now thats something i can agree with !!!! no amount of gizmos, or high tech toys is ever going to replace finding someone near you that makes great ( to you ) BBQ and spending time with them
I’ve been thinking about this one a bit. Maybe it hit a nerve because part of my day job is trying to balance the worth of a strong culture against the realities of innovation. I respect and admire craftsmanship, culture, and wisdom, but I also have to deal with reality. So, this is really me thinking through your position.
The part of me that admires a lore of a meat whispering pit master wants to agree with you. However, there is another part of me that is a realist. I’ve lived in a few places across the country and I have yet to find a pitmaster in one of my neighborhoods. In fact, I’m usually the only one that knows how to do anything beyond turning a gasser on. I also recognize that if I’m going to provide for my family, both financially and with my attention in quality time, I can’t drive around looking to apprentice. So…for me. that led to a few books and this forum to teach me. Printing press, internet, website that are innovations (good and bad sides) that provided me mentorship and friendships I would have never had otherwise. I’ve received a lot here, so some toys or innovation (like those that enable us to communicate here) are helpful. I Learned both craft/techniques here, but also received a few recommendations on gizmos/toys that gave me more time and reduced costly mistakes. Both time and money are important to me, so I count those toys as a positive too.
I just want to serve family and friends good food without having to sacrifice too much time away from them to provide it. Ultimately, The “toys” allow that. Are they required? No. Are some of them fun? Yes. Do they let me help the wife and play with the kids without having to run away every 30 minutes? Yes. So, F it.
I guess as I think through it I don’t see anything wrong with the gizmos or not using them. Just like I don’t care if you hunt with a recurve, compound or Rifle. Whatever you have time for, makes you happy, and puts food on the table for your family. It’s all still smoking meat, or hunting, just different ways of getting to the same end.