There is a correlation. read on...


disclaimer: this is a hypothesis, and I am trying to flush it out..

early in my carrier (30 years ago) I was working as a technical
director in a TV production co. At that time video was shot on video
tape in analog format. That meant that when you edit a show you would
copy from the original tape to the produced show tape, and when you
were done with editing and effect you would use this "Master" to
product copies for distribution or broadcast.
What does this have to do with starter? Wait I'm getting there..
Every time you copy a tape the quality of the recording deteriorates a
bit.. and the deterioration accelerates faster in a non-linear
maner..to the point that after 5-6 generations (copying from a copy)
there is almost no picture left..

I believe that starter is the same..
When you get a new starter and activate it, it is almost identical to
the source starter. As you use it, generation after generation it
mutates and new micro organisms displace the original microbes. That
is why starter change over time as the make of it (the type of
microbes) is changing because of "contamination" from other bugs that
come with the flour, water and air..


Here is what I did when I got Carl's starter:
- used filtered boiled water
- mixed water and flour in a very thin/loose mixture, and brought it to
a quick boil in the microwave, and it turned into kinda glue..
- after it cooled down I added the dry starter and mixed it in
- within 2 hours the thing was bubbly
- now I added flour and water and brought it to the consistency of a
starter.
- once the new mixture was really nice and active, I divided the
starter into little zip lock bags and froze them
- same of the starter I spread thinly on a baking sheet with a silicone
baking sheet (Silpat) and let it dry .

Now, when ever I feel my starter is kinda lost it, I take one of those
bags and reactivate it. This ensures that my starter is "second
generation". As an insurance policy, I also crumble the dry starter
and put it in the freezer in case something happens to the wet/frozen
starter...

I know it sounds a bit anal, but when I find a starter I like, I want
to make sure I can use it for a long time..

Arie.