My Thoughts on Spud Guns

[DYI]

I think I lurked for about 2 months before I made my first post about a mini steam cannon I'd made, and how I got flamed anyway because people hadn't taken the time to read the description properly

Didn't give the greatest first impression, but things started going uphill after I posted the first incarnation of the (now retired) SCTBDC. May it rest in peace Lurking on a forum like this is really essential, and waiting until you have something decent to post gains you more respect from the start. I'll probably be a lurker on Roguesci until I get to build the HESCOD or T-V75(KEDD), and that won't be for at least a decade...

What I have noticed here is that, while there are a large number of members, very few ever post, and at any given time, there are only a handful who are really dedicated to the hobby.

I agree that a "water cooler" type section on Spudfiles would probably be worth it, and I don't think it would be too much of a burden on the moderating staff. It seems like it would fit with the current demographics of the forum population. Just as long as posts in it wouldn't show up on the recent topics, it'd be great.

[Ragnarok]

A very good read - and I agree with a lot of it.

I can't really expand much on what either you or others have said now, but I'll think it through, and respond when things come to mind.

[Lentamentalisk]

I am quite embarrassed that I only just now read it. Props on the content and writing, I wish I could write like that.
Definitely gives me something to think about.

I was sad to see it was over so soon, If there hadn't been a scroll bar on the side, I would have though that it would go on for another page or so... Nice job!

[starman]

What I have noticed here is that, while there are a large number of members, very few ever post, and at any given time, there are only a handful who are really dedicated to the hobby.

It's fun to go back, say a year or 2 and see who the active posters were...most aren't posting much today. Most things in life that people get involved in, especially a hobby like spudgunning, offer only a limited window of excitement before they get bored with it. You have to enjoy something a lot to stick with it for more than say 6 months.

It also seems that today's posting is much more mature than a couple of years ago... more of the kewl and rad crowd prevailed then. A lot more mod smackdowns back then too....hummm maybe there's connection there...

[Darkside 6ix]

Wow...I acually thank you for this. This changed my whole view of spudding. Im not joking about what Im saying either. This "essay", if you will, struck me emotionally. For a while I have thought that what we are all doing is "just a hobby", but ever since I have read your paper, I view things differently now. I can't point out 1 time when I have been mean to new people. I know how it feels to be critized for your first peice of work. (wow I just realized how sh!tty my first cannon was). I really do thank you for this though. You acually inspired me to acually try and do something with my life. The part that really got to me was the section where you talked about the mile-long hallway lined with doors. Im out of words right now, but Im glad I have some sort of motovation to learn things.

[BC Pneumatics]

I think it is an appropriate time to thank everybody for what they have said in this topic. It was received far better than I could have hoped, and you have all made me feel very good about writing it.
Your posts have definitively proven that this hobby is not about pipes and potatoes. It is about people.

[Darkside 6ix]

Well if you didnt write what you did, we wouldnt be commenting. If anything we should be thanking you.

BTW did I mention that your a good writer?

[MrCrowley]

So far it's going good on the forums. I'm not getting as mad as I used to when non-researched topics are getting posted. It feels good, like we're helping them become one of us much faster.

More people seem to be sticking around also.

[Lentamentalisk]

I actually found my self writing a kind, respectful PM to a new member, asking them to not kick up old topics, unless they thought it was a matter of great importance, so as not to have others flame them in the forums. Pre-my_thoughts era I would have just joined in the flame wars.
Oh my God! I think we may be entering a new era, this could be a momentous turning point in SF history...

[starman]

I actually found my self writing a kind, respectful PM to a new member, asking them to not kick up old topics, unless they thought it was a matter of great importance, so as not to have others flame them in the forums. Pre-my_thoughts era I would have just joined in the flame wars.
Oh my God! I think we may be entering a new era, this could be a momentous turning point in SF history...

I've actually done that a few times as well in the last few weeks....speak to them personally via PM. I think that is a much superior way to get a "new recruit" in line without the unnecessary public wet noodle lashing.

[Darkside 6ix]

Wet noodle lashing? Ouch!
I dont know about you guys, but he changed the way that I percieve things in general. I realize that school is much more important than what most people see it as. Also, this effected my self esteem. It makes me want to do something important with my life. Realizing BCP's passion made me realize mine.

[Ragnarok]

Your posts have definitively proven that this hobby is not about pipes and potatoes. It is about people.

It's certainly about the people, but they are people with pipes and potatoes.

[Brian the brain]

The hobby is about pipes and patatoes...this site is about the people behind it..

Youtube is about the people in front of it....


But that is a different story...