Just finished my first (successful) SD thanks to TFL and figured I should join
I've been baking for a while now and tried SD multiple times, to no avail. I recently found the 'Starting a Starter 101 [1]' post on here and gave it a try. Disclaimer: I live in the Midwest, in a partially converted old barn, and indoor temps rarely get above 60. It took about 10 days to get my starter going, but between gaaarp's instructions and the post comments, I took many deep breaths and let the starter tell me when to feed. It worked. I think the rye was the key (also leaving it in the microwave with the light on).
My whole need to attempt SD again was caused by the 'San Joaquin Sourdough [2]' recipe on here. I just made it last night and holy crap...the dough sprung better, better crumb, much more tactilely 'alive', and I feel like it played nicer with my lame. And the flavor....golly.
This morning I woke up incredibly chuffed and spent some time on TFL figuring out how to convert a commercial yeast marmite bread to SD. The levain is currently coming to life in the microwave. YAY CARBS.
Anyhoo, wanted to say hello and fangirl on y'all a little. Thank you for your collective knowledge and great discussions. They've helped me a ton.