Daniel-San wrote:
"Tim J." said:
snip

Why don't you join the GFS? Hell, Mark - look at the first couple of
entries I made to swaps. They weren't that great, but tying 50 of
anything is bound to make you better at it. And getting flies back
that are tied by the really good tiers is certainly inspirational.
I'll bet I've learned more about tying from participating in the
swaps than any other source, both from the tying itself and the
flies I receive.

You're absolutely right that tying up 50 of anything would definitely
make me a better tyer (at least on that pattern), but while this
group is very freindly, there is a certain sense of, uhh, dunno,
maybe "fraternity", that makes it a bit intimidating. That's NOT
meant to be a "dig" on the group -- it's just that many of you guys
have been around here for longer than I've been fly fishing, let
alone tying.

Ahhhh. . . then let me be the first to welcome you to the fraternity.
;-)

Besides -- who would want a CDC and elk tyed by a beginner? Other
than maybe another beginner?

I can't speak for anyone but me, but I enjoy seeing people's tying at
any level, and it's fun to see it evolve as swaps mount. I had the same
reaction as you when I joined my first swap, but I found the other
swappers generous and helpful - every one of them. Look at the first
swap I entered: http://gula.org/roffswaps/swap.php?page=DD2002&id=6 and
tell me if you can pick the newbie's fly out without peeking at the
name. I sure can. ;-)

Dunno, but if the "novice" swap happens, I'm in.

Also, don't get me wrong - I think a swap like this is a fine idea. BUT,
if you find the interest isn't there for this swap (could be a timing
thing with the GFS), consider joining the other. It's almost like your
birthday when you get that box-o-flies in the mail.
--
TL,
Tim
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http://css.sbcma.com/timj