Trad Gang is not Popular Mechanics - UPDATE page 30

[Jim Jackson]

I feel for the newbies. I think you guys shut them down too fast. They go elsewhere.

The first thing each of us should do in looking for an answer to questions is to go to the search feature.  Chances are its been asked before, and might be better to bring an older thread to the top rather than start a new one for the 100th time.  Having said that, 99% of the time a question from a neophyte is answered gracefully and quickly due to the generosity of those onboard this site.  We all remember what it was like to start out new in this endeavor, and I find Tradgang to be the most welcoming and helpful group out there.

   

I just don't get the reason why some threads are shut down, while others that seem "mechanical also" stay open.

There are almost 30,000 of us on this site now.  Sometimes a questionable thread isn't noticed for a while but eventually it all sorts itself out.  You ask most of us and we've all had a thread pulled.  Its nothing personal, just necessary pruning to keep the tree growing in the right direction.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

I had one pulled yesterday, no biggie. It was a redundant post and should be deleted. I'm not offended by it, as a matter of fact I requested that it be deleted when it was pointed out to me that it was a redundant post.....and my request was granted. Problem solved.

I also find myself dodging the "techie" type posts, but that's just me. FOC doesn't matter so much to me as does correct wt. to lb. ratio and a sharp BH, but us new fellas gotta learn somehow.
I'd rather get my butt jumped by you all who know what they're talking about rather than somebody who doesn't know squat.

[Zradix]

Lots of good thoughts here.
I made a post a while back about about how things seemed different here as stated by Terry and was told by the admin it's just a cycle.

I really like the technical side of archery.
There are reasons to know what is happening when you let the arrow fly.

A lot of the techy questions won't help you in the woods...or will they?
I mean FOC posts for instance, will more foc help you take a deer...maybe. Will a 25%foc arrow kill better than an 1% foc...maybe.
Where do you draw the line in what is acceptable to post about and what isn't?

Trad archery HAS a technical side to it.
Ask any bowyer.

Trad hunting is trad archery+other skills.
You can't truly excel at trad hunting without the whole package.

I don't have the whole package. I try to improve in all areas.

I love trad gang. I've learned more here about trad archery than I can even put a finger on.

I think the root of the problem might be that we are all hunters. We hunt the same game as other people that use compounds and guns.

Our biggest difference from others is the choice of our weapon. I think it's only natural for many of us to want to know every little nuance of our choice of weapon.
I think it's disrespectful to our prey NOT to consider the technical side of archery in order to improve our odds of a clean kill.
 
It's been said before that 90% of this game is mental. If that 1% more foc gives you a mental edge..so be it. The deer might not notice but you might be more confident because of it.

Terry, I guess the bottom line is that it's your party. Sometimes the guests might have conversations you find annoying.
I can't think of any other way to keep guests, talking among themselves, from speaking about a topic you don't like other than spelling it out in black and white what is acceptable and what isn't.
This forum has rules.
Most abide by them well.
If you feel more rules are needed..so be it.
It's your party.
I think some might go elsewhere if more rules are added.
I think some new comers will be turned off.

But, if you don't want these people at the party anyway....?

Sounds like some people would be happy not to have to look away from posts they don't like.

It's your call.
Just let us know the rules.

[Friends call me Pac]

Everything I know about traditional archery I have learned on this site over the last 3 years. Looking for an edge and creating an edge were basically one and the same to me since I was just starting and had no idea of what to do.

3 years ago when I 1st started my trad journey the whole process was techie to me.  I knew zero about the subject and I had nobody to help me. Then I found TG.  What a wonderful place full of people willing to help me with trad.

Learning that the point of impact could be controlled by spine and then learning how to go about it is an example of "techie" to me back then.

What I consider techie then and techie today are two different things.  But would a new person that knows nothing about trad know the difference?  I sure would not have know the difference 3 years ago. I can see how nitpicking or it must be done this way could really make things confusing for a newbie.  I can also see how it could ruffle feathers with experienced archers as well.

TG is the only site that I visit daily.  I'd hate to see it become a argueing place.  Do what you have to do Terry.

[nc recurveman]

to each thier own I guess, for me I took to trad archery to enjoy the simplicity of it ...... just a stick and a string. I wanted to break free of all the complex things that got in the way of enjoying the hunt.

[lunchbucket]

Thank you Terry for posting what you did.I know I am a new member here although I have been reading on this forum a couple of years now.In reguards to what you stated I could not agree more thats the main reason I joined Trad Gang.

Roy (BOWILD) said:
“So, I guess if some of us are misbehave'n  I'd like to know exactly how, cause if I am, I can fix me.”

Chris (SEMO_HUNTER) said:
“I first came here looking for advice on how to improve my shooting ability.  I stayed because of the enormous base of traditional knowledge here, the friendly atmosphere, and the friendships that I have made here.  I guess what I'm really trying to say is......we all love traditional archery for the simplicity of it.  And helping out the new guys (Like Me) with their redundant questions, and constant pestering is the only way to ensure the traditional fire continues to burn.”

I seriously doubt you guys are in trouble there…I have been on the same threads with you both and found you input and general attitude was in line with Terry’s original post and the spirit of TG.  

Fwiw, since I have been back, it has been a refreshing and satisfying experience to see how TG has matured.  I can remember back years ago where it was not that way…but was what we had and we all loved it.

Like you two, I have been asking a lot of questions about the hill bows concerning all of the aspects I did not know before.  Now, just two days later Rob and the gang there buried my ignorance in honest answers based on years of their experience.  Because of their patience, I can now reach back into the past and learn how to love the hill-style longbow again.

TG has more than just “morphed” over the years, it has slowly and clearly matured to maintain the traditional aspect of archery, including the hunt.  This did not happen by accident but by the diligence of many eyes here.

So far I have had one of my posts edited and one thread I started was “moved” to the dark hole of oblivion.  The reasoning was simple and, when explained to me, was a good choice by the moderators.  The system works well!     This place rocks!    

A side note: I will also agree with something Shedrock said:  

"I feel a website like this is for asking questions. Why not help the newbies out?
  Some posts get closed right away, while others stay open. I feel for the newbies."

IMO we shouldtake care of everybody we can so they can become competent torch bearers for the  generations coming after them.   Seems to me that we, in the general membership can and should take on the bulk of the responsibility for keeping TG what it is.  We can help keep this place clean and healthy without dumping a heavy burden on the moderators.  With the current membership nearing 30,000, just think of what things could be like in five years!!

[GRINCH]

Terry I totally agree,I've learned alot from this site and even made a few friends.I have always been of the belief that if my arrows are properly tuned to my bow and my aim was right that is all thats needed for me to hit my target, what I've learned from here is how to overcome the variables that we encounter when hunting.

[frassettor]

Originally posted by A. Kinslow:
  You ask most of us and we've all had a thread pulled.  Its nothing personal, just necessary pruning to keep the tree growing in the right direction. [/QB]

Well said  

[GraniteStater]

Wow well put, feels just like a captain re-directing a ship.  Sometimes we all need a mental re-adjustment, myself included.  Especially as a newer hunter.

Thanks for writing this, I appreciate it.

[Cottonwood]

Thanks Terry, as I agree with the K.I.S. method myself, and shy away from all the gadget talk like you say.... the way of the compound.

Again Thanks  

[Guru]

I'm sure glad some of you understand...you guys "get it".  Thank you Andrew and the others, you know who you are...


   

For some of you others that think we don't "want to help the newbies"...I'm afraid you'll just never "get it", and that's a shame...

[Guru]

Originally posted by A. Kinslow:
 

--Form discussions
--How to tune
--How to make arrows
--Give aways
--Welcomes & Condolences
--Hunt reports
--Questions about hunting
--Quivers, gloves, tabs
--Pictures of bows
--Why shoot a longbow or a recurve
--How to scout
--How to blood trail
--How to make good on shots at game

I think the mods agree that these are all good topics.  The stuff that gets out of hand are redundant threads on the effectiveness of 36% FOC vs 35% FOC arrows, or the latest double bevel/single bevel argument, or the latest gadget for blood trailing instead of basic woodsmanship. [/b]

Again, Thank you Andrew    

[Guru]

Originally posted by Friends call me Pac:
What I consider techie then and techie today are two different things.  But would a new person that knows nothing about trad know the difference?  I sure would not have know the difference 3 years ago.

Perfect example of why this thread was created    

[ishoot4thrills]

Originally posted by COLongbow:
I have to admit I've run afoul of the mods a time or two..

But there's no better place on the 'net for Trad.

This place exists thanks to the mods!

Rob, please accept my apologies for past sins.

I start and finish my day with TG!

Same here.

Sometimes we just need a little of this:      , to get to this:      .  

Long live Tradgang!

[Gray Buffalo]

I feel some people bring a compound mentality with them when coming back or starting traditional archery. A machine will take some tinkering to keep it working well. The traditional side is more a commonsense thing. Arrow flit and sharp Brodhead’s are the main concerns.

[lpcjon2]

I like to keep it simple,but from time to time I have gotten a curiosity with fascination in techy stuff and ask a few ?'s and tried a thing or two but always found the simplest method of trad to be the best and most effective.It's good to explore and try new things but it's better to be reminded of what Trad is really about and get grounded again. With so many members from all over with so much experience. I think we all under-utilize what we have at our fingertips.Thanks for the reality check.  

[J-dog]

I tell you I am addicted to the site, period. I know about the whole BHd thing - singe bevels and double bevels gets old. I like what Ashby writes and incorporate some of the stuff into my arrows, not "whole hog" as one would say but a little. E Donnel Thomas stated one time "we should worry less with what tips our arrows rather worry about where we place the arrow." One should not let all that be the gospel on your setup is all. Or at least try seach button first.
Other threads that get me is the hunt my way or your unethical threads. Not going there but I know I let myself get caught up in one and in getting caught up I started another vengence threas just to fire back at the "your unethical camp". I promptly contacted Admin and explained what I did, apologized, and asked they delete it, it was wrong, not what Tradgang is.

My Mom bought my first Schafer silvertip for me. When I got it I took the arrows (2216s) and BHds off my tech bow and started shooting and shooting well no sweating over proper arrows and all. I had all the latest greatest back then, now all that stuff has faded. I have a pack I still use to carry neccesities such as rope, compass, maps and all but the biggest tech thing I got is my GPS and I like it!. I did try smokey's lure this yr-first time in yrs I carried lure.

I see that I started out hunting in my youth with really nothing but my weapon, clothes on my back, and a biscuit shoved in my pocket. I progressed into watching hunting shows and thinking I need all that to kill, then I progressed further into seeing you do not need all that hype, I was killing long before a hunting show and I whittled down the mess I carry. Little more than I carried in my youth but no Wal Mart junk.

Tradgang is a great place - gotta love it - well done Admin.

Jason

[michigan bill]

This is, by far, the best traditional archery site going.  Whatever site is next is a distant second.
I truly do appreciate the work that the moderators put in to keep it Number 1.
Thank you all!

Bill

[Swamp Yankee]

Agreed for the most part.
A well tuned stick and string is all that's needed in the way of hardware.  Differnences in hardware used is really insignificant compared to the level of skill needed to make a close ethical shot happen.
That said, tuning whatever you are shooting is important and I'd hate to see those discussions removed.