I've been involved in PA bow trades in one way or another since the first one and in every trade there have been deadbeats that have received and never sent a bow or never intended to send in the first place. All they want is for someone to give them one for free. Which are you!... or has life gotten in the way. If that is the case, have you notified Jordan to let him know about your circumstances. I believed Jordan ask folks in the beginning to keep him posted with their progress. We've had many months to get a bow built and sent to another PA member. I applaud Jordan for stepping up and reminding folks that time is running out. He has actually done you guys a favor by reminding you. Jordan has volunteered to run this trade with help from a few friends, to keep up with each participant and their bow trade status. He does this in his spare time...like any of us have spare time these days. He is a married man with children and a real job. If you were in his shoes you would understand so please try to put yourself in his shoes and help make this tedious job a bit easier for Jordan and friends. Since you are not in his shoes do what you promised when you signed up. Go read the rules for this trade and ask yourself if you are following the rules and if you are a man of your word. Please get the best bow you can build finished and shipped to your recipient. They disserve a new bow just like you.
At some point in the near future I will be sending out PMs to folks that are not keeping their word. Don't make me go there!
We here at PA are a family and most of us will go out of our way to help those who need help. ...and to those that don't participate just because they may have been stiffed, I think you are entering for the wrong reason. I get in these bow trades to help newbies build up their confidence as wood bow builders because they might be building a bow for one of you more accomplished bowers. That is pretty intimidating for these new guys and most swallow that pill and produce their best bow to date for their recipient. I have probably 50 selfbows, backed bows or wood lam-bows(most from other folks) and don't really need a bow, and if I don't receive one in the trade I'm OK with that. That's not why I signed up...and when I signed up for the trade I promised to build the best bow I can for my recipient. No questions asked!!!
From the very beginning I have emphasized that it is not about the bow you receive, it is about you building the best bow you can build for your recipient. PERIOD!!! Lets get on the stick and see this bow trade to completion with all parties involved satisfied that they have sent out the best bow they can build for their recipient.
We have had folks suggest we hold this trade by invitation only or have two categories; newbies in one group and seasoned bowyers in another. As long as I am part of the PA Bow Trade these things will never happen. Both suggestions go against the spirit of the trade. The PA Bow Trade has always been and as far as I am concerned will always be open to anyone that wants to enter with some qualifications. If you don't like this, don't get in. I promise you won't be misses!
