Star Simpson

But I can say that the 'Maker Movement' per Make has felt for a long time like it was not created or intended for me.

To me as an individual, I had felt ~fine~ about that. I have long ago earned my understanding and joy of making things in my own way.

Even when MAKE had all manner of men and robots and even drones on the magazine cover for years before they had a woman.

Mostly because, for me, I have long become accustomed to technical media that fails to consider me as either audience or participant.

It has been "pretty obvious" that large demographics were simply not of interest to the magazine's editorial and were expressly left out.

I feel disappointed in myself for having given up on them so easily and so long ago.

For one, to be so used to heaving a deep sigh and taking my toys and doing creative engineering as a solo hobby instead.

But for two, because I now realize that there are still others out there who had not given up and who continue to be left behind.

It is not for everyone to say "look, I don't care, my attention is better spent elsewhere"; to feel you fully own the topic anyway.

MAKE for me was initially formative; I somehow got a copy of Edition 1 while in high school; "Wow, there are others like me out there!"

Disillusionment didn't come sharply; I couldn't say when being a "Maker" per MAKE lost its appeal for me. It was subtle, and grew slowly.

Like all squandered opportunities I think there's a sense of loss and tragedy. That it could have been so much more.

There was the opportunity to uplift people everywhere and to be the beacon I wished I could have had myself while just learning.

But the institution of MAKE has long been squarely against being that, in favor of sticking in the mud of narrow demographic-based appeal.

There are other corners that are far more understanding and welcoming, which is where I prefer to spend time and attention when I do today.