...I was thinking about how there had been a slight lapse in the Design Notes email from Rob Forbes, the founder of Design Within Reach, it arrived in my inbox. A couple of things about this surprised me. First, I had actually missed what could essentially be seen as an ad for DWR. But beyond that, what I realized was how much I enjoyed the pieces. I envied Mr. Forbes' opportunity to travel to such architecturally interesting places and credited him for a knowledgeable, yet very personal account, of what it meant to him. From my own blogging efforts, I appreciated the work and discipline required to take the photos, prepare the accompanying text and get it all out there on the web. Staff members may help, but the personal details that go beyond what you might find in an architectural magazine, have to be his own. They provide a glimpse of his passion and appreciation for design, so ads or not, I always look forward to this email.