Airsoft bit on Global National?
 

Did anyone see the bit on airsoft on Global National just now?

Yeah just saw it. Nice to see something thats isn't negative about our sport in the news

Little more info please

Info? Recording?

It was a piece about Brian and his set up in Toronto. mostly talking about how we have to keep a low profile because of Toronto's gun crime and societies views on guns.

Did the news bit say anything about tommorows ruling on importing weapons?

Elabouration?

Well, hopefully ill be spared a flaming.

But ive been hearing a bit about some ruling thats due out tommorow regarding the importation of firearms. Somehow airsoft falls into it.

Thats all I know. Wether its true or not I don't know either.

I see. It would seem that the podcast of today's show is now availiable. I am attempting to download it.

For those interested:
http://www.canada.com/globaltv/natio...ast/index.html

The podcast is up, and the segment starts around when the show has 7 minutes left, "When war becomes entertainment".

Anyway of seeing it without a fancy schmany video Ipod?

Goldman, for those of us who don't have time to download the program, give us the basics...

http://media.canada.com/podcast/glob...l/GN070114.m4v
All you need is Quicktime, you don't need an Ipod.Just fast forward to about 3/4 of the way through. As far as comments on the piece...Well, if it was me I wouldn't have done it.

It just talks about how we try and keep low key with all the gun violence in canada. How we like to protect our image etc. Another interview with Brian that i don't think the community had say in again.

Yeah, you can use iTunes as a video player for it. Though its a 140 meg download.

Basicly the segment discussed how airsoft is basicly a simulation of modern war, and that its roughly as real you can get without "going to Khandahar". It interviewd both McIlmoyle and an associate of his. They discussed that this is meant purley for entertainment, and that we are not underground, but unkown. An unkown player is quoted as saying something to the effect of "Your running around in low light conditions with a submachinegun shooting your friends, its a recipie for fun". There was no real editorial comment on players being gun nuts, terrorists, or what have you. Through by the same token Airsofters are portrayed, in Brians word to be "deconstructing violence in order to better understand it", and are shown to be training in other forms of martial arts. This may come back to bite us later on, but I will save the editorial for later.

That was the jist of the segment. I'm hoping someone else more technically literate will be able to cut the appropriate section out of the podcast and post it on Youtube, or something of the like for general consumption.

* all quotes are approximates, not literal quotes.

That method has been tried before... trying to get the community's input.

It doesn't work, simply because the community is unwilling to allow it.
If he was going to do this... he did it really the only way he could.

interesting, now i want to see it

so is this newscast good or bad for airsoft?

Well that all depends on the blowback we see. Though the segment in and of itself wasn't terrible, it also wasn't a slam dunk. I know myself and a number of other people will be watching the CFC and RCMP very carefully over the next few days, to see if we will have any major blowback.

We won't know for some time. There is potential for things to go in several ways. At this point, there is no point in considering damage control until we see what, if any, damage has been done.

The dollar signs in Brian's eyes become more and more apparent every time one of these things happens. Whats his excuse this time? I didn't know they were reporters. I was drugged.


EDIT> shit i think i should delete this before he threatens to sue people for slander again

i watched the video, and i find that someone could easily misunderstand it, when they mention bullets instead of bb's

I'll echo Goldman's sentiments in that it wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been and may be as close to a positive maintstream news segment on airsoft that will ever be in Canada.

I would suggest that he have asked the community first (again) but he would reply (justifiably) that he would not have been 'allowed' to run it. Well, I would have preferred for it not to run, and I'm sure many people agree with me.

I don't mean any of this bitterly or spitefully, but Brian, if you were to run this come hell or highwater, could you not have given us a little warning?

Unless my memory totally sucks, he DID say that reporters and TV would be at his event. Made it very clear too.

I love the closing comments......."After all what could be more fun than running into a hail of bullets?"........said with what I found to be a hint of sarcasm. :banghead:

Grey, could you provide a link to this post? I imagine I speak for others when I say that I dont recall this exactly? Like was this a post made in the game thread, or something like a general announcement to the community at large?

i find that misleading, bb's would be much more accurate

this community does nothing but complain and "hide behind a rock", and there's alot more people in it with dollar signs in there eyes than just brian.
it's a shame airsoft didn't get as popular before 1998 in canada
otherwise we'd have had a better position for legalization like the brits did
it's alot harder to change a law than it is to change or add to a bill before it becomes law, we had that 1 letter to the goverment and i don't think anything else was done since. aside from kang's unsuccesful attemps at it from a buisness standpoint

That doesn't sound good so far...

Anyhow... that article made it seem like Airsoft is terribly small and mostly (if not completely) confined to Toronto. Nothing was mentioned about Airsoft being played nation-wide (Even internationally). Problem with that is--Politicians will figure a few votes from 20-some people won't make that bit of a difference compared to the 999 million soccer moms.
-VM

Trust me... I'm not abdicating this TV spot for one flaming second. I'm actually biting my tongue here!!!

that phrase however is too ambiguous to say that it will absolutely be interpreted as negative. war as entertainment occurs in all forms of media; books, movies, news...

there have been criticisms of brian for not consulting the community before talking to reporters, but that request is nearly impossible. there is no general consensus about anything on this board. furthermore, the fear that airsoft will be interpreted in a negative way may come true if the community only focuses on controlling the negative aspects (reckless use, illegal importation). we have to accept that we should give reporters a chance to somewhat positive or neutral airsoft information, as we cannot shape what the news itself reports. of course i do not advocate that every airsofter to reach out to the media, talking on tv/ before a camera is a very difficult task and also unpredictable in terms of later editing, and should be reserved for those who are more articulate and mindful of sensitive words and expressions. that action will dampen the negative effects of whatever neg. themes an article may have.

Initial response from the report on this forum is that it is fairly neutral in that others may interpret this either way. i caution members that those individuals that "have it in" for airsoft will use this report in whatever ways that fit their thinking or dismiss it altogether. we cant change that, but it helps that for those who do not know what airsoft is, they may see it as not a danger to the public. a lack of information has never brought positive results for concerned parties, good info is what we need going out there and perhaps a proactive approach is required.

for members still scared of this report, dont worry there is a silver lining; at least is wasn't in the first 7 mins of the broadcast.:wink:

I've got some ..... for sale. I'm all outta !!!!!! once these last six are gone.
Look this post is not even edited! I have not said a word that defamitory to the great savior of Airsoft In Toronto. Every noob needs a champion. I'm Glad that guys like FRANK and Crazy Choda have a role model. I think it good for the sport to get a little national Publicity now and again from the same source, give the hobby a certain consistancy.
You know at this time of night my mind wanders a little and I recall hearing a story from one of my customers.....
A couple decades ago some asshole shoot up a bunch of people with a Mini 14. Well the news media went to the local gun stores and asked why people bought these Mini 14's and every one said they were a great sporting rifle, for a lttle hunting and target shooting. Except for Nick, the lights and camera went on in his shop and he grinned and looked at the camera and said in his rough, accented voice " Naw, the rifle is a real Man Killer you know!" And that's the quote that played on the news at six and eleven for a few days. That may be a load of crap but thats the story I heard. What do I know, Dude, I sell Pants. But ... Geee whizzz, I'd really like to get a Ruger Mini 14, does anyone know what ever happened to them in Canada?
Cheers

actually, after all that, the mini14 is still legal and non-restricted in Canada.

Shant ever step foot into FAC myself now, as I fear that a news crew shows up and wants to put me on National Television saying that I want to "Understand violence, pick it apart, and study it."

Because that was the biggest bullshit statement ever. You play airsoft to get an adrenaline rush of having fun. Its no different from Paintball in that aspect, and only just pushes realism a little further.

A general question. Would Global need permission (written) from everybody there (or at least on the video) to air this? Did they have it? Did anybody object?

Also, when did the taping of this happen? I guess anybody who was there would be able to answer these questions.

Was this not part of the various discussions, and the advertisement, about his event? I dont know if the posts are still there. Sorry.

We could ask Brian?

LeBaron? Good gun shops? You can get the Mini-14 in .223 or the Mini-30 in 7.62x39mm (also called the Ranch Rifle, I think).

They are not rare.

No, unless someone objected, in which case their face would be blurred. Generally, the press does not need legal media releases.

This is true, but technically TTAC3 is a private club only open to members (with $20 buying you a membership pass for the day). So although Brian may have agreed to the situation with Global, I would hope that all the individual members would have agreed. Thankfully nobody was filmed who didn't want to be filmed, but it's kind of crappy to be a member and have to sit out for this photo op.

On the plus side, I'm glad that Global didn't focus on the guns themself. That would have been more alarming than the actual play. It really didn't look like anything other than paintball to the untrained eye. I'm sure any ETF guys seeing the video might have a chuckle as well. Overall, didn't seem too threatening.

Listen All you people who mention the dollar signs in Brians eyes are just wrong. So what if a guy who offers up a space for people to come and enjoy themselves and hang out with like minded people charges a few bucks to pay for things like gas, BB's, hydro and not to mention rent. This is no diffrent than a place like SGT Splatters. The diffrence is that no one else on this forum has done it and we have to HOST games at paint ball fields. You can sit there and feel all high and mighty cuz you don't personaly charge people, but the fact of the matter is that we all have to pay some body in order to play on thier field. It's not like Brian is getting rich off of this! I've been there to play and I've hung around to chat. The people are friendly and the enviornment is cool.
Now... Brian has said on ocasion that he would not keep the media out if the inquired. He has been completely forth coming with all of his doings involved with this sport but He and no one else needs to ask permision from anyone on this forum to conduct his business the way he see's fit. Brian is in constant contact with the RCMP and many municipalities in Toronto and at the field we play on out doors. The surrounding neighbours are always kept up to date as to what's going on when and where we play. I have NEVER seen or heard Brian cut any one down for the things they say or do unless first provoked. As a matter of fact Brian has help many of the individuals that have played on his field in their personal lives, professional lives either through advice, lending an ear, tracking down information and on the occasion lending money. Airsoft will always be played in this country it doesn't matter what is said or done we will find a way. Maybe, one day it will be as popular as paintball and we'll all have more people to play with and more events to attend. So so what if there was a news spot it will all be forgotten one day.

He's actually a very smart guy and likable. My two cents

YouTube - Global National - Airsoft in Toronto at TTAC3

Here y'all go :)

Cheers,
Alex

Well said Shane (manaconda).

Then you get mothers going, "WON'T SOMEONE THINK OF THE CHILDREN!?" Because they see the 13 yr old down the street with a crappy-tire crossman armory!

Then this seems a CRAP load more threatening.

I was there for the filming and Brian asked everyone there if they had a problem with the filming they were free to stand aside. The filming wasn't that long either, most of the time was spent on the interviews.

I don't have a deep understanding of airsoft politics or law, but personally I enjoyed the piece.

My only problem with the piece was I wish they had made it more clear that they are not real guns, but overall I felt it was a positive new report.

my only comment on this
 

I won't partiicpate in a debate. it has been done..

1. Airsoft is not mentioned in this piece, not once, there is no indication what so ever that the simulators that were used are "airsoft guns" only those familliar with them would recognize them as such.

2. Everyone that was there was asked if they wanted to participate, those that did not.. ( and there was a couple who did not wish to appear on camera ) were not shown on camera. Other than that.. everyone else was excited about the opportunity to "show their stuff".

3. This is not a "airsoft piece" This is a piece about the fighting arts collective, and our programs and approach to the study of martial arts including the use of firearms. Just because we happen to use airsoft guns does not make this a statement about anyone else that also happens to use airsoft guns.


The reporter who did this was interested in the Fighting arts Collective, in general, and our approach to including fireams in training specifically. I think he did a good job of presenting a balanced view and was successful in delivering the message that we hoped he would.

I already am fully aware of what some individuals may think of this... this has been made abundantly clear in the past and I feel no need to rehash it.

It is the people who choose to participate in our events and training that I concern myself with.

Well there goes all those arguments that he doesn't do it for the money or to get more people joining the "membership." Just a $20 fee for a one day membership, that's right and don't forget your textbooks to the next "study."

Tin foil hats on sale $3.99.. going fast! Shovel and "aeg sized" rubbermaid totes available too $29.99 act now and recieve free glasses, nose and mustaches!

I go to TTAC all the time and I have never once heard Brian ask anyone for money at the end of the night. I doubt he opened TTAC to up thinking it was going to make him rich.

The thing that has always made me laugh is that,Brian who is obviously not profit oriented gets downplayed. But a Large amount of people on here talk about there gun dealers like gods/pimps. ??

Brian doesn't run airsoft for the money, anyone who's played at TTAC3 knows that he does it for the enjoyment of the sport. If he was simply in it for the $$$, I doubt he'd be working till 12AM (or sometimes later) on Tues/Fri and Sundays when airsoft CQB sessions are held. Heck I've played games where there are only 4 people, hardly worth his time if his only motivation was money.

I'm not sure anybody but Brian can really comment on his intentions for the Global piece.

Twenty dollars a head, over three days a week, over 4 weeks a month would make $2400 for an average of 10 participants (obviously sometimes more, sometimes less). Judging by the location of TTAC3, that would be a good chunk of the rent money. If you include the other martial arts aspects of the building, he's not doing too bad. But let's be honest, it is a business, and rightly so. He deserves every penny he makes, and I would do the same.

With respect to his love for airsoft... I don't think anybody can doubt he loves it. I don't think he has ever done anything intentionally to harm airsoft. Doing so would only screw himself.

Brian is in a unique situation where he is doing something he likes, and makes money in the process. I bet everybody wishes they were in that position.

Maybe he did the Global thing for the publicity. Maybe he did it to further the sport. Maybe both. He is running a business. If you don't like it, speak with your dollars and don't to go to TTAC3. If he did a disservice to the airsoft community, we'll know. He'll know. HIS business depends on it.

I personally don't like the piece. It could have been done better, but also could have been much worse. Once again, we wait.

You're right, but I have heard him say that if you're not satisfied with your experience, don't pay, but don't come back. This was directed to an ATQ1 class.

I have been to three seperate ATQ1 class and have never heard Brian say don't come back. Not saying he did or did not say it, but I have always found Brian and Shawn to be really nice to noobs. I started playing at TTAC and they were always helpfull, when it comes to teaching skills to become a better player or offering a good old fashion blood bath.

My original comment was made to just say that I don't think TTAC is there cause Brian saw huge dollar signs.

Apples and oranges I guess.

I haven't been involved with any of the previous discussions, but I feel that I must say something here.

I think what we all want in the end, regardless of how it is done, to save Airsoft as a sport. I'm sure that we are all members on this forum because we love the sport. But like all Canadians, we like to sit on our rear ends and let others fight our battles for us. This is no different.

I am not defending Brian's actions because there is no need to do so. He has a martial arts club that happens to provide our community with a venue to play. I have played there several times myself. Yes, I have paid my $20 fee each time, but that's no different then going to Sgt. Splatter's and paying to use that facility as well. Brian has a business to run and it takes money to run it. Those who are opposed to this and are independently wealthy, please feel free to provide us with another venue, both indoor and outdoor.

As for the Gobal spot. I feel that any media attention is bad media attention. In Canada, we are gun shy. Politicians will do whatever it takes to win votes regardless of the outcome. Look at the gun registry. It did nothing to curb any gun violence. Any person with a cell in their brain will realize that the guns that kill people are not registered or stolen. The Chief's of Police support it because polictically, they have to.

Look at what happened when P. Kang fought his case. It forced the government to make a decision on something that was in the grey area for a reason. The government recognizes that Airsoft is in Canada and it is tolerated as long as there is nothing negative in the media about it. If we start to petition the government to make a solid decision, then we know what the outcome will be. It will be in favour of the voters and against us.

My opinion is just that, mine. Stay out of the media, out of the government eye, and continue to practice safe and fun Airsofting.

My two cents worth, for what it's worth.

I just had a look at the piece and I have to say it was well done.

Brian did do it from the perspective of FAC and as an integrated part of what his facility and his organization offers. The report didn't mention the word "airsoft" at any time throughout the feature, which I think benefits them because it doesn't color them by other more negative reporting where "airsoft" is used to describe a GBB or or other gun some gang-banger had on him when he was arrested. Brian goes to lengths to describe something that is very hard to describe without the associated negative connetations - ie: how people can have an interest in a sport that in all respects resembles a socially negative and violent action, and put it into perspective as a potentially reasonable past time to be enjoyed by your average law abiding citizen. This is the same kind of early argument that won people over in paintball and made it a socially acceptable (to a degree) outlet for people and legitimized the sport.

I also think Brian HAS responded to this community's criticisms and it shows in this piece. He's not going to seek anyone's approval here for it, and I don't think I can blame him for that, as this community is so fragmented, its impossible to please anyone. Instead he's avoided discussing airsoft altogether, and wrappered combat simulation as part of his fighting arts collective, which existed before his association with this community. To say he doesn't have a right to promote that the way he wants to is like saying Hojo doesn't have a right to promote ASC Armoury on this website or that I don't have the right to have a BB website because it might cause Joe citizen to have a negative view of airsoft.

I also have to commend the Global reporting for including in the report a short discussion about WHY this sport is kept quiet and the fact that those who play it are sensitive to the optics of it to the average person. I think that was *excellent*. This shows that on the whole people who play the game are responsible and sensitive members of society and not some lunatic fringe.

And I've been to one class, and what I heard was...

A day membership is $20. If you don't like the experience, I don't expect you to pay, but I also don't expect to see you come back.

This makes perfect sense, and I'm not knocking his policy, because I agree with it, however, your original comment makes it sound like he doesn't care about the money. Maybe he doesn't say it in classes anymore. Maybe he's only said it the one time I've heard it. Every time I've gone, I've paid, and not once has he said, "You know what Frank, keep it buddy, I don't need it". Do you pay? I pay because I recognize that he is providing me with a service, just like I would when going to Wasaga. It is a business.

Its a value proposition, nothing more. He's confident that you'll enjoy his product and come back for more. I don't see anything wrong with that.

Very true Scarecrow.Good to see some positive support.

Agreed. It's a great business practice.

Though I havent seen this, I take scarecrow's word for it that Brian didn't fuck up (especially since some of his teammates have a strong negative stance toward his hosting).

At first I thought he was in for the money but after one of his first outdoor games I knew he wasn't. He gave us the option of not paying since he overheard me and someone else saying we didnt have a good time.

I will comment on this...

Yup I said it... and I always say that.. or at least intend to..
If you come to TTAC3 and did not get value for the experience then don't pay.. I don't want your money if you don't want to give it to me..

But if you don't pay... don't come back..

Not paying because you did not enjoy yourself.. or receive value... yet showing up again... to not pay... well now you are just taking advantage.

I have also invited people to not come again.. when I found them to be disruptive, untrustworthy, or simply not nice to be around.

As for the money motivation... I gave up in total 23 hours of my weekend to activites at FACT, 16 of those for "airsoft" I took home $50 from a private lesson I did mid day on Sunday teaching one of my students some of the finer points of fencing with the sword and buckler. This is a pretty typical weekend for me.. each and every weekend. All the money goes to feed the monster that is FACT.. so that it exists, and will continue to exist.
This time is of course in excess to the hours I spent compiling notes, designing and writing the Rifleman 101 course over the past few weeks.

This is in addition to the stratigic planning for other upcoming events ..and the ongoing research and writing that I do for other projects in the pipeline, including a couple of projects for the ROM.

All this while trying to stay married.. and holding down a demanding 50 hours a week professional career.
I don't do this for the money... although I apologize to no one for receiving value for the work I do..Even if it only works out to something like $2.00 a hour on a good week.

So this begs the question... why do it? ... the simple answer is, Because I can
and because I enjoy it.. and because I believe that I can have a positive effect on people's lives by the effort. Even if that belief is a fallacy.

Any one who wants to talk shit here in after can come talk to the MAN!

I don't know who the man is but he says you can talk to him... he likes to talk.

Seriously folks it's just a game!

Make love not war.

Just saw the piece, and I thought that it was well done and shouldn't pose any harm to the sport.

Just my personal opinion and 2 cents.

I happened to be at FACT on the evening that the footage was shot. Attendees were well informed of the intent of the footage and were quite happy to be filmed while playing airsoft. Perhaps it helped that eye and face protection also obscured their identities. Wow there are even ladies taking to the field so we don't look like a monosexual men only gun club.

After playing at FACT several times now, I am impressed at the level of comraderie and fair play amongst players there. A very high proportion of the players are repeat visitors who make it a point to return frequently which is a good indication that Brian is a good organizer. It's even more impressive that most of Brian's players are recent airsofters (starting within the past year) who have developed into responsible skilled shooters. Brian's brougt a lot of airsofters into the game in a really positive way.

The news report seems to be a bit of a push in the right direction. It portrays airsoft as a game played by a pretty multicultural crowd of players who want to respnsibly enjoy their sport.

i saw the segment today when i watched global (i watch it as a podcast to avoid the commercials), its a solid segment that generally portrays us as what we are, responsible, decent, and normal people with a hobby. thankfully it doesnt make airsoft look like a scary thing for nuts who want to cause trouble.

overall it is a step in the right direction of the kind of coverage that we can use to our benefit.

Publicity we don't need, but apparently Brian does. Good for you, bad for us.

We appreciate it.

Damn Scarecrow for being so well spoken! :)

and for those of you who need things spelt out.

I agree with Scarecrow. Everything he has said. Including the fact that Brian has taken into account our feelings about having AIRSOFT being mentioned in the media.

Now I'm going back to eating my chicken wings :)

I saw it and can only say I wish the "real steel" firearms community got that kind of well balanced reporting.

I don't think anyone could have put a better spin on it.

I have said this before and will say it again. Airsoft WILL go public (indeed, it already has).

I am frankly tired of people in this community who sit back and preach "It's not the right time".

It WILL NEVER be the right time due the fragmentation in this community and the general populace' feelings toward firearms and anything closely realted. If we ever intend to control sports exposure to the mainstream, we are going to have to dance with the Devil.

So far, Brian is the only person I have seen to even attempt that.

He's doing a good job in my personal opinion.

Yaaaay... group hug everyone!

very well done report. if i knew nothing about airsoft i'd be attracted to it. finally we can slowly crawl out of the dark.

- Just a quick comment, being another player that was there that evening and can also stand behind Global and Brian both informing us all that a segment was being filmed (sometime late November), and for those who did not wish to be on camera, wouldn’t be. - From what I gather, there's the lines of those that like FAC avec Brian and those that don't, and in that, this debate of 'bad publicity vs. positive publicity, lets wait and see' stems up, there after the next debate of $'s vs. time donation comes up. All in all, it's a business, there's rent, bills, staff and equipment to purchase, as well as wages etc., if I could make a buck or two doing something I liked, or hell invest enough to open my own CQB place, or take over a splatters or anywhere, and cash in, of course I would do it (Because it would fund my el camino quest and maybe stack up a 'i arsft' license plate). I don't doubt anyone else wouldn't want to either. The news segment didn’t state airsoft, those in the community would know what it is, those that aren’t might want to try poking around to see what those of us that were there, were doing exactly, plus, Id also like to quickly point out, they didn’t give an address, a location, or contact information with 'For Those Interested in running around shooting at people with plastic pellets three nights a week please call' ...so.. - I don’t know.. the general public at this point, I'd think, would have forgotten that 2 minute snippet, then there could be the handful of anti-gun folk that'll be all like 'boo hiss down with you fake gun freaks' and the rest of us that are here to play...

Anyone got a link of the vid in .WMV format? if one's already been posted then i'm dorry, i must've missed it.

Just my $0.02. The night in question was my second time at TTAC3 and my first real airsoft experience. I met a lot of great people and many now friends.
As one of the new people that TTAC3 has introduced to the sport I am grateful for its existence.

hows youtube format?
YouTube - Global National - Airsoft in Toronto at TTAC3

Just a thought
 

Whichever side of the fence you sit on when judging this piece we must remember that, as members of the airsoft community, we must show interest for things that will affect the sport. That being said we should concern ourselves with the possible (miss)interpretations of this piece and all components of it. Please keep in mind while analysing, that the piece had a greater scope than airsoft itself (The "airsoft" sport was not mentioned once) and should be treated as such. This report has been debated and over-analysed over the past 24 hours without fail.
With concern to Brians' comments in the interview we, as members of the comunity, can debate whether he should have or shouldn't have said certain things. We also all have the right to worry about the possible percussions of the statements made and the footage taken. However, we cannot project his comments made during the report onto his business practice, personal self, or devotion to the sport. To do so would be committing an obvious recency perceptual error and we, as a influential and inter-connected community, cannot allow ourselves to make this error.
The comments made discussing Brians' business practices and policies are simply not warranted in this thread as that they do not affect: the comments made, the possible interpretations of the piece, and long run affect on the sport as a whole. I believe that we should start thinking about the future of the sport and leave such (seemingly trivial) debates to either a dedicated thread, or a medium which does not have the ability to (unintentionally) smear the reputation of a member of our community due to lack of reasonable elaboration and replies.
Brian has been servicing the airsoft community in the GTA for some time now and I am sure that any of the players that have been to his sessions will vouch for his love and dedication to the sport. I am sure that any negative consequences that arise from this report will be completely unintentional.
I think it is time for us to start concerning ourselves about how the public eye responds (if at all) rather than the personal reputation and business practices of one man who made comments which could, vaguely as best, be directly linked to the airsoft sport itself.
That is just my two cents.

You can tear me apart anywhich way you wish, but that is what I personally believe.

Sincerely: Ryan

I don't even understand what you just said...

Thanks ancorp for youtubing the video

I see this video as a mildly positive influence on airsoft. It clearly presented the controversial issues (gun violence, gun fanatics) and Brian did a good job of dissipating these concerns in relation to airsoft. Honestly, after watching the video, Im even intrigued to visit TTAC3, even though its not my type of thing.

TTAC runs allot of different games. That night we ran more technical games for the camera's.

Sunday was almost all action with straight up fire fights and a little role playing to mix things up.

Anyone know where I can DL the global video?

That's a sign that your old Scarecrow. Someone said "peace out" to me the other day and I had to ask for clarification as to what it meant.

Well.. it's like a "hippie-frag".. y'know..And the "out" part is to warn people it's armed... :D

I'll agree with ZeonPrime as he agrees with Scarecrow. In Addition, this article was better produced than the previous attempts. Not exactly clear, but vague enough to wonder why this was even on the news?
Cheers

I'm glad we all agree. Those pinching contests we have in Morbius's hottub after planning our latest plots to dominate Canadian airsoft when we disagree, leave my nipples sore. And no Jeroon, for the last time, I am not wearing pants into the hot tub.

Its near the end of the broadcast in the local section so it was one of those community interest stories. Actually I am surprised that it was permitted to run, given our lieberal dominated press. Anything pro-gun in any fashion usually gets the attention of the anti-gun advocates and I was surprised that you didn't have Wendy Culkier giving her opinion - which usually results in some anti-gun/violent youth/coming of the apocolypse statement of some kind. I think it flew past the radar because of the way it was bundled with FAC and while the guns appeared on camera, they were not the sole focus of the piece. I am wondering if we're finally seeing a cleanout of lieberals inside the press. The conservatives have momentum, the senate is no longer appointed, two things are left, the beaurocracy and the media, the media being the critical part.

I agree/disagree with Blackthorne's angle on this in that I agree that at some point we need to make a stand and come out of the darkness and declare who we are, what we do and why we have a right to do it. Where I disagree is I think there ARE times that will favor proactive exposure and times that won't. Times that won't are times like when Jane Creba gets shot, or in the middle of a mediafest over a major gunfight incident at Dundas and Yonge. We will get lumped into the pro-gun advocacy group and painted with the same brush.

In fact I am convinced its the conservative swing that is allowing us to have a positive message like this out there. If we get a conservative majority and the long gun registry is truely eliminated and other ineffective and expensive gun control legislation is scrapped and reworked and real gun owners culture is no longer 'suppressed' I think this will lead to a huge opportunity for airsoft to become more mainstream a la paintball or like airsoft in the United States. Right now we are pariahs because we supposedly represent a lunatic fringe minority (I've been called that before). Remember, gun owners had to fight for things like IPSC and PPC to have them recognized as a sport. Airsoft has to undergo the same kind of fight to gain legitimacy. Then you can go after the CCRA on its unfair interpretations of importation of airsoft and get a clear category defined for airsoft so that there is no ambiguity about replica firearms, airsoft and other such legislative problems. Then airsoft can become, truely, the sport it needs to be.

Finally some recognition! ;)

Cheers,
Alex