Ummmm…there are some pretty accomplished people here that do just that Joseph…in fact…EN is a very professional operation. They choose to help the regular person with a big dream in a VERY difficult field…inventing. There are much easier businesses for them to get into with their collective talent.

If EN…and others accomplished here didn’t enjoy helping others with their dreams….this entire operation, the accomplished people that enjoy hanging here…all that would not be possible….and many of the people that wander through “here” would not find such satisfaction. I personally am helping a few with just that so I know.

There are some pretty helpful and caring people around here….just like there were around me when I was just learning. Well actually…I’m always learning more…I too learn lots here and some doors opened for me too out of knowing and participating with EN.

I agree Ron, there are alot of great people willing to help, you just have to be open to learn:-)

Ron, did you say “Ummmm”? Gosh, that’s the first time I’ve seen you stutter! (;^)

But maybe Joseph’s question was aimed at folks who haven’t yet “made it.” Clearly, some of you who have already done so do come back to generously share your experience and knowledge. That is appreciated, especially knowing the time you spend on EN (typing lengthy posts and following up on questions) could be spent on your own projects.

BTW, thanks for not shouting. (;^)

But to answer Joe’s question (sort of): I would like to hear about how others acheive success – and also about how they fail. We can all learn from both scenarios.

I will post what happens to my innovations, good or bad. But first, I have to get off this computer and start working on them! (;^)

Linda…this field is really so complex and intricate, it has always been the nature and history in the inventing field for like minded to congregate and help each other…and to do that without trying to profit on each other.

The simplest reason is that no one mind can figure out this field or even interpret it correctly and that is true even between patent attorneys.

While some may poke fun at things I say here…they simply do not have a clue what this field is about. I have two decades in it now at the highest of levels and study before that.

The hard truth is MAYBE 1 out of 100 forum members here might find some real inventing success. I’ve been in a group of inventors for many years and these are always about the true odds. A little better odds than that, maybe one in 50 might break even on their investment and get NOMINAL monetary rewards for most of their time put in.

This is the reason why inventors across the country have formed inventor groups to help each other FOR FREE…or a very little bit to cover basic costs for little things like CAD drawings, graphic art, prototyping etc.

Helping each other in this field may be what you call…“natural”

And Linda…if people can keep their antagonizing wise cracks to themselves….I won’t shout.

Screw them!, it’s mine, all mine. Just joking. One should do all one can to lift up as many people as you can while you are in this world. For me that is the meaning of life. Simple as that.

Hi Ed and everyone,
I agree with Ed. Pay it forward and don’t expect to be payed back. When giving from the heart I find that God’s plans are better then mine. CC

Yes Ed and Celeste. I am helping a few people from here in a very productive way. No big deal from me…really…helping like those who have helped me…but one person I expect to go from idea to shelf in record time and to do well. I only helped this person after they went through the EN contests though.

It is really exciting for me to see the progress…like watching a sport or something…you enjoy watching a spectacular score. So nobody owes me anything even though these people are strangers. I do feel like I owe others for helping me though…but I have had some serious success.

This is the inventing world. Inventors have always just helped inventors from times before we were all even born. This help has historically been abundant and free. Even colleges will help an inventor/invention for free. A number of colleges have helped me through the years.

I’d like to think I will help others. Hopefully, I’ll get the chance. One thing I definitely know, Helping others is more fun and satisfying than helping myself (working).

I would Joseph, and hopefully one day I will be in a position to help others. As a new person here I’d be lost lost without the knowledge I’ve gained from those more experienced in the industry. Through PM’s I’ve gotten help from Roger, Holly, Philip, Ron and countless others. They have all made a name for themselves but still find the time to lend a hand. On the forums I learned a ton from the lessons Roger makes the time to set up. Mark & his experiences have been very helpful too. So if I reached success I’d try to help others in return.

So many of these people take their own time from their own families to help us new comers!! I cannot say thank you enough for the knowledge I have gained from the pros that have already made their place in the sun…..They give their time, advice, and knowledge without a second thought!!

THANK YOU GUYS…….YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE……LOL

Everyone can help each other now! Inventors need all kinds of little things done like graphics, printing, prototypes, and NETWORKING. Everyone can help each other in some way. Every time I had a new idea to work on people helped me…in fact many medias and magazines are helping me now.

Many people here may have free or cheap or at cost services to offer each other. CAD drawings cost me $200 for about 20 drawings from a guy in my inventors group (cheaper than dirt almost). He tried to help me on my helicopter rescue system. He got paid back. When I went to see two of the most important military manufacturers in the country, he got to present his drawings himself. He LOVED going to see those manufacturers…it was like a museum…and he also got to pitch his talents there. I had a blast there too.

Inventing and then to market is too hard to do by yourself. You NEED help…and either free or cheap/at cost in the beginning….return the favors later.

Be very careful who you take advice from. Usually if someone or something seems to good to be true……it is. Use common sense when getting help from others instead of emotions.

On our future packaging, I have put on there that we will donate $1.00 for every item sold to the American Cancer Foundation. My aunt was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and this is just a way that we feel we can help her and many others. There are so many ways to give back….everyone should do their part to help in whatever way they can, it really does make you feel better at the end of the day and the person or group that you help also gets some benefit as well. Just my two cents…..Trent

Yes Trent…I know how you feel. When I hear how we help handicapped, seniors, injured, military medics in Kuwait, EMTs…that is what makes me the happiest and feel the best. Not even close what the checks I get can do. My next invention/product also helps some people in a medical sense.

Make some money then you lose some money…no big deal…but make a difference out there….even if it’s making a kid feel better for a day when they wear your shirt or play with your toy…that is the real drive and benefit to the true inventor. Money just can’t buy the satisfaction of contributing out there….for me anyway…and I am sure many others.