Events getting too pricey

[Blue Palasky]

i'm noticeing a trend that events are getting just too expensive..with a crumbling economy and lack of jobs 25-20 bucks is just becoming a rip, once you factor in gas,food,BBs and such..i'm not going to point any fingers but i can't justifie paying that price for a field that can't even enforce rules or even hold a scenerio together..20 bucks a person is a killing when you are just playing in a feild..why can't people just charge maybe 10 bucks? and i don't want to hear the excuse "well they have to make money" ....its come to the point now that i won't even reccomend some feilds because the ratio of the price to what you get it not worth it...not trying to flame but its the grim truth when the majority of the players are broke college kids that drive a ways to pay out of their teeth for not much

[Kingmob3]

Talk with your wallet and don't go. IMO as a broke, beer swilling, SAW gunning college student, $20 is fine, considering I spent well over $200 attending IRENE 6 all said and done. A day skirmish in IL used to cost about $50 at Challenge park (IL-back in the day). Double that and I can get about 50min of bottom time, lunch and a lift back to shore :) from one of the diving op's on Lake Michigan.
here is a challenge for you:
1) next time offer constructive criticism to the host/field owner
2) Offer to help them make the event better, either as voluntary staff, or setting up the weekend before.
KM

Try and fix it before walking out.

[Batman]

i'm noticeing a trend that events are getting just too expensive..with a crumbling economy and lack of jobs 25-20 bucks is just becoming a rip, once you factor in gas,food,BBs and such..i'm not going to point any fingers but i can't justifie paying that price for a field that can't even enforce rules or even hold a scenerio together..20 bucks a person is a killing when you are just playing in a feild..why can't people just charge maybe 10 bucks? and i don't want to hear the excuse "well they have to make money" ....its come to the point now that i won't even reccomend some feilds because the ratio of the price to what you get it not worth it...not trying to flame but its the grim truth when the majority of the players are broke college kids that drive a ways to pay out of their teeth for not much

Well, you can factor in the cost of staff, props, raffles, time invested by those putting the event on, the field owner's compensation & insurance.....

Or you can have a crap game with none of the above, ONLY pay the insurance & have no one to run the game.....

Yeah. If you wanna complain about the cost of something, talk to a movie theatre about the cost of a show & popcorn, or a water park about their $39.99 entry... Movies are 2 hours & will cost you $20 for one person. I think $20-30 for an entire day (or $50-100 for a weekend) is simply called inflation.

[Irishman]

Well, you can factor in the cost of staff, props, raffles, time invested by those putting the event on, the field owner's compensation & insurance.....

Or you can have a crap game with none of the above, ONLY pay the insurance & have no one to run the game.....



What you pay, is what you get...

[Jun Wen]

I don't completely disagree, but it's your decision whether you want to spend the money to go or not. When event organizers see downturns in attendance, they can determine whether or not the price point is the reason. I've decided to cut down the number of events I go to each year and base it all on the history of the organizers, the types of players I expect to be alongside, and the location.

[Batman]

How bout I put it this way:

90 min movie with popcorn & soda (for one): $19.50
8 hours at a water park with sunburn & waiting in lines: $30.00
8 hours at Great America (6 of which you spend in line): $30.00
College football game (end zone nose bleed section w/o food) for 4 hours: $26.00
Pro football game (simular seats w/o food): $55.00
18 holes of golf (5-6 hours): $55.00

Spending 8 hours with friends, working toward a goal, getting to tell stories about how it's never the same twice: Priceless

If you dont think your attendance is worth the cost, don't go. If you think it is, budget for it.

[Jimbe]

What you pay, is what you get...


I have been to some high priced events, and the cheaper ones were actually better. I good scenario game will have you going from start to finish. People
don't spend all their money on maxing out gun speed to sit in a fort hoping the enemy attacks. (unless your a sniper) The game should be designed so contact is made. No matter what you spend, if you go and spend more time looking than shooting, I would find a different game to go to. Players who only play in them may not really know the hours that go into thinking out a good game and making sure the refs, props, rules, missions,maps, points, first aid, tanks, door prizes are all in sequence and ready for the show. An ill planned game does not get people back the following year. Neither does a bad economy. And it seems the body count is going up for this event also. Double it all for two days. Its a lot of work. This is what I have seen over the years and has nothing to do with this game or TFD.
Beegs

[Vincent]

$20 to get exercise and shoot people with plastic BB's for an entire day imo is pretty awesome. It could be a hell of a lot worse. Its a hobby, you can't expect it to be free. After all, I play golf on top of airsoft and most golf courses charge $50 just to play 18 holes (that's on the cheaper end) and that's not including the practice balls, drinks, and food afterwards. You can't possibly expect to go to every event, so pick and choose the ones that you think are gonna be to your best interest. I personally like milsim events rather then the run around paintsoft garbage, but that's just me. I'm not gonna attend a pick up game at a field when I know its not something I enjoy.

[Jun Wen]

I have to disagree a bit with Jimbe based on personal experience and preference. My most memorable and favorite event was the original Fallen Angel where Omega completely won the day and it was most definitely not due to overwhelming firepower. I barely fired off two magazines that day and it still stand as the best game I played. Some people like nonstop firefights and others prefer other methods. If you know the event organizers and the players who are attending, you can guess how creative you can be to meeting your objectives.

[shadow20]

I agree with you guys, but you're way overdoing it. first I am 15 years old, and I play 3 to 5 a year and spend 120 in the summer tops. Now my parents backed out on me a while ago and the next summer I had to do 3 things which are essential for any broke airsofter

First-calculate see what you're range is and where you will spend it

Second-investigate meaning find your moneys worth wherever that may be

Third-follow through with the game and have fun with friends and the airsoft community

[nemesis]

first i would like to say that the cost should not be a factor if you like the game that much. if you cannot come up with the money dont go... its that simple, it really is...

second if you think it cost "too much" dont play the game. you do not have a passion for the game then.

and to top it off i like pizza

[Maple]

Man, it's been awhile since somebody whined about airsoft prices... so here comes my special little rant.

This is a hobby, if you don't want to pay to play, then find a free field to play at.
As for prices, don't whine about them. $20 is not much to pay for 5 or 6 hours of airsoft-ing.
Let's break it down.

Here's some simple math for you smarty-pants types who like mathmatics:
Gas (round trip) = 4 gallons @ $2 a gallon = $8
Game fees = $20
Food cost = $5 for lunch
BBs= $15 a bag / 2 (half bag of bb's per game) = $7.50
Water = 1 gallon = $2
Total = $42.50
$42.50/ 6 hours of game play = $7.08 an hour
Minimum wage job = $6.55 an hour
6 hours of airsoft = $42.50/ $6.55 (min wage job) = 6.49 hours of work to play airsoft.

All that my simple math proves is that a $20 game of airsoft is affordable on even a minimum wage job.
Don't whine about being a poor college kid either. Us old folks have bills to pay too.
If you don't like a particular field, then don't go to it. If you don't like the way a person runs games, then don't go. If you are too cheap to shell out $42.50 once a month, then find a free field to play at. There are several in the area, so do us all a favor and go to the free games.
Just don't come whining on the WAA forums that you were willing to spend $300+ on an aeg and gear, but you are too cheap to spend a bit of cash on playing an organized game.

-mat

p.s. O'Doyle rules!

[jeff]

As a lot of other guys pointed out, $20 for an all day event is nothing, especially compared to other summer activities. And really, $20? Whats $20 gonna get you in general today?

[Tank]

If $20 is too much for you to spend on a game then I suggest you find a new hobby.
Airsoft is an expensive hobby/sport, get use to it or don't play.

[daemondog]

I'd just like to add that not everybody is a "College kid" or a "Teenager". The majority of the players I know are in their mid-twenty’s (at least) or older.

I think people assume that the majority of airsofters are college age or younger just because that "younger" group is the most vocal on these forums. Regardless on which-ever group is the majority; the reality is this is a "big-boy" hobby with "big-boy" expenses. I also want to make it clear that I'm not trying to belittle anybody with my last statement. I just want to be straight to the point and blunt about it.

If $20-$25 is expensive to play at a field all day...then maybe you should reconsider another hobby. After all a AEG with average upgrades and gear can easily run a player $400 plus on the cheaper end of things.

Now...if your problem is that you don't feel that you’re getting your money's worth by going to particular field; don't go there anymore. Find another field or another group. It’s that simple. Don't hop on these forums and dance around your issue with a particular field by mentioning the economic crisis of our nation. Take your issue(s) to the field owner. In the few short years I’ve been member of these forums, I’ve seen enough flaming and bashing on this very same issue.

I'll guarantee one of two things will happen:
A) He'll blow you off and still collect money from other airsofters other than you.

OR

B) He'll try and make some changes.

[THE_CRIPPLER]

I really have no problem paying $20.00 for an all day airsoft event. As long as I'm there with my friends playing alongside me it's all good. Now I will admit that I haven't been to any of the TFD games since prices went up for them, but that is my choice. I'm not going to complain about the price increase because I understand why the price has gone up.

I will end up playing one of the scenarios this year, since I do miss the large epic sized games at Apocalypse. I just have to plan ahead for it, which isn't a problem since the games are posted months ahead of time. Likeothers stated, if you have a problem with the price then don't go to it.

[Kerrik13]

The prices of events will vary and usually it involves what kind of effort went into it and what the event involves.

I've been playing for quite a while and have played all the way from freebie 4 player practices up to 300 player mega-games. I've had really fun events in every range in between the two and I've been to events that weren't as fun as others.

$20 for an event is cheap... I will pay that without batting an eye. Heck, I don't even blink when Thunder is $90 a person or when Breedland II opens up and it is $60 (I think? Need to double check...) for pre-register.

For me, I always budget for events even if they are pricey because the ability to meet up with my team and friends at a game and give it a hell of a day is priceless. A good example would be Round Up III last September... some people scoffed at the entry price... but they had role players, cool props, fun missions, etc. I played a medic with a gas 5 shot shotgun and had an absolute blast. The content of a game really makes up for it, and you most likely get what you pay for. Ask anyone who has been to Irene who plunks down $200+ for an entry if it was worth it.

It seems the general feeling on the boards is that if you can't/won't pay for it, don't go.

EDIT: I also wanted to add in that there are multiple different types of games when it comes to airsoft. Some people, like Jimbe posted above, enjoy the guaranteed contact shoot-fests. I enjoy those as well. But I also enjoy unique role playing games like Freefall (sort of like a live action role play) and the hardcore mil-sim style games where I can play for 5 hours and the only opposition I run into are the bugs and the terrain. There are a wide variety and the best thing to do is find out what kind of game you like to play and plan to attend those kinds of games.

[Jimbe]

When I posted this I had just came out of the Breedland forum. I mentioned "game" and TFD because I did not want them thinking I was ripping on them. I thought I was still in the other forum. Darn old age showing. My thalimus must be crossed.



An ill planned game does not get people back the following year. Neither does a bad economy. And it seems the body count is going up for this event also. Double it all for two days. Its a lot of work. This is what I have seen over the years and has nothing to do with this game or TFD.
Beegs

[Blue Palasky]

20 bucks for one person at the movies?! where are you going the imax that has popcorn served by redenbacher himself? heres my break down and i forgot to mention in my first post some events are nice for the price (op vig was good stuff) but certain other fields enjoy chargeing the same price when there is no raffle,barely any refs,no props...just an unmowed field with particle board crap shacks..i mean try to think about it this way..you all agree that 25 bucks is steep more alot of events then maybe the prices will go down a little and people would be able to attend more games thus improving the overall growth of the sport and maybe even get more people into it...25$ for field fee,20$ fir BBs,a full tank of gas=40$,food=5 to 10$..i made this thread to point out the fact that this sport could be cheaper if you folks really wanted it to, yeah i know i could not go to events over costed which is what i intend to do because its just a pure garbage event, i'll take my 20 bucks and get a case of beer and have a party...just remeber im not trying to fight or flame just trying to get a positive out of something that is a negative to alot even if they speak up or not..

[Razor]

I'm not sure what the positive is you're trying to get at other than you want fields to charge less. I'm sure we'd all like to pay less for everything. As Tank and others put it, this is an expensive hobby; even entry level is a good chunk of cash.
You really only have 7 options: find more money, don't play at all, budget for games/fields you want and go to them, go to any game available but be unhappy playing due to the price, find your own field, find one for free, or convince the field owner(s) that they should charge less or provide more for the price. Probably the best way for the last point would be to provide some incentives (more players especially or work for playtime doing maintenance) rather than start running off about "unmowed fields" and "crap shacks"; that tends to not make your case.

I don't even think of going to an event like Irene because I won't set aside that much $$, but others will and have an awesome time. Everyone votes with their wallet, whether it's Wal-Mart, car dealerships, or airsoft fields.

[juansinanos]

The reason this is happening is because there isn't enough of an airsoft market in Wisconsin. Look at the airsoft stores in Wisconsin and you'll get an idea.

Airsoft has become more affordable because of clones and the flood of different brands to choose from. Same could be applied to the airsoft fields in Wisconsin. If there is enough demand for airsoft games more people will invest in creating more fields and competing businesses will increase the quality of their games to stay in the market and/or cut prices.

Personally I feel lucky to even have the number of fields that we do have even if I have to pay $25 a game. Also I highly doubt that field owners are making a ton of money on airsoft entry fees.

[Peally]

At the bare bottom line: Events cost money and work. Airsoft is a very expensive hobby. If you can't afford it, then take up knitting.

I also think $25 is incredibly cheap considering you are on a legal field and the entry fee guarantees that the sheriff's department and SWAT won't be arriving.

[jbb7292]

Hey listen i totally agree with what everyone is saying, Airsoft is an expensive hooby. Im a high school student so ya my budgets kinda tight but if you really wanna play you prioritize what you spend your money on and do research to find out which games you would be most interested in, and the truth is after spending hundreds of dollars on my guns what use is it not to spend the 25 bucks to be able to use them? and its not like you don't know where the money is going, its expensive to run a paintball/airsoft field with ref fees, rental guns, ammunition, and ext, so really stop ur bitching if you think its to expensive and stop spending your cash on 10$ movie trips and trips to McDonalds

[Irishman]

Hey listen i totally agree with what everyone is saying, Airsoft is an expensive hooby. Im a high school student so ya my budgets kinda tight but if you really wanna play you prioritize what you spend your money on and do research to find out which games you would be most interested in, and the truth is after spending hundreds of dollars on my guns what use is it not to spend the 25 bucks to be able to use them? and its not like you don't know where the money is going, its expensive to run a paintball/airsoft field with ref fees, rental guns, ammunition, and ext, so really stop ur bitching if you think its to expensive and stop spending your cash on 10$ movie trips and trips to McDonalds

TREATED

[AntiChrist666]

its only expensive because you guys make it expensive..yeah guns are expensive but the fields don't have to be..for all you people saying if its too expensive find a new hobby, heres one for you try putting yourself in blue's shoes and see it from his/her end..most hobbys are expensive to get into but a hobby is not a hobby when its a constant leech on your wallet, a hobby is an escape from the world of bills,work ETC..i too am going to be weeding out the bad fields..since you guys want an example, heres one the WGF i've been there atleast twice and both times have been not so great, 20 bucks got me=spawn kills,no refs,poor scenerio rule enforcement and on top of the that NO RAFFLE...its an unkept bee infested field, for running an event every weekend at 20 bucks a person their is no justification at all..i spent more time listening to the barrel sock speel then i did actually getting into the day's scenerio.....oh and for the guy that said the fee keeps law enforcement away, Ha unless the cops are getting payed off under the table, the fee does not protect you..its private land thats it..if somebody saw you walking down the road with an AEG and called it in, it would be treated as a live firearm call and you would be on the ground..so yeah flame me whatever you want in the end if you can't accept another's idea or situation and take the positives out of his or her's theory then you are a fool.

[daemondog]

It's simple...

Just go to a field that you like. Don't sit here and bitch about it. Because either way...the WGF will still be collecting $20-$25 from people who are willing to pay for it. If you haven't noticed... the general consensusis is that people (who frequent these forums) see that as being a reasonable price for the day. Once again; take it up with the WGF OR take your money else where.

[AntiChrist666]

it is quite simple, i will take my money else where..i will take it to good fields like apoc, atleast there i would have to worry about buying a tube sock or a ribbed condom for my toy gun..i mean come on BBs go through the sock.

[daemondog]

Alright bro...;)

Correct me if I'm wrong....I think Apoc does require barrel blocking device as well.

Either way. Hopfully you'll enjoy Apoc.

[garyb]

I believe I know who you are antichrist666, you are the person that was banned from the WGF for Safety Violations, specifically Barrels Socks in the Safe Area, people have a hard time when having the possibility of losing an eye because someone doesnt believe they have to follow the rules then argues with the Field owner when told about the violation.
From your other posts on these forums it sounds like you can not get along with anyone in this sport, so maybe your problem isnt the cost maybe you just can not follow the rules nor play well with others.

[AntiChrist666]

i've never been ban from any field, i'm a grown adult i know safety and yes apoc requires the plastic/rubber plugs..not paintball condoms, i have seen aegs with 380 fpm rip right through those socks, they are built for paintballs not 6mm solid plastic BBs. safety is important but if you want to beat a topic to death make it a topic that works..just my opinion, last i checked i'm a united states citizen so i am entitled to it.

[Micanthropyre]

I'm new to the hobby, so I don't think my word means much on this topic so I'll compare this to other hobbies I've had in the past, and my personal view on the budgeting process.

In my research, I've done a ton of work on figuring out how much money I need to spend on this hobby. Its something I do, to an extreme degree. I've spent thousands on Magic: The Gathering, hundreds on various minis games, and hundreds on my Xbox 360. It is expensive to do so.

Magic: The Gathering is most comparable to airsofting for me budget wise,
and here is how it breaks down:

You can buy cards and play with your friends at home. This is equivalent to playing backyard airsoft. As long as everyone's decks (read: guns) are of a similar power level the playing field remains fun and balanced. The next level is Friday Night Magic (read: weekly walk on games) and these cost roughly $10 and require better and more expensive decks (guns). Next level up are Pro Tour Qualifiers. These are $25 entry fees, and they are only held roughly every couple of months per state. These require even more expensive decks (guns) usually but are far more organized and have better prizes (raffle, pyro, missions, structure). Finally you have Grand Prix and Pro Tour events. These require the most expensive decks (guns+loadout) and are held around the world so travel expenses are much higher, but these are the cream of the crop in terms of competition.

Any decent hobby has high variable costs. Sure, airsoft has a high fixed cost (guns and gear) but in reality, compared to Magic (formats rotate meaning you have to buy the newest cards), Paintball (paintballs, field fees and gas refills), paragliding (need a new wing every couple of years = $3000), videogames (you gonna play that N64 forever?) and numerous others, airsoft has a relatively low variable cost.

Its just like Project Mayhem, you decide your own level of involvement.

[El_Phantasamo]

Alright bro...;)

Correct me if I'm wrong....I think Apoc does require barrel blocking device as well.

Either way. Hopfully you'll enjoy Apoc.

they do require a barrel blocking device at APOC.

Apoc is slightly run down as well, but not to the point where it's a safety concern, or looks bad. It's one of those fields you can tell has around for a while, at least that's my impression from playing there once.

there's no raffle, so if you want to complain about it, do it far away from me please.

Barrel Socks, Hummm. I may have to modify mine. they do have a reinforced area in the center, but not the corners. Ill test my modifications with the red cylinder (500 FPS) in my PTW.

Gate fees, I have attended free rec games, and $30 rec games. Every time, I get what I pay for. Im not going any further in depth. Others on this forum have done that already, and quite well.

If you Cant' justify paying a gate fee to play airsoft, It's your principle. Your views have been noticed.

If you can't afford to pay a gate fee to play airsoft, then adjust your budget. I work damn hard for a living, and airsoft is great for stress relief. The LAST thing I want to hear on the filed are someones trivial complaints that I have no control over.

these are my opinions. if you don't like them, or agree with them, too god damn bad.

[A-Ron]

i've never been ban from any field, i'm a grown adult i know safety and yes apoc requires the plastic/rubber plugs..not paintball condoms, i have seen aegs with 380 fpm rip right through those socks, they are built for paintballs not 6mm solid plastic BBs. safety is important but if you want to beat a topic to death make it a topic that works..just my opinion, last i checked i'm a united states citizen so i am entitled to it.
I love how everyone hides behind the First Amendment... Makes me giggle because it's probably the only amendment they know of and understand fully.

I've tired out soooo many different hobbies some or many here have vested similar time and interest into..

Comptuer / Video gaming... - $$$ varies depending on how hardcore you are, but in the end you are still paying the internet company (or your parents are paying them as you're leeching off of them) a month fee to use the internet (similar to how a field requires you to pay to use their facilities)

Snowboarding... - heh.. Just started up again after not going for 3+ years... 600 for equipment (board, bindings, boots, googles, coat / pants, first layer... etc) all still that is designed and meant to help protect me in the event of a possible injury...
Then fuel to drive to places like Marquette, MI or Wausau, WI and all over the place just to pay another $35-80 for a one day (or couple hour) pass onto a big ass hill to only possibly kill myself.

Airsofting... - (obviously since it's the one to boot here)... OPEN YOUR EYES GUYS! lol This is by NO means a "cheap" sport, nor is paintball or any other milsimist-style sport. As daemondog pointed out, this hobby is (read your packaging too ;) ) meant for those 18 yoa and up... You are techincally considered an adult (although you might not act like one) at the age of 18... This is an ADULTS hobby, and ADULTS do not gripe and moan because they have to shell out a few bucks here and there to use their stuff. Why? Becuase they are adults, and for the most part, the ones who know what they are doing know how to and can budget money to do what they want to do be it buy a new car, buy a house / handle mortage payments, pay for the bills to ensure the continuance of living, etc...
Adults the ones you can consider actual adults will not gripe and complain about a $20 entry fee as they will make it what they can, and if they do not agree / like the game or event, they will maturly go to the field / game organizer (nine times out of ten) and constructively criticize the field / game organizer.

Motorcycles... - $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ bigtime mula!! You wanna gripe about $8 (at the current around $2/gal of fuel) for 4 gallons of fuel that in most vehicles will get you at least 60-80 miles if not more, then try owning a motorcycle or sports car and using it for leisure... It's strickly hobby for some, and the gas costs can soar once you need to put in 13 gallons of super grade fuel (if not racing fuel while on the track) at $5-8+/ gal for ONE DAY, and food and after use care is not even included in there.
Or just going out with friends riding around and causing a ruckus for a day, doing whatever the world brings to you (getting food and what not)...
And startup cost on ^^this one^^ heh... Good setup may only cost 8 grand or so (good bike, helmet, and riding gear) but the constant usage / upkeep can total well over $1k/ year for the "good stuff." My last tire (ONE rear tire) that last me SIX MONTHS was $300 alone. Oil changes are $60-80 (multiply that by two or three per year depending on useage), then going to the track for ONE DAY can cost you $300+ in most instances... Good luck going more than once on an "airsofters budget."


I think it might be time for you to (and I like how someone said it), "Talk with your wallet."
Don't complain to us (other players) or the field owners / game organizers as they could care less most of the time, what you think when you have the ultimate ability to go out and get a job and make a little more.
And no, our "ecnomic situation" does not mean that you can't find a job. Using that defense just shows how lazy you are and, "When the going gets tough, you bail out because you can't hack it."

Maples play by play of a game, heh... When I look at it that way, that's a hellovalot cheaper than I thought it'd be.
Shieett... To go to the movies ONE NIGHT with the girlfriend it DOES cost $35-40 (almost $20 per person) when you get the tickets, popcorn and and drink (simliar to what you're trying to achieve by going to an airsoft field to utilize your equipment... you're trying to get the "full effect" am I right?) even when you go to the NORMAL theatre.
I'm curious to find out if you're just use to going to the budge movies or not... -scrachin

[AntiChrist666]

i do enjoy how this has turned into a flame fest, it shows how many punk teenagers post on here. yes i know the thread got heated but money generally is a hot topic. now when you tell someone to shut the f up your just asking for a fight. very big of you to insult me on the amendments, the bum on the corner could go to the library and google the bill of rights and the constitution get real man.

[El_Phantasamo]

i do enjoy how this has turned into a flame fest, it shows how many punk teenagers post on here......

Excuse me? I happen to be a 32 year old Auto/Diesel Mechanic.

And I will tell anyone "STFU" when I am tired of hearing their whining. I have even said it to my boss, and I still have my job.

I have seen so many new players go on and on with trivial complaints to the point that all it accomplishes is annoying the other players. Your complaints are not unlike theirs.

I have even see some try to create a forum for free airsoft events in the state of Michigan. It failed in under A year.

Now, in doing my part to keep this thread from spiraling out of control, I am going to be brief, firm, and civil.....

If you have a complaint about the field you play on, take it up with the host, organizer, field manager, or field owner.
I Can't do anything about that, so don't complain to me.

If you can't afford to play airsoft the way you would like to, get A better job or another job. I suggest fixing cars, It has treated me well.
Otherwise, I can't do anything about that, so don't complain to me.

[DKruse]

Alright everyone, let's take a deep breath and calm down a bit.

In the end, all you can do is vent your opinion, it's the field and the event coordinator who decide fees. This thread is about as useful as anyone who says "Gas is waaaay too expensive." You can say it until you are blue in the face, but you will go no where fast, because the ones who decide the price have a lot more to figure in than just trying to make you happy.


I ask that those of you who recently posted go back and re-read your post and remove things that, if they were stated to you, you would be angered and/or offended by them. Because the goal of the first amendment right is to provide an open forum, but the line is when you start to offend those with the same rights as you. As well, feel free to remove items that don't pertain to the topic at hand.

[Beest]

Take away his points!

[Batman]

oh and for the guy that said the fee keeps law enforcement away, Ha unless the cops are getting payed off under the table, the fee does not protect you..its private land thats it..

I rairly answer these messages "as a cop" but this one I will. Yes, it does & no, not because of any "pay off" but because of the simple fact that if Im sent to a call of a "man with a gun" at a paintball field, Im gonna be 99.99999% sure before I even think about going, it's a paintballer or airsofter. Same call in someone's back yard = people could be shot & please spare me the argument because you arn't a cop so you DONT know.


if somebody saw you walking down the road with an AEG and called it in,

Then you wouldn't be "on the field" and the above would not apply.

[A-Ron]

i do enjoy how this has turned into a flame fest, it shows how many punk teenagers post on here.
...
Yet you don't put your age in your public profile.... hmmmmmm.... -scrachin
Then again, nor does half the board users here.

I'm by no means attempting to flame anyone with the exception of the stated above comment in this post.
I'm simply pointing out how hobbies are hobbies. With that they are EXPENSIVE. Ask Ghostbear about some of his hobbies and how expensive they are, lol, you'll get a nice kick out of it. Every few months we go through this how someone complains about how this this and this are expensive, and we should do this to remedy it (and now people hiding behind the image of a broken economy). This is all good and great that they think they know how to change it, but unless they step up and ATTEMPT to do something, nothing gets done. It's almost as if you want someone else to do all the work for you, then you just take credit for the idea because, 'you came up with it' first.

Blue Palasky and AntiChrist666, you are more than welcome to voice your opinion on the boards here paid for by WAA members remebers. But please do not expect it to remain untouched, and for those of us who support the Association and what it means not to attempt to bring you back down to Earth and get you to realize we will not hold your hand as you drive to the field and say "It's ok, hes a college kid, he gets a reduced cost today," and tell the Oil and Big Business Companies similar things.


Grow up guys, PUSH THROUGH these "hard times" and realize theres an opening in sight of all the ____ we put on ourselves, and just dig and hold out until the end. And through the waiting and in the meantime, make due the best that you can. If that means you don't go to this game and that game, pfftt... Who cares, they're always be another most likely with a bigger and better scenario and crowd to follow too.

[Shinji]

I thought ide throw my two cents worth into this discussion it seems to be a rather interesting one. first of all for the Economy we are in whats called a recession and all the problems that come along with it. But in all honesty the only way out of it is to start pumping money back into the economy, whether it be the housing market, cars, consumer goods etc. People hear economy troubles and automatically horde their money which isnt always the best thing to do *cough great depression cough*.

As for Airsoft is concerned its a hobby like any other. It does cost money heck There is no such thing as free stuff someone is always going to have to pay for it. This is simple economics, but why not sell something, join up in the economy. If you have a talent market it. For example I make jewelry and pieces of art I sell the things and I make for money, in turn it gets pumped into airsoft and other hobbies of mine and the cycle continues. If you are good at fixing cars, dont make your friend spend an arm and a leg at a autobody shop offer a reasonable fee and fix it for him and pump the proceeds into airsoft. If you can knit, sell pillows or plushies. If you like making music mix some things or create a few songs and sell your album online. If you are good at selling things try putting together raffles or fund raisers. If you are a writer publish some materials and sell them at the local coffee shop. these are just a few examples of things, the possibilities are practically endless.

Over all there are so many things you can do to make money other than your job. Find something you enjoy and stick with it. this is the joys of a free market system that you can do these things. Going back and forth on this forum is not going to make you money so stop wasting your time and go do something!

[jbb7292]

it is quite simple, i will take my money else where..i will take it to good fields like apoc, atleast there i would have to worry about buying a tube sock or a ribbed condom for my toy gun..i mean come on BBs go through the sock.

Okay, number 1 thing in airsoft, regardless of how hardcore of a player you are is SAFETY and saying that a barrel sock doesnt prevent accidents is bull crap, for one your magazine shouldn't be in the gun when it has the sock on so it shouldn't be able to shoot through the sock, and two its just another rule put into effect to help prevent some kid getting shot in the eye and a field getting sued ( also I really don't wanna get shot in the eye.

And second just so you know your "1st amendment rights" are subject to a lot of things includeing if you are endangering anyone around you, for the same reason democract protesters are not allowed in the repulican convention. So it's kind of immature to go around screaming "1st amendment!" in everyone's faces, especially when this is a forum paid for by WAA members. Just be thankful to have a nice forum to talk about the sport of airsoft and events going on around Wisconsin

[juansinanos]

This thread is going nowhere. I don't think we should be blaming the field owners for "high" field costs and less than perfect field condition but blaming ourselves. If airsoft in Wisconsin was bringing in more capital more businesses would invest in more and better fields and older fields would have more incentives to put the time and money into making their fields better.

I think this is a great topic to explore but has been turned into a wining and flame fest. I don't get wrong, I too find that $20-$25 is a bit high for the quality of some of the games I've been to. However I don't blame the field owners because they are just keeping in business anyway they can.

[Downslide]

This thread has run its course.

Basically it all boils down to one thing that everyone who has posted has agreed on: "Airsoft is a HOBBY."

A hobby is a way to spend your time to entertain yourself, when you can. Plain and simple. If you can't afford it, you don't do it. There's no law -state, federal, or natural - that says you have to do it or cannot live without it.

Enough said.