Luther Krueger: Consolfoods 2023. Reflections on One Hundred Solar Cooks From Four Continents.

Themes presented:
* From the "western" or developed/rich nation perspective, we need to more wisely use social media. The proliferation of solar cooking Facebook groups, for example, create the impression of activity while diluting the overall discussion--"Channel Dilution" is the term for this phenomena in communications circles, which Krueger calls "Left-out-ed-ness". FB moderators don't intend to exclude people (an active barrier to participation), neverthless thousands of solar cooking enthusiasts are left out of the overall discussion.
* Solar cooker makers should consider whenever possible, making their cookers "hybrid," or, able to use alternative fuels or electric hookup, to be a complete 24/7 cooking appliance.
* Alliances in the larger green community should be formed--it enhances their mission and increases the reach of solar cooking advocates.
* Solar cooking promoters in areas of more desperate need for cookers should be solar cookers at home too.

[@kurtist_107]

Thanks for all you do for the solar cooking community, Luther. You are a global treasure!

[@RehmatAliWriter]

Appreciate your concern,And solutions!

[@johngore5127]

Nice one Luther. Merry Christmas.

There has been a recent peak in the interest about solar cooking, but it was short and has declined. For me the main problem are not groups on the internet and what happens to them, but lifestyle of most people who do not see the way how to integrate solar cooking in their everyday life. So just keep it as it is, it will never be a big deal.

[@SolarCookingMuseum]

Actually my take is the opposite--I have a daily feed of offers of solar cookers on eBay, and since I set it up 3 years ago, the # of cookers offered have increased. Plus, restaurants like Le Presage are bound to pave the way for more cafes, commercial food dryers, etc. Regarding a group on the internet, the comments are increasing on the largest group, facebook.com/groups/SCWNet -- I see you are signed up for it, do you have it bookmarked or follow it? Lots of new interest and innovative designs are being posted there.