I recall reading that Ben was not in quite so much danger as the popular
accounts would portray. He had constructed a wooden structure on his roof he
described as a "Sentry Box" (like a modern "guard shack"?). Inside was an
insulated platform on which he stood. The kite string was not hand-held, but
was attached to a rigid post inside his covered structure. His proceedure may
have been risky, but nearly so risky as some of his imitators.
Jim Goff
Pima Community College
Tucson, AZ