Is there such a thing as gettong TOO organized?

[Lasivian]

My opinion was not based on airsoft itself.

It was looking at things like human nature, the history of other similar activities, the desire of Americans to sue so freely, the upcoming explosion of youth that were weened on violent video games, etc.

[Bucket]

I have actually been involved with Airsoft since 2000. Even though I didn't meet most of you until around 2004. I have been watching the game/hobby/sport, whatever you want to call it, (it's all the same game) growing and expanding. I have watched the older players running it milsim while also seing alot of the younger players taking to the path of paintball. Now if the younger players are allowed to keep on thier path I can see the game runninig the exact same course as paintball.

Due to the popularity of the game and the ease of aquisition of the equipment, and the lack of parental guidance in some younger players, the game will continue to grow however in the wrong way. Mentoring the younger players on the use and safety and getting on the ground floor may help us older players keep the game the way it is. Yet if there is a lack of responsibility by the older gamers in the area of helping the younger ones to learn the game, the proper way, then I would expect it to travel on the same path as paintball.

Just my opinion.

[andyhinds]

If you want to know the readl deal, listen to guys like Airsofter1, Raith, Kurn, Ganef, Raven1, and you'll be ok.

And AZSarge!!  (He's my Mentor  :oops:  )
He shows when he says he will, comes ready to skirmish (comes late...) is a total gear whore and shares lessons learned with new airsofters as well as advice on gear, etc.

[Mugen]

If you want to know the readl deal, listen to guys like Airsofter1, Raith, Kurn, Ganef, Raven1, and you'll be ok.

And AZSarge!!  (He's my Mentor  :oops:  )
He shows when he says he will, comes ready to skirmish (comes late...) is a total gear whore and shares lessons learned with new airsofters as well as advice on gear, etc.

I agree with SNAP on this one...AZSarge is just too modest to put himself on a list...and although I am new to you fellas, I know who has the real knowledge and wisdom...so I follow it, and show the proper respect....gear whores!      
We must not allow this "sport" we love to be corrupt...what can we do to keep it on the right track and not let it be de-railed, as paintball has?

[Airsofter1]

I don't see airsoft going down the same path as paintball.  There are a couple of things that make each game different:
1) You can make a LOT more money with a paintball field than you could if it was an airsoft field.  A case of 2000 (avg quality) paintballs cost around $50 compared to 3700 rnds of Excel bbs for $15.
2) The fact that airsoft bbs don't leave a mark does not make it a viable option for tournement or competitive play.  Paintball is much more suited to that.  Plus that makes it much more of a spectator sport than airsoft could ever be.

The one thing that is happening though is more and more minors are getting into airsoft - not the way most of us around here are, but different.  They get into it because its cheaper than paintball, and the guns look cool (just like in Counter-Strike!).  They usually start with a springer but will typically graduate to a cheap AEG, maybe a hi-cap, and maybe some bdus (used, and cheap).  Parents are ecstatic because they have found something for there kids to do and leave them alone!  But where can these kids go to play?  Well, they can't go to an organized field like you can with paintball, none exsist around these parts.  They can't go to an Airsoft Arizona game because they are not old enough.  And they can't go to far from home, because when you're that age down the block is far.  Plus they most likely can't drive.  So they go play around their neiborhoods, in vacant lots, washes, or someplace close to civilization.  So legislation will eventually happen just like in Chandler.

And one final note:  Just because these forums get the occasional idiot posting stupid things every once and a while, do not take that as an example of typical player that comes to most game that most people around here organize.  You can chose to live on the internet and get frustrated, or you can come out to a real game and have a good time.

[Doc Hollywood]

not every law, regulation or ordinance is constitutionally permissive - nor does every law stay good law. Any law that restricts the liberty of the people must pass some level of constitutional muster if challenged.

Besides, there is a WHOLE lot of this State that is open and available for airsoft operations if people are willing to look outside the local area.

[Airsofter1]

Besides, there is a WHOLE lot of this State that is open and available for airsoft operations if people are willing to look outside the local area.

I know, that is where all Airsoft Arizona games are held (and most others too).

[woody]

The key for those of us that want to preserve what we value about Airsoft as it is today is balance, actively support the rules of AA not only at the games but in the forums, be aware of of the 'right' level of organization (don't get carried away) and never forget that ultimately we play for fun.
The key elements we cherish are; sportsmanship, honor and comraderie. Everything we do, every post we make or shot we take at a game needs to support those three.
As to Airsoft becoming commercial I agree with the the previous posts here that point out the fundamental differences between the two games and how those don't make Airsoft as desirable to commercialize. And even it happens we'll always have our own community. The potential hazard we have to manage is the milsim aspect that makes the game a little higher profile. If that aspect gets out of control, kids playing in neighborhoods shooting real-looking weapons, for example we will all pay the price. Hopefully we can be a positive enough influence on the teenagers to prevent that.  
Little bit of a sermon here; hopefully helps with what's really a pretty complicated set of issues.

[leadmagnet]

Unfortunately, the very thing the most of us aspire to in airsoft (realism, at least on a visual level) is what attracts a good amount of the legislation.

[Surplus man]

nah