The boards reputation

[bc]

Hoooooooooowdy y'all. I've been thinking for a lil while wondering why some of the big name guys don't come around here, ever. Why is that? I really don't think it's because there afraid of folks bitting. Do they think we are a bunch of jokes? We use to have a folks jump in here an then they slow fade away. I realize this board can be huffy puffy (drum an hit hat) sometimes but sheez, it aint that bad. I've even meantioned this board a few times to a few different blowers an they shruge. Are we that bad? OR are they lurking? Or do they think we are just stupid for showing our talent online where the gov could possible be building a case???? Any other thoughts?

ps, hope I didn't offend anyone who is on the board an is 'big name', they are a couple who do pop in.

[Dale M.]

You have to admit, the board focus is pretty narrow, and the implication of some of the products made are not comfortable in the main stream of glass making... Maybe it's the image and attitude the board projects that keeps it separated from other glass disciplines....

Dale

[3 rip min]

You have to admit, the board focus is pretty narrow, and the implication of some of the products made are not comfortable in the main stream of glass making... Maybe it's the image and attitude the board projects that keeps it separated from other glass disciplines....

Dale
GOOD!!!! i dont want to be part of the "main stream"... :rollin

[dellis326]

Yeah I tend to agree with Dale. As long as this board's main focus is pipemaking, alot folks who do other kinds of work will feel out of place here even though many of us here make things other then pipes too or don't make pipes at all. The fervent nature of some people in regards to pipes scares people away. With the exception of the marble board, most other forums are not so focused about the end product. Yeah I know, people here do sculpture, marbles, pendents and a bunch of other stuff but everywhere you look here you see talk of pipes.

That's ok with me even though I don't make pipes because most of the techniques can be used on other things but sometimes people can be closed minded and think we're all evil drug using hippies because of it. I've learned more here then any other board I've found.

I also remember alot of folks bailing out after all the bullshit happened on the old board. things have changed a lot but maybe they don't have time anymore.

[J McGhee]

well, we do have some big wigs on this board. that lark around, and share info, but alot of times people are busy tryin to get orders done, and traveling that its hard to get on every night and post shit.

i think we could expand are board and get some hotshop sections, and other sections too. and try to make us a strong force in the glass world.
just pic the discount we could get if we all pooled together and bought shit from these manufactures at whole sale pricing.
since we are ran by artist for the artist. and im not talking about any fog thing but i think it would be great idea since we are a community on this board.
the people that run this board are the big wigs in my book and i give them a big thanks



maybe list some glass topic u would like to see on here and the mods can see if there is room or what

Jason mcghee AKA Lazydog

now im going to play on my new gtt boo ya bitch

puff puff pass to me if ya want, but u wont see any pipe from me unless its mine LOL :chilling: :boxer: :chaos: :spin: :Uranus: man more icons love these things

[Joseph Corcoran]

I agree that not many will come around, and many have left because there are many pipemakers on here.

There were alot of trolls for a while and lots of folks left.

This board was started as the pipemakers board.

I'm sure there are lots of other boards out there where "big-wigs" post from time to time, but I don't see many of them ever coming here.

Many of the "big-wigs" still are behind the "glass curtain" as well, or they want to understandably TEACH their tech for $$$.

Just my 2 cents

[IrieGuy05]

Theres big names on here. Slinger, Kevin, Robert Mickelson, Marc Vandenburg, and lots of others. Did you mean in regards to regular artists or just in general?

I bet a lot of people just don't have the time, have moved, maybe quit blowing glass, or got families and more important stuff to spend time on. Some people left before the switch, some people probably just took the couple of ezboard crashes as a sign. Like after so many years it may have become stale to them. I remember it was better when I first came to the OG forum in 2002 or so. Slowly there were more lurkers and trolls.

I don't know but this forum has been invaluable to me just in the techs I've learned, also having other pipers to talk to, I know a good number of local lampers in person now but at first this was the only place I could talk about glass and people knew what the hell I was talking about.

[bc]

I'm talking only about pipemaking, I could care less about some two bit uptight butthole that looks down on pipemaking. I don't want ot name names but sure you can think of a few folks....

[Anakin's Glass Eye]

I've never thought for a minute this board was focused on pipe making. I see a broad range of knowledge being shared.

[Royal]

I've never thought for a minute this board was focused on pipe making. I see a broad range of knowledge being shared.

same here. it all applies to other applications. i think this board is great..its the only one i go to.

[Stagger Lee]

Half the time there's nothing to talk about. People posting random crap, diccussing glasses, what's art, how to fume, what torch is better, etc............. It's all been talked to death and then beat to mush.

I think when there is something interesting to discuss, the "big-wigs" do pipe in.

just my 2 cents............

[bc]

Well, perhaps it's just me but I've been around this board since it was called 'the pipemakersforumn,' before folks had to have a title of being a artist, the pipemaker thing was going around. I actually hate saying I'm an artist, sound so upity. Perhaps 'offical' titles scare me? I realize it's not the pipemakers forumn anymore but this place DEFINATLY has strong roots to pipes, more than any other type of widget.

I think dude stagger lee has it, same topics an perhaps these folks realize that?

well, anyways, thanks for allowing me to think on a screen.

[wisco lala]

I actually hate saying I'm an artist, sound so upity. Perhaps 'offical' titles scare me?


Brian- You're killing me with the upity talk. admitting your an artist is like saying I only eat every other month and if you say you're a pipe artist I guess you would eat looking over your shoulder. now if you were to throw in a few mfa,bfa titles I could understand the upity part. I think when most people hear the word artist they roll their eyes and lock their liquor cabinets. I wouldn't trade it for anything. plus im getting damn good at picking locks :lol


aterlay cherryboy!
lala (soon to be a big name) already famous in Hilbert :rollin


:tongue:

[dellis326]

I think anyone who's been with the board for awhile knows that there is more non-pipe then pipe discussion, I'm sure there always will be pipe talk here and that'll make some folks stay away, F*ck'em if they're that close-minded but on the other hand it creates a scense of exclusivity in which everyone looses out in.

We here loose out because many new folks who may contribute new info and concepts think this is a piper only board or are even more ignorant and just don't want anything to do with the place because of the "pipe" association.

They loose out because they don't see what this place has to offer.

[rumplephorskin]

The important thing is that we ALL enjoy working with glass. People seem to lose sight of that. It's a shame. It doesnt have to be as political as it is. Glass artists in general are a bunch of oddballs and boro lampworkers are even odder still. You can take that even one level further and say that ppl that make pipes out of boro are like oddballs to the 3rd power or something.
It doesnt matter who chimes in. The important thing is that we choose to interact with this group in our pursuit of knowledge and are generous with what we share with ppl who are on that same mission but on different levels than us.
Personally I kind of get off on the newbies enthusiasm. I remember when every day was like Christmas. I couldnt wait to get to the shop and see my pieces from the day before. Now; after 9 yrs; its just like any other job most of the time.
I don't know if it matters what the "big wigs" are doing. Ultimately if they're not sharing within the group and they're getting money that could potentially be mine then I guess they're just competition.

[Dale M.]

Just for giggles.... Look at the disenfranchisement of glass bead making.... There are four popular forums, ISGB, WET CANVAS, ART GLASS FORUM, and LAMPWORK ETC:....

All support glass beads, all support strained glass, all support slumping... NONE support each other........ It's highly competitive "who" is the best glass "bead" board..... Each board has something to offer that each "other" board does not...

Dale

[sarah]

what I can notice on this site, is that the people are not hypocrites. They don't go extasier on your work when obviously it looks like nothing. What would be even more interesting is that people go futher in the criticize. Sometimes it is hard for the one who creates the piece to have an honnest view, when I look back on some of my pieces, I ask my self how I could possibly find this good... Maybe it is not very American being but I would appreciated it, so go a head next time a send a picture of my work and empty your soul

[harpentuan]

admitting your an artist
General question. Why is this so tough? People can easily proclaim, they are a carpenter, or an accountant, or a coal miner, musician, even a teacher. But why is it soo bold to say that your title or occupation is artist (regardless of your working medium).
It seems because it is a very brazen thing to do, like proclaiming your a genious, or even a god.
It's just weird, it shows that artist's are held in high regard, especially by the 'hater'.

[smutboy420]

wondering why some of the big name guys don't come around here.
Whos to say we have less "big name guys/girls" then other glass boards?
I don't see a lot of posting by the big names else where all that much.
I'd bet there are many reasons for big names to not post any thing or take a certian stance or opinion about a topic. Inless its something they know will not come back to bite them later.
Basicly I don't see a lot of the big names ever post inless its something that they feel needs to be posted. Rather then just hanging out. or even throwing there 2 cents in to some post from some one asking a minor ?

But I don't see less big name lampworkers here then anywhere else.

[wfdon]

THis borad is slowly getting a bad reputation with all the stabs and rude comments that some of you make are attacks on others. i have watched it from the begining i im getting tired of the putdowns!!! im not a liar but yet im accused of it on this borad.. im not a good communicator and you make fun of it "with out any understanding of what im trying to say.. im not a good speller i didint get to go to a good school and you attack me for it. now i can take a punch but i will not keep getting hit!! and pushed around!!!!

ive watched as some newbies post questions and get put down for it many times
GO GET A BOOK!!! TAKE A CLASS!!! Miss leading tecniques like GROWING SILVER ect ect.

other borads dont put up with this and i do see big names out here and i know for a fact a few watch and they help others out privet mail ect.

i think( but what does that matter "IM WEAK") to make this borad better all attacks on other should be delt with and some of you need to have respect.

I like this borad and would like to see it improve.

[bc]

I think when most people hear the word artist they roll their eyes and lock their liquor cabinets.
:tongue:


That is what I'm talking about lala. That's why I don't even say I'm an artist.

I thuink jj hit what I was wondering except the fact I don't think they are on other boards, just not speaking up, was curious.

back to lala, where thr eff have you been? Takes a topic like that to pipe in? come around more often girl.

[Turning Point Glass]

I think this board's great and the most helpful of all the boards I've visited in terms of providing clear and useful guidance on some of the more advanced techniques that previously one could usually only learn through an apprenticeship.
I also think people need to have a better sense of humor and not get pissed off so easily.

[IrieGuy05]

Hey Don you need to slow down and relax, guess they took your medical mj too or something..

[Mike_Aurelius]

OH BULLSHIT DALE!

AGF supports LE AND the ISGB AND The Melting Pot...whether that support is returned or not is meaningless. LE and the ISGB and The Melting Pot in return at least allow the mention of the AGF, which is far better than The Water Closet does - and for my two cents, that's more than enough.

There is no "disenfranchisement" - do you even know what the word means?

And speaking just for AGF, we've NEVER claimed to be the "best" or the "one with the most information" or anything else. We've strived for quality over quantity, from the very beginning.




Just for giggles.... Look at the disenfranchisement of glass bead making.... There are four popular forums, ISGB, WET CANVAS, ART GLASS FORUM, and LAMPWORK ETC:....

All support glass beads, all support strained glass, all support slumping... NONE support each other........ It's highly competitive "who" is the best glass "bead" board..... Each board has something to offer that each "other" board does not...

Dale

[wfdon]

LOL..... nope dont have that problem and dude im relaxed just making a point OH a Fact.

theres a lot of good techs. that comes from this borad

[somberbear]

I love glass and i love this board. i try and keep every thing running smoothly and i can say from personal experiance the people who run this board are some of the best people i have delt with. I also try to keep up my moderator responsablitys as best i can to keep it nice around here. we do have major artists that drop by here all the time. namely every one who posts i believe has the potential to be major and has major controbutions that they can or will give. and for those that lerk well let them. its about sharing and reaching the limits and taking it farther learning more. I also love this board and feel that the pipes side of things are really limited compared to a "piper" board. but if people look down on you for your art i personaly dont need them around. they wont contribute what i feel is the spirit of the board and our community. I am still in the infancy of my glass blowing life and depend on this board for knowledge, venting , and inspiration that keeps me going. negitivity is normaly what i need but i also have a tough skin. I also post my first stuff not to show off as to show what i hope my art will become later as my skill and knowledge improve.

Bottom line. this place has a lot to offer and i hope to serve the community as best i can. I feel its needed and try to pay my dues no matter how hard it can be. I have connected with some truely amazing people threw this board that i would have never had a chance normaly to meet. I have learn things and gained inspiration from here and modivation. And my only wish for this board in the future is become not the greatist board theres no need for that. But become a truely informative community that it is already but grows and we all can have a little fun along the way.

as for group buys i love the idea but all for not i do not have personal time to run such a thing. but think of the deal we could do with color companys if we go in for say 500 pounds direct from the company. i dont mind. just some one else needs to run it for my time is very short lately with every thing else.


peace
rob

[dnug42]

would i be too forward to say some people spend way too much time here! and need to give it a rest cause they think it's there own private idaho....?.................?
no- but really there use to be big names- still are, i think- sable,benway.... its summertime no one is on there computer anyhow.
I think there is also lots of industry people as well- and people might not know there names but they have a big part in the community.....i am grateful for the help i have gotten and some very cool ass peeps i have met- and become friends with!

[PyroChixRock]

Hey guys, good conversation. I'm just popping in but I wanted to mention to WFdon that we are NOT developing a bad reputation, we are just now starting to get away from one that snuck up on us. The staff have put in countless hours to turn around our "bad" reputation, and it's working.

You guys are awesome members, all of you. You each have put something valuable into this place and it makes it what it is today. We can only get better from here on out, and the projects our staff has planned will and do help the general feeling around here.

Soon to come, auction section, glass library, and new chat room:D

[Dale M.]

OH BULLSHIT DALE!

AGF supports LE AND the ISGB AND The Melting Pot...whether that support is returned or not is meaningless. LE and the ISGB and The Melting Pot in return at least allow the mention of the AGF, which is far better than The Water Closet does - and for my two cents, that's more than enough.

There is no "disenfranchisement" - do you even know what the word means?

And speaking just for AGF, we've NEVER claimed to be the "best" or the "one with the most information" or anything else. We've strived for quality over quantity, from the very beginning.

Again you have taken a opportunity to stalk me and try to belittle anything I have to say.... AGF is the biggest perpetrator of disenfranchisement .... You started it to antagonise WC and you turned on many of the people who helped you establish AGF... And you continue the attack on me, here.......

You are a real piece of work.... You would be a lot better just sticking to making good lenses for glass workers and keep your caustic rhetoric to your self and off the boards.... No body wants to hear it!

With apologies to other board members and admits.

Dale M.

[Dale M.]

OH BULLSHIT DALE!

AGF supports LE AND the ISGB AND The Melting Pot...whether that support is returned or not is meaningless. LE and the ISGB and The Melting Pot in return at least allow the mention of the AGF, which is far better than The Water Closet does - and for my two cents, that's more than enough.

There is no "disenfranchisement" - do you even know what the word means?

And speaking just for AGF, we've NEVER claimed to be the "best" or the "one with the most information" or anything else. We've strived for quality over quantity, from the very beginning.


Disenfranchisement

Definition: Disenfranchisement
Disenfranchisement
Noun

1. The act of withdrawing certification.

Source: WordNet 1.7.1 Copyright © 2001 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.


Antonym: certification (n).

**************

In a way you are causing the cetriifiability of information or data or ones character to be put into question by your continued attacks on anything that is posted that is in anyway contrary to your way of thinking......

You and a lot of other people on ALL the boards at some point, even me, are guilty of this.......

Dale

[Royal]

new chat, yay!

[fumalicious]

Yeah I think this board is pretty rocking... and it's only growing. And with Misha at the helm you know this place is only going to improve... not to mention the team of admins/ mods working hard to keep this place on point. Especially the mod in the politics forum that guy rocks.


:tongue:

Thanks to all the members that contribute to this community!!!

asside from Mike and Dale :lol j/k
seriously you guys need to chill

[slinger]

i think its the NONpipemakers that are giving this place a "bad" reputation......

seriously though, i think some peeps dont post here because they dont like spending time on computers or message boards, simple as that.

[wisco lala]

Wow Cherryboy,
Didn't see this thread taking the turns that it did.

With all the crap in the world happening do you guys have to crap all over this thread????? :sick:

It's not non'pipe makers or pipemakers that are giving this forum a bad rep. it's a few loud mouths :devil1: that can't play nice with others and obviously it must happen in their real lives too because they come in here and act like big f-in babies.

Lighten up......let go of your anger.........or go to your room and think about what you did wrong. :(

back to the subject.....
I AM AN ARTIST!.....

....but I wouldn't mind dating a pipemaker.......... :lol
lala

[VinE]

The board is what it is, and thats what makes it rock

[Mr. "Awesome!"]

This board is awesome, great info and people

What sucks is the personal b.s. that always ends up in almost every thread, like this one.

[Dale M.]

dale, all i see you do is attack people... jesus dude, who the fuck are you???(like i care) just in the past couple of days i have seen you attack people for spelling errors and the funny thing is that your grammer was just as bad as the spelling.... lol.. go be a spelling nazi somewhere else....

dale are you trying to help anyone here or just being a dick???

Sorry you have the wrong person..... I dont attack anybody for spelling or grammer.... I know and I admit mine is not the best....

I'm not buying into YOUR silly little game....

Dale

[bc]

word lala, thanks for saying that to the two bad boys.

all you wisco pipers, lala's looking :bounce: :fworks

p.s.
Your a pisser.

[Udai Hussien]

I think you will be pleased with the new chat...


Just my $0.02

[rumplephorskin]

when is it gonna be up dwaine ¿

[UnipentA]

Its back :-)

Bump

/Ken

[3 rip min]

Sorry you have the wrong person..... I dont attack anybody for spelling or grammer.... I know and I admit mine is not the best....

I'm not buying into YOUR silly little game....

Dale
hey im sorry dale... it was fredlight that was being a spelling nazi... my bad im a dick....

[bc]

ouch.

[PyroChixRock]

This board is awesome, great info and people

What sucks is the personal b.s. that always ends up in almost every thread, like this one.


I agree but at least a shitload of people aren't whining about shit like their cat dying last night or their mom having a bad heart and crap I really don't wanna read :lol coughwccough

[Udai Hussien]

You guys are awesome members, all of you. You each have put something valuable into this place and it makes it what it is today. We can only get better from here on out, and the projects our staff has planned will and do help the general feeling around here.




Even me? >.<

[Udai Hussien]

when is it gonna be up dwaine ¿


That is <eesh's baby/// I have a prototype up on my board if you want to check it out. I am just like meesh and mattricks geek techie advisor..

[Roxy]

I agree but at least a shitload of people aren't whining about shit like their cat dying last night or their mom having a bad heart and crap I really don't wanna read :lol coughwccough

I have not posted in this forum before for various reasons. I am 53 years old and well ..this forum just seems a bit young. Not the age of the forum but of those who come here. That does not make this board bad in my opinion. People just have a tendency to gather somewhere that feels comfortable.

Take for instance, the post that I have quoted. It is an honest opinion and I can accept that. However an opinion is only an opinion. To classify people's comments over the things that happen in their lives as "whining" says alot about a person attitudes. And if this is how the majority of you feel in this forum then you are cultivating a certain kind of feel for this forum that will draw like minded individuals. It is your right to do so and I support it.

I am not hip or cool. I have no tatoos and only pierced ears. I probably have political and spiritual ideas that are equally uncool. But I am curious about other glass related forums and pop in them once in awhile to see what is going on.

Believe me, I am not saying that any other forum is better. I have been so disgusted with the way people behave in the other forums that I have taken to communicating by private message more than not so I can avoid the BS in whatever thread I am reading. Mean people suck!

But I am old enough to know what it is like to have a mother who is ill (mine is gone now) and I can truly empathise with someone who is frightened that she will lose her mother. And, though it sounds so matronly LOL, I have cried over losing a beloved pet. To me, none of that is whining but just the kind of thing that makes us all human. If that is foreign to you then you are so blessed. But life is the great equalizer and one day the "whining" may not seem so whiny anymore.

Roxy... the uncool and unhip old lady

PS I used a few glass pipes back in the day :eek

[Udai Hussien]

well roxy, it takes Moxy (for lack of a more "adult" term) to post that. Kudos, and I hope ypou stay around for a while

[Roxy]

well roxy, it takes Moxy (for lack of a more "adult" term) to post that. Kudos, and I hope ypou stay around for a while

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyy I haven't heard "moxy" in a long time! How old are you anyway??? lol Roxy Moxy, Moxy Roxy. Well Dwaine I tend to be quiet cause I just don't fit in anywhere. My moxy gets me in trouble and it is rarely worth it. I'll hang out on the fringe.

Roxy

[Udai Hussien]

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyy I haven't heard "moxy" in a long time! How old are you anyway??? lol Roxy Moxy, Moxy Roxy. Well Dwaine I tend to be quiet cause I just don't fit in anywhere. My moxy gets me in trouble and it is rarely worth it. I'll hang out on the fringe.

Roxy


I turn 31 friday, and trust me, no one else gets in more truble for opening there mouth than me, so please make yourself at home! if you are ever in NC, Ill take you to Moe's (http://www.moes.com/menu.php) for a burrito and beers... My treat

[bc]

bassline for dwaine....

[Udai Hussien]

bassline for dwaine....

:puzzled: :unsure:

[rumplephorskin]

Roxy this board is awesome. If you take a look around you will notice that from time to time people do say cold hearted things on here. However; 9 times out of 10 they are verbally reprimanded by at least 4 or 5 others in the group. We are a little rough around the edges; but thats part of our charm:)

[IrieGuy05]

I'm only 22 but I would say the median age for this forum is like 30ish, a few kids or not. I thought people here were generally older than me.. Were just kinda crass from time to time.

[wfdon]

i dont agree with some of the bs that can go on STABS ect ect. but wat i do like is they don't hold it over you head and shun you. The ones that will flip you the bs will also come back and help you out.
I think THATS COOL!!!!

i also think some are entitled to some Rants and Raves with glass related Topics like ripoffs ect. and it needs to be posted. i have watched other board accuse non members of being ripoffs then delete the thread of a member being a rip off for the same thing THATS WRONG!

i may not like some of the bs but i will hang in hear because i think this is the best site.

[Julian]

While I agree with Roxy that cats and mothers are serious business, and it is nice that the women on WC have a community where they feel comfortable chitter chattering about their personal issues, I have felt the way Misha does before. I've referered students to WC and they have remarked that it is hard to find the glass info between all of the non glass talk, and I used to call it the forum where you go to talk about 'mandrel beads and your cat'.

I hate the anti-male sexist crap that crops up in the predominantly middle-aged female forums, such as the tendency to refer to ones spouse as 'DH' for 'dumb husband'. I am proud to say that here, in this younger, mostly male forum we do not habitually refer to our girlfriends as 'DG' for 'dumb girlfriend' and I can't really see a disrespectful trend like that ever taking root around here. If your husbands are so dumb, and you are so smart, get a frickin' divorce. I think the way that so many people would refer to their husbands in that way, and seem to think it is acceptable and even humorous, says something about the culture at those forums, and I simply don't like it.

[Dale M.]

It really goes back to the first few post in this thread... Each board takes on its own persona... Either you are comfortable there or you are not.....

If you are not comfortable there, don't go there....

Dale

[kbinkster]

Hey, Julian, "DH" is supposed to mean "dear husband" or, less commonly "darling husband," unless otherwise noted. If they use "DH" in an ugly context, it is usually "dick head" and they will point that out. If you look a little deeper, you will see "DD" and "DS" for "darling daughter" and "dear son."

Anyway, I feel that there is a place for every forum. I think it's nice to be able to gleen from each what you want as long as you respect the spirit/personality of each board. For example, it would not be too cool to come onto this board and start posting the typical off-topic things you find in the lobby of WetCanvas - not because those things aren't valid discussion topics, but because they already have a place to be discussed where the people most likely to discuss those issues already hang out and the people here don't typically discuss those things.

Likewise, it would be uncool to go over to WetCanvas and start complaining about the topics being posted over there - not because you might have a point about it being hard to find glass discussion amid the off-topic stuff, but because that is how the community over there is and that's how they like it.

I like that each board has its own personality. I really like this board's personality. I probably hang out over here more than anywhere else.

As far as this board's reputation, I think it has a good one. I'll bet that the more famous/infamous blowers post when they have the time and feel they have something to contribute. They probably spend their time working with glass (and teaching, doing shows, etc.) instead of cruising the internet - that's why they're so good at it and so well-known.

EDIT: Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule - like Misha. I don't know how you do it, Misha. You're a mother of two children, this forum's administrator, and an accomplished glassworker. Do you ever sleep? lol Anyway, Misha, you should be commended on the work you do here. This is a great forum and we all appreciate you.

[bc]

d--like ion a porno movie, :lol

[Julian]

Thanks Dale, I know how to deal with my issues.

reading the forum, when ever people say 'DH' is 'Dear Husband' other people think that is funny. Whatever.
ould go ahead and post whatever off topic, WC-lobby style posts in the 'Safety Break Room' That would be not a problem. We're just organized a biut differently here. There, the off-glass-topic section is the main one, here, its at the bottom. As far as going to WC and complaining about what people talk about there, that would just be stupid. Of course it is pointless, and nobody should do that.
One thing I do find annoying about WC is when someone knowledgeable and experienced with glass makes a post, and then some person comes and argues with them about it, usually because they don't want to spend the money to do things safely, or think that watching someone do something once makes them an authority on how it is done.

It takes a lot more instruction and investment to become a furnace worker or boro blower than to be a hot head bead maker,and I think it shows in the average experience level at each forum. While it is possible to learn a lot at Wet Canvas, as about 1/3 of the folks are highly experienced, some of the discussions I happen upon there are so stupid that it's impossible to even start setting the issues straight. For instance, how do you explain to 20 people who are excited about blowing glass on a hollow mandrel with a hole in the side that it is sort of interesting, but basically stupid and limited compared to actual glass blowing?

For this boards 'reputation' or BC question about why people that used to post here don't anymore, I think Slingy said it well, some people simply don't enjoy posting on forums. I have been off and on with this forum for years. I have stopped reading for months, but then when I get back I realize howe much info about techniques, suppliers, materials and gossip I have been missing out on. I've learned so much from this forum that theres no way I could stop checking it. Now posting, posting is useless... I can't say how many posts I've written and then just closed my browser because It's not worth the effort. Forums in general are weird. Sort of horrible in a way.

[PyroChixRock]

But I am old enough to know what it is like to have a mother who is ill (mine is gone now) and I can truly empathise with someone who is frightened that she will lose her mother. And, though it sounds so matronly LOL, I have cried over losing a beloved pet. To me, none of that is whining but just the kind of thing that makes us all human. If that is foreign to you then you are so blessed. But life is the great equalizer and one day the "whining" may not seem so whiny anymore.

It figures the two examples I used would offend someone, guess that was inevitable. :ohwell: Roxy you don't get my point, but Juln did. Our OFF TOPIC is at the BOTTOM of the forum, where as on other forums it is the main attraction and talking about glass will get you swarmed on. If you want to talk about your mom's heart problems and your cat dying, go for it, in the safety break room.

Anyway, it brought you out of lurk mode and you're posting now, so you might as well keep on posting and join us. We may be a bit rough around the edges but we do care about your mom and your cat too! :tongue:

[kbinkster]

One thing I do find annoying about WC is when someone knowledgeable and experienced with glass makes a post, and then some person comes and argues with them about it, usually because they don't want to spend the money to do things safely, or think that watching someone do something once makes them an authority on how it is done.

Sadly, this happens and has caused many knowledgeable glass workers to simply stop posting. I'm happy that that doesn't seem to happen over here, as it is frustrating for me to see. But, even though I get frustrated by it, I understand it. Many bead makers (this by no means includes evryone, but I do feel that it does cover a huge number) are women who like to do arts and crafts. A lot of them got interested in jewelry making and stumbled onto lampworked beads. Lampworked beads are great, but quality ones are not cheap. So, being the creative sort of people that they are, they decide that making beads is probably something that they can do themselves so that they can (1) save money by making their own beads, and (2) make beads that are specific to their project. Now, they are most likely married or have children and/or other obligations that limit their spending on what they consider necessary. For many people, buying a $35 Hot Head to start out is a big deal, and a kiln... well, that may be out of the question for a lot of people. Spending the money for a decent ventilation system, when a box fan in a window seems to work just fine (although we all know that it isn't), seems like an expense that can be put off for when they have the extra cash. I know that this is not the right way to go, but I'm just trying to point out the logic behind why people are so resistant to listen to sound advice from the more experienced. Regardless of why (and sometimes because of it), it is still very frustrating to see someone ignore the safety warnings.

You also made a very interesting observation concerning experience levels and forums. It does seem that there are more new lampworkers on the bead boards than on here. That's makes perfect sense, since bead making is probably the most popular way to start lampworking (they sell bead making kits at Hobby Lobby for crying out loud). For a lot of people, it's nice to have a "home base" forum and other forums to grow into as their skills improve and expand.

This forum is probably the "home base" forum for new pipemakers and other boro artists as well as the place to "grow into" for advanced techniques in boro. Now, the interesting flip side is that Wet Canvas (and now Lampwork Etc.) would probably be a good "home base" for new bead makers and other soft glass artists as well as the place to "grow into" for advanced techniques for working soft glass. I think that there is probably a lot more cross-over from soft glass to boro than from boro to soft glass, and that is why this board attracts such a broad range of readers/participants.

As more and more of these cross-over artists gain knowledge and experience, we will see more and more boro techniques being discussed on the traditional soft glass forums. In time, they might just catch up. Maybe so, may no, you never know. But, all in all, I think that because of the very strong roots in boro working, this forum probably won't be the be-all end-all place to go for soft glass techniques. That's o.k., it doesn't seem that the people here want that (I'm sure that this place can be whatever the membership wants it to be). A forum doesn't have to be everything to everyone to be a great forum.

Of course, my observations are just that - my observations. And, they could be all wrong. This is just the impression I get from visiting this and other forums. After this long-winded post, I think the best way to sum it all up would be, "It's all good." ;)

[Roxy]

This is truly funny!!! Go figure that though the off topic stuff is at the bottom of the list but manages to find its way into the wrong spot anyway. Offended? Moi? If I ever get offended you will absolutely know it cause I will say so without mincing words. LOL I had to go back and read the description for GLDG cause I just kind of joined in without paying much attention to what should be going on. I guess I ought to try to make sure that I don't help to highjack the purpose of a room. AS far as the actual positioning of the off topic room having the meaning of being the least important of topics I can only say that until I read that I had no idea that its position was significant! I am not that deep of a thinker. So I am having a good laugh at myself for managing to leave the impression that I was offended, participating in an off topic discussion in the wrong room, and jumping in with both feet without looking...again. Daaaaaaaaamn I ususally find my way to this kind of faux pas with so much ease it is frightening!


Hey...I recall that someone said something about middle aged female man bashing forums which tickled my funny bone a bit. Heh. WC, ISGB and LE certainly do not engage in man bashing though I can understand if why someone might think so. But if complaining that your ex punched you in the eye or won't pay child support is man bashing, rather than someone talking about her life and needing support, then I really am from another century. Hey wait...I am! We might tell funny stories about the dumb things our hubbies do but ...man bashing? Hell my DH loves to tell everyone he can about the latest stupid thing I have done. And I give him so many examples that he keeps em rolling in the aisles. I guess I need to check out a few man bashing sights ..any suggestions anyone?

People argue about everything. It is just that some people are really arrogant about their knowledge and love to challenge anyone who says something they can find fault with. I find this boring and usually ignore both parties and look for answers elsewhere. If that does not hsppen here you are fortunate. But with time if the numbers here increase then you might find more head butting going on. More people bring more problems. Whatcha gonna do, right?

I think that maybe the question of where the important people are in relation to this forum is easily answered. They are already here. You only need the people who make this forum what you want it to be.

Roxy


It figures the two examples I used would offend someone, guess that was inevitable. :ohwell: Roxy you don't get my point, but Juln did. Our OFF TOPIC is at the BOTTOM of the forum, where as on other forums it is the main attraction and talking about glass will get you swarmed on. If you want to talk about your mom's heart problems and your cat dying, go for it, in the safety break room.

Anyway, it brought you out of lurk mode and you're posting now, so you might as well keep on posting and join us. We may be a bit rough around the edges but we do care about your mom and your cat too! :tongue:

[PyroChixRock]

The position of the safety break room is more or less being used as a figure of speech here, it really doesn't matter where it falls on the site map. And don't worry about hyjacking threads, it's not a big deal here. It actually turns into some really great threads when that happens, like this one, and we don't have any rules about hyjacking except in the glassifieds.

Here is our description, don't know if you saw this one for sure since this software had some built in ones I had to track down and change.

The Glass Lampworkers Discussion Group is a forum dedicated sharing knowledge, skills and techniques geared toward the progression of an ancient art form. From sherlocks to goblets, and beads to bubblers, we discuss the latest techniques and critique the latest trends. We discuss safety issues and even politics. If you ever wanted to learn how to blow glass, or already know and just want to meet others who also do what you do, then you've found the right place.


And no worries, we still love your cat, which ever room he's talked about in! :lol