To me though, the true beauty of Bowsite is in my ability to write a report of my hunt as I remember it shortly upon returning from that hunt. I can upload pictures and recount my story with recency on my side.
Then years later, I can use the search function to find and re-read my own story. I can also send the link to others years after the story was written. I used to keep a journal of my hunts, but that didn't have pictures. Also, it wasn't as easy to "share" with others as an e-mail link is.
In essence, of all the great benefits Bowsite offers the greatest one is the ability to "archive" my bowhunting experiences. Before this site, only people who wrote books and/or graced the pages of magazines regularly left detailed legacies of their bowhunting experiences. Most others left journals with no photos or photo albums and deteriorating taxidermy mounts with no detailed stories. Now [at no cost] we can all leave a legacy of some of the most enjoyable times of our lives. Perhaps someday (hopefully a long time away) when I'm dead I'll have grandchildren or great-grandchildren who will look up my stories by my handle.
With that in mind, I want only to post authentic and genuine stories. I also should be aware of posts I make on other's threads as their descendants deserve better than to read about my petty frustrations aimed towards his/her ancestor whom I never even met. I recently posted some pretty negative comments about a fellow Bowsiter. Within 24hrs I deleted my comments. He is a thick skinned fellow so I'm confident he would have read the comments with a grin. Even so, negativity is not something I hope for my grandkids to find when they search my Bowsite handle 60 years from now.
The true beauty of Bowsite is that it allows each of us to leave a trace of our bowhunting legacy. What's your legacy?
Sincerely, Jesse Deubel (in case no one in the future knows my handle) LOL
Bowsite can be used in MANY ways both now and in the future! To me it has opened many doors and I learn something everyday! It's fun knowing others are as crazy about bow hunting as me and I love it when new folks become addicted and join us!
Jesse: You made some very insightful comments on the power of words to either help, hurt, teach, inspire or share experiences. Every time we hit "send" we send a choice of what we project! Can't wait to see what I learn today! I'll check in later this morning while on stand trying to shoot a deer:)
The Bowsite is, by a ridiculously wide margin, the greatest asset in advancing my bowhunting life I have ever engaged. The ability to pick the brain of more seasoned, experienced people about every little nuance of my avocation is immeasurable in time and money saved. Not to mention the friendship and hunting opportunities I would not have had otherwise.
As for legacy, the Bowsite is Pat's. And a fine one it is.
One of the great "beauty's" of Bowsite is meeting members out in the field. Whether it be along the interstates as we gas up on our trips , or at trailheads , or possibly in the parking lot of our favorite country restaurants.
A decal would cement a sense of community that many feel exists here on Bowsite. Thanks Pat for a great site.
We're all fortunate that Pat didn't listen to those naysayers when he floated his idea at that event in 1996. The Bowsite is a true gem for those of us who enjoy our sport of bowhunting.
I'm in for a Bowsite decal, sticker, t-shirt, hat…..whatever!!!
It's honestly Facebook for Hunters.
You have those who are tech savvy and load their pics, videos and other cool things.
You have your lurkers.
You have your comedians.
You have your..well..you now.
You have your technophobes WHO ONLY TYPE LIKE THIS.
In the end, they all add value to the community and as much as we may complain we absolutely love it.
Thanks MrC
1. I read some posts and think: "Why didn't I think of that? That guy is really smart!" I've been here for several years, but it doesn't take long to see who the wise ones are. Conversely, it soon becomes clear who is talking through their ass!
A lot more posts leave me thinking: "Boy, compared to that guy, I'm a genius!"
It's a great forum. One takes most of it with a grain of salt, while extracting the gems and pearls of wisdom!
2. I have met some great hunters on here. And better yet, I've gotten to hunt with some them, both here in Alaska and down in America.
Pete
If you want to keep those posts for posterity, I would strongly advise opening them now, and copy and paste the contents into a Word file or individual Word files, and save to your computer. They may not be accessible when you want to read them.
As that post says, I have also found that looking for old threads does not always work. Do this test- click on your Favorite Threads, and pick out an old one. You should be able to find some that can't be opened. Not bashing on my favorite website here, just trying to help.
Anyway, Bowsite definitely provides a needed fix in times where I can't be out in the woods.
Thanks Bowsite!!!
