There are those in the US who are NOT "doomsdayers", but are very concerned about the future, and how to provide for loved ones and self.
One of the troubling aspects is energy. For whatever the reason, when your family has no hot water, and it is freezing out, and you have no power, you are in a heap of trouble.
Most folks who use this forum do not experience these problems, at least not on a daily basis.
The folks who DO, such as remote "off-grid" users hotater, JohnF, and others, are more valuable than gold because they let all the rest of us know when there is a problem with the solution(s) they use, not just daily, but minute by minute, continuously, to provide for their energy needs. It is a most comforting sound,to be at a remote farm or ranch, and hear that leisurely, measured, putt, putt, putt, putt, putt, of a working slow-speed engine.
Slow-speed diesel engines are just one solution to this energy problem, and especially, when used with alternative fuels. The great thing is, they are a very practical, affordable solution.
One of the discussions recently with hotater was about the Indian "Listeroid" engines. Those engines, as built for the Indian and African markets, are expected to operate before rebuild for only around 1,000 hours!
In order to have a product here in the USA which meets our needs, it is a MUST to have folks who can use these engines daily, and report back in a meaningful way about problems, so they can be corrected.
The objective, of course, is to have an engine which can be reliably operated without failure for many years.
IF PROFIT WAS THE PRIMARY MOTIVE, then no seller would ever make an effort to correct problems.
However, it is not that way for some sellers, and most of those who read and post in this forum are NOT like most folks in the US, who have their heads in the sand, not doing anything about potential issues with energy supplies, electricity, etc, in the future.
Yes there is also a wealth of information and solutions which come in a steady stream from users who are NOT remote, but have the same urge to have that reliable energy to fall back on when it is needed. A wonderful synergy indeed!!
And so, this post is a heart-felt thank you to all of you who make it possible for all the rest of us to have practical solutions for our energy problems because of your hard work and dedication.