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.

 

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