Man I usually refrain from these type of discussions but I feel the need this time. Too often there are bows posted on the bow forum that will only get just a few hits. There are some good bows by a lot of people. Now don't get all worked up Chris (Blackhawk) 'cause I am only using you as an example. If Chris posted a sapling with a piece of clothesline rope for a string it would get 5-6 pages of hits. Too many times a subjective "competition" will only be a popularity contest. Again Chris no hard feelings bud, I could have used other names to make an example but I am sure you have the proper thickness of skin 
Are you insinuating that Chris is popular? Lord, what's it all coming to?
I'm glad to see this thread is being kept well.
I saw IdahoMatt's response and it made me think on all this. Matt, you raise a good perspective for all of us to keep in mind. We are all here to share our passion for the things we make. We shouldn't loose sight of the fact that the things that all of us make are to be celebrated. There is a common value system that is shared here that I think we sometimes forget in "competition". We all appreciate the craftsmanship that people take the time out of their life to willingly make a bow and arrows. They are beautiful things to see and as the old expression goes, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
If someone is new to this website and feel their bow is too plain and not worthy of being a part of the BOM, well, I'm humbly and sincerely requesting that you RECONSIDER! All bows made are things to be proud over.
Many people here want to win BOM, sometime. I'm one of them. But something has occurred to me over the course of this thread. I've gone from initially, even before Chris posted this thread up, feeling disappointed that the September turn out was very low and that I may actually win the BOM I've been in pursuit of for nearly five years, but, win it in a less desirable way, always thinking to myself that my peers here will always have the "rolling my eyes" emoticon in their head when they consider the month.
Now, after the progression of this conversation and some consideration I feel good to have posted in a month that has so few entries because I understand more then ever that I can be proud of that.
So, I'm going to try to put down this thread now. But before I do, I'd like to say "thanks" to Chris for bringing it up and communicating. Also, I'd like to say "thanks" to everyone who's posted on here with sincere and respectful intentions. And, not least, "thanks" to the moderators.
Just goes to show that we've all got a good thing going here! Let's take pride in it!
Respectfully,
Stephen Parnell
