OK, I've been reading and looking and I want to make a sourdough. I was going to make what I found in the Reinhart Whole Grain baking book, but I see so many people buying starters from KAF or other places, why?

And, I've reread the directions three times in the book and I'm still puzzled. Once I make it and if it's a go, how do I keep it? Is there a lesson you can point me to? posts? I know I have to feed it and such, but I know these things are perpetual. I plan to make 1 to 2 loaves a week that are a Whole grain sourdough bread.

I made a sourdough in high school, but the starter went bad eventually as I forgot about it (as a teen will do). That's my only experience with making sourdough.

Melissa