“Sources Wanted Contest” at Cool Tools – Kevin writes…

Cool Tools is offering a prize to the person who submits the best review of an Enthusiast Source. Let’s call it The Enthusiast Sources Contest. Before the web, knowledgeable buyers shopped with mail order catalogs. You could sit at home and purchase all kinds of merchandise rarely seen in your neighborhood shops or mall stores. These specialty mail order stores usually catered to niche customers, offering cool things for every type of hobbyist and enthusiast. The major problem was finding these cool catalogs in the first place. Usually a friend of a friend had to introduce you to one.

Today, of course, websites have replaced mail order catalogs. But while search engines have made finding a prospective niche store a little easier, it still sometimes requires a recommendation of a friend to find an esoteric or reliable source.

I am looking for the best sources for enthusiasts. These online sources would be the best website that offers a deep selection in a very narrow field, with fair prices and service. Often (but not always) these specialty stores are also valuable sources for information, community, advice, and tips. There are many online forums where enthusiasts hash out preferences and brag about their gear. On the other hand some Enthusiast Sources are simply extremely knowledgeable vendors who cater to enthusiasts.

We have some favorites we are going to enter and if you think Adafruit is a good “Enthusiast Source” – please enter us in the contest! We love providing information, community, advice, tips, tutorials, forums, weekly videos, photos, tweets and more!