[balloon-makers] Re: Suggestion (Boland) balloon kits Re: [Balloonmail] Growth of ballooning

[Jonathan Wolfe]

Oh yeah, I forgot to reply to Dave's inquiry about Boland-style kits.
It's a great idea, and it's great to have a way for motivated people who 
can't afford to buy a new system to get into the sport.
	From my standpoint, Boland's designs are a bit too focused on 
simplicity, lightness, and affordability. Those are not bad things at 
all, but there are many homebuilders who build envelopes that are much 
more beautifully shaped.
	There was a conversation a while back about creating a collaborative 
"open-source" balloon design that would basically be a set of free and 
easy plans that anyone could use to build a balloon and get into the 
sport. It would incorporate the best elements from many designs. I think 
that's a terrific idea. I hope we pursue this. I hope we don't let the 
lawyers stop us.



-Jonathan Wolfe, Ph.D.
http://www.SkyDyes.net
http://www.FractalFoundation.org



When I read the above, one refrain kept running through my mind: 
"Boland, Boland, Boland."  Smaller, lighter systems, kits, "balloon 
camp," what appears from the outside to be an enthusiastic support 
network for homebuilders - as long as there's an option for people to 
pay extra for full assembly, the Boland model fits the bill 
beautifully.  All it would seem to need is more widespread promotion, 
and greater geographic availability (I might already have done 
"balloon camp" were it not for the travel involved).  Any comments 
from those more familiar with Brian and his approach (Dr. Wolfe?  You 
tuned in, here?) who could comment on the above?



-Dave Wesner
http://www.ballooninghistory.com

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