Normally I'm a pretty active member on this board but the past 3 months or so have nearly overwhelmed me with family illness and finally the death of my pop last week. I know another soapmaker on this list is working on a book and Anne-Marie always has at least 9 irons in the fire at one time. But I assure you if you stick around a couple more months you will be amazed by the knowledge base here and the philosophy of this forum's members. Many of us here are at base teachers and find no greater thrill than to share a tip or trick we just picked up or created and watch just how far others can push the envelope.
If you look at the "show off" board you will not only see soaps you will never see anywhere else, but you will also see those who posted the pictures teaching their fellow soapers how to achieve the effect. Everyone here is so talented and so capable there is more enthusiasm to teach and share a new found technique than there is time spent worrying about someone duplicating your efforts and competing with you. We all have something amazing to bring to the table and there seems to be no ceiling on the creativity of the soap makers and artists Anne-Marie has attracted to her forum.
Whenever I have time I come here to see if I can help someone with a M&P question, some amazing new fragrance or technique everyone is talking about.
Hang in there, I'm sure you'll find it worth it.
PJ,
http://www.pjsoaps.com/1New.html