Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bow of the Month Contest => Topic started by: Dano on June 07, 2008, 08:46:00 pm

Title: Pretty bows??
Post by: Dano on June 07, 2008, 08:46:00 pm
During the little to do over the BOM (which I think ended without a fix), I kept hearing comments about "the pretty bows". I like a well crafted bow as much as the next guy. I like how the bowyer paid attention to the details, ain't that what craftsmenship is all about? A well crafted bow can be "pretty" but I think that is all a part of building a fine bow. Primitive archery, does not give us an excuss to skip the details. Forget all the bow catigories, lets just have three levels of BOM beginner, intermediate, and expert. Lets have levels that allow the bowyer to grow, instead of feeling intimidated. Just my 2 cents. Lock this down if it gets boring too.
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: radius on June 07, 2008, 08:53:51 pm
nothing primitive here, we're using the INTERNET to discuss archery equipment made with BANDSAWS and BELTSANDERS...
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: DanaM on June 07, 2008, 08:55:31 pm
Dano thats not a bad idea except how do we class the bowyers skill level ???
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: Kegan on June 07, 2008, 09:02:13 pm
I like it the way it is now. Gives somehting for us beginners to aspire for :).

And I agree, pretty bows show that the attention to detail is there. Form follows function, so the function's there then ;).
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: Justin Snyder on June 07, 2008, 09:15:50 pm
Pretty is as pretty does.  O:) Justin
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: Dano on June 07, 2008, 09:21:34 pm
I've been known to be a clown like radius, but I'm tring to help here. I guess putting everyone in levels is too much work, sorry Dana, you'll always be intermediate.

Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: DanaM on June 07, 2008, 10:02:58 pm
Well dang Dano thanks for the promotion I figured I was a beginner yet. Ya made my day :)

And yes Dano I understand your trying to help :)
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: Badger on June 07, 2008, 11:01:35 pm
Dano, I always enjoy your posts. I didn't vote this time ( bad on me). For me instead of bow of the month I kind of substitute the word accomplishment of the month. I am just as apt to vote for a new bowyer as I am an old timer. If I feel someone really reached inside themselves and gave it that extra effort and got results I may very well vote for them. A well crafted and finished bow gets my attention everytime. I am the worst guy in the world for nice finishes so I never post bows anymore. I do kind of like the idea of a rookie class, as far as intermediates go, I see guys on their 8th or 9th bow outdoing me all the time so I don't think intermediate would be needed. Maybe we should just discuss more the kind of criteria we might consider when voting, bottom line is each guy will vote how he feels like anyway but open discussions on the subject i think can be good. Steve
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: david w. on June 07, 2008, 11:29:01 pm
i always try to make my bows pretty. apply a nice satin and finish and little touches here and there. i usually make a really shaply handle riser too.  thats just the way i like to do it. it takes a little longer but i think its worth it especially when someone looks at me and says " you made that?"
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: Keenan on June 07, 2008, 11:34:10 pm
Dano I like it, ;) and as far as classifying,it's easy. Let people classify themself, but with suggestive boundries. 1-25 bows (novice) and so forth. If someone cosiders themself an acomplished bowyer then you place move yourself up. I'f you won BOM then you are no longer in the beginner class.
  That has some real potential Dano. 
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: mullet on June 07, 2008, 11:36:14 pm
  Man !,, What are we dragging this crap over here for. This is starting to be like an old dog sliding his a$$ across the grass. Dano, Yes something is being done about it.You just were not informed first. We all know that somebody that takes time with their bows has pretty bows. Jeeez, the Amish are pretty damn primitive to the rest of us but take a lot of pride in their woodworking and have a lot more time then the rest of us. And it shows.
  It looked like everybody that had a suggestion for BOM pretty much exhausted their ideas on the other thread, so why rehash it over here? On top of that, it seems like most of the people bitchin, very seldom contribute. Don is in charge of BOM. He is camping, so why not give it a rest until he gets back. I can pretty much tell you that there has been enough input and that anymore is just a waste of time on your part. There will be a decision before next month.
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: Justin Snyder on June 07, 2008, 11:57:45 pm
Sarah locked the other thread.  She and Marie will be talking in the office and I'm sure will be taking all input into consideration.  They will make a decision and will let us know what it is.  Please be patient and let them work it out.  If they need more input I am sure they will ask. Although that would be like asking for a dump truck to run over your head.  :o Justin
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: kayakfisher on June 08, 2008, 12:04:41 am
just out of curiosity how many bows does it take to get out of beginner class
                                                                          Dennis
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: Dano on June 08, 2008, 12:24:41 am
I'm retired Mullet, I have plenty of time. Let's not just dump it on Don and say here ya go, fix it.


Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: mullet on June 08, 2008, 12:34:00 am
Dano, like Justin said, the other thread was locked. I believe MNGT will decide what is going to happen with BOM next.They have been monitoring all the post and suggestions. Like I said also, to just continue this on the Bows Thread is just going to rehash the same stuff and at this moment in time accomplish nothing.This section is about crafting and building bows, not Rules and Regulations and personal thoughts on BOM.
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: Dano on June 08, 2008, 12:45:34 am
It's about buildin bows my friend, not rules and regulations, and most importantly Personal Thoughts. Take a break dude!
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: Gordon on June 08, 2008, 12:54:24 am
A bow that is well crafted is naturally attractive.
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: radius on June 08, 2008, 01:03:46 am
Gordon said it again, in just a few simple words.  Nothing wrong with making pretty bows.
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: El Destructo on June 08, 2008, 04:30:03 am
 Man !,, What are we dragging this crap over here for.   It looked like everybody that had a suggestion for BOM pretty much exhausted their ideas on the other thread, so why rehash it over here? On top of that, it seems like most of the people bitchin, very seldom contribute.

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Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: DCM on June 08, 2008, 05:39:23 am
Wow.  Some folks get pretty worked up about this stuff. 

I like the idea of not posting the vote tally until it's done.  I personally don't vote because I won't take the time it takes to fairly judge 40 something entries every month.  I don't follow every post closely throughout the the month and it just doesn't interest me to pick a "winner."

For those who win every month, please reconsider being more selective with your entries.  I've always found bowyering to be a personal journey, not a competition.  To put it another way, if you do win, you've only demonstrated you are a big fish in a very small pond.  Nice sometimes granted, but that's what it boils down to.  Yes, I have entered, and won.  And I wear the hat proudly.  But all I really wanted was to get my wife's picture in the magazine, and only once.

For those who resent the ones who win every month, how about a rule such that once you win a BOM you either get kicked into another higher class, like Dano suggested beginner, intermediate, etc. or you simply aren't allowed to enter more bows for the year.

On the whole, I think a hand full of folks regard this as being a whole lot more important than it really is.  While an interesting part of the magazine, any three bows highlighted from the boards, picked at random even, would serve the same purpose, perhaps even better serve the purpose.
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: Hillbilly on June 08, 2008, 09:59:52 am
Well said, Mims. Now, everybody, do we really need to keep on making a mountain out of a molehill? I don't see the point in starting a caste system on PA, and lumping people into categories of relative worth. It's s'posed to be a little fun, show-and tell, people. Dragging this out is doing much more harm than good.
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: DCM on June 08, 2008, 03:13:19 pm
For the record, I think it's perfectly appropriate to discuss this, necessary even.  I just think we should not get so worked up about some parts of it.
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: Badger on June 08, 2008, 04:05:04 pm
If you look at the amount of votes each month compared to the mount of members it becoes pretty obvious that BOM is not all that important to most. I kind of like it as is. Maybe just hide the votes. Steve
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: Traxx on June 08, 2008, 04:23:52 pm
I*ll be completely honest.I have never voted for BOM.Why?,because when you take something like what we have here n make it a contest,of any sort,this thread,is the result,and worse.To me,it kind of ruins the integrity of what this should be about.I have seen this happen to many things i have been involved with.Rather than there being a contest of sorts,i would rather just see peoples bows Showcased in the mag and on here.Show em all,regardless of the level of experience.I most time,enjoy seeing the begginners work the best.I enjoy watching their progress and self satisfaction.
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: Pat B on June 08, 2008, 06:45:46 pm
Traxx, My hat is off to you. Thank you for your thoughts!!!  8)   Pat

Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: recurve shooter on June 08, 2008, 09:20:21 pm
in my opinion the deffinition of "pretty" as used in describeing a bow, is aimed more toward the lean leathality of the weapon made with one's own hand from a branch or tree trunk. not really the looks. just my 2 cents.
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: wytetale on June 08, 2008, 10:47:40 pm
I agree with Traxx, Instead of having to choose a bow , devote a page to two to show off all the bows. That way you can eliminate all the hee haw about bow of the month and stay focused on what we all really like to do Build Bows and learn new things.
                                                           Buck
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: radius on June 08, 2008, 11:08:14 pm
i think that THAT is the perfect suggestion.  That is a great answer...and if a limit must be made (due to space constraints in the mag) then do it by date...good idea, guys
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: The Burnt Hill Archer on June 08, 2008, 11:21:37 pm
ditto to that.
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: El Destructo on June 08, 2008, 11:22:51 pm
Yep....Sounds like a Winner to me too....but I bet the Girls have already come up with the Fix on their Own....them two are Pretty Smart!!!     ;)
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: Skeaterbait on June 09, 2008, 01:08:30 pm
Ok, I got a little confused in reading through all this..... who pee'd the farthest? :-\ :-\ :-\

Hat's off to ya Dano, you took that abuse well.
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: Dano on June 09, 2008, 05:02:52 pm
Abuse,  ??? ;D
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: brian melton on June 09, 2008, 07:06:21 pm
    With this on Eddies posts "Watch out where those Huskies go,
 and don't eat  that yellow snow" I bet Eddie is still unrolling his hose..... ;DJust couldn't resist.


Brian
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: mullet on June 09, 2008, 08:25:09 pm
 8) 8) ;)  I think it's cool with me and Dano.
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: Dano on June 09, 2008, 08:58:38 pm
These things happen on forums like ours where we put so much into our craft. Emotions run wild, mine did Eddie's did, some times ya gotta just take a breath, walk away and let it rest. I'm good!! Let's build some bows!!!
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: nugget on June 21, 2008, 01:53:11 am
I am not wanting a Gimme I would like a fair chance.
I know my skill is not as good as some but I do my best. I put my best into every bow I make. If I would not shoot it I will not give it away.

Most if not all of the bowyers on this site are top notch. It is hard to find a worthy candidate

It makes me try to be a better and more creative artist.
Sorry guys a little rambling please forgive me.

T.J.
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: medicinewheel on June 21, 2008, 07:40:17 am
A bow that is well crafted is naturally attractive.


exactly!

...and get your pictures well-focused, than you have the fairest chance!


i had been jumped on for posting a purple heart bow with 2-coloured overlays and found myself hearing stuff like '(such thing) opening the door to FG' and it's been suggested i put on nice pictures in order to capture votes; sure i do; ...AND???
what keeps you from doing the same???!
andrea said it in her fine essay about the whole BOM-hipe in the other thread: it IS a beauty contest; we HAVE to judge by pictures!
for me it somehow comes down to 'you are not fair because you post nice pictures, and i still don't know how to get my camara focussed!' well than RTFM!!!
the above mentioned PH-bow was a good bow with great tiller from difficult wood!
colour of tips's been smiled at, the fact that these were needle tips that certainly added to performance failed to be mentioned!

when this bow failed short to win BOM i was more surprised then anybody; i NEVER would have thought that considdering several bows of higher poundage in that list!
before i had posted a rather short 60#@29" straight bamboo composite that i'm sure would outshoot many other bows posted in that month's list (and more) and would certainly be a great hard-hitting hunting bow AND exposed here with nice detailed pictuers and it never came close to a win! - well, that's the way it is: objective does not exist!

take it easy, please!

frank
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: Justin Snyder on June 21, 2008, 02:52:58 pm
Frank, I understand your thoughts completely.  I love BOM the way it is, but I refuse to take the whole contest to seriously, then I am not too disappointed.  Justin
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: medicinewheel on June 22, 2008, 02:38:31 pm

that's what i meant to say: it should not be taken too seriously!
f.
Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: The Singing Bowyer on June 24, 2008, 01:57:45 pm
If you guys want to shake up the contest without having to change much, why not do a few tandum bows... Help a kid or newbie build a bow and put both names on it. You are serving double duty-- helping someone new and putting a bow in the contest.

Just highlighting a few bows in the magazine seems like a fine idea, too. The biggest contest is with ourself and the piece of wood, anyway.

Besides, ugly bows deserve a chance in the spotlight, too... :D



Title: Re: Pretty bows??
Post by: Mechslasher on June 27, 2008, 12:17:34 pm
here's an idea for the boss ladies, how about affirmative action for bowyering?