AA Ezine?

[busta_cap]

Sarge, has anyone, that you know of, ever taken a video camera to a game other than CB?

I know our bud Anthony(CAG D Boy) has some combat footage from about a year ago at a game where I was, of course, there is footage of Christian, Matt, and Chris getting shot at by an M60....HAHAHAHa.

[Greg]

I'll let Harley's above comments speak for themselves, as well as the input from other AA members (PAID MEMBERS, not forum users.  There IS a difference!)

This is a bit off-topic, but I just had one of those light bulb things pop on over my head....

PACO:
Any chance we could have membership status under our avatars? I think the fairly recent addition of the age and joined fields really helped to take away from the significance of people's post-counts. I think a little indicator of membership status would help a bit more.

Just a thought.


edit: I got a video camera for my birthday not too long ago. I might have to start bringing it to the larger games...

And as far as the ezine idea- I said no on sarge's poll, but I would read it if you made it. I don't have any motivation to help with it though. I agree that low profile is good for us, although i doubt that an ezine would have much of an effect on AA's or airsoft's public visibility. The search function works really well to find just about anything you can imagine. Hell, if you google most things airsoft or gear, an AA thread is fairly likely to be on the first page or two.  

[azsarge]

Sarge, has anyone, that you know of, ever taken a video camera to a game other than CB?

Not that it has anything at all to do with this thread, but yes.  CAG brought his camera to all of our old games before I shipped out.  We have footage of everything from games to CAG D Boy, Matt, Solitary_UDT, and myself  getting blasted with a TOP Mk43 MOD 0 for like 2 minutes.  We also have some good footage from OP: Dragons Head (which includes our demo charges).  Oh, and some footage of us "utilizing" Green Gas cans. . .

[studdermonkey]

Well, don't worry, kids. Nates here for the rescue! I've.. got a video phone.

On a more serious note, I plan on getting a video camera later on, but.. that's a "plan" for "later on", not an action to be taken any time soon :-(.

[stoneaglewolf]

There is a saying:

"People are like dogs -- in the absence of true leadership, they'll follow anyone."

It amazes me how many times that this is true. In the case of Airsoft this enbodies the situation we face as a hobby and as a sport.

Those of you who wish to believe that airsoft can stay out the mailstream USA you are sadly mistaken. For several reasons and most of them are bad:

1. Airsoft Manufacturers want more customers (More customers = more product = more profit)
2. Anti-gun lobbyist don't want Airsoft in mainstream USA either. (Wow, you do have something in common.)
3. Paintball has already led the way for people to shoot others with a gun. (I can't wait to get my yellow jersey.)

And I'm sure others could add to this list.

Now lets talk about why we should take Airsoft mainstream. To me this envolves promoting the hobby and sport of Airsoft to the general public under a unified platform or Association before those who do not have our best interest at heart speak for us.

So the question becomes what would we promote and how would we defend the rights of Airsofters, and the image that anti-gun lobbyist already generate for the public.

Well, the answer is not to hard. You would want to promote the following things:

1. Safety above all (Gun safety etc...) Which we could do a little better at. I'm always seeing people at games firing at all directions.

2.  Develop the sport of Airsoft where no shooting of others is involved. (Hogans alley, popup targets, sim competitions, and long range shooting etc...) This would also need to involve organizations like the IDPA and others to involve Law-enforcement understanding and support.

3. The ligitimacy of the hobby side of Airsoft (IE. The side where we shoot each other.) can be supported and backed by the sport side. This could also involve actual reenactments, and actual living history events as well as games.

4. And last but most important, we have to communicate a positive image. Because our silence is as destructive as the voice of the anti-gun lobbyist. Why, because in the absence of tuth, they'll listen to anything.

Obviously, I am only barely touching the tip of the iceberge, but if someone has the vision to start working toward the goal of promoting a better Airsoft for tomorrow then I say go for it.  

So if you take anything from this post then let it be the realization that we must speak for ourselves and promote the safety, and honor that draws us together as brothers in Airsoft.

And you never know it could all start with a magazine.

Godspeed...

[azsarge]

There is a saying:

"People are like dogs -- in the absence of true leadership, they'll follow anyone."

It amazes me how many times that this is true. In the case of Airsoft this enbodies the situation we face as a hobby and as a sport.

Those of you who wish to believe that airsoft can stay out the mailstream USA you are sadly mistaken. For several reasons and most of them are bad:

1. Airsoft Manufacturers want more customers (More customers = more product = more profit)
2. Anti-gun lobbyist don't want Airsoft in mainstream USA either. (Wow, you do have something in common.)
3. Paintball has already led the way for people to shoot others with a gun. (I can't wait to get my yellow jersy.)

And I sure others could add to this list.

Now lets talk about why we should take Airsoft mainstream. To me this envolves promoting the hobby and sport of Airsoft to the general public under a unified platform or Association before those who do not have our best interest at heart speak for us.

So the question becomes what would we promote and how would we defend the rights of Airsofters, and the image that anti-gun lobbyist already generate for the public.

Well, the answer is not to hard. You would want to promote the following things:

1. Safety above all (Gun safety etc...) Which we could do a little better at. I'm always seeing people at games firing at all directions.

2.  Develop the sport of Airsoft where no shooting of others is involved. (Hogans alley, popup targets, sim competitions, and long range shooting etc...) This would also need to involve organizations like the IDPA and others to involve Law-enforcement understanding and support.

3. The ligitimacy of the hobby side of Airsoft (IE. The side where we shoot each other.) can be supported and backed by the sport side. This could also involve actual reenactments, and actual living history events as well as games.

4. And last but most important, we have to communicate a positive image. Because our silence is as destructive as the voice of the anti-gun lobbyist. Why, because in the absence of tuth, they'll listen to anything.

Obviously, I am only barely touching the tip of the iceberge, but if someone has the vision to start working toward the goal of promoting a better Airsoft for tomorrow then I say go for it.  

So if you take anything from this post then let it be the realization that we must speak for ourselves and promote the safety, and honor that draws us together as brothers in Airsoft.

And you never know it could all start with a magazine.

Godspeed...

Yeah Mark, "One Team One Way," right?  I wish it were that simple!

I see where you are going with this.  I for one do not think it should stay hidden forever, but that we should be selective in who we invite to the hobby.  Soft Air Depot and CyberGun can be thanked for bringing it into WalMart and opening up stores that have no problem selling to minors.  However, I like to think that the hobby I enjoy is nothing like what S.A.D sells from behind their glass display cases.  How many forum members do you think are responsible airsofters?  Now, from that number take out those who keep it a secret except from those they deem responsible enough to handle this hobby.  Those are the ones who should decide where this goes, but that's not always the case.

I have told many people about airsoft, but none of them were under 18, and most of them were in the military.  You see, in person I have that discretion.  If I were to post that same info all over the internet and put my name (or the AA name) on it, I would not be helping the sport but rather drawing attention from some who I do not wish to associate with.  Sure, there is tons of airsoft info all over the internet, but I do not wish to add to it.  

Yes, we DO need to paint a positive picture here, but let's be selective for now regarding who we share our hobby with!

[TimW]

In addition, how would that improve the gameplay if no one ever went to games?

Rather than all this behind-the-PC crap, go out and play.  Better the "sport" that way.

Let's not turn airsoft into a geekfest.  Let's remember just exactly what it's about!  The fun, the sun, and the recreation!

I spend less time in the field now that I started Prac Tac than when I had a 'real' job that had nothing to do with gear.

Be careful...you might just get what you wish for....

[stoneaglewolf]

You are very correct and I would love to see some of us "elders" get together and formalize a board in Arizona in which those on the board who might not be the best representative of Airsoft in Arizona can openly bring ideas.

This way contact with outside organizations would be limited to the elected members of the board.

Basicly, you need a Public Affair's Office.

And yes I am torn because part of me just wants to play Airsoft. But the other part works with LE to promote the use of Airsoft as a legitimate training tool. So I see the opportunity and need for developing something a bit more structured.

ALOT more brainstorming would be needed for this.

Anyway, back on the topic and I appologize for the stray.

I think a Magazine would be great and if I can help just let me know.

[azsarge]

OK, but I don't see how "less talk, more play" would be a bad thing!

[kingsix123]

OK, but I don't see how "less talk, more play" would be a bad thing!

I'll second the motion!!
But on a more serious note, i can understand his "dilemma" because u have kids that abuse the sport or activity in ways that reflect negatively on those of us who treat our guns like real steel and not as a toy to play around with in the parking lot.
Please correct my if my thinking is off-base
 [smilie=armata_pdt_36.gif]  [smilie=armata_pdt_35.gif]

[stoneaglewolf]

That is the dilemma. Unfortunately is not just kids, because we are all subject to the laws of ignorance and stupidity from time to time.

Therefore I tend to look as life like tactical training. Move, Shoot, Communicate, and Sustain. Because most of the time doing something is better than nothing. But that's just me.

Wraith, you may be young but as long as you are mature at heart then no one can take that away from you.  If an Ezine is your passion then go for it. I'm sure there are those here who will be happy to help in any way they can.

[-Wraith-]

Thank you stone, I apreciate that very much. If Paco does give me the thumbs up, then I'd be glad to make it to help develop airsoft more positively.
Could I expect your help with content? Or to prevent any mishaps, we could make the magazine independent from AA, but still positively refer to AA.

[cmptrdewd]

There is a saying:

"People are like dogs -- in the absence of true leadership, they'll follow anyone."

It amazes me how many times that this is true. In the case of Airsoft this enbodies the situation we face as a hobby and as a sport.

Those of you who wish to believe that airsoft can stay out the mailstream USA you are sadly mistaken. For several reasons and most of them are bad:

1. Airsoft Manufacturers want more customers (More customers = more product = more profit)
2. Anti-gun lobbyist don't want Airsoft in mainstream USA either. (Wow, you do have something in common.)
3. Paintball has already led the way for people to shoot others with a gun. (I can't wait to get my yellow jersy.)

And I sure others could add to this list.

Now lets talk about why we should take Airsoft mainstream. To me this envolves promoting the hobby and sport of Airsoft to the general public under a unified platform or Association before those who do not have our best interest at heart speak for us.

So the question becomes what would we promote and how would we defend the rights of Airsofters, and the image that anti-gun lobbyist already generate for the public.

Well, the answer is not to hard. You would want to promote the following things:

1. Safety above all (Gun safety etc...) Which we could do a little better at. I'm always seeing people at games firing at all directions.

2.  Develop the sport of Airsoft where no shooting of others is involved. (Hogans alley, popup targets, sim competitions, and long range shooting etc...) This would also need to involve organizations like the IDPA and others to involve Law-enforcement understanding and support.

3. The ligitimacy of the hobby side of Airsoft (IE. The side where we shoot each other.) can be supported and backed by the sport side. This could also involve actual reenactments, and actual living history events as well as games.

4. And last but most important, we have to communicate a positive image. Because our silence is as destructive as the voice of the anti-gun lobbyist. Why, because in the absence of tuth, they'll listen to anything.

Obviously, I am only barely touching the tip of the iceberge, but if someone has the vision to start working toward the goal of promoting a better Airsoft for tomorrow then I say go for it.  

So if you take anything from this post then let it be the realization that we must speak for ourselves and promote the safety, and honor that draws us together as brothers in Airsoft.

And you never know it could all start with a magazine.

Godspeed...

Yeah Mark, "One Team One Way," right?  I wish it were that simple!

I see where you are going with this.  I for one do not think it should stay hidden forever, but that we should be selective in who we invite to the hobby.  Soft Air Depot and CyberGun can be thanked for bringing it into WalMart and opening up stores that have no problem selling to minors.  However, I like to think that the hobby I enjoy is nothing like what S.A.D sells from behind their glass display cases.  How many forum members do you think are responsible airsofters?  Now, from that number take out those who keep it a secret except from those they deem responsible enough to handle this hobby.  Those are the ones who should decide where this goes, but that's not always the case.

I have told many people about airsoft, but none of them were under 18, and most of them were in the military.  You see, in person I have that discretion.  If I were to post that same info all over the internet and put my name (or the AA name) on it, I would not be helping the sport but rather drawing attention from some who I do not wish to associate with.  Sure, there is tons of airsoft info all over the internet, but I do not wish to add to it.  

Yes, we DO need to paint a positive picture here, but let's be selective for now regarding who we share our hobby with!

I say that an airsoft Ezine is partly a good idea and partly bad. Good because you condense the useless info on the internet in useful information and format. I have done searches on the AA forums and scroll through the useless comments and it would be nice to find what I want without the stupid statements. Partly bad for the reason that Sarge stated that we need to be selective in whom we tell about airsoft. I have only told one friend about airsoft because I know he is responsible enough to own and use an airsoft gun wisely. It pisses me off so bad to see airsoft guns at Wal mart sitting there on shelf ready to be bought by the next under age ( or over 18 ) idiot to pick up and buy with some spare change!  My aunt will take my 4 years old cousin to the local public park and see kids my cousins age fight over little green 6mm bbs from Wal-Mart that are strewn all over the park!  :x  I also believe public relation can be a good or a bad thing for reasons stated by Sarge and Stoneaglewolf.