Fox News Does Harm to the Sport of Airsoft...

[azsarge]

Im sorry but not many people give credit to Fox "explorative" studies anymore.  Especially after the "epic lulz" segment.  They are quite pathetic on trying to do research into primarily internet grown pheonomena.  That petition could reach one million signees and Fox wouldn't care, because the money keeps flowing from the advertisers because freaked moms like that sort of stuff so they can find another reason to be over-protective in this "time of terror".  

Fox News in this situation is as credible as a used car salesman in Mexico.

I like this guy.

Think about it.  What really would come of a nationwide public "disapproval" of airsoft?  No more large US-based stores, no more public-held games (oh-wait), no more sponsors, no more SoftAir "guns" at Wal Mart, etc.

Aside from the fact that a few AA members make a living in the industry, I don't see ANY of those as a serious setback.

I'll still order my guns and accessories from Hong Kong, and I'll still play out in the boonies.  I don't think it would ever get to the point of a national ban on BB guns, or anything that would legally keep us from owning or using our AEGs.  A bad public image of the hobby is all that would exist.

We'd just have to continue to tell people our hobby is "like paintball." :roll:

I for one, don't see publicity, good or bad, as beneficial.  News stories about how it's good because of the teamwork, exercise, whatever are nice, but not required for the sport to grow and continue to attract the right type of player as it has since it's inception.  I don't plan on ever airsofting in a stadium with fans, or wearing top brands' logos across my chest and sleeves the way paintball has gone.

I've literally watched airsoft grow, both locally and nationally, since I got into it back in 2000 (I got with AA in 2002 or 2003).  So far, I'm very pleased with the direction it has gone!  The number, and caliber of player, the availability of guns and equipment, the support from various entity's (including the State National Guard!), and the frequency of events has skyrocketed since I first fired a GBB.  

It may get worse, perhaps, but it's going to continue to get a whole lot better first.

[Vince]

Airsoft. It's like paintball.

[deathbydanish]

Im sorry but not many people give credit to Fox "explorative" studies anymore.  Especially after the "epic lulz" segment.  They are quite pathetic on trying to do research into primarily internet grown pheonomena.  That petition could reach one million signees and Fox wouldn't care, because the money keeps flowing from the advertisers because freaked moms like that sort of stuff so they can find another reason to be over-protective in this "time of terror".  

Fox News in this situation is as credible as a used car salesman in Mexico.

Seriosuly though what bugs me about Fox news is that the other channels in their network broadcast the same shit that Fox news is decrying. If that isn't some of the shadiest shit going on right now in TV then I don't know what is.

[azsarge]

Airsoft. It's like paintball.

Reminds me of this exchange I had one day before a game, in BDU pants and a black fleece:
gas station dude:  cammies?  You in the military?
me:  Huh?  Oh, I'm going hunting.
gas station lady:  Really?  What do you hunt?
me:  :? :idea: The most dangerous game.  Can I have my change?

Thanks to the Arizona public education system, I got out of that one without having to explain any further.

[Vince]

Airsoft. It's like paintball.

Reminds me of this exchange I had one day before a game, in BDU pants and a black fleece:
gas station dude:  You in the military?
me:  Huh?  Oh, I'm going hunting.
gas station lady:  Really?  What do you hunt?
me:  Uhh... :idea: The Most Dangerous Game.  Can I have my change?

Thanks to the Arizona public education system, I got out of that one without having to explain any further.

Dude, luckily airsoft is not like The Most Dangerous Game.

Mikey's bed is probably a lumpy piece of shit.

[Altered_Soul]

Airsoft. It's like paintball.

gas station lady:  Really?  What do you hunt?
me:  :? :idea: The most dangerous game.  Can I have my change?

Awesome.  Excellent answer.

I too have to fall back on the... Its like paintball... description, although I throw in that the reason we wear full gear, etc etc, is the fact that we simulate modern combat with respect in the way Revolutionary, Civil, and Vietnam War reenactors do every day, except its a hell of a lot more fun to shoot people instead of pretend.

And although I hate Fox News exponentially (which is why I love Colbert Report inversely proportionally ), I am quite sure CNN, MSNBC, or some other local news would easily love to attack our "dangerous sport".  I am surprised Jack Thompson hasn't come after us yet.  And he thought Halo was a military training game...

In terms of the petition again, the best we, as airsoft enthusiasts and supporters, is to fight back by using honor and upholding the safety and respect we have established for our sport.  It is not easy, but by holding our self to a higher standard than backyard springer wars and illegal property trampling, airsoft will remain a nervous-parent paranoia.

[I Slap Fat Kids]

The video/article is close to a year old, but I wanted to let the people who didn't know about it aware of it.

Thanks for posting it, it kept my interest and reminded me that people are pussies about airsoft... Why did they have to get a gun with a black barrel tip? Did they just want to make the sport seem too real?