Author Topic: Teenagers in the Forums (Read 2903 times)

bamaster · « **on:** February 09, 2004, 01:08:35 AM »

I've noticed, although not as much as Bowling Index forums, that there are a lot of really young posters here.

It's unfair to ever discredit a person based on age, and certainly their opinions count, but how much does age play in the amount of respect you give when someone posts advice?

If you were to walk into your local pro shop and ask about how to layout a ball, would you take the advice of a 16 year old even if he worked there?

I'm reeeealy not pointing fingers at anyone at all. It's just an observation and I'm curious about how others feel about it.

Personally, I have to consider the source when listening to advice. I'm also a believer in experience smarts over textbook smarts. I take each post individually, but I admit I give less thought to some on certain topics.

Tony
http://www.allBowling.com

bamaster · « **Reply #16 on:** February 09, 2004, 07:57:57 PM »

quote:
If this 16 y/o kid who works in a pro shop was trained by Larry Lichstein (the first guy who brought his drill press out on tour) or Lou Marquez (former pro shop training professional @ Kegel), will you still trust him? Just curious.

I would trust him to recommend what the book tells him to do and to hit the lines on the ball with his press. But I still wouldn't trust him to map the ball out. There are lots of factors in tweaking a drill. Experience is the only way to understand how "rules of thumb" influence multiple types of balls and multiple types of bowlers who bowl on multiple types of patterns.

I know several IT folks who are Microsoft certified, MCSE type stuff. And they suck. The know what the book tells them to do, but in a real world environment they are at a loss. They consult the senior, experienced pros to troubleshoot little stuff.

Studying books, watching videos and countless hours on the Internet is hardly a substitute for experience.

Understand I am not calling anyone out.. at all. I'm not referring to anyone in particular.

However, I have traveled from Houston to San Antonio just to lay out one ball. I consult with the ball designers and Tour reps to lay out my gear. I'm fortunate to have access to those individuals. That combined with the expertise of my ball driller Mike Austin is how I get the reactions I want. And even then it took many balls to get there. And I will never know everything about it because my game is evolving as are the conditions I am bowling on.

Let me say this... I know ball drillers who have been punching balls for 10-20 years and I wouldn't let them replace a finger insert much less lay out a ball for me.

Tony

Kanazteck · « **Reply #17 on:** February 09, 2004, 08:16:04 PM »

but u dont know unless you ask....the kid (im one) could be drilling for a long time...maybe he started at 14 or summtin, you never know unless you ask

i dont even like kids laying out my equipment...

but with an ever changing game and kids being really sharp, they could be just as informed as someone twice there age who has been bowling since the age of 8 just an example

TheDude · « **Reply #18 on:** February 09, 2004, 10:54:48 PM »

Um, well everyone takes something from an experience. We can learn from it in a positive point. Or just continue to do what we are doing using solely our "book" knowledge. Sometimes you just can't beat street smarts though.

As for age, considering myself i am only of 18 but technically a legal adult in my province and country. I have every right to be a loud mouthed jerk as the rest. But i am not. Or atleast try not to be. I know 18 year olds that would be outsmarted by a very quick witted 14 year old.

And our enviroment influences who we are. So you might be stuck in that frame of mind that age equals intelligence. Well it doesn't, it just means wisdom for those that learn from the experience. Those that don't take the lessons learned from experiences, well they never gain wisdom. Just more scares to talk about around the bar.

Eventually you learn what to say to avoid those things that cause scares... lol

Learning never gets old, just like winning.
--------------------
I am Canadian Dude! GOO BIG FIN!!! MIKA K ALL THE WAY!

Edited on 2/9/2004 11:53 PM

bowlerstyle · « **Reply #19 on:** February 09, 2004, 11:03:20 PM »

I don't think that it has to anything with age but more with experience and knowledge. afterall there are 12 year olds going into college and yet they are way smarter then most adults (They're usually called genius' and deprived of childhood). Say you only have worked in a proshop for a year but have taken a lot of courses on it and pay very close attention to detail and know a lot about everything to do with bowling equipment and layouts and are always keeping yourself updated on new equipment (and believe me there's a lot). if you can stay updated with all that and really know what you're doing... then I would rather have someone that knew what he was doing drill my ball (doesn't matter about age but knowledge) over someone that has worked in a proshop for several years but doesn't care about what he does and just thinks of it as another job. But good thing for me that I don't ever have to worry about that cause I drill all my own equipment.

Curly · « **Reply #20 on:** February 10, 2004, 12:28:05 AM »

Interesting question...interesting responses.
Personally, I would take suggestions/advice from the younger cats(as long as they arent fronting some of that wanna-be gangster crap!). I may not necessarily use it but I would accept it.

tenpinspro · « **Reply #21 on:** February 10, 2004, 07:16:38 AM »

I didn't even know some of the guys are as young as they are. So long as they're articulate and want to trade information and be helpful to others, no problem. As far as rude and idiot behavior goes, I agree with Bones, that comes in all ages and you simply never make everyone happy all the time.

However, I personally feel nothing can really replace experience. I'm in my 26th yr of consecutive bowling and I've been drilling on/off since that time also. Having a good understanding of the basics in the game still becomes a crucial point when applied to laying out any ball for an individual. Knowing and recognizing the true differences between a cranker(Robert Smith) to a stroker(Don Carter) and then everything in between is extremely important. If I find that a person younger then me has this understanding, then sure I'd trust his knowledge and information.

Bones, in regards to kids keeping up with technology. Yes, this is true but did they ever tell us what the rg or differential was in a Manhattan Rubber or Ripley? No they didn't, all they focused on then was hardness and anybody who did follow, knew the hardness differences between all the balls of those days.

Overall, like I said before, I didn't even realize some of these guys were that young so evidently they're holding their own and I'm more then happy to trade information or help any of those who seek it.
--------------------
Rick Leong
Ten Pins Pro Shop
Track Pro Shop Staff
Vise Grip Staff

debs130 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 10, 2004, 07:49:40 AM »

I ask a teenager (19) for advice on equipment and layouts all the time. I'm not mentioning names, but he sometimes posts ball reviews on this site. His posts are always informative and articulate. Bowling is his passion, and he spents lots of time researching equipment.

Debbie

Author Topic: Teenagers in the Forums (Read 2903 times)

bamaster

Teenagers in the Forums

bamaster

Re: Teenagers in the Forums

Kanazteck

Re: Teenagers in the Forums

TheDude

Re: Teenagers in the Forums

bowlerstyle

Re: Teenagers in the Forums

Curly

Re: Teenagers in the Forums

tenpinspro

Re: Teenagers in the Forums

debs130

Re: Teenagers in the Forums