Saying Nothing

[skeeter]

Just a beginner who has tried to make a few things. I read and try and learn something new here all the time. But trying to apply what I've learned is a challenge LOL. I stand in awe of the talented people here. Awesome site!!!!!

[immiketoo]

Welcome Skeeter, you will find an answer to almost any question you may have. This place is a great resource and I have made some good friends already!

What are you interested in learning?

[grittyroots]

thanks Bill. i've posted only a few things with no reply or chief had the only useful critique. i was starting to feel like wasn't part of the cool group.

thanks again

brendan

[Horrrk]

I've gone the other way with some of my posts, Bill..

As a real newbie in actually working leather, despite my post count, I've given what I thought was good advice to only have the opposite view given by someone with more experience, on at least a couple of occasions..

The biggest was when I advised burnishing Latigo. (sorry Beliveryboi)

Sometimes, it's hard to know where to start when giving advice, if you don't have the experience to back you up..its not totally stopped my doing it, but sometimes I hold back..LOL

There are a lot of new people on the site now, even since I joined in late summer and I've noticed that there are a very select number of old hands that leave comments on posts.

We all know the ones that do..they give good advice, sometimes based on a great many years of this craft.

I'd like to thank them for that, because no matter how many new designs and finished pieces we get to view on here, they are all based on the original skills that these folk have.

I'm waffling, so I'll just finish up by congratulating you on your Ambassador staus, Bill.. Its well earnt.

Regards

Phil

[abn]

Bill, congratulations on becoming the board's newest ambassador. And thanks for reminding everyone that comments are always welcome from newbies and experts alike. It's what makes Leatherworker.net a real community.

As a long-time member, I can offer some insight as to why comments are often made sparingly. Way back in the summer of 2006, when Leatherworker.net was just getting off the ground, there were only about 100 members and maybe a dozen posts per day. It was easy to get to know everyone and follow and contribute to each topic.

Of course, nowadays the forum is much larger. With many thousands of members from many countries and hundreds of posts to sort through, it's not easy to keep up. So for anyone who's interested, here are my suggestions for making your posts "comment-friendly":

#1 - Create a descriptive title. You'll get more views and comments from folks genuinely interested in the topic. Example: try "Pictures of my latest pancake holsters" instead of "new stuff."

#2 - Don't repeat a question that's already been asked and answered. Google is your friend. You can use it to exhaustively search this site using the following sample format:

site:leatherworker.net olive oil

#3 - Ask for specific feedback in your post. I've noticed that posts that ask questions receive much more attention than posts that simply state the obvious.

#4 - If possible, post pictures to add to the narrative of your post.

Regardless of the above advice, as Bill mentions, I've noticed good posts that go without comment. If someone stumbles across one, be the first to comment. That first reply often provides the spark that opens up a broader discussion.

Regards, -Alex

[Johanna]

Thank you Alex! I'm going a little crazy trying to keep up with things this week, and I couldn't have said what you just did any better. Thank you for explaining posting so well.

~J

[bluesman1951]

thanks Bill. i've posted only a few things with no reply or chief had the only useful critique. i was starting to feel like wasn't part of the cool group.

thanks again

brendan

Some times there arent words to decribe the thousand early mornings at the flea market in bitter cold waiting for customers. The realization that some one has taken a nice piece from your table without paying for it . Then there is the thousand Pow Wows where you put up a table ,the different cultures and manners you must learn on the fly . There is an awakening when you are in the heart of the Apache res at a Pow Wow selling Native music and you are the only White face there. LOL Had a good time made friends and got invited back as well . how do you explain that ? After a quater century of having tables at flea markets all over and the wholesalers in Gallup how does one put that in words . Just way to hard to explain in a few words .Every one is welcome here and I dont believe there is a COOL group at least I hope there is not . I dont tool anything so my comments are limited to my thinking : 1.) Would I ask this person to put some of their work on my project ? 2.) Would I buy this ? 3.) Could I sell this to one of my customers ? 4.) Can I see this in my friends saddle shop ? 5.) What is the competition like for this project ,how does it measure up ? 6.) Is what I am looking at STORE SHELF READY ? After that my intrest is who made it and why . There simply has to be some measure of love in a project for it to be complete . Its my feeling that if you have some leather on the bench or a tool in your hand we are already friends . Simple as that . Leather has been good to me ,for me it has given me my freedom from a real job for 25 years it has fed me ,given me a measure of respect ,made tons of friends , given me the ability to help a ton of kids its kept me at peace and there has not been a single day I sat at the bench that I did not wish to be better at my craft . Iam grateful for the memories and who ever ends up with my tools when I am done I hope you enjoy them as much as I have . So to all my new friends Thanks . I have enjoyed all your words and comments . lets rember to be kind to each other and I would like all to listen just once to Keb Mo's "Better Man " on you tube then try to live alittle each day by those words . Make the world a better place .

[bluesman1951]

I am in the same boat. As a beginner, it's difficult to find something to say that doesn't sound more like a generic pat on that back. More often than not it seemed better to sit back and watch rather than risk my words sounds empty and meaningless.

I have noticed that more than a few of my threads get very little in the way of responses. I've even noticed that threads seem to die after I respond. Crickets and tumbleweeds...

It's hard not to feel like I've brought a plague with me.

That may be true ,(the response thing )but we can all do better all we have to do is say yes and begin . I intend to inspire a little country store atmosphere here every one can pull up a chair and get closer to the stove and talk leather or life . No reason not to make the world a better place . Drop me a message say hello ask a question and I ll give it my best effort to respond . I would like you try the deep end of the pool ,just jump in . Advise : When you start to smell feet stop ! (Dont insert foot in mouth) LOL ! That has worked just fine for me for some years now .

[electrathon]

Bill,

You have definatly earned the title of ambasador. Recently it has seemed that the title of ambasador was given to those who start flame wars, I am glad to see you stepping up and trying to make others feel at home and not feel inferior with your input. I think all of us would do well to look to you as a leader. I am humbled hy your attitude and am honored to give you respect.

Aaron

[bluesman1951]

Bill,

You have definatly earned the title of ambasador. Recently it has seemed that the title of ambasador was given to those who start flame wars, I am glad to see you stepping up and trying to make others feel at home and not feel inferior with your input. I think all of us would do well to look to you as a leader. I am humbled hy your attitude and am honored to give you respect.

Aaron

Thanks I am honored sir by your words . Bill