No worries Rick, I have been talking with more than a few people including a couple of my old mentors and most all of them agree what the problem is. I've been giving away what a few people have been selling, tutorials.
Taking money out of their hands as far as we can figure.
I feel much better knowing its not personal, its monetary.
I'm going to give it a cool down, and with a few added disclaimers so I dont get sued, I'll continue the series of Frugal Leathercrafter tutorials. I just need to talk to a lawyer first to make sure I'm not crossing any lines in doing so. Luckily I have a few as customers, its a good thing. Also to stop some of this hate mail, some acolytes and followers are a little rabid in protecting their favorite maker.
Its a "wonderful" age we live in isn't it?
First of all, Dwayne, I don't know who your current "Mentors" are. Sandy comes to mind, but he's the only one I can think of who is still around. Any way, back to point.
You and your free tutorials (where are they?) are not taking one red cent out of my pocket. The Dvds in which I demonstrate my methods and techniques are the sole property of the producer and any
meaningful money made is his. I have posted here information contained in the DVDs free of charge on numerous occasions. I keep a full set or two of the DVDs on hand in my shop which I loan free of charge to anyone I feel is serious about improving their leather craft. In addition, I have posted several photo tutorials or links for access here free of charge, with the latest being fairly early in your "Frugal" thread. I have posted numerous times that I welcome from individuals seeking help, advice or information, via phone call, emails etc. and I have my full contact information at the bottom of each and every post. So you and your mentors and "several others" are dead wrong on that "losing money" count.
Now a little philosophy. I believe that leather craft or any skill that can be taught is best served by learning the basics or foundation from one single source at first. In other words pick a direction you want to go, hobbyist, casual maker, semi professional or full time professional and pick who, in your opinion, best fits your category and then learn all you can from that one source. In my opinion, trying to listen to multiple teachers fosters confusion is generally counterproductive in the long run. Once you have established a good foundation, then you start adding bits and pieces from other sources to round out what becomes "your own style". Obviously in an open forum when two or more different views are shared it's up to the individual to pick the direction he or she wants to go. That's as it should be. That's all I have done
.just present my side and in spite of me stating up front it is not intended confrontational, just my opinion, and you packed up your toys and headed home.
When I posted that I would not be answering any questions etc. on the open forum any more, I hope it was also clearly understood that I will post current events and nonsense, but I will only answer questions, offer advice and any other help I can via email or phone FREE OF CHARGE.
Just had a little memory flash. Remember when Omega (Strigamort then) asked you about dying techniques, and you went into great detail explaining how hard you worked to get that knowledge and would not be "intimidated" into passing it on???
"Your glad it's monetary and not personal." With me, Dwayne it's neither. I already explained that you are not costing me any money, and believe me I stay busy enough to not have time to let this affect me on a personal level other than the brief time it takes me to type this.
With Thoughtful Respect,
Paul