Originally posted by stongle
Russ for the benefit of you and those with a persecution complex.
There is no axe to grind with the PA. I think myself and others here understand fully the approach or Vision you and the PA Politburohave for Paintball in the UK.
Many agree with your approach, and many others do not. Web forums and Discussion boards are the places people should be able to discuss these either anonymously or not (ideally without fear of censorship). I rather enjoy a frank exchange of views on the matter, as I'm sure many others do. The path chosen by the PA or Vision is going to draw comment and argument as it is contrary or different to the current Status Quo or state of play.
Whether a right or wrong exists who knows, but people should be able to vigorously argue their cases either way. If everyone was singing of the song sheet the world would be a very dull place. What is slightly worrying is that on some issues, such as the start gates, the organisers take solace in the support they receive from the novice community and ignore the opinions of those who maybe not know better but certainly know different. To place value in the opinions of the novices (Div 2,3,4 players) over the more worldly experienced on rules, style of play and safety is to miss valuable insight and knowledge.
The same is true on Bonus balling. Paintball style of play has moved on, Snap shooting battles are a thing of the past, people are running and gunning and using firepower as an extension of a players skill set. When players are shooting lanes at 12-15 bps legally, taking multiple hits is an inevitability. Teams still looking for targets on a sup air field are self evidenced by their results, as the nature of the game has switched to dominance via firepower and movement.
In my opinion the PAs reluctance to embrace one of the fundamentals of the modern game: "Firepower" (as is evidenced by the starting gate scenario - starting behind mean very few players are taken of the bat), and bonus balling etc, does open you up for comment. In some instances the PA approach to matters is Confucian.
You want fast turnarounds, yet promote long drawn out games through field design and starting gates. Or want spectator friendly games but reduce the possibilities for spectacular elimination. I don't think it's an axe to grind, more people have a difference of opinion or are confuzzled.
Obviously it's the first year n'all, but I wouldn't take or detraction as completely negative, more bones for you lot to chew on. To plough on regardless may show great internal strength and determination (that's samurai teaching btw), but I do wonder if your alienating the upper echelons you really need for success (as is evidenced by the opinions of Ronnie, Jim of Just SoManc).
Food for thought eh?
No probs mate all is forgiven, I without a doubt have no problem with anyone having a opinion about the PA, But I do kinda fight someones corner when I feel they are getting comments they do not deserve.
But if I may suggest that even now after the organisers of the PA have said many many times on here and on there forums and of course in the PBUK mag people still do not understand the concept that is so important to the success of the MPA league.
We have done the ref thing to death so lets leave that alone at the moment. ( if you want I could go on for an age).
But to take your last point "but I do wonder if your alienating the upper echelons you really need for success (as is evidenced by the opinions of Ronnie, Jim of Just SoManc)."
I/we want the top UK players to attach themselves to the team who's area they want to represent but all we need to get success as you put it is the teams, the players, I'm sorry to say are not as important as they think they are.
Ronnie and Jim are bloody good players but the team is far more than good or bad players, It represents South Manchester and plays for them and I hope (Touch wood) wins for them.(Guessed where I live yet).
Many people think the PA gets some **** on here because of the so called magazine rivalary - I Do not believe it.
PGI is in my opinion is still the best mag for paintballers in the world but for the UK market it's PBUK if only because it has the time to report on the smaller UK events that PGI cannot attend or give mag space untill it has 300 pages per issue.
So no rivalary
.Hoping to find peace in an otherwise turburlent world.
Russ.