Thoughts On sharing information

Tooljunkie

Tooljunkie

Registered
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Anyone have any thoughts on "sharing information"with others in your vacinity on making Cues. I have recently been approached by a couple of different People in my area wanting to ask me how I do things or even come to my shop and "check things out". I have certainly benefited from the information available here and on the Internet, however alot of what I have learned has been trial and error Blood,Sweat and Tears. Your thoughts and comments would be appreciated
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thanks, Jim
 
I generally share info with others as most people would not when I was trying to learn. If you have a special jig or way of doing something then it is up to you if you want to let it out. If it is info available in any of the videos or books you really arent letting out any secrets the person couldent find on their own.
If I like someone I have no problem sharing. Just don't ask for the recipe to my special sauce. Chris Byrne
 
Tooljunkie said:
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Anyone have any thoughts on "sharing information"with others in your vacinity on making Cues. I have recently been approached by a couple of different People in my area wanting to ask me how I do things or even come to my shop and "check things out". I have certainly benefited from the information available here and on the Internet, however alot of what I have learned has been trial and error Blood,Sweat and Tears. Your thoughts and comments would be appreciated
​
thanks, Jim
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common knowledge stuff,,,freely given,,,things I've spent the time and money researching (emphasis on money),,,depends on the person; even the best of intentions sometimes will come back to bite you,,,

taught school for years, owned and operated several businesses in my lifetime & most people do not appreciate anything that is free,,,,make them work or pay for something; then they can see the value JMHO
 
Tooljunkie said:
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Anyone have any thoughts on "sharing information"with others in your vacinity on making Cues. I have recently been approached by a couple of different People in my area wanting to ask me how I do things or even come to my shop and "check things out". I have certainly benefited from the information available here and on the Internet, however alot of what I have learned has been trial and error Blood,Sweat and Tears. Your thoughts and comments would be appreciated
​
thanks, Jim
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Jim, I am also having the same situations occur at my location. While I do not believe in sharing all that I know with others I do not mine helping someone get started, if they are willing to work to learn, because taking secrets to the grave serve know one, and while some people think that this is the right way to handle this, I have a different opinion on this subject.

I think what makes people truly great no matter what they do, is how they are remembered after they are gone, and also what contributions that they have made during their life. I think that the best contribution anyone can make is to help some else achieve their dreams, because then apart of you will survive even after you are gone, and your achievements can be expanded upon to the next level through a different set of eye's.

I currently have a young man working for me in my pool hall. He works part time for no money, other than free pool time, drinks, and the ability to use my equipment to learn how to make cues for himself.

I have taken him under my wing so to speak, and I am teaching him the limited knowledge that I have learned through trial and error over the last three years. This young man is not the first person who has come to me for the same reason. However, he is the only one who has been willing to give something to get something, and he is very passionate about pool / billiards in general like I was at his age.

So, while I think it is ok to help get some one started, I also think that a persons knowledge has a value and only that person can determine what their knowledge is worth, but lets face the facts nothing worth having is free!!!!!! and people who are always looking for something free are known in my neck of the woods as free loaders!!!!:eek: :D :D

Have a great day

Manwon
 
Tooljunkie said:
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Anyone have any thoughts on "sharing information"with others in your vacinity on making Cues. I have recently been approached by a couple of different People in my area wanting to ask me how I do things or even come to my shop and "check things out". I have certainly benefited from the information available here and on the Internet, however alot of what I have learned has been trial and error Blood,Sweat and Tears. Your thoughts and comments would be appreciated
​
thanks, Jim
Click to expand...

I have no problem sharing what little information I have gained. Over the last few years I have had a couple of "apprentices" and one has gone on to building his own cues. We are still friends and share material orders and information. I currently have 2 people helping with my cue building enterprise and will give them whatever information I have.
I have also helped other cue builders or repair people by giving them a day of my time to help them with problems or show them how I do things.
 
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Very interesting post...

I have been pretty free on information up until about 2 weeks ago. I will still share information to cuemakers that have been there to share information in the past, but to just give out to anyone...Not anymore... I have been burnt 2 times this year. I have to give out basic info due to my job, but not the specifics or styles. Like you say in the original post, you have put a lot of sweat, tears, lost time and money. I would recommend to just go over the basics, and let them figure most out on their own. I tell them to buy Chris Hightowers book, or videos. Start the process by putting on a tip.

Jim
 
billiardbum said:
I have been pretty free on information up until about 2 weeks ago. I will still share information to cuemakers that have been there to share information in the past, but to just give out to anyone...Not anymore... I have been burnt 2 times this year. I have to give out basic info due to my job, but not the specifics or styles. Like you say in the original post, you have put a lot of sweat, tears, lost time and money. I would recommend to just go over the basics, and let them figure most out on their own. I tell them to buy Chris Hightowers book, or videos. Start the process by putting on a tip.

Jim
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You mean you shouldn't start by trying to build mitered veneer pointed forearms??? DOHHHHH!!!
 
Very interesting post...

Jim,

I'm sorry to hear that you got burnt by somebody. As one who has been at the receiving end of your generosity in this forum, I want to thank you for the sharing you have done.

I think you and a few others in this forum have been extremely helpful, and have created one of the most positive exchanges of ideas in the cue industry . You guys are creating goodwill and new customers.

There's no question that you have to pay your dues in any new endeavor, as one who sanded cues for somebody for three years, i wouldn't have it any other way.

I guess I'll try sharing a bit more, the squabbles and going ons keep me in the background. Thank you.


Mario
 
sharing info

I freely share info with anyone that asks.

In the end it is not the HOW that is important but the WHY.

You can only learn the WHY by experience.

Bill Stroud
 
Tooljunkie said:
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Anyone have any thoughts on "sharing information"with others in your vacinity on making Cues. I have recently been approached by a couple of different People in my area wanting to ask me how I do things or even come to my shop and "check things out". I have certainly benefited from the information available here and on the Internet, however alot of what I have learned has been trial and error Blood,Sweat and Tears. Your thoughts and comments would be appreciated
​
thanks, Jim
Click to expand...
I'd be careful.
The two can use the info gathered from your shop against you.
Heck, they can even twist the facts.
Believe me, it happens.
 
bstroud said:
I freely share info with anyone that asks.
In the end it is not the HOW that is important but the WHY.
You can only learn the WHY by experience.
Bill Stroud
Click to expand...

Well said! I concur.

I have more trouble giving up my time, than my knowledge. (just don't have enough of the former)

I believe in sharing, but I don't have much competition either.
If i had to worry about other cuemakers, I might be a bit less free with info, but I would like to think that I still would share.
 
ScottR said:
You mean you shouldn't start by trying to build mitered veneer pointed forearms??? DOHHHHH!!!
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Funny that was my first attempt at cuebuilding. IT WAS HIDEOUS!!!
 
Mcues said:
Jim,

I'm sorry to hear that you got burnt by somebody. As one who has been at the receiving end of your generosity in this forum, I want to thank you for the sharing you have done.

I think you and a few others in this forum have been extremely helpful, and have created one of the most positive exchanges of ideas in the cue industry . You guys are creating goodwill and new customers.

There's no question that you have to pay your dues in any new endeavor, as one who sanded cues for somebody for three years, i wouldn't have it any other way.

I guess I'll try sharing a bit more, the squabbles and going ons keep me in the background. Thank you.


Mario
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Mario, I really appreciate the nice post and l hate the squabbling also. I believe this keeps many good posters away from the forum, which is a shame. If you have quesitons or shared thoughts, you can email or PM me anytime. It is my nature to always give my $.02 for what it is worth.
Jim
 
sharing info

As others have said, it is a bit of a tough call. Some things I share, some things I don't mainly because it wouldn't matter anyway. You can't share craftsmanship by telling someone about it. If you use an unusual assembly technique, probably best kept to yourself or you will be reading about what that "crazy fool" does on these forums or hearing it second hand at the events. Often people misunderstand what you are actually doing and it is also common for them not to understand why. I have heard some really funny false stories about myself before I learned to keep my mouth shut about some of the things I did.

Share the basics or point out where to get the information. Share material experiences if you are inclined. Proprietary methods are probably best kept to yourself.

I am fairly new to cue making. I am by no means a beginning machinist or new to precision fitting having built world class rifles and pistols, proven in competition. Before that I built winning race cars and engines. I have found the sharing practices I mention above to work best in other pursuits. There are many paths that can result in a quality cue. No reason all should take the same path.

Hu
 
I've found if I ask the right questions I'll get the right answers. The internet has allowed me to look at cues that I never would 've seen and have contact with many great cue makers. I've exchanged probably 100 emails with a world class cm over the past 2 or 3 years. Advice on equipment, wood, technique pretty much anything I wonder about the art/science of cues. and when family matters take the lathe money yet again, he helps with the motivation. Can't buy a lathe yet? Don't worry buy more wood.:) Someone telling me something will put me on the right path, and I know I'll still want to put my own spin on the knowledge given freely to me.

Thanks to all cuemakers who post here
Andy
 
JoeyInCali said:
I'd be careful.
The two can use the info gathered from your shop against you.
Heck, they can even twist the facts.
Believe me, it happens.
Click to expand...
Having been the only one exposed to cuemaking and to "internationally accepted quality" cues in the US in the late 80s to mid-90s, I tried passing on the knowledge here in the Philippines in the late 90s. Brought me a lot of heartache though. So, any new constructon systems or personally developed ones don't get divulged but to closest of friends.

A compadre (another cuemaker) once told me "You know what? You don't dole out fish to someone who asks to be fed but rather teach them how to fish". I always thought that this was best until I was used for bait.
 
bstroud said:
I freely share info with anyone that asks.

In the end it is not the HOW that is important but the WHY.

You can only learn the WHY by experience.

Bill Stroud
Click to expand...
Knowledge of the "WHY" is what widens the gap. tap..tap..tap..
 
Tooljunkie said:
​
Anyone have any thoughts on "sharing information"with others in your vacinity on making Cues. I have recently been approached by a couple of different People in my area wanting to ask me how I do things or even come to my shop and "check things out". I have certainly benefited from the information available here and on the Internet, however alot of what I have learned has been trial and error Blood,Sweat and Tears. Your thoughts and comments would be appreciated
​
thanks, Jim
Click to expand...

I have mixed feelings on the subject. I enjoy talking about cues and techniques, and I've learned a lot from the generous souls on this forum. Having said that, I'm really picky now on who I pass info to or open up to locally. Some people are actually interested in the craft and want to see how things are done. Then you have the people that once they learn a few things will buy a lathe, undercut your prices and start competing for your repair business(been there). After that,you've got thieves. People that are looking to get positon on your shop and your tools. I guess that 20+ years working and hanging out in poolrooms has made me a bit paranoid:D
 
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