Is BOM melting down?

[PEARL DRUMS]

They promised hats in a timely manner over and over and over. It has never changed. In my opinion? Its quite clear they don't give two hoots about BOM or their word, Steve-o.

Id like to retract my earlier comments regarding entering again. I'm out 100% and will remain that way, not that it matters much. 

[Parnell]

They promised hats in a timely manner over and over and over. It has never changed. In my opinion? Its quite clear they don't give two hoots about BOM or their word, Steve-o.

Id like to retract my earlier comments regarding entering again. I'm out 100% and will remain that way, not that it matters much.

I certainly understand why you feel that way.  Hmmm.  What to do?

[Aaron H]

It is to the point that BOM has become a burden for PA, that's obvious. Let it go away and give them what they want. It is their site and magazine after all.

I disagree, this is OUR site, and OUR magazine.  I would hate to see BOM fall by the wayside.  The more "lead horses" we have participating, the more interest it receives, and the more people it inspires. 
Don't get me wrong, I understand your frustration PD, and it is sad that they cannot stand true to their word, but personally I don't do it for the hat. I do it because I like the challenge of competing against the best, it makes us all better when we get to see what the true craftsman, and artist are bringing to the table.
"The miracle is, the more we share, the more we have" -Leonard Nimoy

[PEARL DRUMS]

I wont lead anything I don't believe in or trust in, A-a-ron. 

[JW_Halverson]

One thing I learned while recently at the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators is that you always get the behaviors you prepare for.  Example: You call your dog.  Whether your dog comes or not depends on antecedent behavior.  Antecedant behavior is everything that has happened leading up to the point where you call the dog. As the dog remembers whether it was rewarded or punished for coming to you in the past, it makes it's decisions based on risk versus reward.  If the dog is ALWAYS rewarded for coming, the likelihood of the dog coming when called is HIGH.  If SOMETIMES the dog is rewarded and other times punished, the likelihood is LOWER.

On the surface, P.A. may be reaping the behaviors they have set us up for by inconsistent rewards.  But more importantly, what are we offering P.A. to get the behavior WE WANT? 

[sleek]

Our participation?

[bubby]

what are we offering PA besides buying their magazine and supporting their advertiser's, gee I don't know jw.  My peeve isn't about the hats it's about members not voting and face it how many guys are even on this topic?

[JoJoDapyro]

Thank you all for your interesting input! This is a good thread.

Like Weylin I like the BOM and I'm with him, it adds extra motivation to take part. I was here often, maybe too often. I don't want to be a wall for anybody, but I will support the BOM nonetheless.

I think it is good to make a pause for some months. But I promise, I'm here every month to vote for the best!

Simon, Your "Wall" is what all of us beginners need. Every time I think I am getting good, all I have to do is look at the monthly winners. Whether it is Wizardgoat, Simson, Mullet, or whoever that wins, I learn by looking at what you all offer. Some people get discouraged by not winning, but you learn a whole lot more by it. There are many very good bowyers on this site, and all of us with an open mind can learn from them.

Joe

[JoJoDapyro]

As mentioned above, my bows are not worthy, so I dont enter. I do like looking at the winners though.

I entered once and came in second!  You can win, don't sell yourself short.

[JoJoDapyro]

Ok, Last post on the matter. Perhaps changing up the "Prize" would stoke participation. PA could get with the advertisers and set up a prize of a "Gift card" for the winner. If I won a "Gift Card" for 3 Rivers, chances are I would spend more than the amount of the prize, its a win-win for the magazine and the advertiser. It could be a sponsored article every issue. Imagine the "Bingham Projects, Backed Bow of the Month" Or "Twin Oaks Bowhunters, Self-Bow of the month"! For a small advertising fee they can get an extra plug, as well as a guaranteed purchase from their site, and possibly a return customer. Worst case scenario is they have someone come and spend the money on the gift card, and nothing else, but to me, it is very unlikely.  I have entered once, and came in second "I think" and my bow was a turd. But I at least lost to someone who no doubt crushes my skill (Simon). I'll step up my laziness and throw a few at it here soon.

[simson]

Folks, let me say first I'm glad this thread is still running and more and more chime in.
Second I have no problem to go back in the second row, really! Everything is ok, don't worry Doc, JoJo, Weylin and others. I just make a pause for some time and watch what is going on.
Third, I don't think we should talk about hats – when needed let's do that in another thread and adressed to the right people at the PA Mag.



Let me suggest to come back to the intended item: how can the BOM, or let's say our BOM vital again. There were already some good points said – let's continue. I would like to hear the thoughts others, those who were here and left for what reason? I remember there wer 20 + here per month!
I'm struggling with my English, so it is a bit difficult for me to express my thoughts – but I can follow this conversation. Thank you.

[JoJoDapyro]

Please don't take a back seat. You work is amazing to look at, and you deserve to win. You at the very least, deserve to participate.

[simson]

Please don't take a back seat. You work is amazing to look at, and you deserve to win. You at the very least, deserve to participate.

Jo, I will go on posting on the 'Bows' section. You will see what I'm doing.

[Parnell]

I don't want to get caught up on the hat thing but Josh's initial statement about apathy should be considered.  What message is sent?
What it represents is being a part of something larger, and in that way, the hat is significant. 

This is why I'm going to volunteer some of my time to help, if wanted.

Cheers, everyone. 

[derrick morgan]

i just found out about your website simson, i'm hyped!