Friday, August 19, 2011

Watching your own funeral...


Remember Mark Twain's "Tom Sawyer"? There was this great scene where Tom and Huck returned from the cave, just in time for their own funeral.


As you may recall, I left the slingshot forums a while ago, which did cause some stirring. I took a peek - feels strange, really like witnessing your own funeral. Somehow people think because you have stopped posting, you have disappeared as a person. Guys that used to be honey sweet now dare say kind of nasty things... especially in the so called "rebel" forum.

A nice justification for the step I took, really! But guess what... I am not dead, and I still love slingshots!

Whereas my channel and especially this blog continue to work really well for me, I now realize how much time I spent on the forum for very little attention. I mean, I posted a thread on the forum and got between 100 and 400 views, in the end, after a few weeks maybe. I post a new video on youtube and get between 1500 and 6000 views on the first day.. the largest forum has 3,000 members, my youtube channel has 22,000 subscribers.  Fact is the forums needed me more than I needed the forums.

But just to clarify things, I am neither against hunting nor against target shooting. I was insulted by a German forum member who thinks he is the master and self declared speaker of the "elite" slingshot shooters, some kind of superhuman, noble athlete whose immaculate, sublime sport is now tainted by my lowly presence and activities. Noone else ever insulted me (that is, before I left).

I do like target shooting, I even crossed the pond to go to the ECST in 2010 an 2011... I just don't think target shooters are any more "elite" than those who hunt, shoot at cans or... ballistic gelatin, if that is what people want to do.

I did not leave the forums because of the rather naive fellow who insulted me - I left because I was not getting the support I was expecting from the site administration. I simply felt let down. Given how much time I invested and how many members I brought in, I was disappointed.

Now I have far more time to follow my own projects, which mostly means making slingshots of any kind.

And videos, of course!

PS: I hope that my own website and forum will be online soon.





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44 comments:

  1. BaldyloxsAugust 19, 2011 at 4:21 PM

    I have been following your videos on you tube for a while now, and they have both entertained and educated me. I am really impressed by your enthusiasm and ingenuity in application to sling-shot technology. I can't wait to see your next invention.
    As ever, keep positive.

    ReplyDelete
  2. PikemanAugust 19, 2011 at 6:12 PM

    It's a good thing you're not dead and especially that you're not undead, because a big hefty zombie with inside knowledge of anti-zombie weaponry is every mortal's worst nightmare. Anyway, your blog has got a new lease of life since you left the forums. Long may it continue.

    ReplyDelete
  3. DukaTheAugust 19, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    I want to say one thing: GO JOERG!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. RyanAugust 19, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    I understand now why you left. Madison (frogman) left for very similar reasons. this blog is great and i don't think anyone here would even think about saying anything out of line to you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. howardAugust 19, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    Why is there always so much drama in the forum scene. It doesn't matter the topic the forum is about, if it gets too family-like there is always drama going on. I am not a long time member for the slingshotforum but at some other forums and i never had these problems myself, even if i am mod in like 3 forums.
    I think the whole problem why such things arise are expectations. You will never get back as much as you invested or at least you never feel that you get that much back.

    To clearify that again, i don't even know what happened to you Joerg in the slingshot forum or what the exact problem was, the text above is just my 2 cents about similar problems and what i think about them.

    I like this blog and i really love your videos, even if i am not that much interested building that crazy stuff, just plain simple slingshots, but i am happy there is someone who does it and i can watch him trying them :P

    Greetz

    ReplyDelete
  6. PHIL-ROKAugust 19, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    I don't see how people could be say there better than you. i doubt that guy has a you tube channel with thousands of subscribers and videos with over a million views.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Mark August 19, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    Had the same type of thing myself on a forum, amazing how many people who i considered to be friends got the knives out and stabbed me in the back when i left, still, i know i made the right decision, i'll let them continue in their own little world of elitism, as i know the truth and will have the last laugh one day, as will you Joerg

    ReplyDelete
  8. Tosh TogoAugust 19, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    Their loss, our gain. You now have time to pursue your hobby and amaze us while we appreciate most keenly that you do. I have even noticed several posts from your older fans sharply clarifying items, such as using your cats as targets, that are brought up by newer posters to set the proper tone of the web site. You have earned our loyalty and respect. We like you. We are not jealous of you and applaud your enthusiasm. We have fun with you and we thank you for your efforts. Keep smiling that smile. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Tosh TogoAugust 19, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    Oh, and I second what Pikeman said. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownAugust 19, 2011 at 11:15 PM

    Like the song said, "Smiling faces sometimes pretend to be your friend...."
    Glad your doing the blog with YouTube videos! I don't know how you mange the time along with making your creations and job, family.
    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Angelldizz07August 20, 2011 at 12:02 AM

    Don't mind those people who kept insulting you they are just jealous that while they are shooting walmart stuff you keep on creating slingshots that are bound to make the impossible possible

    ReplyDelete
  12. MuizertAugust 20, 2011 at 12:18 AM

    I have been following youre video's for a little year now and i like the way you make them and youre sence of humor. I alsow noticed that you always try to help others with tips and tec suport. And it always supprised me how you keep up with all the questions, making fun stuff and still have a fulltime job :)

    And i think we will all like youre own website, i,m sure i will :)

    All the best.

    ReplyDelete
  13. RabenschildAugust 20, 2011 at 1:42 AM

    I have to repeat what Tosh Togo said: Their loss, our gain.

    I see your videos more as entertainment, i am not into target shooting or such things, but for me it is entertaining to see you shooting at fruits, wooden planks or similar things.

    Your Infos and tutorials are useful and the "job" entertaining me, you are doing great.

    Keep it on!!!

    Immer weiter so!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wiley SkookumAugust 20, 2011 at 2:01 AM

    I guess that's what we call "growing pains". I am glad you are doing you own thing. That's all we should be doing anyhow. I suspect you had many people venomously of you because of your fans and creativity; they were obviously lacking in those areas as well as in courtesy. Keep up the great work Joerg. People still enjoy and appreciate your efforts!

    ReplyDelete
  15. mckeeeAugust 20, 2011 at 2:01 AM

    you should just do want you want its your life after all

    ReplyDelete
  16. DJ'sAugust 20, 2011 at 2:10 AM

    i agree with mckeee, it is your life. anyway i will never unsubscribe to your youtube channel and always wait for the new videos(whenever there is a new video posted by you, i go:"oh my gooood, Mr Sprave just uploaded a new video!!!)thanks for reading.:)

    ReplyDelete
  17. NadeskeezAugust 20, 2011 at 3:12 AM

    I can't wait for the slingshot cannon video!! Don't mind the haters Joerg! Weak humans will always try to bash on someone better than them to make them feel better about themselves

    ReplyDelete
  18. cris223August 20, 2011 at 3:30 AM

    I could not agree more with Baldylox. You're probably the only reason I go on youtube. The thought and hardwork you put into your slingshots astound me everytime. You've inspired me to make my own slingshots, although its not working out so well due to the lack of supplies/equipment. Anyways keep up the genius work. Cant wait for the cannon video :D

    ReplyDelete
  19. bj666August 20, 2011 at 3:42 AM

    can't wait for your website!

    ReplyDelete
  20. CharlesGMorgan@yahoo.comAugust 20, 2011 at 4:47 AM

    Sorry to see you leave the slinghsot forum. I have not seen the negative comments to which you refer. Pity there are such small minded folks about.

    Cheers .... Charles

    ReplyDelete
  21. AnonymousAugust 20, 2011 at 5:08 AM

    I've been watching your videos for at least a couple of years, I'd all ways check for a new one
    and enjoy your passion and creativity in coming up with new designs and concepts for slingshot enthusiasm which is not available anywhere that I have found so you're truelly unique. please, never stop sharing your insight because that would really suck for me. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  22. Perry's PlaceAugust 20, 2011 at 5:59 AM

    Sometimes you have to move on and look for the good in the next situation. I, for one, am glad you started to post on YouTube or I would have never have seen the great slingshots you make.

    ReplyDelete
  23. WmpyrAugust 20, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    in groups there is always politics and jealousy. I have more respect for someone that can stand on their own two feet and get things done. Of course there are times when we need people to share and expand our ideas with, but if it's just to establish some kind of hierarchy then forget it, a waste of time. I absolutely think you did the right thing by leaving.

    ReplyDelete
  24. ChristianAugust 20, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    There idiots at the WWW...and some need to Feel better then the others...I hate such guys, but they're not worthy to be bothered by them...anyone who declares himself as "better" "elite" or such thing without a good reason or a comprehensible Evidance is the exact oposite. They made their desicion, you made yours, Their loss, our gain, live your life, build what you want to build and forget those idiots

    ReplyDelete
  25. As8MaNAugust 20, 2011 at 12:27 PM

    There are some haters out there...

    Ignore them!, we love u and we got ur back!

    ReplyDelete
  26. FinnyAugust 20, 2011 at 2:50 PM

    I have made two sling bows form bolts and washers cause of the ideas Jorg put to work in rubber band projectile technology. Thanks Jorg keep the innovations commin

    ReplyDelete
  27. brianmitchell66August 20, 2011 at 5:38 PM

    you are right..they needed you more than you needed them

    ReplyDelete
  28. jaydee00003August 20, 2011 at 10:57 PM

    As the saying says , You find out whos your real friend when a problem comes. I hope you will setup a forum where you will reply to comments and give suggestions as well.

    ReplyDelete
  29. CamilloNAugust 21, 2011 at 12:11 AM

    I am following your youtube channel and the blog here. Your videos entertained me every time i look at those. Your new Ideas and projects are very interessting......i am sitting here like a little child an wait for the new cannon :)....i really have to say you are the reason why i bought me my first slingshot...go on and do what you have to...since now it was everytime the correct choice.

    ReplyDelete
  30. BeanflipAugust 21, 2011 at 6:24 AM

    Thank you Joerg for introducing me to the slingshot forum. You remain a huge influence on many members persuit of the sport. For me slingshots are about fun. When I see your videos I know you feel the same. Each time creating something wonderful that makes us all feel like boys again.

    ReplyDelete
  31. BearAugust 21, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    I've been playing around with slingshots from the time my grandmother, of all people, taught me how to build one from a forked branch from an apple tree and a section of an old tire inner tube at about age 7 or 8, (if you knew her you would know how strange this was) that was over 45 years ago, and your videos have me always looking forward to the next one, I love the inventiveness. I can't wait to see your cannon firing!

    ReplyDelete
  32. sanpawabasAugust 21, 2011 at 10:22 AM

    You are the reason I got back into slingshots, I love your videos and your passion, craftsmanship and plain good humour inspire people everywhere im sure.
    unfortunately the internet is full of bullies who become brave when they log on, people who have to empower themselves by attacking others.
    Ignore them and whatever happens keep your love for your hobby, thank you for sharing your videos with us!

    ReplyDelete
  33. ryanslumanAugust 22, 2011 at 1:55 PM

    i cant wait for your site to be up.

    ReplyDelete
  34. PiggyAugust 22, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    there is always one but never mind jorg =] we love you enthusiasm and attention to detail. cant wait to see the cannon =D all the best =]

    ReplyDelete
  35. stipeAugust 22, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    And we need YOU keep up good work, thanks for everything!!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. gringoAugust 24, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    Hey Jörg!

    I do miss you in the SSF and I know a few others that do the same. Don't give a +#%& about the jealous guys... You are one great guy!

    el_topo

    ReplyDelete
  37. ryanslumanAugust 24, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    also i think you should re upload all the old videos that re route us to the slingshot forum. change the link to slingshotchannel at least :D fuck the slingshot forum.

    ReplyDelete
  38. TheMotoRickAugust 25, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    Jörg, you are the reason I got into Slingshots. Wherever you go, I'll be there.
    --SuwaneeRick (Motorick on YouTube)

    ReplyDelete
  39. DouglasSeptember 3, 2011 at 5:42 PM

    i'm commenting because i know how you felt. a few years back i spent all my effort on what i thought was amazing. when i presented it they insulted me for it, used it as laughing matter and is now probably at the back of there store cupboard. all my efforts, a five day project tossed into the bin.

    ReplyDelete
  40. ZDP-189November 20, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    You remain as always welcome to return. Until then, I look forward to collaborating with you as often as possible.

    ReplyDelete
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