World Changing Post # 7

Lauren Korany

For my final post, I would like to talk about something that I have personal ties in. The Chapter “Engineer It Yourself” considers the DIY (Do It Yourself) movement happening in America (pg 93). Although the chapter is not lengthy, it still puts into context a very interesting ideal. Every citizen is able to spread their wealth of knowledge (sometimes considered extraneous) with others who may be able to use it for themselves. In the United States, these “engineers” are using the Internet as a tool to collaborate with others and to share their ideas. This sharing and making process has saved people money. Not only that, it takes back the control from large corporations.

Instructables.com is a website that allows people to share their knowledge about DIY projects. I was shocked to find that the website was created by half a dozen MIT PhDs (pg 95). I have visited the website recently to learn how to create a master copy template for a zine project I was working on. My brother visits the site frequently, learning how to create somewhat dangerous science projects. This results in grounding on occasion, but the fact is, his interest in creating for himself is prominent.

My father has the same inclination for DIY creation. He focuses on one hobby and masters it. His knowledge begins purely from instruction books or websites much like instructables.com. Over the years he has mastered creating an outdoor foundry, metal-casting (in the backyard), antique bike repair, canoe and kayak building, fishing boat design, gun restoration (and creation of parts), and paper model building. After doing these things and accumulating the hands-on information, he shares it with others online as well through forums. I find that DIY mentality really allows us to take control of our consumer habits; a very important role in changing the routine shopping we do.