Things that negatively effect the hobby

What do you feel are the things that negatively effect the hobby ? What is the best way to address them ? Do you feel there is a reason they are not being discussed ? Commenting on YouTube videos might be helpful. Please stay on topic.

TV Shows
Especially the ones that discuss monetary values

Constant bitching and infighting on forums dedicated to tech.
People who think they know everything but wont explain exactly why their opinion is correct- they just keep repeating that 'they know it all'.

I'll also add the obvious: bad hole digging and improper (if at all) restoration of the ground to its original condition.


But yeah, gotta agree with Des; those 'reality' shows about detecting are really hurting us.

Peoples.

Lets face it the public in general knows nothing about the hobby, heck my dentist actually asked me if I did it to augment my pension. So you see even learned individuals don't have a prayer relative the hobby..Don't have any solid ideas how the general public could be informed, perhaps someone does...
Of course trespassing , digging holes on public land and being ignorant to the general public among other things doesn't help either.

Chinese metal detectors. These cheapos are going into the hands of people that will F it up for all of us.

Night hunters. They walk amongst us.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/18/2015 12:43AM by Detectorist.

People who get in the Hobby who don't have a passion and love of history. To them it is the lastest fad so they dig parks up with shovels and half ass fill there holes. To them it is a game to see how much silver they can find and the rest be damned! Once they get all the spots closed to detecting they go back to playing golf or the next fad. That's whats killing the Hobby.

Detectorist Wrote:
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> Night hunters. They are amongst us.


I know one. I used to hunt with him. I know he does it because while we were still hunting together, I tried to secure us permission to hunt a site and was politely denied. Fast forward a few months and I see a 0dark30 youtube hunt of him on that property. He was trying to hide the location with his camera angle selection, but the fence and buildings were unmistakable.

aguerrero56 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Chinese metal detectors. These cheapos are going
> into the hands of people that will F it up for all
> of us.


You do realize that FT get some of their gear made in China so email them your concerns -

Its not the tool in the hand that F's it up for all of us but more so the tool who owns the hand is the problem -

rustic charm Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> aguerrero56 Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Chinese metal detectors. These cheapos are
> going
> > into the hands of people that will F it up for
> all
> > of us.
>
>
> You do realize that FT get some of their gear made
> in China so email them your concerns -
>
> Its not the tool in the hand that F's it up for
> all of us but more so the tool who owns the hand
> is the problem -

I did not realize that, I never owned anything from FT, but thats not a good selling point. I'm talking more about the guy that buys some cheap metal detector on ebay and tears up the park first time out, and never returns to the hobby. The ground efx swarm is what I envisioned when I said Chinese.

Long handled shovels in public parks. Spreading soil all over the grass in several piles around the holes. Lots of Youtube videos implementing both of these techniques.

Kenny
[www.youtube.com]

aguerrero56 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> rustic charm Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > aguerrero56 Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Chinese metal detectors. These cheapos are
> > going
> > > into the hands of people that will F it up
> for
> > all
> > > of us.
> >
> >
> > You do realize that FT get some of their gear
> made
> > in China so email them your concerns -
> >
> > Its not the tool in the hand that F's it up for
> > all of us but more so the tool who owns the
> hand
> > is the problem -
>
> I did not realize that, I never owned anything
> from FT, but thats not a good selling point. I'm
> talking more about the guy that buys some cheap
> metal detector on ebay and tears up the park first
> time out, and never returns to the hobby. The
> ground efx swarm is what I envisioned when I said
> Chinese.

Hey no worries - I also see the new Minelabs (Go Find) may have the same efx so to speak -

I think its more the price point that has these 'park terra's' going for it -

Here in NZ some people think its a fast way to riches doing this detecting lark - I see it more of an addiction I dont wanna kick

In the last few years our local auction site has been swamped with those Chinese made units you speak of and I sometimes cant help but think how many people are going to be carving up land, and not in a good way

Harold,ILL. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> People who get in the Hobby who don't have a
> passion and love of history. To them it is the
> lastest fad so they dig parks up with shovels and
> half ass fill there holes. To them it is a game to
> see how much silver they can find and the rest be
> damned! Once they get all the spots closed to
> detecting they go back to playing golf or the next
> fad. That's whats killing the Hobby.


people been doin' this for years!,and believe it or not,many veteran hunters did /do it!
tons did it during the 70's and 80's,then "'disappeared" when the public places played out with
technology from those time frames.i never see hardly anybody any more,as people have moved on,
and found other interests.only ones left are truly dedicated...i'm just sayin'

(h.h.!)
j.t.
j.t.

What do you feel are the things that negatively effect the hobby ?

It goes to the characterization of the intent of the hobby, which is: grown men (usually) searching the ground greedily for lost pennies as if that were the intent and purpose of the hobby. The public has concluded that it is a hobby for people obsessed with finding money, to the point they indulge their lust for riches and buy a detector to get at those pennies. It is also assumed detectorist are probably delusional Ponce de Leon-like would-be explorers on a phantom quest to find some buried pirate "treasure".

Where'd they get that idea? Just look at the detector manufactures’ sales pages. They love to promote the idea that gold doubloons and chests of pirate booty are waiting for you to discover. People with detectors must be thinking they're gonna strike it rich! So, you're harmless but living in a fool's paradise. Some will pity you as you go by.

You may also be judged to be a sad sack, all alone in the world but for his detector. It is easy for the public to assume you are unpopular, who would hang out with a guy who is obsessed with money and pirate’s plunder? You're a weird outsider, possibly dangerous and certainly with no social skills. Apparently life has treated you harshly. When not detecting it is assumed you live a lonely existence under a bridge or highway overpass, in a van, all alone except your trusty detector friend who you have named and personified like your other friend, a volleyball you've named "Wilson". Sadly you are obligated to scrounge for money during the day to get enough change to buy a bottle of strawberry ripple each night. Too bad that poor chap didn't finish High School, he could have been something better.

However the perception originates, a guy with a detector often isn't perceived as "normal". Normal is for those who scamper after little white balls they hit with a stick until it goes into a tiny hole, while wearing a Scottish kilt - that's acceptable and normal hobby.

Some old ladies have commented that "it's nice for fun and to get some exercise", as if earlier in the day I was doddering about the park feeding the pigeons and decided to take up an expensive and time consuming hobby to get some "exercise". Whether we are viewed as greedy, senile, delusional, dangerous, creepy, or just abnormal, the public rarely forms a positive image when they see someone detecting.

Of course, that all goes out the window if you pull an expensive ring out of the water ... then they want to know how much your detector costs and where they can get one.

this analogy is most accurate..appears at first glance to be a negative perception,however,a 'silver lining" exists,and
that is, anyone who fits this description WILL,for the most part be "left alone",and as any dedicated hunter will tell you,
this is an "admirable objective" to experience "peace of mind" while in the field...point is i don't care "two sh*ts" WHAT others perceive me to be,
as long as they allow me to hunt in peace!..33 years and counting!..i'm just sayin'

(h.h.!)
j.t.

How about companies and individuals who exaggerate the capabilities of detectors, for whatever reason...

The greatest negative impact to the hobby is simply the number of people detecting....period.
If every detectorist was an the angel Harold expects them to be , there would still be more hunters hunting the same opportunities.
More people are probably brought to the activity by people posting the items they find on forums , for whatever reason , than any other single behavior or company.
If the shoe fits , wear it.

> What do you feel are the things that negatively effect the hobby ?

Forum Trolls.

> What is the best way to address them ?

Ban their accounts as soon as they are found.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/18/2015 02:34PM by Rudy.

Anyone who hunts on land without permission. Anyone who does not cover their holes, even in plowed fields. People who leave trash behind, even if they bury it. People who abuse permission given by coming to a site way too much or bringing way too many people. People who willingly trespass because they want to find relics or coins to sell, and who feel "so what" if I get caught. TV shows, magazines, and web sites that put too much emphasis on the financial value of the relics or coins.

All of the above reasons have been given to me by landowners who refuse permission when I've asked to go on their property. In the first 20 years I relic hunted, I was turned down ONE time - because a relic hunter given permission came to the property almost every day and the landowner simply got tired of it and quit giving permission to anyone.

In the last 10 years, permission is about 50/50, and all of the above reasons have been given. But at the root of it, I think, are television shows and magazines that emphasize the value of the finds, rather than a true focus on recovering history or the true spirit of this great hobby.

shoveler Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The greatest negative impact to the hobby is
> simply the number of people detecting....period.
> If every detectorist was an the angel Harold
> expects them to be , there would still be more
> hunters hunting the same opportunities.
> More people are probably brought to the activity
> by people posting the items they find on forums ,
> for whatever reason , than any other single
> behavior or company.
> If the shoe fits , wear it.

I don't see where fillin' your holes properly and not using a shovel is being an ''angel''. It is doin' the rite thing. But I will say T.V. Shows and You Tube and Forums also have put more people in the Hobby then ever before so it does add to the problem more so then it use to. All I can speak for is ''MY AREA'' as yours may be different.

Well dang Gary! Thought you were asked to not bring in your DRAMA from other metal detecting forums!!??!

Get lost troll.

Johnnyanglo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What do you feel are the things that negatively
> effect the hobby ?
>
> It goes to the characterization of the intent of
> the hobby, which is: grown men (usually) searching
> the ground greedily for lost pennies as if that
> were the intent and purpose of the hobby. The
> public has concluded that it is a hobby for people
> obsessed with finding money, to the point they
> indulge their lust for riches and buy a detector
> to get at those pennies. It is also assumed
> detectorist are probably delusional Ponce de
> Leon-like would-be explorers on a phantom quest to
> find some buried pirate "treasure".
>
> Where'd they get that idea? Just look at the
> detector manufactures’ sales pages. They love to
> promote the idea that gold doubloons and chests of
> pirate booty are waiting for you to discover.
> People with detectors must be thinking they're
> gonna strike it rich! So, you're harmless but
> living in a fool's paradise. Some will pity you as
> you go by.
>
> You may also be judged to be a sad sack, all alone
> in the world but for his detector. It is easy for
> the public to assume you are unpopular, who would
> hang out with a guy who is obsessed with money and
> pirate’s plunder? You're a weird outsider,
> possibly dangerous and certainly with no social
> skills. Apparently life has treated you harshly.
> When not detecting it is assumed you live a lonely
> existence under a bridge or highway overpass, in a
> van, all alone except your trusty detector friend
> who you have named and personified like your other
> friend, a volleyball you've named "Wilson". Sadly
> you are obligated to scrounge for money during the
> day to get enough change to buy a bottle of
> strawberry ripple each night. Too bad that poor
> chap didn't finish High School, he could have been
> something better.
>
> However the perception originates, a guy with a
> detector often isn't perceived as "normal". Normal
> is for those who scamper after little white balls
> they hit with a stick until it goes into a tiny
> hole, while wearing a Scottish kilt - that's
> acceptable and normal hobby.
>
> Some old ladies have commented that "it's nice for
> fun and to get some exercise", as if earlier in
> the day I was doddering about the park feeding the
> pigeons and decided to take up an expensive and
> time consuming hobby to get some "exercise".
> Whether we are viewed as greedy, senile,
> delusional, dangerous, creepy, or just abnormal,
> the public rarely forms a positive image when they
> see someone detecting.
>
> Of course, that all goes out the window if you
> pull an expensive ring out of the water ... then
> they want to know how much your detector costs and
> where they can get one.


A lot of good points made as to negatives for the hobby.

It is a simple matter of numbers. The more people in the hobby, the higher the number of irresponsible detectorists. Especially when you get an influx coming into the hobby with the impression of exciting finds in 22 minute intervals, from a show that couldn't even be bothered to spend a few seconds on detecting etiquette until about the fourth season.

I can't say I've encountered a lot of the public attitude Johnnyanglo speaks of. The vast majority of the time the attitude you get depends on the attitude you put out.

A lot of people who participate in this very public hobby are introverts who do all they can to ignore the public.

I am friendly to anyone who acknowledges me unless they give me reason not to be. Most people react positively to a slight smile and a friendly nod.

Instead of feeling inconvenienced by those who want to talk or ask questions, it makes a lot more sense to see them as a potential detecting resource.

shoveler Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The greatest negative impact to the hobby is
> simply the number of people detecting....period.
> If every detectorist was an the angel Harold
> expects them to be , there would still be more
> hunters hunting the same opportunities.
> More people are probably brought to the activity
> by people posting the items they find on forums ,
> for whatever reason , than any other single
> behavior or company.
> If the shoe fits , wear it.


this is "dead nuts accurate" and has always concerned me in the back of my mind,HOWEVER,
there is little we can do about it,because as in every field of human endeavor,there is always a percentage
of individuals who affect the effort negatively,and we all must strive to do what WE can to offset the negative aspects
(I E: (piss poor recovery techniques) that impact the hobby directly.

(h.h.!)
j.t.

misipirelichtr Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Anyone who hunts on land without permission.
> Anyone who does not cover their holes, even in
> plowed fields. People who leave trash behind,
> even if they bury it. People who abuse permission
> given by coming to a site way too much or bringing
> way too many people. People who willingly
> trespass because they want to find relics or coins
> to sell, and who feel "so what" if I get caught.
> TV shows, magazines, and web sites that put too
> much emphasis on the financial value of the relics
> or coins.
>
> All of the above reasons have been given to me by
> landowners who refuse permission when I've asked
> to go on their property. In the first 20 years I
> relic hunted, I was turned down ONE time - because
> a relic hunter given permission came to the
> property almost every day and the landowner simply
> got tired of it and quit giving permission to
> anyone.
>
> In the last 10 years, permission is about 50/50,
> and all of the above reasons have been given. But
> at the root of it, I think, are television shows
> and magazines that emphasize the value of the
> finds, rather than a true focus on recovering
> history or the true spirit of this great hobby.


all of these are excellent examples of denied permission,however the biggest nemesis
is one of "liability!" a land owner will deny because of fear of being sued.they proclaim!..why take a chance?
and ya know what?..they are absolutely correct!..sure their insurance policies may cover liability,but who needs the hassle?
especially in today's world!..it STILL pays to ask,because it's like the lottery,ya can't win if ya don't play! all they can do is say "no!"
i'm just sayin'

(h.h.!)
j.t.

You Kempers have become "Things that negatively effect the hobby". Talk about not keeping on topic and becoming an advertisement for yourselves. Please keep this on Facebook or other social media sites where it belongs. It's obvious from your facebook site that you relish the drama you cause on different forums and want to be number one on Google...get a life and just leave the rest of us alone that want to be out of your lives and this forum...in all my years on different forums I have never seen anything like this...I have put in a request that you get the permanent boot so we can go back to the peace we had for so many years on here without you!

JT, you are right about liability being a concern for many landowners. In some ways, I have an advantage, because I am a landowner myself, and when they bring liability up, I can instantly relate similar concerns I have about giving folks permission for various activities. A few other ways I've successfully countered include showing the landowner proof that I have personal liability coverage or giving them a written and signed hold harmless and indemnification release. If there's any lawyers out there, I know the release is not an iron clad protection for the landowner. Mostly though, it comes down to being able to come across as honest and forthright, and being respectful of the landowner and their property. I'll stand by my earlier statement that most of the times I have been denied permission the past 10 years, it is because someone did not ask permission or did not respect landowner or property once given permission.

digging holes and not filling them, and when confronted, they don't give a dam, I wish I had one Mulligan, I would have wrapped my shovel around their head, they just don't care and it get place ban from hunting

Caretaker Wrote:
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> digging holes and not filling them, and when
> confronted, they don't give a dam, I wish I had
> one Mulligan, I would have wrapped my shovel
> around their head, they just don't care and it get
> place ban from hunting

I guess I'm not the only one to feel this way. Surprised you didn't get a ''SMART ASS'' comment like I did? You can only kick a dog so many times before you get Bit!