Bench-Talk

After some time spent in deliberating, I've decided not to run the postal matches this year. The work got to be more than I cared to handle. Paul was a great help. The truth be known, he did the bulk of the computer work needed to post the scores in an orderly fashion. I asked eight guys and none of them felt they would have the time to conduct the matches this year. I'm sorry if anyone feels like they have been left out in the cold by my decision. My one great disappointment was the lack of junior shooters in this program that I felt was perfect for getting new shooters involved. It is perfect because you can shoot at your leisure, at your home range, is available to those miles from any competition, doesn't involve driving many miles to shoot, is perfect for instructing a daughter, son, or friend in the fine art of benchrest, targets can be used that were fired in a regular match as well. If anyone is interesting in getting involved let me know. I will guide you.

 Francis,

I am sorry to learn that you are no longer going to do the Postals. I personally think you did a GREAT job and went out of your way to get prizes that were equal to any shoot I have been to. I am sure most people do NOT realize the amount of work that goes with the job. You and Paul deserver a BIG round of applause. I also thought you should have gotten paid for what you did. I am sure no one would have said anything if you took a fair amount out of the Kitty for all the work you two did. I certainly would not have minded. I too am sorry to see it go because like you said it was a good place to start for a son or daughter. That alone makes the postals worth the effort. Efforts of people like you are what keeps the sport going. It was set up right..... you could start out with a factory gun and work up if so desired. Entry level was whatever you could afford.

Maybe, just maybe someone will pick up where you left off. I certainly hope so. It takes a special man for this job and Francis you were that man. 

Stan 

Francis,

 I am also sorry to hear of your decision not to run the "postals" but understand the amount of work that it must to have been...... You and Paul did a "super" job acquiring and distributing the prizes as well as performing the "bookwork" to make the postals possible.......we shooters Thank You for the "gift" of the time you and Paul GAVE to make this happen for our enjoyment.

-H

I appreciate the comments above about how the postals ran when Dad and I ran them.  It makes me feel like we did a good job of it and that are work did not go unnoticed.  I also appreciate the remarks about the monetary compensation for running the postals, two things though.  First when we started the postals we laid out the rules that we would go by, in those rules there was no mention of us doing this for profit, therefore we followed the rules and did the postals as a non profit, voluntary action, and we liked doing it.  Secondly we did this in our spare time because we like to do Bench rest and helping promote Bench rest.  Making a job out of it takes the fun away.

Next year or 2 I will be very busy at work, I am now in a situation at work where I will be spending more time working for the Michigan Dept of Transportation.  This will increase my workload especially in the summer months when the postal matches are run.  I would still do the postal for free if I thought I could, but I know I can't and to obligate myself for it, then fall back on my word would not be fair to the shooters, to Stan, or to my Father who would also be doing it.

 What I am saying is... I would love to do the postals but I can't.  I don't want to get paid for it.  Is there anyone else that could step up and do it?

If so I could furnish them with the computer programs that Dad and I ran it with, The formats that we used for results, the rules sheets that we used (edit as you see needed), formats for certificate, and the forms for signing people up.  All in digital format, Word, Excel, and Adobe .pdf's.  Additionally I can help with ideas for who to contact for donations and trophies.  I just don't have the time to dedicate, and I don't want to see the postals go idle for a year for fear that what we helped build would fall apart.

 Thank You for the kind comments and the dedication to the postal matches.

Paul