I am glad we can all discuss this in a civil manner!
Mark, as much as we disagree sometimes I always welcome your opinion. Even though you didn't know me when I was a minor (I think I was 19 when we first met), I understand why you would remember it that way. I sometimes act silly when I am around a group of people I feel comfortable with, and the AA member gang is just that! Blowing shit up, dodging cups of Dr. Pepper thrown by Matt at Wendy's after the game, I can think of a few other things that were very silly things to do. I would classify them as immature just as you have.
However, I judge a persons maturity based on more than a few silly actions. How they handle stress, the way they deal with certain situations, and other things that happen when not behind a computer screen are all factored in. I ususally do not generalize a person as "mature" or "immature". To me, it's just a word. Out in the real world, if I thought ill of someone for some reason, I would simply not associate with them, I would not waste my time trying to fit them into a category. After all, actions speak louder than words. The whole point of "minors act immature so I won't play airsoft with them" will never leave my lips!
To me theres more to it than that, but it's also not written in stone. My problems with minors are mostly behind the monitor, not on the field. Find me one minor out there who I have met for the first time that I've been rude to. You won't! Ask Andy who he talked to that day he came to the USAS CS event. You and me, bro! We spoke with his parents and him, and answered the questions they had. I try to do the same to any minor that is new to airsoft or AA, and I wouldn't imagine it any other way!
On the forums, my first few posts were argumentative in nature. I was overly confident in my knowledge, and it got me into a lot of tight spots! I learned a little along the way, and while I'm still a d*ckhead in some guys' opinions, I remember that I always try to help someone in need. Ask the guys who know me, or have met me in person.
That said, I remember being new to AA (in person, that is. Online is another story). I remember the way I was welcomed into the group, and I like to treat new guys the same way when I see them at a game. "Here bro, use my gun. Wear my gear. Try this radio." That's usually what I say.
The age issue is just not as simple. I was a few years past being a minor when I went to my first AA game. I still consider myself a newbie compared to guys like yourself, Harley, Airsofter1, Raven1, Raith, Kurn, TheRev, Victor3, and the rest of the gang.
Despite what some of you may THINK, I'm telling you right here and now that I will never say that I hate minors, or that as Cheeze_IZ_G00d alleges:
that all young people are stupid and that they make stupid comments and the like, and I resent that you say you only want to play with people that are as good/better than you.
Do not resent it. It's how people learn. I do not think I am better than everyone else out there, like I sad there is not much variance in skill level. I play for fun, not to win. Some of what you posted is an overgeneralization. Those of you who know me understand how I truly feel about all this. When it comes down to it, I'm the first to say "F*ck it, let's play!"
One problem I see is that I have been away for so long. All of the minors that post here I had never heard of until I returned from my training. I left for 8 months and came back to very few of the guys I considered close AA buddies still playing! Instead, I saw many new minors. You guys that had established yourselves as regulars while I was gone considered me just another newbie when I came back, since you weren't around when I joined. Things were alot different then! Better. And worse. Things change. Adapt and overcome. So I did. I re-kindled friendships I had before I left, and made some new ones with guys that were new.
So, in closing, take any negative things I say about minors with a grain of salt. After all, age is nothing but a number. You can be an a$$hole at any age! :lol:
