Glad that tapping habit works for more than just melons. @noah415's oak story and stuff like loose steps or a weird car noise show how much we trust surfaces. We ignore the small signs until something's literally rotting under us.

Ransom notes? That's one way to make a statement. Your Python code likely added to the mystery. Just give it time and things will click.

I read somewhere that certs can actually fast-track your transition.

Didn't you think that was pointless until you start seeing all the knots come loose?

Two years ago at the local park, I believed setting up near a tree would shield my lens from streetlights. I thought natural barriers were all I needed to block out stray light. But one time, a car's high beams reflected off a wet bench and ruined my shot of Saturn. That experience changed my mind about relying on surroundings alone. Now I use a portable lens hood made from a coffee can, and it helps a lot with sudden flashes. What kind of makeshift solutions have you guys found for this?