Birthday Bash

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pewink

Banned
Joined
Feb 25, 2016
Messages
65
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I'm a bit confused.

This is the 18th anniversary for this forum, correct?

There was the logo poll, that promoted the BB.
And now the BB is underway, but reviewing the posts for it, it seems a little underwhelming.
There isn't much happening, like I expected to see. I was envisioning a big blow out party thing.
There was a question about vendor discounts, and there are only two offering this. It was mentioned
Alumilite couldn't offer discounts.

So, is this the expectation of participation every year, for this event? I'm just really surprised.

Actually, it seems there is little activity overall. Is this a normal occurrence? Is it related to the BB?
It's a small group, of the same members, that seem to post and remain active.
I've joined another penmaking platform, and it's flooded with activity. It's hard to keep up with all that's going on.
It seems, with the number of members, this place would be steaming with posts. Maybe, after 18 years, the steam is lost?

Wishing all well.
 
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Is a rolling stones concert any less exciting because they are all older? Sure they may have used to rock harder at 1 time, but they still rock, just because they rock differently doesn't make it worse or better. It's still the rolling stones.
 
I'm a bit confused.

This is the 18th anniversary for this forum, correct?

There was the logo poll, that promoted the BB.
And now the BB is underway, but reviewing the posts for it, it seems a little underwhelming.
There isn't much happening, like I expected to see. I was envisioning a big blow out party thing.
There was a question about vendor discounts, and there are only two offering this. It was mentioned
Alumilite couldn't offer discounts.

So, is this the expectation of participation every year, for this event? I'm just really surprised.

Actually, it seems there is little activity overall. Is this a normal occurrence? Is it related to the BB?
It's a small group, of the same members, that seem to post and remain active.
I've joined another penmaking platform, and it's flooded with activity. It's hard to keep up with all that's going on.
It seems, with the number of members, this place would be steaming with posts. Maybe, after 18 years, the steam is lost?

Wishing all well.

What's your point? You choosing to be surprised, confused, or concerned is really worth your 47th post in the 6 years of being a member of the IAP? Troll posting is the best you seem to be able to do... geez, thanks for all you do!!
 
The first few weeks are typically a little slow while people are working on contest entries. It will pick up when deadlines approach, entries are finished, and voting polls are open.
 
What's your point? You choosing to be surprised, confused, or concerned is really worth your 47th post in the 6 years of being a member of the IAP? Troll posting is the best you seem to be able to do... geez, thanks for all you do!!
I have a feeling why there are limited active members.
I'm sure it has nothing to do with any one of the responses posted here, or the wonderful messages sent, for a simple question, or two.
I guess questions, are troll posting, by your standards. Perhaps, you're the troll. Certainly condescending.
Everyone hypes up this Bash thing, and I was hoping to find out more information.
But, since you know me so well, thank you for your poignant insight.

May I ask what happened to this thread you posted . Just can't stay away hey😁😁😁😁

https://www.penturners.org/threads/not-a-good-fit.172909/
I was curious about the BB. Pretty simple, or I thought.
Answering the question(s), would've been more helpful.
But, there are those kind of people. It isn't necessary to follow the crowd, just to fit in.
It shows insecurity.

Is a rolling stones concert any less exciting because they are all older? Sure they may have used to rock harder at 1 time, but they still rock, just because they rock differently doesn't make it worse or better. It's still the rolling stones.
I...really... don't have anything.
If that's an attempt at an analogy, or maybe humor, well.... uhm... thanks for the clarity?

I am receiving a lot of entries in the puzzle contests.
I appreciate an actual answer. Thanks.
So, there isn't a daily contest? Just every few days?

The first few weeks are typically a little slow while people are working on contest entries. It will pick up when deadlines approach, entries are finished, and voting polls are open.
Again, an actual helpful response. Thank you!
So, the BB is mostly comprised of making a pen to meet a particular criteria?
Does the criteria change year to year, or could someone make a pen now, and enter it next BB?



I apologize for interrupting members, about gaining insight on what's considered a celebration, and should be a happy time.
Instead, just like every single question I've posted, I receive less than polite feedback. Manners just aren't what they used to be.

To those that take the time to be helpful, thank you.
Have a great day.
 
I didn't think your post deserved any response. Snarky replies do no good, but I don't know what kind of "helpful" replies you could expect. Your post was overtly critical of the BASH, and of the general level of participation in the site. Fine, that's your opinion and experience, I guess. It's not mine, and I know I'm far from the most active member. I think there's a lot of hard work behind the scenes to make the site interesting, and the BASH challenging and fun. Justifying that to you, based on the tone of your post, just seems like a waste of time. And yet here I am…🤦🏼‍♂️ Over and out.
 
Well Kevin let me take some time to answer your questions. First let me say the written word gets misinterpreted many times and it happens to me alot here as well as others. I have been told it maybe my tone or words used so will pass this advice onto you as well. Maybe need to look over the posting before you hit send. The added comments do not help your cause.

With that said, To your vendor question, being times are what they are today and profits are down world wide, many past vendors just can not afford to offer the discounts they use to is a plausible reason and am sure there are others.

Now I know you joined in 2016 but did not start participating till lately but maybe you did follow this event over the years and if not there are recordings of them in library of every past Bash celebration. I will leave the explanation of how this all got started to Jeff or anyone else who wants to spend time explaining. But in short there are various contests put together each year that are fun events for those that want to play. They are also fun for those who want to see the results of the members efforts. These contests are good examples of members comparing themselves and their progress of talents against their peers. Most contests run from start of the month to just about the end so no pens get shown till polls get put up. Then the eye candy appears and we all get to vote. The contests can change year to year but mainly the popular ones continue on. If you look back at past partys you will see this.

Now what happens here and all other forums, members come and go for various reasons. What Jeff and all the members here would like to see is new members joining and becoming a part of the community that was built here. Yes there are members such as myself that have stuck around quite awhile and are vocal. Some will say maybe good thing or bad but at least I and many other old timers here try to help others as we grew up with this hobby. We hope the newbies would follow suit and become a voice here and then join in on the Bash and run some contests and be part of the party. It does take work behind the scenes to put this on and if there are less and less people wanting to then the party does not have the sizzle you seek. The pool of old time members is dwindling so to that we need new blood and there is plenty here from evidence of the new joiners everyday.

This year and have to say even last year the pandemic has had an impact on mentality as well as financial woes and life issues in general so partying is not the right word maybe. But it is always stressed here to have fun and you get out of things what you put into it. Every year after the Bash the question gets asked what can be done to improve, what events would you like to see and so on so when they come up join in and voice your thoughts. help make this a better place each and every day. It still is one of the best forums on the net. Good luck.
 
Right beside the picture of the featured pen on the Home Page is a heading about the 2022 Birthday Bash. If you click it it leads you to this page. It lists all the contests and rules along with other bash information. Take a little time to look through it and most of your questions should be answered.

I'll add that I am one that also took your opening post in this thread as a little condescending when I first read it. That's why I hesitated up until now to reply.
 
I'm a bit confused.

This is the 18th anniversary for this forum, correct?

There was the logo poll, that promoted the BB.
And now the BB is underway, but reviewing the posts for it, it seems a little underwhelming.
There isn't much happening, like I expected to see. I was envisioning a big blow out party thing.
There was a question about vendor discounts, and there are only two offering this. It was mentioned
Alumilite couldn't offer discounts.

So, is this the expectation of participation every year, for this event? I'm just really surprised.

Actually, it seems there is little activity overall. Is this a normal occurrence? Is it related to the BB?
It's a small group, of the same members, that seem to post and remain active.
I've joined another penmaking platform, and it's flooded with activity. It's hard to keep up with all that's going on.
It seems, with the number of members, this place would be steaming with posts. Maybe, after 18 years, the steam is lost?

Wishing all well.

True enough, the Bash is more subdued than it was years ago. There are a lot of reasons for that, chief among those is that there are a lot of other penmaking groups that have drawn people away from here. Smaller group == smaller party. Facebook is a big draw for many people because they like all their social interactions in one place. That's understandable if one is willing to live in the Facebook ecosystem and its advertising focus.

Another big reason is that vendors have been bombarded with donation requests for the many regional pen gatherings and online events. There's less "buzz" here than prior years - we're a smaller group, there are fewer high-dollar prizes being donated, we don't do auctions any more, etc. The penturning industry has gone through huge changes over the last 18 years. Nothing stays the same... Size aside, we're going to be here for a long time.

We wish you well with your new penmaking group. Hopefully you'll find the time and inclination to still visit here.
 
Well Kevin let me take some time to answer your questions. First let me say the written word gets misinterpreted many times and it happens to me alot here as well as others.
Sadly, I can only type the thoughts that reside in my head. I can not interpret those for the reader.
Jumping to conclusions, and having knee-jerk reactions, are of no benefit.

Just this morning, there was a member of another site, that presented themselves in a similar manner as some members here, and within 20 minutes, was banned. Knowing that these types of responses are representative of this community, I'm surprised it's allowed to continue here.
That should be a consideration, when say... expecting donations for a celebration. In the current world climate, some companies are distancing themselves from negative associations, that could reflect on their business.

Perhaps, embrace questions, and create a positive experience. When I'm approached about something I have experience with, I certainly do not become condescending. I do my best to be respectful, whether or not it comes across your screen that way, or whatever tone you decide to utilize while reading it, and make an attempt to provide useful information. If I knew everything about making pens, I wouldn't have ever needed to come here.

There is only ONE judge, and I doubt they're a member here.

Be well all...
 
Sadly, I can only type the thoughts that reside in my head. I can not interpret those for the reader.
Jumping to conclusions, and having knee-jerk reactions, are of no benefit.

Just this morning, there was a member of another site, that presented themselves in a similar manner as some members here, and within 20 minutes, was banned. Knowing that these types of responses are representative of this community, I'm surprised it's allowed to continue here.
That should be a consideration, when say... expecting donations for a celebration. In the current world climate, some companies are distancing themselves from negative associations, that could reflect on their business.

Perhaps, embrace questions, and create a positive experience. When I'm approached about something I have experience with, I certainly do not become condescending. I do my best to be respectful, whether or not it comes across your screen that way, or whatever tone you decide to utilize while reading it, and make an attempt to provide useful information. If I knew everything about making pens, I wouldn't have ever needed to come here.

There is only ONE judge, and I doubt they're a member here.

Be well all...
I whole heartly disagree with you and your perception of the site. Perhaps it would be better if you move on to your other pen turning forums if they are so much better and have better membership. What we do not need here is the negative vibes that you bring to the table. There is always the ignore button here if you do not like what others are telling you. Jeff does a good job monitoring the site for out of bounds posts and I myself have had my wrist slapped a few times. But that is not a deterent to leave. I did that once and found I love the hobby too much to have a few ruin it for me and have learned to avoid the conflicts. Jeff does give people the benefit of the doubts many many times here because we all have had those bad days that surround us and at times it can carry over. That is why I said before you hit send look the post over. I even have gone in and deleted things after I read them and knew they were not good to say. Do as you wish leave , don't leave or just talk to Jeff as he has asked you to do. Good luck. I am done with this thread.
 
Mind if I ask what the pen making platform is you referred too in the opening post? Curious to see if it's one I already know of or not.
 
I have a feeling why there are limited active members.
I'm sure it has nothing to do with any one of the responses posted here, or the wonderful messages sent, for a simple question, or two.
I guess questions, are troll posting, by your standards. Perhaps, you're the troll. Certainly condescending.
Everyone hypes up this Bash thing, and I was hoping to find out more information.
But, since you know me so well, thank you for your poignant insight.


I was curious about the BB. Pretty simple, or I thought.
Answering the question(s), would've been more helpful.
But, there are those kind of people. It isn't necessary to follow the crowd, just to fit in.
It shows insecurity.


I...really... don't have anything.
If that's an attempt at an analogy, or maybe humor, well.... uhm... thanks for the clarity?


I appreciate an actual answer. Thanks.
So, there isn't a daily contest? Just every few days?


Again, an actual helpful response. Thank you!
So, the BB is mostly comprised of making a pen to meet a particular criteria?
Does the criteria change year to year, or could someone make a pen now, and enter it next BB?



I apologize for interrupting members, about gaining insight on what's considered a celebration, and should be a happy time.
Instead, just like every single question I've posted, I receive less than polite feedback. Manners just aren't what they used to be.

To those that take the time to be helpful, thank you.
Have a great day.
My analogy was pretty clear. I was trying to reply to your clearly aggressive post with restraint and perhaps a little class. However it is clear that your thread was never about asking questions. You will not get me to say what I really think about your little rant. Nothing you say or do will change how much respect I have for IAP and if you can't find joy in life unless a vendor gives you discounts or some other bs excuse to act how you are that is on you.
 
I'm a bit confused.

This is the 18th anniversary for this forum, correct?

There was the logo poll, that promoted the BB.
And now the BB is underway, but reviewing the posts for it, it seems a little underwhelming.
There isn't much happening, like I expected to see. I was envisioning a big blow out party thing.
There was a question about vendor discounts, and there are only two offering this. It was mentioned
Alumilite couldn't offer discounts.

So, is this the expectation of participation every year, for this event? I'm just really surprised.

Actually, it seems there is little activity overall. Is this a normal occurrence? Is it related to the BB?
It's a small group, of the same members, that seem to post and remain active.
I've joined another penmaking platform, and it's flooded with activity. It's hard to keep up with all that's going on.
It seems, with the number of members, this place would be steaming with posts. Maybe, after 18 years, the steam is lost?

Wishing all well.
I'll be blunt, because that's how I get when I see something like this: What an ass of a post. You expect people to treat you well when you post something like this? Your post is rude, aggressive, belittling, whining, demanding, and rather entitled.

Your posts in general seem to have many of the same traits. I'll offer a heartfelt recommendation: stick to your other forum.

🤬
 
I think we've probably extracted all the value we can from this topic. Let's let it fade into the archives.

Thanks - Jeff
 
I'm a bit confused.

This is the 18th anniversary for this forum, correct?

There was the logo poll, that promoted the BB.
And now the BB is underway, but reviewing the posts for it, it seems a little underwhelming.
There isn't much happening, like I expected to see. I was envisioning a big blow out party thing.
There was a question about vendor discounts, and there are only two offering this. It was mentioned
Alumilite couldn't offer discounts.

So, is this the expectation of participation every year, for this event? I'm just really surprised.

Actually, it seems there is little activity overall. Is this a normal occurrence? Is it related to the BB?
It's a small group, of the same members, that seem to post and remain active.
I've joined another penmaking platform, and it's flooded with activity. It's hard to keep up with all that's going on.
It seems, with the number of members, this place would be steaming with posts. Maybe, after 18 years, the steam is lost?

Wishing all well.
BIG BASH BLOW come to
 
Sadly, I can only type the thoughts that reside in my head. I can not interpret those for the reader.
Jumping to conclusions, and having knee-jerk reactions, are of no benefit.

Just this morning, there was a member of another site, that presented themselves in a similar manner as some members here, and within 20 minutes, was banned. Knowing that these types of responses are representative of this community, I'm surprised it's allowed to continue here.
That should be a consideration, when say... expecting donations for a celebration. In the current world climate, some companies are distancing themselves from negative associations, that could reflect on their business.

Perhaps, embrace questions, and create a positive experience. When I'm approached about something I have experience with, I certainly do not become condescending. I do my best to be respectful, whether or not it comes across your screen that way, or whatever tone you decide to utilize while reading it, and make an attempt to provide useful information. If I knew everything about making pens, I wouldn't have ever needed to come here.

There is only ONE judge, and I doubt they're a member here.

Be well all...
Not to buck Jeff and I agree we should let this die but I can't help myself and take offense to the OP's accusations! I have been a member for as long as the OP but have volunteered to help in the Bash in the past and know what kind of work is put into it. This forum does a great job, and it is far better than any FB group! Further, many of the leading vendors in the industry are also active participants here and support the IAP.

Admin, thanks for what you do and keep on keeping on! ...rant over
 
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