I just signed up and WOW. What happened to working and buying your own stuff?

[helms83]

What's the difference between field staff and pro staff?

[NateFollmer]

What's the difference between field staff and pro staff?

Depends on the company, but field staffers usually just get a discount on stuff where as a pro staffer may get things for free in exchange for promoting the products. Either way, you're still getting a good deal...

[Big Fish Rice]

I have a few sponsors, some pro staffs, and in a unique position to be able to put products in anglers hands, and show them how to use them. Sponsors and pro staffs are work, as in a J-O-B. As for what and who to associate with, well... I only deal with stuff I really like, and would buy retail anyway. I only deal with people I'd trust with my kids. Meet those criteria, and you want top employ me, then I'm all ears. I simply cannot comprehend having this attitude 20 or more years ago. Some kids may have "it," but only a special few, and it wasn't me then. As far as kids today "wanting something for nothing," I actually think NOTHING has changed in ten thousand years. There have always been greedy people, young and old. The internet just brings them to light. Most kids are actually pretty decent, and if they're out fishing, that's a huge start. They could be asking for drug money.

"Self entitlement" is not a newly formed characteristic. Like JFrancho stated, the internet just makes it easier to reach out and extend a hand.

The great thing about these potential field staffers and pro staffers, is that they are learning the hard way on how to deal with professional organizations who ultimately have the say-so of this very "argument".

I have been seeing 13 and 14 year olds trying to model their heroes on television; kids are out there fishing and trying to become better anglers.

...So what if they ask for some free plastics or a discount on gear; they aren't getting in trouble or stealing your trolling motor off your bass boat for drugs.

As a side note -- Why is it that money is the only estimator of value? Research, time, and actual practice out on the water counts for something right? If so, who is to say these kids are getting something for free?

[A-Rob]

Nitro should be calling me any minute now to upgrade my 12 foot electric to something like KVDs got. I don't see why he got one and I haven't.

I've caught tons of bass before by myself or in my small club tournaments, what is the hold up?

Just waiting for that phone to ring.........

[farmpond1]

When I was in the Air Force, I once went to my bases "chow hall" to get some lunch.  After I sat down, I noticed a group of high school jr. ROTC kids all sitting together at a table.  They wore so many embelishments (ribbons, medals, and the like) on their neatly pressed uniforms (no doubt pressed by their mommies) that they plain looked silly.  I would've felt embarrassed if I were one of them.  It also bred a sense of contempt in me:  "Who were these punks all puffed up and pretty who hadn't yet paid their dues?"  My point (yes, there actually is a point to this) is this: the general consensus from us old fogies, whether it be accurate or not, is that too many young people have a hyper-exaggerated sense of entitlement and importance.  But this has probably gone on since we first crawled out of the water.

[lynyrdsky1]

When I was in the Air Force, I once went to my bases "chow hall" to get some lunch. After I sat down, I noticed a group of high school jr. ROTC kids all sitting together at a table. They wore so many embelishments (ribbons, medals, and the like) on their neatly pressed uniforms (no doubt pressed by their mommies) that they plain looked silly. I would've felt embarrassed if I were one of them. It also bred a sense of contempt in me: "Who were these punks all puffed up and pretty who hadn't yet paid their dues?" My point (yes, there actually is a point to this) is this: the general consensus from us old fogies, whether it be accurate or not, is that too many young people have a hyper-exaggerated sense of entitlement and importance. But this has probably gone on since we first crawled out of the water.

I completely understand that there are kids my age

Who think that every thing should be automatically given,

it is easy to achieve with out hard work, and they don't have to take any responsibility in their actions.

But, there is a minority,including myself,

who can't do anything unless it's to our full capablities. There is a small group that try hard,

take responsibility, and don't expect to get anything in return. 

I am this way in bass fishing

Sponsorships should be in the very back of anyones mind. Especially people my age. Why would I want someone to give

me something without proving myself? I'm not lazy and get ticked off when people give me things because they feel sorry for me. Let my actions and experience talk for me. If I get to a point where I'm winning tournament after tournament and have shown perfection that maybe the time for me to think about sponsors because they would have noticed me by my accomplishments by that time.

There is also people who feel that it gets to a point where because they havn't been looked at, that they have failed and should give up. That is the worse thing to do especially in this sport. When you put all of your time, money, and passion into something why quit and waste all the time that has been spent?

I'm sorry if this makes no sense what so ever. I just want people to know that not all teens what something without earning it.

Austin

[etommy28]

When I was in the Air Force, I once went to my bases "chow hall" to get some lunch. After I sat down, I noticed a group of high school jr. ROTC kids all sitting together at a table. They wore so many embelishments (ribbons, medals, and the like) on their neatly pressed uniforms (no doubt pressed by their mommies) that they plain looked silly. I would've felt embarrassed if I were one of them. It also bred a sense of contempt in me: "Who were these punks all puffed up and pretty who hadn't yet paid their dues?" My point (yes, there actually is a point to this) is this: the general consensus from us old fogies, whether it be accurate or not, is that too many young people have a hyper-exaggerated sense of entitlement and importance. But this has probably gone on since we first crawled out of the water.

WOW, are you kidding me! I can understand your point about entitlement and I think every one knows how I feel but you start talking about the JROTC Kids and that bugs me a little and here is why. I dont know about them but I was a 4 year letterman in NJROTC in High School, I was also a 3 year officer, and had multiple scholarships I turned down for college to do ROTC because my parents would not agree with that choice. However I know for a fact any thing they had they had to work there A## off to get and put in the time and effort to earn. (just as many young fisherman do) At least at my school you had to I was at school an hour early and did not leave until 2 or 3 hours late for all 4 years in high school to put in the work for NJROTC. SO basically I dont understand and maybe some one can explain why no one thinks that a person under 25 has the ability to work for what they want and be successful.

[farmpond1]

When I was in the Air Force, I once went to my bases "chow hall" to get some lunch. After I sat down, I noticed a group of high school jr. ROTC kids all sitting together at a table. They wore so many embelishments (ribbons, medals, and the like) on their neatly pressed uniforms (no doubt pressed by their mommies) that they plain looked silly. I would've felt embarrassed if I were one of them. It also bred a sense of contempt in me: "Who were these punks all puffed up and pretty who hadn't yet paid their dues?" My point (yes, there actually is a point to this) is this: the general consensus from us old fogies, whether it be accurate or not, is that too many young people have a hyper-exaggerated sense of entitlement and importance. But this has probably gone on since we first crawled out of the water.

WOW, are you kidding me! I can understand your point about entitlement and I think every one knows how I feel but you start talking about the JROTC Kids and that bugs me a little and here is why. I dont know about them but I was a 4 year letterman in NJROTC in High School, I was also a 3 year officer, and had multiple scholarships I turned down for college to do ROTC because my parents would not agree with that choice. However I know for a fact any thing they had they had to work there A## off to get and put in the time and effort to earn. (just as many young fisherman do) At least at my school you had to I was at school an hour early and did not leave until 2 or 3 hours late for all 4 years in high school to put in the work for NJROTC. SO basically I dont understand and maybe some one can explain why no one thinks that a person under 25 has the ability to work for what they want and be successful.

It isn't that young people can't or don't work for what they achieve. There are many obvious exceptions and by your own account, you are one of them. The feeling persists, however, that young people too often believe they are entitled to success and prosperity-as if it's their God given right. It's as much or more the fault of the parents as it is with youth. They too often gave their children everything they wanted without stopping to think of the effect it might have on them as adults and to society in general. From a global perspective, it is killing us economically.

I wouldn't let these generalizations bother you. Use them as a source of pride to know that you don't fall in this category. It may take people a little time but they will see you for who you are. You actually have a great advantage (though well earned and paid for) over many of your competitors.

[etommy28]

When I was in the Air Force, I once went to my bases "chow hall" to get some lunch. After I sat down, I noticed a group of high school jr. ROTC kids all sitting together at a table. They wore so many embelishments (ribbons, medals, and the like) on their neatly pressed uniforms (no doubt pressed by their mommies) that they plain looked silly. I would've felt embarrassed if I were one of them. It also bred a sense of contempt in me: "Who were these punks all puffed up and pretty who hadn't yet paid their dues?" My point (yes, there actually is a point to this) is this: the general consensus from us old fogies, whether it be accurate or not, is that too many young people have a hyper-exaggerated sense of entitlement and importance. But this has probably gone on since we first crawled out of the water.

WOW, are you kidding me! I can understand your point about entitlement and I think every one knows how I feel but you start talking about the JROTC Kids and that bugs me a little and here is why. I dont know about them but I was a 4 year letterman in NJROTC in High School, I was also a 3 year officer, and had multiple scholarships I turned down for college to do ROTC because my parents would not agree with that choice. However I know for a fact any thing they had they had to work there A## off to get and put in the time and effort to earn. (just as many young fisherman do) At least at my school you had to I was at school an hour early and did not leave until 2 or 3 hours late for all 4 years in high school to put in the work for NJROTC. SO basically I dont understand and maybe some one can explain why no one thinks that a person under 25 has the ability to work for what they want and be successful.

It isn't that young people can't or don't work for what they achieve. There are many obvious exceptions and by your own account, you are one of them. The feeling persists, however, that young people too often believe they are entitled to success and prosperity-as if it's their God given right. It's as much or more the fault of the parents as it is with youth. They too often gave their children everything they wanted without stopping to think of the effect it might have on them as adults and to society in general. From a global perspective, it is killing us economically.

I wouldn't let these generalizations bother you. Use them as a source of pride to know that you don't fall in this category. It may take people a little time but they will see you for who you are. You actually have a great advantage (though well earned and paid for) over many of your competitors.

The reason the generalizations bug me is that even adults today dont take the time to know some one they just assume you are young=lazy and a slacker. so that is why I dont like to hear that because like I say many people dont take the the time learn the person.

[J Francho]

Adults have been griping about kids since the beginning of time.

[BassThumb]

I could really go on and on about the 18-24 demographic, but I won't. At a high level, it boils down to this:

- Social and connected. Often using technology to keep in touch with family and friends.

- Acclimated to getting what they want. Rejection is not an option.

- Relies on peer opinions/recommendations moreso than official reviews.

- Less resistant to change and innovation.

- Feels a sense of entitlement to the goals they want.

Good point, Glenn.  You hit the nail on the head.  These are some of the principles that made the film The Social Network feel instantly iconic and important.

[Incheon Basser]

When I was in the Air Force, I once went to my bases "chow hall" to get some lunch. After I sat down, I noticed a group of high school jr. ROTC kids all sitting together at a table. They wore so many embelishments (ribbons, medals, and the like) on their neatly pressed uniforms (no doubt pressed by their mommies) that they plain looked silly. I would've felt embarrassed if I were one of them. It also bred a sense of contempt in me: "Who were these punks all puffed up and pretty who hadn't yet paid their dues?" My point (yes, there actually is a point to this) is this: the general consensus from us old fogies, whether it be accurate or not, is that too many young people have a hyper-exaggerated sense of entitlement and importance. But this has probably gone on since we first crawled out of the water.

WOW, are you kidding me! I can understand your point about entitlement and I think every one knows how I feel but you start talking about the JROTC Kids and that bugs me a little and here is why. I dont know about them but I was a 4 year letterman in NJROTC in High School, I was also a 3 year officer, and had multiple scholarships I turned down for college to do ROTC because my parents would not agree with that choice. However I know for a fact any thing they had they had to work there A## off to get and put in the time and effort to earn. (just as many young fisherman do) At least at my school you had to I was at school an hour early and did not leave until 2 or 3 hours late for all 4 years in high school to put in the work for NJROTC. SO basically I dont understand and maybe some one can explain why no one thinks that a person under 25 has the ability to work for what they want and be successful.

sorry to dig on you son but there is a huge difference between jrotc, rotc and the real deal. take it from a guy who has done both. when i was in jrotc yeah i worked hard practiced drill ever day after school and took crap from kids for having to wear my uniform at school once a week. it was nothing compared to putting it on every day. I still remember the day i got my Airman's coin. covered in mud with broken bones, standing under our flag listing to her song. Thinking to my self i made it through 6 weeks of hell and it was worth it. I don't think there was a dry eye in the whole flight that day and when we went back to the squadron you better believe we let those new rainbow noobs have it. it's not that us old folk hate you kiddies it's that we know what reality is what real work is and no matter how badly you want to think you know what it is you don't. it comes only with age. each new faze and experience in life unlocks new trials and hardships. Just wait till you have a kid and you see your self become your father. You should respect age and even though that co angler was a jerk and totally wrong you should always treat an elder as a superior even if they are stupid rude and don't know what the hehaw they are talking about (there is a lot of that here by the way. my self not to be excluded)

[Incheon Basser]

and before you post a but but but I/I'm response.... the correct response regardless if i'm right or wrong is 'you're right sir i still have a lot to learn. thank you.' if that's heard by my old ears then my ears are now open to everything you have to say because I respect you and your humility.

[Lund Explorer]

Just a random thought from one Ol'Fart to the rest of the "We Know Better" crowd.

Do you remember what our fathers said to us?

Guys like me that grew up in the age of Rock & Roll and long hair, would have made our fathers do handstands if our worse flaw was trying to do more fishing!  How we ever went from a doomed generation of hippies to the point where we are the sages is amazing.

If the members of Team Pampers I see around here are a sample of today's youth, they are going to kick our butts once they are sporting grey hair.  They're only asking for free gear, we asked for free love! 

[River Rat316]

LOL

[BassChaser57]

[quote author=707C68

7B747972751A0 link=1264137348/34#34 date=1294934373]Adults have been griping about kids since the beginning of time.

[J Francho]

I think its funny when someone 30 refers to another young man as "son," or demands the respect due to an "old man."  LOL, when I was 30, I was at my worst.  There is a big, and I mean BIG difference between 30 and closer to 40.

[firefightn15]

and before you post a but but but I/I'm response.... the correct response regardless if i'm right or wrong is 'you're right sir i still have a lot to learn. thank you.' if that's heard by my old ears then my ears are now open to everything you have to say because I respect you and your humility.

Because of age you first need to be told your right before you will listen as to why you are wrong or incorrect?  If done respectfully, as I try to do, I will listen to anyone's argument as to why I am wrong...I don't need to have my ego stroked first.  Maybe it's a fault of mine, but at 43 I have never considered myself so in the know about anything that I couldn't be taught something new by anyone of any age.  I agree that elders should be treated with respect, but as much as with the younger crowd, only if it is earned.

I do agree that the younger generation in general has been brought up with a sense of entitlement but to no fault of their own.  It's all many have ever known, but there are also many out there that work hard each and every day for what they have. Kudo's to them. 8-)

[A-Rob]

Where's my free fishing gear????

hahaa

[Chaz Hickcox]

I started typing advice on sponsor resumes when I realized someone has a 13 page deal going on that already. I didn't make it through all the pages.

I saw one 17 year old that is good in sales. Here is an idea SALE and buy your own stuff if you are that good.

I saw another who's dad was an Operations Exec, here is an idea. Dad do you have some extra chores I can do to earn some money for my first boat?

I'm new to this board but suspect there are several here from other forums that like me started with one or two cheap rods, a used 14' tin boat with a little tiller steer motor on it. Now before you go off on me about "I can't compete out of that......The FOM Regional on the Red River several years ago was won out of a boat just like that and that team had won the points championship for the state of Texas.

I have a 23 year old. He had a fishing rod the day he was born, still has a ton of them in the garage. If he ever graduates college I hope to help him with a used small tin rig to get him started. I could afford to get him a new boat today, he has the know how, I have the connections to help him with some team deals. I want him concentrating on school. I like those odds better than the odds of becoming a pro angler.

If he gets through school and wants to pursue being a pro angler I'll support that 110% percent because he has something to fall back on. Working a job and going to college is no fun but it's teaching him life lessons.

I don't mind helping out with resume's. Before you ask you should put yourself in the company's shoes you are sending this document too. They are not raking in the cash as you might imagine. They MUST make a profit to stay in business, your winning a local tournament doesn't help them turn a profit.

I like it that so many young folks here have goals!

If still want help with a resume have it targeted to a certain company and try to have what you can do for them in your draft. Good Luck!!!

I had to take an 8 year hiatus from fishing when I first joined the Corps.  Time and money were an issue when it came to fishing.  Since then I got back from my fifth combat tour, it was only my first time in Afghanistan, and paid cash for a POS 1993 Javelin.  I ran that into the ground relearning how to fish/learning how to fish somewhere other than deep clear reservoirs in Az.  Once that motor blew and I was showing 13th in my club (meaning I am starting to hold my own, grant it it's out of only 19 members) I decided to use hard earned money towards an '04 Bass Cat.  I won a few tournaments and placed high in a few more.  All off of money I spent 8 years earning.  I would love to get a job in about ten years when I retire where someone would pay me to fish, but it most definitely won't be my sole income.  Something for nothing, that's what's wrong with a lot of things.

[BassAssassin85]

Alot of you guys are talking about the age of men and women of the newer generation. I happen to fall in that generation and have had to work for everything I have. I started working when I just turned 15 and had my mother drive me home from my job when I was done. I'm now 26 and have made my mistakes and have learned from them all. I pave blacktop roads 7 months a year and fish in my free time. If I could get a sponsorship great, but i never look for handouts i think it makes some one look weak if they are given everything it takes to succeed, otherwise how else would they know what it takes. They never earned it, they never sweated for it. I've fished panfish and catfish when i was young and enjoyed it and occasionaly bass fished. Since i joined the local fishing club last winter I have fished in almost every tournament they hosted that I could. I've spent way more than enough money on equipment in the last year it makes me nautious, but because of that I have respect for the sport, sponsors and the people that want to earn and have earned what they want. Sorry I rambled on and on but im part of the newer generation and thought i would try to support some of the guys that could deserve a sponsorship or work for discounts like a previous member said he does. I always listen to the elder and young you can always learn something from everyone weather smart, dumb, etc. Sorry if I have offended anyone just voicing my opinion.

[SAC2]

Can't we all just be friends! Yes it seems like the so called "younger generation" (which I am a part of) asks for a lot of freebies. I think the overwhelming majority of this generation that takes part on this site would not fit this standard thats unfortuneatly put on us. I'm taking a shot in the dark here, but I'm sure most of us work hard, get our hands dirty, go to school(be it college or highschool), and pay our dues to achieve the things we do. I have come to notice all the sterotypes put on my generation do apply to some. I have also found that in my circle of friends that fish, hunt, work, and go to school, no such stereotypes exist. Yes, we have video games that will blow youre mind, and yes we have cell phones that can write a senior thesis on the existence of rock snot in local streams (personal experience  ) but when it comes to doing what needs to be done, I personally feel the ones that do get it done are not given enough credit. The focus is always put on the shortcomings of my generation, and not the ideas that many of us have stuck inside our heads that we know if we let them out, we will get chastised by the working class of todays world. So please, I respect you, you respect me and lets just work on the things that matter to everyone of us on this site, keeping our lines tight, and the true essence of the sport alive.

[Grey Wolf]

Every generation goes through with what your generation is going through , it's no big deal. You'll be saying the same thing about the next gerneration.