A small rant on standing on your own two feet

[Kiah]

Not meant for anyone in particular, but those who feel I'm referring to you, I probably am and I hope you take it as constructive. If you don't feel like reading my rambling, feel free to click away now.

We have a constant in and out of new sheathmakers showing up in this forum. A lot of people wanting to get in to it. Some who think it's easy money while sitting at home, and others who realize they're not gonna buy a Porsche doing it, but it's just something they love to do. Whatever your reason, it really doesn't matter. We are a community and as has been shown here numerous times, we help each other out whenever we can.

Occasionally we have new guys wander in to advertise their new venture. If they have the appropriate membership, then that's cool. That's part of what we're here for. That said, when joining a new community it's best not to tear down the standing structures to build yourself a pedestal as soon as you walk in the door.

There are two types of people in any business. Those who stand on their own two feet and let their work speak for itself, and those who choose to promote themselves by slinging mud at their "competitors". When someone posts up a website after being here for 5 minutes showing no work of their own, but claims of being the best of the best and jabs at other makers without actually having a clue what they're talking about, it reflects poorly on all of us. We've had this happen numerous times. Usually the person in question doesn't last long.

Those who have confidence in their abilities don't need to tear down others to build themselves up. You will never see Dwayne, Sandy, Gary, Eric, Mike, etc. take shots at others to promote themselves. They don't need to. When someone does, it speaks more against them than for. If your work is good, post it up and stand behind it proudly. If you can't be bothered to do that yet wanna claim to be the man and denigrate others at the same time, then you're just coming off as childish.

I'm not saying you need to promote others or give props to anyone else. You're free to stand alone in this community if you please, but if the only thing you can stand on is dirty advertising, then it's probably best to shut it until you have something a bit more solid under you.

 

[Ruzster]

Well said . . . valuable insights and excellent advice!

 

[Charlie Mike]

Right on!

I'm here because I love to make things, weapons and tools. Sheaths and rigs are part of that.

 

[K Robinson]

For some reason I felt spat at today, must be something in the water ?
I read something somewhere that said that I use the wrong kydex, that I don't stand behind my work, I charge too much, take too long and because I don't charge my customers until they receive a pic via email and approve of the finished product.
Can't remember where I read it but I was ducking mud the whole time.
Guess I shouldn't post pictures of my work either.

 

[leatherman]

Well said Kiah. Hard to say, but needs to be said.

Self promotion is one thing, playing oneself off by stepping on others toes never ends well. I've seen a lot of good craftsmen go down in flames doing just that.

 

[leatherman]

For some reason I felt spat at today, must be something in the water ?
I read something somewhere that said that I use the wrong kydex, that I don't stand behind my work, I charge too much, take too long and because I don't charge my customers until they receive a pic via email and approve of the finished product.
Can't remember where I read it but I was ducking mud the whole time.
Guess I shouldn't post pictures of my work either.

Yikes! That is NOT good at all. You are a very unique maker, honestly theres not much out there like your stuff. That can cause some professional jealousy. Some people remain quietly envious, others strike out to make themselves feel better.

Please do not stop posting pics, here and elsewhere, you do contribute a lot and have a lot to offer.

 

[Kiah]

Well said . . . valuable insights and excellent advice!

Thanks my friend.

Right on!

I'm here because I love to make things, weapons and tools. Sheaths and rigs are part of that.

Truth.

For some reason I felt spat at today, must be something in the water ?
I read something somewhere that said that I use the wrong kydex, that I don't stand behind my work, I charge too much, take too long and because I don't charge my customers until they receive a pic via email and approve of the finished product.
Can't remember where I read it but I was ducking mud the whole time.
Guess I shouldn't post pictures of my work either.

You shoulda been around for the last one brother. He was special.

Well said Kiah. Hard to say, but needs to be said.

Self promotion is one thing, playing oneself off by stepping on others toes never ends well. I've seen a lot of good craftsmen go down in flames doing just that.

Very true. I've had other makers give me tips without even asking. I've had a maker send me supplies from his own stock just to try them out. When I first started selling sheaths back when I really didn't know what I was doing and I was pretty much charging material cost, Mike Sastre contacted me out of the blue and offered me his ear and an open invitation to meet him and have him help me with anything I was having trouble with. That's the environment I came into and I make every attempt to be as helpful as I can when asked and share instead of step on. If it ever comes to a point where we have to start biting at each other to sell our wares, I'll walk away right then. I do this because I enjoy it.

ETA: Locking this thread. I may have been a bit premature on this particular rant and it looks like it's gonna be rectified.