Perhaps some insight

[tomreeve]

Quote
"Those who can't do, teach."
This quote has been thrown around this site by many as an insult. Like you don't RESPECT anyone who isn't the greatest at climbing or tree care, or whatever, but who tries to pass their love of it onto others. Has no one here taught or been taught by someone? Everyone is trying soooo hard to impress everyone that they have fogotten what this site is about, teaching each other things that we have learned.
Tom

 

[xander9727]

The quote is directed to those that do nothing but teach. Like a business professor who has never run a business. Another example would be a soccer coach that never played soccer. Advice, tips or training from your peers is different than formal instruction.

I'm not trying to belittle teachers just point out the importance of applied knowledge.

 

[tomreeve]

Xander,
Thank you again for the great reply. I teach and get a little defensive when people attack teachers. Its kind of stupid, but when its your life it hurts when people belittle it.
Tom

 

[Newfie]

Tom,

Be proud of what you do and the hell with what others think. If you are proud of teaching and are personally fulfilled by it, does it really matter what others think? It shouldn't. Otherwise you might be in the wrong profession. I took my vast years of college experience and decided to become a "tree guy" at age 35. My college buddies think its wierd, but whatever, right? I'm happier than ever before.(well except for college years,eh)

Tod hit it on the head about teaching. Applied knowledge is the key. The rest are just hypothesizeing. My grandfather was a college economics professor all of his professional career. Guess who didn't adequately plan for retirement?

 

[husky runner]

too old for climbing ?

What part of N.Y. are you from I'm from Massena , along the st. lawrence seaway. I just got back in the saddle working for myself at 46 . I've been up steel 320 ' so a tree aint no thang. I feel when when off the ground fear is a respect that you shouldent let go of it keeps you awhere that if you screw up your gonna be a hurting unit so use extra safety precautions . Climb with 2 lanyards* always be snapped off . if you do slip up you only get the tree rash & bruses and not crippled which is no joke I always leave the ground knowing that I need to be extra safe so I can do it another day. best of luck guy.