Guys - I simply can't get drawn into internet back and forth. Posts get edited (just as I type this, again) etc. It just gets silly and nothing gets accomplished. If your truly care and have some feedback please send me an email:
[email protected]
You will be heard and get a response. Organization leaders rarely comment on things publically as a policy. There is wisdom in that. I have over 15 FB pages, 100 clubs, 40 MDs that need to be worked with. Getting baited into things won't assist me addresses things that need to be improved. I agree with any critics here on many points (classes - likely happening in 2020, etc). But many are simply misinformed and likely want to be for whatever reason. I can't influence that, other than producing results - results that will not be accomplished online. Those must happen in the real world, then the online community will catch up.
To be respectful and address your post I will follow up, but please send me note if you want to provide further feedback.
1) "PRS is getting a reputation of catering to Jerseys and "top shooters" that require massive amounts of props (don't need it don't use it, prove you are good) and make it seem like a game, and an expensive game"
The PRS doesn’t cater to anyone and that statement is not quantified by any means, but fits a narrative that is untrue and will be worked on from a perception stand point. The PRS organizes the sport, sets very basic rules and guidance for slight standardization for a yearly points series. The MDs and shooters drive these rules. The MDs set the standard for their matches, they set those standards based off a market of shooters that they want to draw to their matches. They give the shooters what they want. It just not what you want, the PRS has little say in the MDs COF, again they own their matches as it should be.
2)"The other guy i was with basically quit trying to compete. So that is what you are fighting against. People that do not want others in THEIR GAME that they WIN and will do whatever it takes to keep that jersey and trophy."
I sorry you feel that way. I think you will find the best and most welcoming people at these matches. That is why sport continues to grow. The PRS promotes that. The largest (by far) match in the PRS and the world is the GAP Grind. We bring new shooters into the sport and pair them up with season shooters. It is the PRS's flagship event and it is my event. So I agree with you on new shooters and being welcoming. But the PRS cannot control your experience, that is between you and induvial people. To hold the PRS accountable for that is disingenuous. While I acknowledge there are some things to clean up in our culture, I would hope you can acknowledge all the good things the PRS does at the same time.
3) "On a personal note, I know how tough it can be to take over something where criticism of what is wrong outweighs the praise of what is going well 1000:1. If I may, pointing our perceived deficiencies is not an attack on you and treating it as such is the quickest way to stop receiving feedback that is the lifeline to improvement. Listen objectively and you don't have to agree, disagree or act on it, but take it all in. The wheat will separate itself from the chaff."
We have an 60 person MD committee, 60 person shooter focus group, 15 FB pages and I have given my personal contact information on SH to receive feedback. I have being an owner of the PRS for 8 days. I have managed large organizations where the sakes were much higher. K&M is built and excels of customer service, much like the photo you posted. Its why we train more PR students then our peers. How we treat people is what matters. So I get it and your right, but trying counsel leaders online and in public is usually received as degrading. I don’t take it that way, but other see it that way, so things like that only confirm my points in my first paragraph.
4) " If every video I have seen has a guy with 3k in extra gear then bashes anyone that dares to question him, as he is a superior shooter and could kick your ass with a 22lr standing, You have a visibilty problem. I compete but not on your series there are more people like me than want to get into another gear game."
Sir - there is nothing I can stay to you that will change your mind. I won't try and don’t want to. Good luck on the firing line! I hope someday you will have a better experience. You are more than welcome to come to K&M and shoot a match for free. You will see firsthand what right looks like.
5) "My buddies told me for months that I should just go shoot and see what it was like, and in the end they were 100% right. Most of my worries were overblown, and everyone I met at that first match was friendly, welcoming, and super supportive of new shooters." " None of this criticism is representative of what I've seen at the club and regional level matches I've shot over the past couple of years."
This is 98% of what PRS shooters experience and what we promote and organize.
6) "I dont have an issue with props on stages. I have an issue with guys bringing so much gear with them the entire spirit of LRS is taken away. How many guys are using a 1400$ tripod? I have one but I am seeing we are pricing people out!! no one competes in production, everyone that is "anything" has a 1300$ action 900$ chassis and a 5k optic, Thats one thing. But you now need a friggin rear support too? Come on the point is enough with the BS "innovation" which is basically how can i take my suck out of the game so I can win against people actually shooting. " humm this stage looks hard, let me cement my rifle in so i dont screw up the shot and then sneeze on my 2 oz trigger then I will rejoice and call myself the best shooter in the WOOOOOORLD" Im not saying sprint 100m then jump in an ice bath then shoot at a 1000 yard moving 1 moa target. I am saying KEEP THE SHOOTER in the game. Stop letting people remove the human just so they can stay on the XXX brand team.
Sir - I can assure you that as a top competitor the "shooter" is very much in the game. If you (or anyone else that feels the same way) truly care then take me up on my offer. I’d rather house you, let you shoot for free, to see the truth. Sitting back online spilling mistruths on post where we are trying to simply publish information is unbecoming for you and unfairly reflects poorly on the PRS.
7) "Ill move over but Shannon, who was in the mil needs to get a thicker skin.
Sir - I am unemotional and trying to push information out...respectfully. That is all asked in return, respectfully. Again it is not returned. No need to move over now your disruptive intent was accomplished. Instead of talking the 2019 season, we trashed a lot people and work that make up the PRS.
8) yeah i have tons of good dudes at the lower regionals and club level matches. They are super helpful its the top tier matches where dudes cant manage to shoot off whatever they are supposed to and need to "game"
97% of the top shooters in PRS shoot at the local and regional level matches as well.
I appreciate the guys are here trying to get the right information out. It is what the PRS needs, we should be proud of what it is and acknowledge where it needs improvement. Yes, things aren’t perfect. I know the good , bad and otherwise. It is being addressed, you can see signs of that already. Sorry that the thread was taken off the rails. Email me if you have questions and Ill get back to you.
Shannon
