decentralization and creativity

Someone recently asked why we don't recommend sources for homesteading tools and equipment.

First: Our relationship with the folks we help is as farmer to farmer. We're not here to sell products, ours or other people's. What would it do to our objectivity if we were getting paid to tell you how to spend your money? And how much creativity would be abolished if we gave everyone a blueprint of our farm to copy?

Second: The internet is a good tool for some things, but it is too powerful. It can make small companies big overnight, turning a competetive and local industry into a megalith almost instantly. We could tell you where we got our milking buckets, supposing we remember, but how much better if we just tell you what qualities we like in a milking bucket, and then you go out and patronize Joe's Milking Bucket Factory, especially if Joe lives in your state -- or county-- or town.

Let's hear it for decentralization and personal creativity.