[RIfoosball]

my novice two cents.....

It seems to me that like any sport or hobby, the newbie, novice or just a little less experienced needs to obtain the advice of an expert or more experienced. This can only happen through an ongoing relationship; one that allows for the lesser experienced, or even the experts to either gain knowledge or keep up on a flow of information.

The only way to do this is by going to a local store.

I personally would much prefer to spend a few extra dollars, if that's even the case all the time, and be able to query the shop owner or sales staff and get much needed knowledge that will not only make me a better hobbyist/sportsman, but also feed my own desire to improve or get better.

I started fishing salt water about 5 years ago. Originally from CA, I did quite a bit of fresh water fishing for steelhead and salmon...no expert, but know enough that not only is saltwater fishing different, but there are differences in fishing the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

I struck up a relationship with a local shop owner who, in the beginning, was plentiful in his advice which i appreciated. I was a loyal customer. He has since opened a few stores and his help knows less about fishing than I do. He has become largely unavailable to his clientele and has geared himself, business wise, towards multiple store, increased volume, mentality. This is all well and good, but service has suffered. Why would I go there now when I can save money elsewhere?

Since coming on here a few months ago, I have not only learned an immense amount, but I have also had a personal invite for a "lesson" from someone on this board who identified my never ending questions and need for information. I sincerely believe that it was a genuine desire to help another that led to this invitation.

This is the exact type of person that I would prefer to spend my hard earned dollars with.

So, hats off to the local business men and women (maybe I'm biased because I'm self-employed as well), and keep up the motto that sharing your knowledge through customer service is the most valuable thing to us consumers of your goods.

Bruce.