Re: ghetto, genius or "other" ??????
The original idea was to hide the cables in the pvc, but, pvc on its own has to much flex and would bow without the wood in the middle. If you went up to, say 1" pvc, and used the same dowels I did, there would be enough room. The problem with that, for me at least, would be the cost difference. This light stand (stand only) was less then $15. Move up to 1" pvc, I bet you almost double that. So, its sill not super spendy, but, if I can do it cheaper, and have pretty much the same effect, then that's what I usually go with. And, I literally slapped this together in 45 minutes from raw material, to what you see now, I am sure I can hide the wires better, I would just have to tinker with it a little.
Thanks for all the kind words. I had my doubts, but, I had an idea and I just ran with it. I'm happy with the outcome. I'm happy to have inspired ideas.