Chris,

I don't like the name either. But publishers have editorial carte blanche. My original title was "Be Prepared to Survive: The Complete Guide to Making Your Own Survival Kits". In their infinite wisdom, they named it "Build the Perfect Survival Kit". I agree that there is no "Perfect" survival kit, and for the record, I never intended that to be the title, nor do I believe the book will provide that end. As we know, especially those on this site, that all survival kits are ongoing works and, at least in my case, never done. As a side bar, to another person's comment, I submitted the book with color photos, and again, in the publishers infinite wisdom, elected to use B&W (I'm sure for cost considerations). Just thought I would set the record straight.

Fox10

Fox,

First off, welcome to ETS and secondly thanks for the extensive work that you did to produce that book.

It is good to know the inside stuff about the publisher, but regardless of the title or the B&W you obviously took a ton of time and effort to do that book.

Schert,

Thanks for the kind words. I rarely post, but wanted to set the record straight in regard to the "Perfect" controversy. Chris seemed to get the impression that I thought my kits were perfect, and that wasn't the case. Heck, I'm just a country boy trying to do good.

Fox10

I am glad you are here...doing homework or spreading the news it is good to have you here.

Editors make their choices to sell....I bet this title moves more copies than the original...even to folks like us the "perfect" business is always a bit dicey.

I bet each of us could find something we like better in our kits or some technique or specific kit that you did not cover....but hey that is what a second edition is for eh? <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

No, I was just funnin with you.

Mr McCann, let me thank you for the inspiration for my current kit project. If I had npt seen yours built on the M-6, I wouldn't be working one built around a more universal stock-mounted carrier, and a sling with a bunch of pouches on it that can go on any rifle or shotun with a proper stock.

Maybe you should consider writting an "e-book" that would be distributed in Adobe Acrobat format and setup to NOT print. That way you could essentially keep it up to date ongoing. Mabye you could give purchasers an access code and they use a password of some kind to get the latest version. Just a thought. I think people would pay for such specific up-to-date advice. Just a thought - as if you don't already have enough to do.

ironraven,

Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad I could give you an idea you could expand upon for your own needs.

This was the reason for my book. It is supposed to get your mental juices flowing. Most people who are not survival kit aficionados indicate that the book is very helpful. However, from the "experts", I keep hearing things like "I don't understand why he selected certain items for certain kits". I didn't "select" them. I am trying to get people to select their own items. Also, trying to get people to look at the size of different items, and the container they plan on using. Then select the type of component that will fit the container. They are all just examples of how a kit "could" be built. The only kit in the book that I actually built for me was the large "H.A.W.G." pack, and of course that has changed many time since the book went to print. The book is an exercise, not gospel. I'm glad people disagree with the specific components. They should. They should be selecting components that they are comfortable with and that work for them; not me or someone else. Then package them in containers that work for them; not me or someone else. If people who read the book do that, then I guess my mission was a success. Again thanks for the vote of confidence.

Fox10

Kentk,

Your right, I'm much too busy. Besides people already have ETS for ongoing support. The book is really for all those people who don't have time to live on the web. Somepeople actually still like to read. For those people, my book should be helpful. But thanks for the idea.

Fox10

Mr. McCann,

I add my appreciation for your efforts as well. Your responses are likewise informative here, and provide a valuable perspective to your authorship.

I agree that it is important to focus on the intent of the article and the book; which, like this forum, are intended to get people thinking about such things, and not hung up on the details so much. I believe you accomplished your objectives as stated quite well. Good job, and don't be such a stranger here and post a little more often. We like to hear from "professionals" who are willing to share.

You are willing to share with us, aren't you? <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />