Re: Forum Question posted by Draco.

[Ol Man]

I guess I owe the brotherhood an apology of some sort. It appears that I have gotten an apology from one who felt it was as a result of some of his posts. I do not wish anyone to feel they are to blame for my lack of participation lately. So here is a copy of my PM sent to this person... I thought I would share more insight in to this.. If you are inclined please read below.. (Long read again) Remember one style does not fit all in trad archery - do what suits your body and mind, take parts from all suggestions and make them your own!

******X,

I can assure you that you are not the culprit. I honestly am set back by your apology as I did not post with the intention of forcing anyone to post or send me an apology. I have been on this site for quite some time and feel we have a great bunch on here! My views and the basis of my post was as a result of frustration in some and despair in others as there are far too many do it my way - it's the best. I have spent years helping others shoot and I offer my style but, I also offer several other ways that can be used to achieve consistent shooting. We have such a varied group and there are so many ways to shoot it irks me severely when I read well I do it this way and I shoot the eyeballs out of flies at 2o yards. (Just an bit of an exaggeration) Hope you get the drift of this the way it is intended. In our brotherhood in Texas we have some of the finest shooters in the country and luckily we all don't shoot exactly the same - whether it be equipment, style of shooting or purpose for shooting.

Sorry for the long winded response.

Doug

[Idaho TradBow]

Now 'Ol Man, just see here...ya done made ME feel guilty for preachin' to the gang that of everyone would just do it MY way, then they TOO could be shooting the windows out of doublewides at 15 feet with nary any effort a'tall...

Seriously you have always been very helpful and polite from everything I have ever seen you post. I doubt you owe us any apology ....keep on keepin' on brother

[M-2]

Doug, you owe no one any kind of apology! You have been the perfect gentleman and very generous to offer your expertise.
I am relieved to know for a fact that it hasn't been me who has preached "do it my way", cause I am a self-professed life long learner who has NOT mastered ANY way to shoot consistently, lol.
Just when I think "Hey, I've got this now!", I go out to the range the next weekend and shoot crapola...

[Bisch]

Hi, Doug!!!!!

See ya later, brother!

Bisch

[Ol Man]

Mike and Martha,

Thanks for the uplift!
I feel we as a group need to be tolerant and tempered in how and what we offer as help! Some feel the need to force issues, styles and methods on others who really are easily influenced. I have been shooting longbows exclusively for well over 35 years and can honestly say!!!!! I learn more and better ways to shoot everyday! I see more of the overall effect a minor change can make and seriously listen to everyone.. even newbies can add some new light in our sport!

[Ol Man]

Bisch,

Gonna see you at Buff's soon!

[jerp]

I'm still trying to figure out what "my way" is. I guess that is one of the maddening - yet cool - things about learning this stuff. I've been spending some time watching really good trad shooters. Except for a few basics nobody's form looks alike. (except Olympic shooters - they all look pretty similar to me form-wise.) When I read books by famous traditional archers, the amount of contradictory tips is incredible. For example everybody says you should bend at the waist for a downward shot - everybody that is except for Byron Ferguson! In his book it says in bold "Never bend at the waist!" He does some crouching bent leg thing I have not begun to figure out. I guess we all try a tip from this guy and a tip from that guy, rejecting some and adopting others till we arrive at what feels right and works for us. I've got a long way to go but I catch a fleeting glimpse of it occasionally.

[meangene1969]

Doug how you been my friend. Check your pms

[Ol Man]

Checked Gene... doing well thanks!

[trad"Doc"53]

Well great! I thought it was something serious! Mr. Doug, I have not had the pleasure of meeting you face to face yet, but what I have seen posted by you has always been information that is very helpful as well as easily understood. I was afraid maybe there were some health issues or something keeping you away. Hope all is well and thankyou for past knowledge shared.

[G Posik]

I'm still trying to figure out what "my way" is.

I am right there with you on this.

[Thumper]

I've got "my way" all figured out, its different most of the time though...

Ol Man, you avatar shows a striking resemblance. Might ought to re-take that picture with a different color shirt, cap, or something...

[Deb]

Well great! I thought it was something serious! Mr. Doug, I have not had the pleasure of meeting you face to face yet, but what I have seen posted by you has always been information that is very helpful as well as easily understood. I was afraid maybe there were some health issues or something keeping you away. Hope all is well and thankyou for past knowledge shared.

He is a hoot.

[RickBarbee]

Mr. Doug, I have not had the pleasure of meeting you face to face yet, but what I have seen posted by you has always been information that is very helpful as well as easily understood. I was afraid maybe there were some health issues or something keeping you away. Hope all is well and thankyou for past knowledge shared.

X 2

Always enjoy reading your posts.

Rick