I gotta admit !

[Stewpro]

I just got off another message board I sometimes check out for another perspective and boy did I get one ! This may be late but when I saw that being a HortonBaller ; if you will, makes you an elitist I had to laugh. Not sure if it is the large ego's out there or just overly sensitive skiers that lack confidence in themselves or what but it really made me laugh to read the jeers and taunts toward John's web sight. I'm certainly not an original baller so maybe I don't qualify as an elitist but I wish I were just so I can keep my sanity and stay a part of Horton's group. I met the guy and he is the real deal in my book! I don't see any of the non ballers taking trips to promote the sport nor do I see the quality in just overall posts and threads on many of the other sites. I guess when you are an elitist you are no longer in touch with what got us here to start with ; just a love of the sport ! Stewpro

[Horton]

Thanks @Stewpro

 

The point of the Original Ballers is to say thanks to the guys who have stuck it out with me for a number of years. These are the guys who often give the best advise to the new guys. (or bad advise in the case of Eric)

 

If anyone really thinks this site is not inclusive I am seriously bummed. I want this site to be a resource for skiers of levels.

 

I was bummed when I first saw that thread but then I saw what it did for my traffic. We most likely gained a number of Ballers as a result. Now I think it is funny. Guys trying to tear BOS down actually built it up.

[bxroads]

On the first day of his safari Horton skied with a 38 year old greenhorn that can't even run the course at full speed (I finally ran it several times this weekend at 30 mph and I'm pumped!). We all had a blast. He may be many things but an elitist isn't one of them!

[Wish]

Welcome to the world of free advertising. Nothn like a little drama to to start folks lookn and listening. Just ask any talent agent or politition. I've enjoyed the sight appreciated all the good advice from original ballors and everyone else. Spoken to JH by phone and thoughally enjoyed the conversation. Keep up the great work John. Drama can be a good thing sometimes.

 

 

 

[6balls]

I got no time for multiple sites, so I hang out on the best. BOS is the class act both due to John and the quality of the membership. Pokes on other sites most likely have to do with envy.

[kona]

Im with you 6balls not enough time for those other sites. This one works for me.

[Horton]

Thanks guys. That means a lot.

[RichardDoane]

6balls just coined a new term, "baller-envy"

[Than_Bogan]

I'm not even going to go look at the other place. (Hm, I guess that means I'm an elitist!) The internet is so full of complete nonsense and manufactured drama that it's a huge blessing to find a forum that is actually USEFUL.

 

Once found, there is no need to look any further.

 

I do find it funny to accuse this site of being elitist. There is more solid advice for beginner and intermediate slalom skiers here than anywhere else, with lots of folks providing free yet valuable coaching.

 

I suppose since I actually AM an elitist, maybe I just can't tell? :)

[Than_Bogan]

Also worth noting: On some occasions, Horton has had to kick people off in order to maintain the civility and community he is aiming for. I claim that is an important feature of this community: it is actively policed. But any time you've got folks out there in the world who have been booted -- well, those folks aren't likely to say nice things about BallOfSpray!

[Horton]

Thanks Than.... there is no book on doing this so I make some mistakes. You pretty much summed up what I try to do.

[stone88]

Personally I've tried a couple of water ski forums and find this one by far best in terms of usability, content and friendliness. A lot of Internet forums get very abusive and I find myself thinking it's just filled with teenagers with nothing better to do but abuse people they don't know saying things they would never say in real life. When I found ball of spray I was happy to have finally found a decent water ski forum