READER INPUT

Volumes of Inspiration

» I read your magazine frequently, and I don’t feel like I would’ve had the inspiration to see [my Dream Machine] project through without past articles such as the Forrest Mims Amateur Scientist series, and earlier articles all the way up to this publication. Thank you for producing a high-quality magazine that also teaches as much as it generates a community eager to learn and apply ideas. We need more folks thinking critically out there.

Thanks for being a spark in the dark.

— Jay Parry, via web

» Hi Jason [Babler, Make: creative director]! I’m almost halfway done with the clay T. rex. It’s looking pretty good actually. The [Maker Faire Bay Area blue] ribbon you gave us is awesome. We put all the ribbons on display, but yours is my favorite! Make on!

— Carson, Arizona

IN RESPONSE TO VOLUME 40’S “WHERE ARE THE WOMEN IN MAKERSPACES?”

» There are more women in technology than there used to be, but there’s still a gap. I’m a sysadmin and have been in the IT field for nearly 20 years. Years ago, there were two female programmers, and I was the only female sysadmin in the entire company. Being a girl and also having a “cute” Southern accent, I had to work extra hard to prove myself, and I did. I finally earned respect from the guys. Why is there a stereotype that girls aren’t good at math or science? I’m a math whiz and I can thank my super-genius mom helping me with homework for that. If she had the opportunity, she could’ve been an electrical engineer.

Doesn’t matter if you’re a boy or a girl, don’t let anyone discourage you and tell you that you can’t do something. With hard work and determination, you can do anything you set your mind to.

— Susan McRorie, Monroe, NC