Just to say: Well done!!

[ron50]

I've read a lot of threads recently where people are critizing themselves way to harshly for what they view as failed attempts on ribs or fatties or briskets, etc.

Many of these "failures" as they call them are tasty, well done creations.

If it was easy to pump out perfection everytime, it wouldn't be as much fun. Half the enjoyment I get from smoking is the challenge of nothing is for certain and every smoke is different.

The beauty of cooking in general and smoking in particular is that it is a never ending learning process. Whether you have done 1 pork butt or a thousand there is always something to learn and a way to improve.

So my advice is:

1) Don't be too hard on yourselves.

2) Keep trying.

3) Enjoy the trip, not just the destination.

 

[sumosmoke]

Great words of wisdom, Ron. It took me a couple tries to get my pulled pork where I wanted it to be, but it wad definitely an excuse to fire up the smoker the next weekend to give it another try. As long as the results didn't make Jon or I sick, the food was pretty good.

 

[zug]

I agree as well it's all about the trip..

Zug

 

[cowgirl]

Well said Ron....good post.

 

[mr porky]

As one of the purveyors of doom and gloom, I thank you for the thread on this.

When I posted my adventures I was caught up in the now, and worried about cosmetic features rather than riding it out and enjoying the destination. Wish I had read this earlier today

 

[surfer_e]

MMMM Well I see these posts as reverse Psychology. You see these people are saying that they did a bad job because they know we will all give kind advice and encouragement.

I mean every time I go to the Lucha wrestling gym, I tell those guys I am really bad. But after a few suplexes they all tell me I am doing a great job.....well as far as I can tell, my spanish is lacking.

But any ways great job!

 

[erain]

agree with all, like fishin aint the same as watchin on outdoor channel as doin yourself!!! most of the stuff is cosmetic and not affect food much. i think people are their worse critics. i dont mind showing a post with a blown out fatty and pointing that out. have also seen couple things like the "bandaid" in the epic failure post and buck wheezers tutorial which may or may not be the result of someone elses post or from personal expierience. either way as long as you have smoke you doin something right and more than likly u gonna be eatin something good that day!!!

 

[pigcicles]

Well said Ron - We just have to remember that if most people could do it "just right" all the time there wouldn't be a need for a forum like this. When was the last time you saw a mowing the grass forum???

 

[travcoman45]

I totally agree ron. It ain't bout how purdy sumtin is, yer makin a creation, it's gonna take work, if everbody could do this, everbody would be, We learn by doin so keep doin. Put yer knowledge to use. Keep records a what works an what don't. Like the old sayin "Theres good Q, Better Q an Great Q"!

Folks ain't none of us here ta critize what yer doin. Were here ta hep ya get where ya wanna be, makin the kinda Q that YOU like, not what we like. We all learn from each other in this here craft. Ain't a smoker on here that ain't had a bad day smokin. We all have um, we learn from um an thus enjoy the craft even more. Never be afraid ta try sumtin different, might just be yer next greatest smoke!

So ifin it wasn't quite what ya was lookin fer, did ya eat it? Then it was a success! Good smokes yall an may the smoke gods smile upon yer cooker!

 

[gooose53]

Agree with that....did some butts and brisket for a work party and they were good but not my best. But, I'll keep some things in mind to do next time.....mainly time!!!

 

[richtee]

POINTS to ya Ron! Great post!