That's correct, Mary. You do want to discard before feeding, unless you're in the process of bulking up your starter to bake. The equal ratio of starter to flour to water is what you use when measuring in weight. Since flour is so much lighter than water, a cup of flour weighs roughly the same as a half cup of water, which is why your ratios seem different, even though you're following the exact same instructions. Different bakers have different preferences when it comes to feeding methods, but I've found that when I'm keeping my starter in the fridge rather than out on the counter, it does just fine being fed while still cool once a week. When I'm baking more often and keep it out on the countertop, I feed my starter twice a day. Starters are alive, and each one is different, so your starter and your neighbor's starter may have success with different methods. 

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