The Spider's Web

I left a comment on your linked article. It really is quite good! Fascinating even! I think it was so cool of you to have the patience to watch the whole process! I've never had the pleasure, but must make time someday to do so. As I mentioned in my other comment, the behavior of the spider may simply be a result of evolutionary adaptation. The method of changing directions and other specifics of web building that may not seem sensible may simply be a result of evolutionary success. In other words, this method of web building worked, and there has been no evolutionary or natural selection pressure to change something that works. Nature tends to adhere to "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." At least, that's the only thing I can offer at this point, not being an expert on spiders and all.