The grumpy old guy...

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Howland937

Howland937

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As seen on a thread in the reloading section, there was discussion on how new or inexperienced people approach loading their own ammo. A lot of questions seem to be more or less asking someone to figure it out for them then tell them what to do. It applies to other things as well, from which gun to buy, how to accessorize, repair, etc... I don't know much about much when it comes to these things, but I feel like (at least in my case) I really want to avoid disaster. Whether it's the possibility of turning an $800 handgun into a non-functional paperweight or worse, injuring myself or someone else. So for the folks always willing to jump in with helpful info and encouragement, Thanks a ton! For the grumpy people that are sick of seeing the same questions over and over. Sorry. A lot of people feel like their crisis is unique and just need reassuring.
 
Now you make me feel worried that I'm one of those "grumpy old (actually young) men" telling someone more what to buy rather than what to do.

Visual introduction is important. The questioner/customers preference is also important. Sometimes we have certain expertises when describing one thing, but not so much describing the other. There is no such thing as a 'stupid question', only stupid answers. I'd rather see someone ask over and over again 'and this is safe?' rather than see them get fast at it, without regards to the warnings I gave them.
 
Sometimes the "grumpy old guy" is going through something we can't understand yet. I try to be forgiving of the new guys asking newbie questions and also forgiving of the old grumpy guy for being short and blunt occasionally.
 
I only used the term "grumpy" because individuals referred to themselves as such. Haven't actually experienced any grumpiness first hand FWIW.
 
A mom and/ or dad that doesn’t get asked questions, a teacher in a classroom that doesn’t get asked questions, an “expert” that doesn’t get asked questions, etc. When you consult Google, you are asking a question via one-way communication - you usually want a question answered. An inquisitive nature is how we learn - questions in any form help everyone grow - newbies are experts that have not yet asked their questions. Grumpiness stems from the annoyance of already knowing the answer over and over again - grumpy people simply need to asses why they are grumpy and forgo blaming an asked question - very, very counterintuitive.
 
FWIW, when I first started reloading a few years ago the members on this forum were incredibly helpful and answered my questions without making me feel as if I was asking dumb questions. Don't let the concern of a grumpy member stop you from asking a question. That's their problem, not yours. I do see a couple of forum members in other areas who are perpetually grumpy and seemingly can't help but lashing out at others constantly. That's what the ignore function is for.
 
I spent a couple years being an "Observer/Trainer" at one of our combat training centers, then later a few more as a staff O/C working BCTs & Divisions. In both positions we'd see roughly 10 training rotations a year. During those rotations I saw the same mistakes happen repeatedly and was asked the same questions over and over again.

One of my better commanders often reminded us that yes, we're seeing the same mistakes, but it's not the same people making them. He's also the guy that made the quote of; "you can lead a horse to water, but sometimes he falls in and drowns".

IF you're one of the "grumpy" guys, then maybe, just maybe, interacting on a forum isn't for you....
 
I usually tell them to do their own research. Wins lots of friends. But I think I agree with OP. Reloading; go get some manuals and try it out.
 
Steve S. said:
A mom and/ or dad that doesn’t get asked questions, a teacher in a classroom that doesn’t get asked questions, an “expert” that doesn’t get asked questions, etc. When you consult Google, you are asking a question via one-way communication - you usually want a question answered. An inquisitive nature is how we learn - questions in any form help everyone grow - newbies are experts that have not yet asked their questions. Grumpiness stems from the annoyance of already knowing the answer over and over again - grumpy people simply need to asses why they are grumpy and forgo blaming an asked question - very, very counterintuitive.
Click to expand...
Is there a question in there some where?
 
The reloading forum is IMO by far the most even keeled group of the sub forums. It may have something to do with the fact that there’s a right way to load, and many wrong ways. So opinions seem to get expressed less rather than facts.

They were and continue to be helpful to me with every question that comes up, and I never worry about getting curmugeoned to death.

Now if you want grumpy old men, bring up the viability of any particular handgun in a scenario of your choosing. THEN you have some real good times. Those conversations actually make people age faster.
 
It’s the internet. There’s all types of people with a myriad of personalities and demeanor. Get used to it if you’re planning on asking questions on said internet. Learn to “scroll” past the parts you don’t like, want, or need. The internet doesn’t care about your feelings.

THR is probably the best place to ask firearm related questions because of the vast knowledge base and you will mostly be treated with at least common respect. But, depending on how you ask your question may mean those with the answer may “scroll” on by, too. In my experience here, it is expected of the askee to do due diligence. Read the reloading manual, google your firearm, read the owners manual, at least some homework on your part so you can at least ask an informed question and be able to understand the answer. When you’re doing your part this vast data base of experience that is THR will take the time to answer your questions with pages and pages of answers. Folks will take a lot of time out of their day to type detailed answers that cover it all for those that are trying to also help themselves.

Yes, use the search function here. There’s years of data that are a study in itself. Questions you don’t even have yet will be answered. It’s a chance to explore your question in a depth that won’t come up during a simple question answer session. No, nothing wrong with having a dialogue of your question. Bringing old topics to the forefront refreshes that info for the rest of us readers. But, don’t be lazy.

No such thing as a stupid question? Been on Facebook lately? I’ve been kicked off (happily) reloading pages on Facebook for telling someone that the first thing they should do is read a couple reloading manuals. Does that make me a “grumpy old man”? So be it.
 
I always tell my underlings at work something like this: If you have a question ask it. First though, take one minute to think about the question yourself and try to come up with an answer. And then ask yourself if that answer is satisfactory. If you think it is, proceed without asking me. If you don't think so, then come ask me. I then tell them how many machines I have tore up and how many bolts I have broken off and endless amounts of screw ups and failures that have taught me what I know.

I can see the desperation in their eyes as I tell them this. I can see the fear of actually having to think for themselves and not given the answers like govt handouts. I hope that I am making them better workers and better people who will have better chances to get better careers.

There are winners and losers and unfortunately, if you are doing it right, you lose a lot. You lose less and less though as you gain experience.

If that makes me grumpy, I don't give a hoot.
 
Bang! said:
It’s the internet. There’s all types of people with a myriad of personalities and demeanor. Get used to it if you’re planning on asking questions on said internet. Learn to “scroll” past the parts you don’t like, want, or need. The internet doesn’t care about your feelings.

THR is probably the best place to ask firearm related questions because of the vast knowledge base and you will mostly be treated with at least common respect. But, depending on how you ask your question may mean those with the answer may “scroll” on by, too. In my experience here, it is expected of the askee to do due diligence. Read the reloading manual, google your firearm, read the owners manual, at least some homework on your part so you can at least ask an informed question and be able to understand the answer. When you’re doing your part this vast data base of experience that is THR will take the time to answer your questions with pages and pages of answers. Folks will take a lot of time out of their day to type detailed answers that cover it all for those that are trying to also help themselves.

Yes, use the search function here. There’s years of data that are a study in itself. Questions you don’t even have yet will be answered. It’s a chance to explore your question in a depth that won’t come up during a simple question answer session. No, nothing wrong with having a dialogue of your question. Bringing old topics to the forefront refreshes that info for the rest of us readers. But, don’t be lazy.

No such thing as a stupid question? Been on Facebook lately? I’ve been kicked off (happily) reloading pages on Facebook for telling someone that the first thing they should do is read a couple reloading manuals. Does that make me a “grumpy old man”? So be it.
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I might add: Read the stickies at the top of the forum. You may find your answer there before using the search function! :D:thumbup:
 
Howland937 said:
As seen on a thread in the reloading section, there was discussion on how new or inexperienced people approach loading their own ammo. A lot of questions seem to be more or less asking someone to figure it out for them then tell them what to do. It applies to other things as well, from which gun to buy, how to accessorize, repair, etc... I don't know much about much when it comes to these things, but I feel like (at least in my case) I really want to avoid disaster. Whether it's the possibility of turning an $800 handgun into a non-functional paperweight or worse, injuring myself or someone else. So for the folks always willing to jump in with helpful info and encouragement, Thanks a ton! For the grumpy people that are sick of seeing the same questions over and over. Sorry. A lot of people feel like their crisis is unique and just need reassuring.
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Think about it this way. The search function gives you access to the information that was compiled and given by people whom have long since died and gone.
Some of them were much more literate than our current generations.
We also have manuals. Every one of us should have read at least one of the front sections on how to reload before asking questions on here. It isn't necessary. But it helps the person understand the information he/she is given.
At the same time, I'm not going to bash someone for not doing what I think is proper.

Edit to add.
General gun information changes as guns age. So questions on that are valid.
Bullet designs change over time.
Same with shooting techniques.
 
Howland937 said:
As seen on a thread in the reloading section, there was discussion on how new or inexperienced people approach loading their own ammo. A lot of questions seem to be more or less asking someone to figure it out for them then tell them what to do. It applies to other things as well, from which gun to buy, how to accessorize, repair, etc... I don't know much about much when it comes to these things, but I feel like (at least in my case) I really want to avoid disaster. Whether it's the possibility of turning an $800 handgun into a non-functional paperweight or worse, injuring myself or someone else. So for the folks always willing to jump in with helpful info and encouragement, Thanks a ton! For the grumpy people that are sick of seeing the same questions over and over. Sorry. A lot of people feel like their crisis is unique and just need reassuring.
Click to expand...
That's me, for sure...
Here:
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...a-question-or-two.866700/page-2#post-11464755
Here, same thread:
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...a-question-or-two.866700/page-2#post-11465833

you gotta love wet tumbling and 9mm crimp threads, as new one's are started almost daily and at the least once a week.
I also like when a problem is posted, with most of the important stuff left out, asking for a diagnoses, and when a solution is posted, it's immediately rejected with "no it's not that, I tried that".:thumbup:
:D
Edit: a short/brief related geezer story:
Sold a nephew a small motorcycle to commute to high school on.
A month or 2 later he comes by and says the valves are burnt up.
Me: Why.
Him: I can barely get up the hill on the way to school and before I went over the top at 50mph.
Me: Have you oiled the chain at all since you bought the bike?
Him: Dead silence, he left.
 
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earlthegoat2 said:
I always tell my underlings at work something like this: If you have a question ask it. First though, take one minute to think about the question yourself and try to come up with an answer. And then ask yourself if that answer is satisfactory. If you think it is, proceed without asking me. If you don't think so, then come ask me. I then tell them how many machines I have tore up and how many bolts I have broken off and endless amounts of screw ups and failures that have taught me what I know.

I can see the desperation in their eyes as I tell them this. I can see the fear of actually having to think for themselves and not given the answers like govt handouts. I hope that I am making them better workers and better people who will have better chances to get better careers.

There are winners and losers and unfortunately, if you are doing it right, you lose a lot. You lose less and less though as you gain experience.

If that makes me grumpy, I don't give a hoot.
Click to expand...

Exactly my view. There does seems to be an increasing number of folks of the "Google" generation that believe that all answers should be there just for the asking, as someone said like a handout. For that I have little tolerance. On the other hand, I have one one young man at the office that insists he can figure out everything himself, irrespective of the time it takes or the project budget...don't have much tolerance for that either. I guess that makes me a grump.
 
Howland937 said:
As seen on a thread in the reloading section, there was discussion on how new or inexperienced people approach loading their own ammo. A lot of questions seem to be more or less asking someone to figure it out for them then tell them what to do. It applies to other things as well, from which gun to buy, how to accessorize, repair, etc... I don't know much about much when it comes to these things, but I feel like (at least in my case) I really want to avoid disaster. Whether it's the possibility of turning an $800 handgun into a non-functional paperweight or worse, injuring myself or someone else. So for the folks always willing to jump in with helpful info and encouragement, Thanks a ton! For the grumpy people that are sick of seeing the same questions over and over. Sorry. A lot of people feel like their crisis is unique and just need reassuring.
Click to expand...

If we were to look up everything up that is not original thought then there would be no need for a discussion forum. I think "seeing the same questions over and over" is perfectly OK.
 
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