[1vertical]

Well??? What is your driving force

Edit for clarity: My emphasis is Imitate (1vertical)

"em·u·late/ ˈemyəˌlāt/ Verb
1. Match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation.
2. Imitate".  

[denny]

All of the first 3 for me, so I didn't vote in the poll.

[bonjour]

All of the first 3 for me, so I didn't vote in the poll.

me too (hey it's not a +1)

[majorvices]

Me three

[1vertical]

I realize I cannot possibly have a motivation listed above for all scenarios, but I was just
curious as to when you are brewing what you MOSTLY are striving for.

Me, I brew with the best possible ingredients I can get using tried and true methods
and don't care really about much else...If the beer resembles a commercial variety
then that is a plus as a sideline...altho some tasters of my beer prefer unique different styles.
That being said, this methodology results in very good beers IMHO.

All of the first 3 for me, so I didn't vote in the poll.

Denny I clarified that commercial beer line for your benefit

me too (hey it's not a +1)

There Fred that is for your benefit HIGH gravity!

[oscarvan]

First, as in now, I want to make very drinkable beer, using good ingredients, and reasonably simple techniques. (Partial mash) Then I am going to build a system and try and make very drinkable beer using AG. As I gain experience I want to start making my own versions, as well as accurately replicating more challenging existing beers.

So, one answer doesn't fit all......

[1vertical]

There may be folks brewing that are mostly trying to emulate commercial brands...
or if you will....clones

[denny]

There may be folks brewing that are mostly trying to emulate commercial brands...
or if you will....clones

And sometimes I do...when I brew my Rochefort 10 clone, that;s what I want it to taste like as much as possible.  But when I brew the Rye IPA, I'm going for my own unique thing.  And then there are the time I just grab some stuff from my inventory and throw a beer together.

[James Lorden]

I am currently trying to work through brewing classic styles.  I started this journey as a method to familarize myself with malts, yeast, hops, ect.  

After brewing all of these styles I hope to have a good idea of my ingredients to start formulating my own recipes.  I do rebrew occasionaly with changes to the BCS recipes to see how the change affects the flavor...

[euge]

I look to the commercial beers for inspiration and ideas but choice #3 is my goal. And not always easy at that.

[beerhaus]

I just try to make something I like.

[glastctbrew]

While it is very important to me to brew a great beer with the best ingredients, I am all about developing my own recipes and style.  One thing I think we can all agree on is that home brewing, regardless of the driving forces, is one hell of an adventure!

[dano14041]

As a beginner, I am trying to emulate/clone commercial brands. I feel that once I can get them right, I can start to formulate my own recipes and making the best beer I can with the best ingredients I can get.

[bluesman]

Me four...

The first three on the list are my objectives in no particular order.  Depends on the beer I'm brewing at the time.
Since I like to compete, I'm usually trying to emulate a BJCP commercial example of some sort.

But I have to say IPA's are becoming a regular in my house as of lately and that will change as the seasons change.

[beersk]

There may be folks brewing that are mostly trying to emulate commercial brands...
or if you will....clones

Oh I didn't read this as specifically clones.  The first option is what I voted, but I interpreted it as striving to brew beers that are as good as commercially available beers, not cloning them.  I want my beer to taste just as good as anything I can get in the store, if not better.  Some of it is better, I think, but some of it lacks something.  Which is why we continue to brew; we strive to improve our craft and make better beer all the time.  The beer that I don't like quite as much is still pretty decent beer.