Ever noticed that senior balloonist have never even heard of this site and don't seem interested in joining?

[Dennis Morris]

I've been suprised that many older balloonist have never even heard of this site, or seem interested in joining, that is weird, They have so much wisdom to give, to us greenhorns. I mean if they love this sport they should chime in with some opinions, kind of pass the baton to the next generation. and post pictures for us to enjoy.

I'd like to see a store with shirts and hats bumper stickers, jackets etc. to sale and promote this wonderful forum, to help Andrew and staff, with expenses, this is a cool site, one of my favorites.I'm very glad I found it!

[Scoolover]

A lot of the old school balloonists are pre mega FAA regulation. Many of their ideas and opinions would be looked at as odd by many of the younger crowd who grew up in the regulation age. You are correct though. It would be nice for them to chime in.

[Eric Hodges]

Maybe the post Mega FAA regulation crowd could use a little schooling from the "fly by the seat of your pants" old school pilots. Has anybody talked about how many accidents have been happening in the last decade as opposed to the old days when people were taught to actually "fly" the balloon as opposed to "how" it flies. I can't tell you how much indecision in adverse conditions I saw during this past Fiesta in ABQ. Sure things are different now but balloons are the same! Actually they are much more Maneuverable now so we really don't have an excuse. I think an injection of old school values and ideals is what this sport needs right now. They are all over the world and this is a great place to congregate. A few old pictures would be really cool as well. I miss those days and don't have a ton of pictures from back then and scanning the ones I have is a pain.

[Brian Ball]

Well I'm not totally old school, but I got most of my training in Piccard balloons. No uprights in the basket, no gimbal on the burner, no electronic instruments, no pyrometer, no parachute top, not much of a vent, slow to respond and very heavy and unforgiving system. You had to plan your manouvers very much in advance and commit. Anyone here ever inflate with a weed burner? Back then you'd better hope that your chase driver was pretty intuitive because there were no cell phones, only line of sight fm's. If you were lucky, you could still reach the driver after you landed if they were lost somewhere. Good days, we got through it just fine.

[Dawn Chase]

I, for one, spread the Monkey love where ever and when ever possible. I think you are wrong... there are a lot of older balloonists well aware (and lurking). They just have not completed a profile and been active in posting....

Meanwhile, do what I do... buy the printable business cards and print the Monkey logo with the website. Hand one out when you are talking about the site.... when you are in a group or at a festival, talking is great...but when people return home they don't always remember. The card that was stuck in a pocket is a tangible reminder to check out the Monkey. I can say with certainty that many people I've given a card to have come and joined!