The expected "failure" rate in the exploding population of new beekeepers is also influenced by parameters that have affected "success" in other earlier populations of people keeping bees. Some people get it, others do not. Clearly knowledge, education, schooling, information all help with success, but they do not guarantee it. Those that stick with bees through the good and the hard times, have certain characteristics that are set probably even before taking on beekeeping, that contribute to what could be called a "bee sense". It involves being a good observer, comfort with bees flying around and the inevitable stings, a fascination with the inner works of colonies, and with the seasonal cycles of growth and decline, and the ability to balance innovation with giving older techniques a chance. Good beekeepers would rather work in colonies than almost anything else. So if one takes on beekeeping for some intellectual feel good cause, regardless of how strong the motivation, other parameters come into play despite all of the good intentions. *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html