I’ve never received such incredible feedback on a previous column. Yes, there are many archery industry posers out there, and based on the many emails I received from my “Poser Alert!” piece in the January/February 2019 issue of Archery Business, many of you have encountered them. Some of you even encountered them at this year’s ATA Show in Louisville.
I know, I know — yuck! Here’s the deal though: I put in my miles on the show floor, lurched in hallways and grabbed lunch at the busiest times. I found only a few posers, and in comparison to the ones I met last year, these characters were extremely mild.
As an industry, how do we stop it? First, we have to realize and identify the fact there is a problem. Someone with zero archery knowledge or skill can become a Facebook or Instagram star overnight. All they need is the right angle. For many, that angle is hiring an Instagram or Facebook service to get them followers, likes and comments.
Just do a Google search. You’ll be amazed. There are throngs of articles out there telling posers how to become an Instagram/Facebook star. There are companies out there you can pay to grow your Instagram and Facebook account. I dug into it for a while, and for about $40 per month, you can pay someone to manage your page. It’s bananas.
Remember, just because someone has 16K Instagram likes and claims to be a bowhunter, archery technician — whatever — doesn’t mean they know their way around a set of cams. It doesn’t mean they know their way around the woods, either. Always have someone you’re thinking about hiring perform some simple bow set up tests. Ask them to explain to you what they are doing. Ask them to take you to your range and give you a shooting lesson. Remember, Instagram talks but true knowledge walks.
We won’t eliminate posers, not completely. As hard as we try, as tirelessly as the ATA works to keep those who carry a massive set of antlers around the show floor and say to manufacturers, “Hey, did you see my deer? I didn’t shoot it with your bow, but I could. I’m gonna be huge. I know where lots of big deer are. I have footage I can send you.”
A few of these jackwagons are always going to get into the ATA Show. We just need to ignore them. Remember, we all have actual business to do at the show and that should be our focus.
