alt badges

I kinda think that there might need to be two alternative badges:

- one for a lot of little bits and bobs that don't really fit anywhere else
    o connecting a trailer to a pickup and driving backwards

- one for things that have come up that somebody did that is more of a one-off:  valid experience, but has never been thought of before, and propably isn't something to document for others
    o optimizing/organizing a shop?
    o building a solution for a problem

??

I don't know that it can be done any better, you seem to have the idea of permie merit badges surrounded. But couldn't things like connecting a trailer and driving backwards, to use your example, be included in the early stages of, I don't know, a badge having to do with mechanical experience and equipment?

Actually, perhaps I missed it, but where, if at all, do you have a complete list of PEP badges?

I think you've set it up so that, with a little bit less specificity for the sake of inclusion, you might not need alt badges for this purpose.

Or, perhaps there's a need for an organisation/problem solving/planning badge. I mean, except for those of us that find the perfect property that needs no work, everyone has at least one major problem they have to troubleshoot, or plan and resolve before it becomes an issue, things like water accumulation near an existing house or structure, really excessive winds, or access issues.

I might be off, but these aren't alternative or optional circumstances. They are quite often just the shit you need to be able to do to, say, rent the excavator, take it to where you need to use it, and return it, or to be able to use the land you've bought.

Perhaps I'm reading too far into the whole alternative label...

-CK

Chris, here's the list: https://permies.com/t/96022/aspects-PEP

What about a homesteading badge or property upkeep badge?  It could have engine maintenance, trailer backing, safe hauling, organization, tool maintenance, road building, snow moving, well/spring/water stuff, excavator use, etc.  Maybe the Tool Care badge would be a major subset of it?  There's also the Earthworks badge which covers some of this...  I guess I'm just trying to think of a slightly higher level badge that covers the missing bits and bobs along with tucking an existing badge under its wing.

I like Mike's idea of a "homesteading badge" that is basically a catch all for stuff that doesn't fit into the other badges.  This would be a good one for a pulley (for drying clothes) and for driving a trailer backwards.

And then there could be an "oddball" badge that is all blank.   It is going to have nothing specific in it.  Instead, it is all a framework for stuff that has not been thought of and is not in any of the other badges.  This could include creative repairs, or repairs on conventional structures.   Maybe a new invention.   Maybe an existing gate needs maintenance, or to be replaced.    Maybe the mailbox needs to be re-installed.  Maybe a conventional floor needs a small mend.  Maybe a conventional window is broken, or a chair needs to be repaired.