us who will answer questions to help people make their decision about joining and taking the course. And once someone has joined and taken the course, we KNOW they are serious about their project, and "worthy" of access to and help from the member forums. (I use the word "worthy" for lack of a better word. Every human being is of infinite "worth", so please don't take that wrong.)

[Tom Featherstone]

My wife & I just returned from the class too, and would "Ditto" everything that has been printed here before. If you are interested in building for yourself, this is the place to go. As far as the class instructors........ they are worth the price of admission in itself. I've been around the "block" a few times in life, and this organization is For Real! My "healthy" amount of skepticism was returned in the first hour.

Tom

[slasher]

But I too just returned from the class... I too had my doubts and wondered about the whole idea of not telling all beforehand... Especially since I am on the east coast and my logs and climate are different... I'd been interested in log homes for the last 12 yrs and seen a dozen model homes, talked to plenty of people who own and live in kit homes and am aware of many of their problems gained from firsthand accounts. however, I never felt that anywere the home I had to have!!! Thats different now...

I went, I listened, and I asked my fair share of questions... My thoughts are below...

Great class, great people, and a tremendous amount of info for 22 hrs of class!!! However, everything I need to know on not only how to build the structure, but resources for materials, get permits, and do everything but the plumbing, elec, HVAC, and some basic construction that could be learned on sat a.m. at any local home depot. The theory of building a log home, the order of work, along with the the whys and whatfors... Even if they told you, untill you see it up close and do the exercises, interact and ask questions.... you probably will not REALLY understand everything... I wouldn't have... Its the old adage about knowledge is power, but just a lil bit of knowledge is dangerous !!!


All of this was taught with the K.I.S.S. principle in mind... Keep It Simple Stupid!!! If One follows the guidelines taught in the class, one should be able to build the structure without any major problems. Is lots of hard work, but pretty much straight forward... A lot of sage advice (that only comes from experience) on what to do, when to do it, and why to do it was given as well... I shut up and listened and it all comes together in the end... Can I do it? I am pretty sure I can!!! The search is on... the longest journey had begun when I took that first step... I have a two year plan and some work to do to get the house ready for sale...

[Bearfort_Lodge]

Good questions -

Look, I restore log homes. I have been going through restoration of the lodge here. I took the course to provide me with further insight as to construction as one of my goals is to both add on to the lodge as well as construct a new lodge in a different location. In addition I help people with the restoration of their log homes. I teach people how to restore their own log home and provide them with instructions and tips on how to do so -- however there is a fine line.

I write on my site quite a bit about restoration of log homes -- how to replace logs - about chinking and of the like and various aspects of construction methods and other joys of log home life. However I am quite careful to not write about specific information that was discussed in the course. YES I took the course. I believe in the course. I will on the my own website discuss certain aspects of building. I could quite literally take all the information that they provided and dump it into my website if I so chose to do so - but sorry I will not do it.

I will teach you things in the website but I draw the line. My site is also visited by many LHBA members - how do you think they would react if I gave away the store? -- I am not going to jeopardize that.

I have on many occasions and will continue to encourage people to sign up but Im not going to undermine the phenomenal work that they do. You have questions? - Most student will be happy to answer your questions as will I however those that have taken the course also have a deep respect for not only for the instructors but the concepts and methods that LHBA provides. The members area of this site provides tremendous information in addition the network of people, student and resources is vast and amazing and all are there to help and lend a hand. I have met with students outside the class and have retained many friends from the course that I took and we stay in touch sharing information ideas and have helped each other in numerous ways. There is a huge network that will even help you build. You want to plug into it? take the course.

The information that you gain taking the class is of great value -- and should not be given away for free -- they have spent a great deal of time and care gathering information and developing methods by which you can build you own log home.

They do share the information -- it is in the form of courses that are offered. Sign up for a class. Take the class. you walk away with reams of information - printed materials, materials on disk, resources and a network of people that are eager to help not to mention the empowerment of that information and the skill to be able to accomplish what it is that you want to do.

No one is preventing you from from gaining knowledge -- You have to understand that the care that they have taken in gathering the correct information and presenting it in a logical, meaningful and comprehensive manner has tremendous value.

You are right you only get the detailed information if you take the class -- what is wrong with that? However - there is also a tremendous amount of information shared in the non-member areas of this site - all valuable stuff.

Think about it -- what else do you expect to get for free? No one would pull into a gas station and expect that they are not going to charge you for filling your tank.

All in all your initial question was rather amusing - "why cant I have it for free?" You know what -- actually all the information beyond the actual building process is out there and you can have it for free -- all the printed information and the resource information that they provide in the course is out there - so with regard to that -- you really don't need to take the class -- but it will take you years of sifting though mis-information and researching to gather it all into one place.

They have spent years gathering this information.

I will tell you that I thought long and hard about it before I signed up. I was skeptical at first but I went for it.

The information that they provided me would have taken years for me to put together.

If you would like to talk to me about the course please feel free to contact me through my site and Ill be happy to talk to you about it. I believe it is well worth it and I am passionate about not only the course but the long lasting benefits of the network of resources and members.

Feel free to contact me

Bearfort Lodge
www.bearfortlodge.com

[Timber]

I see you have been a member for some time and have few Post. I hope Yuhjn appreciates your time to encourage him about the class.

Ron

[Timberwolf]

That was incredibly well said.
Hat's off to you.

[Fyremare]

Hey Guys!
You've done a wonderful job for the skeptics... I don't think you need to convince Yuhjn anymore, he's already signed up for the Memorial Day Class! ;>) LOL!
Fyre

[ChainsawGrandpa]

Well...I guess they could put the information out there for free.
Just enough knowledge to be dangerous. Been down that road!
You need the class with the ability to ask questions, see the work
for yourself, and maybe most of all, see with your own eyes what
can really be done on the cheap. Members sometimes down-play
the low prices people have paid for their homes. Most of this is
almost hard to believe, but it's true. Like I have said many times;
"Double the price of the class and it's stil the bargain of a lifetime."
No regrets from me.

-Rick

[bkleber]

...do you guys really think that if this information was made available, regardless of cost, outside of the class that it would in any way reduce the demand for the class? Personally I suspect that if the information was available it would INCREASE demand for the class.


I spent some time thinking about this, and while there's merit to your idea, I think I can understand why the instructors chose the method they did.

Yes, if there were large amounts of information freely available, a lot of people would say, "Wow! That's cool, and I want to learn more. I think I'll take the class!". But there would be a lot of other people who would say, "Oh, well now that I know everything they'd teach in the class, I think I can do this on my own, I don't need to spend $800 to get taught what I've jsut read for myself!". This second group of folks would go forth and try... and I fear that without the actual face-to-face instructional time and the live interactive Q&A that is an integral part of the class, a lot of them would wither do a less-than-optimal job, or damage themselves in the process.

The problem is that there's no way to ensure that a person pays attention when he or she learns it solo. So if a person (incorrectly) thinks they understand the lessons on how to buid a butt-and-pass log home and something terrible occurs, suddenly there'sa huge liability issue. If they don't understand what they're doing and they build a home that ends up having structural issues, that's a problem. If during the construction someone gets injured, that's a problem. If someone does something colossaly stupid and damages themself, causes someone else harm, damages or destroys property, etc., then they can say, "But I learned all of this by reading the free information that the LHBA made available. That means it's their fault, not mine!" But if that same person were sitting in the LHBA class in person, hearing their classmates ask questions about nitpicky details and hearing the responses from the instructors, there's a MUCH higher chance that either their own misunderstandings of the material will be corrected, or they will realize that they had something wrong and, as a result, figure out what other questions they need to ask.

The LHBA takes pride in the quality of its instruction, and in the quality of the homes that its students produce. Just as a conventional home builder will say, "Look at any of our homes. Each one is representative of the work we do," the LHBA must be able to say, "Look at any home built by a member of our association. That is representative of what you will be able to do once you take our class." In order to be able to say that and know that it is true, they must be able to control the quality of who graduates the class and who can call themselves LHBA members. That kind of quality control would cease to exist if all of the classroom information were openly available.

One of the things I've done in recent years is tutor physics, and no matter how well-crafted the language were, there's no way that a web page or a book that I could write would teach students physics the way that I do. I interact with each person individually, I teach them in ways that they can learn instead of the same way every time for every person, and when I am done with a student I know that they will do well - I couldn't say the same for someone who read something I'd writte, because there's be no way for me to gauge the understanding they'd achieved, or even if I'd know if they had cared enough to do more than skim.

As everyone else here has said, if you take the class, I can't conceive of a way you'd be disappointed, and I can't imagine anyone who has taken the class wanting a refund. Enjoy, and good luck!

[ChainsawGrandpa]

I think you may be right. The demand could possibly increase
but...
so could the civil actions.
"You guys told me how to build a log house and it didn't work, blah, blah, blah...."

The people who venture on w/o the added benefit of the class could very easily find
themselves short of detailed knowledge, and long on a construction loan and no options.

I just got back in from building the guest house.
No loans, just my cash. So much cheaper that way.

Ken S. (gunner2pilot) stopped by for a visit. He came all
the way from Northport, WA. I still have snow, and had
a little snow storm while I was there. The good news is
that I now have heat; a 1,500 watt heater and five halogen
construction lights. I'm finally insulated enough to get it
up to about 70 degrees inside. Still warm at 2 AM (old...
well middle aged) bladder gets me up to advise me of the
indoor temperature.
Still a lot of holes to plug, and insulation to add but it is getting
nicer inside.

-Rick