Under just about every archery or bowhunting post on social media, you’ll find a critical comment not from an anti-hunter but from a keyboard warrior within our own ranks. And most times, the comment is rude, unnecessary, and even unfounded.
Some call-outs are valid. If an influencer is poaching, otherwise breaking the law, or claiming to be an expert but demonstrating false form or info that could harm others, by all means graciously admonish them — or alert the authorities.
But if what another archer or bowhunter shares is legal, ethical, and subjectively correct, keep the so-called “constructive criticism” to yourself. Just leave unsolicited feedback off social media.
Some people shoot small bucks. It’s not my cup of tea, but maybe they’re feeding a family, tagging their first deer, or simply don’t care about score.
Many hunters prefer to sit in a blind rather than climb a tree or run and gun. You can’t know their health limitations, legitimate fears, or property restraints.
Whether it’s tactics, trophy size, or choice in camo pattern, we don’t have to like what every other hunter does.
Snapshots on social media can’t tell you all the background info, demonstrate angles, or explain why archers make the choices they do. But no matter the reason, so long as it’s not illegal, it’s none of my business. And frankly, it’s none of yours either.
It’s easy to act high and mighty when hiding behind a screen. But chastising your peers usually doesn’t make them look bad — it reflects poorly on you.
Rather than wasting hours going after strangers, spend that time improving yourself. Send a few more arrows downrage or put boots on the ground scouting. Make yourself a better bowhunter.
And if you truly want to help other archers or bowhunters, become a mentor and share your knowledge instead of forcing your snarky opinions down the internet’s throat.
Unfortunately we see the same thing in the airgun hobby.
Many people feel emboldened by the anonymity of user names and digital distances, and type things they might never say in person.
Just because you CAN post something, doesn’t mean you SHOULD post it..
We should all strive to be like Thumper.
“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothin’ at all….”
Ian…
Ian, “Just because you CAN post something, doesn’t mean you SHOULD post it.” Exactly!
TBB
Check out some of the race car forums. There is some slam’n go’n on there too. The forums usually have moderators that watch dog the site for that stuff.
I wonder if wife’s sewing blogs and forums have the same issues. How about gamers. I imagine some stuff goes on there too.
Multi media it’s like you know it’s going to happen. I’m not going to say any names but I have heard it said that watch out at that site. “They will eat you up”.
All I can say is a person learns real quick where a good place is or bad place is. Animals and game and wild life is the same. They learn where its good or bad.
It’s something that the old timers know and the new timers learn. Time goes on.
Gunfun1 , you’re right – it seems to be everywhere these days
TBB
The Pyramid Air blog that BB (Tom Gaylord) runs is a pretty clean site. He does a good job but miss his wife Edith. She was a good one. Straight to the point. You knew if she got on you, you was doing something wrong.
The stuff is going to happen. And certian subjects usually stir the pot. Politics is one that usually gets the fire burning. Sometimes its best to sit back and watch or do something like this. How about let’s talk about your new, in the case of the blog you writing, bow and arrow. So another thing watch what subject you write about. It starts some where. Start it right and hopefully more chances for it to end right.
Oh and by the way The Bow Bully. How come you don’t commet on the PA air gun blog. There is some interesting things to learn there as I’m sure you know. And while I’m at it are you going to do any reports on cross bows and such like Tom does with air guns. I would like to know more about them. I had a wooden one about I bet 45 years ago. I plinked and shot targets with it. If I got a modern one I would probably do the same. So here is a question. Is there target tip arrows or I guess they are called bolts available for crossbows. Maybe one day I might end up with a new cross bow.. I did like shooting the one I had as a kid and would probably be used the same. Target shooting or plinking.
Stay tuned…
TBB
Will do. 🙂
FM has found the best defense against these trolls is to avoid posting about his doings/comings/goings. Also believe blog and forum moderators should swiftly delete negative, snarky, irrelevant and essentially useless comments from aforesaid trolls. If you deny them an audience for their “it’s all about me” moment, they’ll stop coming. FM just warned a former co-worker of his to stop commenting on one of his FB posts or was going to delete any and all her comments following the warning. The next step would be blocking her permanently, that is, “unfriending.” Seems to have worked so far.
Observation based on life experience: if EVERYONE approves of what you do and/or say, you’re doing something wrong.
FM
Well said. As internet users we have a few ways to reduce the amount of negative comments aimed at us. The easiest is to not post anything at all,,, but that takes a lot of the fun out of it. Another is to just go to more friendly forums where the moderation is more to your liking.
Then, of course, on FB, you could do as was suggested, and “unfriend” those who are “scribbling” on your wall. I don’t use that app much so I don’t worry too much about it. On the very few pages I read, there, I try to be careful not to be abrasive,, and sometimes fail.
Of course, there are forums, like this one, where a common interest brings people with often very different opinions on things other than airguns. Sometimes it adds flavor,, and other times it can be off-putting. Fortunately, our benevolent despot, BB, uses a gentle, but firm, hand on the helm. If only other forums had such. (I think the inhabitants, here, help a bit, too).
Ed
edlee,
So — I’m a benevolent despot, eh? My kids always called me a pot-bellied dwarf! 😉
BB
BB
Nice kids,,, mine use the name of one of Mike Myers characters from Goldmember. The Scottish one who said he “eats babies”. “Fat Bastard”
Ed
“if EVERYONE approves of what you do and/or say, you’re doing something wrong.” Couldn’t agree more!
Why other than this forum, a watch forum and an F1 forum I am not on social media at all.
Not on Facebook…wouldn’t know how to tweet if my life depended on it, yada yada yada.
I’m always amazed at how bent out of shape some of my friends get over some social media post they’ve read that gets them all fired up and has no real import at all.
cowboystar dad, and I’m sure you’re much happier for it! Good for you!
FM went the FB route a few years ago in order to stay connected to real friends who also used it for that purpose, and also to join a couple of hobbyist/enthusiast groups, lately ones related to air guns. It has its uses, though do try to use it sparingly. A couple of my FB buddies tried to get me on Twitter, but no thanks – FM sees Twitter as the online version of “adult” Romper Room. If you remember Romper Room…you’re at least as old as FM! 😉
FM
FB nope as well as the other media stuff.
One of my racing buddies has contacted me with the media and such and keeps wanting me to get on board with FB and such.
He lives about 3 miles from me. If he wants to talk to me he knows where I live.
I have wins at the local drag strip. It’s posted. I don’t need to prove or talk to anybody. There is people that know me. Social media blows things up.
But it seems that is what it’s about now days. Social media. And I wonder if that don’t get put in place by somebody to hype up the media.
“Rather than wasting hours going after strangers, spend that time improving yourself.”
Amen! 🙂
Dave⁰
“Rather than wasting hours going after strangers, spend that time improving yourself.”
Amen!
Yep. 🙂