"Ask the Cuemaker?"

[j2pac]

I was just wondering if that is actually the title of this forum, or maybe it should be appropriately retitled "Whack the Cuemaker!" This forum is supposed to be about sharing information, and helping others for the same reason we are all supposed to be here, the love of pool, and cuemaking, not shredding other people or their work!! I find it amazing in the short time I have been here, too see legitimate questions receive only minor response/hits/help, while these "garbage threads" seem to go ad infinitum. What the h#ll is going on here! It is no wonder so many good people refuse to post here anymore. And my sincere thanks to the truly good guys who stick around to try to help/give advice to up & comers, or just pool players seeking to expand their knowledge base. Thank you to you gentleman, you deserve it! The rest of you should start a new forum somewhere else, titled "Ask the Infantiles with pe#is issues!"

 

[cueman]

Good post. I do hope this forum gets back to it's original intentions.

 

[JoeyInCali]

Good thing some well-known makers are still PM'ng around here.
Some got tired of getting attacked by some posses, dealers/flippers and hecklers.
And there's a chat place somewhere too.

I know three who no longer contribute here. Sad.

 

[j2pac]

Thanks Chris. I hope so to. You are one of the good guys!

 

[BarenbruggeCues]

I was just wondering if that is actually the title of this forum, or maybe it should be appropriately retitled "Whack the Cuemaker!" This forum is supposed to be about sharing information, and helping others for the same reason we are all supposed to be here, the love of pool, and cuemaking, not shredding other people or their work!! I find it amazing in the short time I have been here, too see legitimate questions receive only minor response/hits/help, while these "garbage threads" seem to go ad infinitum. What the h#ll is going on here! It is no wonder so many good people refuse to post here anymore. And my sincere thanks to the truly good guys who stick around to try to help/give advice to up & comers, or just pool players seeking to expand their knowledge base. Thank you to you gentleman, you deserve it! The rest of you should start a new forum somewhere else, titled "Ask the Infantiles with pe#is issues!"

Well, here is part of the issue as I see it. Right or wrong.......just my small opinion.
I believe some of what happens is the ones who have been around for x amount of time can get a little testy because, of no fault of the newer guys, the same questions will continually pop up and that gets a little boring for some. Questions are good, BUT, for God sakes a prerequisite for coming here should be learn how to use the search function and feature. There is a wealth of information already at peoples finger tips and instead of doing a little research they find it much easier to just ask again. It's human nature for people to get bored easy and that's when the action begins. Kind of like seeing the same ad over and over again.........one gets bored and then we start having fun with it.
I think some people take this place far to serious. I know it seems that I may sometimes. But I Have fun with it.....if it happens to be at someone elses expense it is generally because they asked for it. That doesn't make it right or wrong but the whole thing can get a little boring sometimes.
One thing you have to keep in mind is the PM function of this forum also. I believe there is probably more information traded there than on the public side. Why?......if I need to say, then no on will ever figure anything out for themselves.
Or one could be just like the others that come and go.


<~~~ramble on home........................ps 2pac.....this is in no way directed at you personally, just general info.........

 

[j2pac]

Thanks for the Info on the Ivor-X Joeyincali! Good guy as well! That's what ask the cuemaker is supposed to be about!

 

[j2pac]

Well, here is part of the issue as I see it. Right or wrong.......just my small opinion.
I believe some of what happens is the ones who have been around for x amount of time can get a little testy because, of no fault of the newer guys, the same questions will continually pop up and that gets a little boring for some. Questions are good, BUT, for God sakes a prerequisite for coming here should be learn how to use the search function and feature. There is a wealth of information already at peoples finger tips and instead of doing a little research they find it much easier to just ask again. It's human nature for people to get bored easy and that's when the action begins. Kind of like seeing the same ad over and over again.........one gets bored and then we start having fun with it.
I think some people take this place far to serious. I know it seems that I may sometimes. But I Have fun with it.....if it happens to be at someone elses expense it is generally because they asked for it. That doesn't make it right or wrong but the whole thing can get a little boring sometimes.
One thing you have to keep in mind is the PM function of this forum also. I believe there is probably more information traded there than on the public side. Why?......if I need to say, then no on will ever figure anything out for themselves.
Or one could be just like the others that come and go.


<~~~ramble on home........................ps 2pac.....this is in no way directed at you personally, just general info.........

None taken Dave. Thanks for your input.

 

[Flex]

One of the things I have noticed in this sub-forum is that some cue makers seem to have an excess of testosterone and like to really get ballsy. When that happens, guess what? Every man has that hormone too, and when someone is challenged with a gruff response, insults, belittling comments, and so on, they are more likely than not to respond, if not in like manner, at least showing displeasure.

There's a particular cue maker who really likes to stir the pot, from what I can see. He has given me a lot of grief. So what. He sent me a particularly nasty PM suggesting I tie my fingers up with stack leather and my mouth, too.

I kindly responded to him, and filled him in on a few things. BTW, he won't intimidate me.

That being said, I'm particularly thankful for some of the cue makers on here who have helped me through PMs. They know who they are. In the future, should I need something special, I'll keep them in mind. Those are the sort of people I can work with, and who may get work from me.

This is a great forum. Don't let the jerks get you down.

Flex

 

[BLACKHEARTCUES]

The Qmakers that post here, are all CUSTOM CUEMAKERS. Some with small shops, some making Qs in a unused bedroom & some with larger shops that might include helpers. This is not the place to ask "WHAT IS THE BEST Q MADE UNDER $100", but the question still gets posted & none of the Qmakers are interested in answering these questions. They just don't apply to CUSTOM shops. Also you might find it hard to get an answer to "what is the best tip, rubber bumper, ferrule, wood for a Q". These are questions that have no answer, because every Qmaker has THEIR personal favorite. There simply is no BEST. If you want a question addressed to "CUEMAKERS", I think you should expect an answer. If a question is about low end (Chinese), Qs then don't expect a "CUEMAKER" to answer. A lot of questions posed are just too rediculous to waist our time with ie, "what Q gives the most spin". I personally try to answer questions from anyone who is a legitamate beginner Qmaker or repairman. The other questions should find a forum, that is NOT directed to "CUEMAKERS"...JER

 

[BarenbruggeCues]

suggesting I tie my fingers up with stack leather and my mouth, too.

Now that's funny.........I can think of few old female friends I would have liked to tried this technique with.

BUT Jer.......we know all! Who else would they ask these mind bending questions too?




<~~~can think of a few others I would have like to tied up also........

 

[blud]

help

I was just wondering if that is actually the title of this forum, or maybe it should be appropriately retitled "Whack the Cuemaker!" This forum is supposed to be about sharing information, and helping others for the same reason we are all supposed to be here, the love of pool, and cuemaking, not shredding other people or their work!! I find it amazing in the short time I have been here, too see legitimate questions receive only minor response/hits/help, while these "garbage threads" seem to go ad infinitum. What the h#ll is going on here! It is no wonder so many good people refuse to post here anymore. And my sincere thanks to the truly good guys who stick around to try to help/give advice to up & comers, or just pool players seeking to expand their knowledge base. Thank you to you gentleman, you deserve it! The rest of you should start a new forum somewhere else, titled "Ask the Infantiles with pe#is issues!"

Thanks so much for posting your valved opinion.
I was the founder of this forum as well as the machinery section, there's lots of opinions and some great opinions and some really really bad opinions, and crapy information.....
When asking questions, make darn sure your answers come from, FULLY QUALIFIDED CUEMAKERS, [guys who know there stuff]...giving you your answer...Not someone who post a lot and has not a shop, or experiance or just post to be posting, giving there opinion, because they have talked to, too many cuemakers and getting everything screwed up, or they like to be a big shot and see there name in print.
There's to many posting crap....
There's a few great cuemkaers who do post here, and there's a lot of POSTERS. Figure it out, if that doesn't work for you, call one of the guys or e-mail them personally, and get your information, that way....
As you can see, I don't give a crap if this pisses someone off, if it does, there one of the wanna-be's...steer clear of them....
all the best to you sir.
blud

 

[Quesports]

I am no cuemaker but I have been here a while and have watched in dismay at the back stabbin / shit slingin stuff that goes on here lately. I watched for a year or so before joining and my first post was to this section. It was a thread called Buzz in da Butt, I had a buzzing cue and was looking for help and found it here. Of course I have also asked my share of dumb questions and got some dumb answers.
But what the hell..
Thanks to all the cuemakers!
With my usual disclaimer JMO!
Dan

 

[blud]

questions and answers

I am no cuemaker but I have been here a while and have watched in dismay at the back stabbin / shit slingin stuff that goes on here lately. I watched for a year or so before joining and my first post was to this section. It was a thread called Buzz in da Butt, I had a buzzing cue and was looking for help and found it here. Of course I have also asked my share of dumb questions and got some dumb answers.
But what the hell..
Thanks to all the cuemakers!
With my usual disclaimer JMO!
Dan

No sir, most are not dumb, if you don't ask, now that's dumb, ask questions and if someone acts like an ass, he is, hands down. Just consider the source my friend, most of us do help all of those who ask for help...in a nice manor...I, for one don't put up with crap, that's not why I started either of these forums... These are for those who need help, hands down....
blud

 

[Alan]

This forum occasionally goes way off subject and gets downright nasty. That?s a shame.

However, this forum has saved me time, money and frustration. I read it almost every day and apply what I?ve learned. To me, it?s like getting mini cue lessons (FREE!). I?ve also used the search engine to find answers to some very frustrating issues that frankly I?m too embarrassed to ask. Nine times out of ten, someone has asked the exact question and nearly ten times out of ten, there has been a real solution posted. Thanks to all.

Alan

 

[Arnot Wadsworth]

What's Wrong with AZ Billiards Ask the Cuemaker?

I've been thinking about some of the things that cause problems in this forum. It would be nice if the AZ management would look close at these ideas and take appropriate action.

I am basing this on the premise that "Ask the Cuemaker" was started with the idea that information would be exchanged between cuemakers and non-cuemakers who had questions would have a place to get correct answers.

It was NOT started to be self serving for any poster. it was not started to blow your own hornor just to post things to see your name in print.

It was not intended to be a place to sell things (there is already a place for that). It would be ok to point someone in the right direction for supplies or equipment.

It was not intended to be a place to show finished work (there is already a place for that also).

It was not intended to be a place to attack any other cuemaker or supplier for alleged wrongs. These matters should be addressed between the parties involved or in civil court. It is impossible for one to adequately defend himself against alleged wrongs in a forum like this especially with anomous posters. Nobody is under oath, lies bounce back and forth and nobody ever finds out the whole truth.

Things that need to be corrected:

Anomous posters. Unless the poster is willing to show the name of his business, his name, address and phone number he should not be allowed to reply to any question. The reason for this is that an anonomous poster can ruin another's reputation with impunity. The reader should know the qualifications of those who are providing information and how to contact them if need be.

Any post that is not a legatimate question about cuemaking should be removed.

Those responding to questions must be a reputable cuemaker, in business, licensed in his state. Amatours, wantabees, part-timers and repair persons should not be allowed to reply.

No information should be allowed concerning the price of cuemaking supplies.

There should be a moderator whose only job would be to delete any post that is not conducive to good cuemaking or good for the billiards industry.

The reason I am posting this is that I don't have a problem with a one on one relationship with other cuemakers. We know each other and have cuemaker's respect for each other. We agree to disagree at times because there are many roads to the same destination. Something happens to some of us when we get on this forum (and I am guilty also). Some of us (myself included) say things that are not very nice or respectful of others. We don't go to a show and say simething to the effect that my cues are better than yours. Your cues are cheap. Your cues are too expensive. Your cues hit like crap. We pretty much try to get along and help one another. Ocassionally someone will come along and try to move ahead by criticizing another cuemaker's work but these people fade away never to be heard from again.

I would appreciate it if you would respond professionally and lets try to make this forum a better place for all of us.

Good Cuemaking,

 

[dave sutton]

i think one of the major problems is some of the older more experienced cue makers have a bad attitude. like their sh!t dont stink. if the question at hand could just be answered without some smart reply or cheap shot things could run alot better. im guilty of slinging mud. i have a very hard time keeping my mouth shut. i am working on that. but when some that knows nothing about me replys "you dont have a clue about cuemaking" thats what sets me off. you dont know me. turth is i stuck to repairs only for 8 YEARS before i even considered making a cue. so now where are my qualifications?

like stated before some like to stir the pot. you know who you are. their opinions are respected but when you cause more trouble then help given. there is the problem

i made up my mind to stay away for a few weeks. now back i will not say a bad word peroid. if i dont have anything nice to say of help to give i wont chime in. if i disagree i wont chime in.

i have sent and recieved items for free. talked to ppl on the phone as well as called for help. i only deal with some and steer clear of others. started using the ignore list. its very helpful

 

[hardknox222]

Very good points Mr. Arnot. I am a "newbie" cuemaker compared to most cuemakers here and I have learned a lot of techniques from the information shared by experienced makers here at the "Ask the Cuemaker" forum. You have good points about how this forum for cuemakers should work and if AZB management is unwilling to provide that, why not ask some other sites to provide us with exactly what we need? Insidepoolmag, easypooltutor or billiards digest may be willing to give us what we want. I know most of us are members of other forums as well so the transition won't be that bad. Personally, I'd like to have a forum exactly like you described with only 'legitimate' cuemakers giving out "correct" information. A forum moderated by real cuemakers would be great. It shouldn't be too hard to implement - all we need is a willing website.

 

[BarenbruggeCues]

i think one of the major problems is some of the older more experienced cue makers have a bad attitude. like their sh!t dont stink. if the question at hand could just be answered without some smart reply or cheap shot things could run alot better. im guilty of slinging mud. i have a very hard time keeping my mouth shut. i am working on that. but when some that knows nothing about me replys "you dont have a clue about cuemaking" thats what sets me off. you dont know me. turth is i stuck to repairs only for 8 YEARS before i even considered making a cue. so now where are my qualifications?

like stated before some like to stir the pot. you know who you are. their opinions are respected but when you cause more trouble then help given. there is the problem

i made up my mind to stay away for a few weeks. now back i will not say a bad word peroid. if i dont have anything nice to say of help to give i wont chime in. if i disagree i wont chime in.

i have sent and recieved items for free. talked to ppl on the phone as well as called for help. i only deal with some and steer clear of others. started using the ignore list. its very helpful

Which brings me back again to learning how to use the search function of the forum.
If it is a legit question to learn something new or learn more about something that has already been discussed, then fine. The threads like would you build a cue for someone even though you knew they would destroy it?.......What does that have to do with learning cues? Sorry, but even though I replied in that thread, I don't believe it is a question that has any teaching attributes about building cues.
If you have that concern about the cuemaker themselves, then ask them that question, personally, before you place your order for a cue from them.

Dave, I also disagree with you that you should not add any substance if you don't agree with someone about something. Those opinions should be voiced also. If everyone agreed with someone who was giving bad advice, what good is that?

I do agree though that some just come here to stir the pot and really have no business here. That's the nature of a public forum though. You do have to pick and choose your replies wisely. I may be as guilty as the next person sometimes saying something negative about someone or their practices but I'd tell them to their face also.

I know this has been discussed before but I feel that a sub section in the ask the cuemaker section would be appropriate for legitimate builders only and should not be made public. I know this sounds clique, but I believe it would solve a lot of the bickering and bullshit that happens here.

 

[Poulos Cues]

Great responses!

One thing we could do (and I don't know how) is preface the use of the search function on the front/top of the section permenantly- to include a breif desc. on HOW to use the search function.

I could use a lesson on the search function as well- have tried but some seem to know it better than I.

I caution the "established-well know cuemaker comments". Doesn't matter if you build 5 cues a year or 100. If it is valid info with tried and true techniques and results- then post it.

Which leads me to another point- "tried and true".
I think it best if the questions come from persons who have AT LEAST TRIED to perform a function but have not had desirable results. Post what you DID do, with WHAT YOU MAY DO and so forth.

Lot's of the GODS - who may have attitudes - have been at this for so long- when info WAS kept close to the heart- call it snobbish- but some do-do THIS TO EAT! ( I said do-do )and are probably offended by some of the spoon fed info that goes on here. Some of them prolly fall off their rockers at some of the bogusness and continue to just stand by on the outside?!

I GREATLY appreciate some of the spoon-feeding to myself-and I too am guilty of this.

But it was said to me once, and it means sooo much:

Lets say I am an established cuemaker who has tried and tested several techniques over the years with various tools and equipment (and no advice). Now, several tries and mos. or years later I have it down and now I am left with a collection of parts, tools and machinery that I have possibly paid full price for- and have to take a loss to get rid of them.

Now, along comes Chris w/ a question of the best spray gun to use, compressor, tips, etc. and now Chris does not have to go thru the same expense as the GOD. (but we all can agree that no matter how easy it is to obtain the right equip.- we all know how long it takes to get the finish "just right"....

Right, wrong or indifferent?????

Now, this is all my opinion and as I stated, it is sometimes easier to ask then to do...and I AM DOING a lot more these days then asking....

But it would be a grave shame to continue to lose those who "are established" or any of this "free info".

I once asked this of my boss at a high-end cabinet shop I worked at for many years- "There are soooo many cuemakers out there- it is saturated- why should I bother? He replied, "how many cabinet companies do you think there are in the world- answer: thousands!" The difference is quality, value, and MOST IMPORTANTLY- honesty and great customer service!"

Give 5 of Americas top chefs the same equipment and ingredients- I BET you will get 5 different presentations

I'm babbling-

-signed- FOR EVER APPRECIATIVE TO ALL THOSE FOR THE "FREE" INFO-(and no spell check-)

Chris

 

[bubsbug]

No suprise but I dont think I agree. I believe that you have to take the good with the bad. With some of the things mentioned above it seem that a well established cue maker could not learn something from a 1st timer trying to learn himself. I think that everyone learns something from everyone eventhough they may not know it at first. Face it we are all here to learn and share ideas, good or bad. Why hide anything??