33 replies to this topic

[Cmdrmack]

Since I got back into nerf, I've heard a lot about the New Jersey nerfers. Apparently, they kick ever so much ass, and are somewhat legendary around here. I've heard a lot from Canada, specifically from ForsakenAngel, and there's always California, I grew up reading Spoon's Die Hard Nerf Warrior page. The midwest also, makes an appearance every now and again. Looking at the articles section, the Strongholds of Nerf are stated as being California, New Jersey, and Ohio.

But what about the South?

The only reference I've found thus far are a few Floridians who get together every now and again and a handful of names from the Frappr map thingy.

I am from the mountains of North Carolina and currently go to school in Clinton SC, which is between Spartanburg and Columbia. I've seen more action here in the south than I hear about on the forums, and I wonder why we southerners don't say more about our Nerfing habit.

It seems like the goal is to get a major event once a month, and define a major war as eight or more people. My clan itself is thirty people strong. We have a war every week or two and they're always well attended, sometimes eight, usually ten and we topped out at fourteen people stopping by the war to play at one point or another.

My clan is planning on making a showing at ECNO, an eleven hour drive for you pansies who said two or three or even five is too much. We might bring two people, we might bring ten, at this point I'm not sure, but I'm pretty sure we won't embarass ourselves talent-wise. The girl who is a definate is awesome with an automatic.

My question to the NIC is this: Has the South ever done much for nerf and I just missed it? Or is there a shift from Jersey to the Carolinas in the East Coast power players?

Also, would anybody be willing to travel down here for a war at some point in the future? We'd love to introduce you to our grits and sweet tea fed brand of nerfing.

[Diablo]

There used to be a fairly notable clan from the Mobile, Alabama area called Random Encounter Nerf. They used to hold wars on a pretty regular basis, but now I'm pretty sure all the members have quit Nerfing. The only member of their clain who I've seen active on the forums in the past 6 months is Suave, who used to be an administrator at NerfHQ.com

That's all I really know off hand about southern Nerfing. I'm sure there are tons of more Nerfers that didn't advertise themselves as well as REN did on the forums that did some great things for the NIC too, but I really cant remember any other names.

[Rambo]

Well, in November(I think) there was a topic at NHQ for SouthEast Nerf Out. Sadly, I don't think hardly any of REN was in attendance. I believe they've moved out of nerf.

I would be willing to make a trip down there but probably not until the fall.

[Groove]

Sad but true, you don't hear much about Southern Nerfers very often. It's not too rare to hear things about Nerfers from Jersey, parts of the Midwest and California from time-to-time around here. But is it really all that important in the grand scheme of things, not just in measuring our E-Peens? But for this particular instance, I shall indulge in your game and answer some questions along the way. Grab the measuring tape.

So, to answer your questions: Yes and no. Yes, I think Southern Nerf has alot to show for itself. From what I understand there are many large Nerfing groups/clans that reside in the South, despite the fact they might not be very active on the boards (like you and your clan, for instance). Although I'm not too far South in relation to others, I do live south of the Mason-Dixon line and would consider myself a Southern Nerfer. Everyone in my immediate family is from the South. And no, there is not a definite shift from the Carolinas to Jersey in terms of East Coast "power players" (that made me giggle a little), because I'm living, breathing proof.

I've driven to wars in several states, and I've flown out to Armageddon on the West Coast (three times I might add), to represent East Coast Nerf in all its glory. Will you hear that much about me and my accomplishments on the forums? Probably not. Virginia is by no means a stronghold of Nerf, but I guarantee you if you ask OMC, Evil, or any other active Jersey Nerfers (or any of the West Coast players for that matter) that I've had the chance to Nerf with in the past six years, they will tell you that I can certainly hold my own.

This all goes back to the Sport aspect of Nerfing. In my opinion, what often times happens is that one's skill is appropriated VIA word of mouth and little from actual playing which can be a good thing and a bad thing. I'm not saying any names here, nor am I pointing any fingers, but that's what I've seen from my experiences from being active on the NIC for several years as well as Nerfing with people on both Coasts. People like myself, OMC, and certain individuals in the LCM are trying to promote the Sport side of this, and all the other frivolous crap is more or less irrelevant when you just get out there and Nerf as much, often, and hard as you can.


-Groove

[Evil]

Mmmhmm. Groove has the skills required of a respectable player. Definitely a guy I want on my team.

[One Man Clan]

Here's the deal kids. I'm an arrogant elitist prick on these forums but not just to inflate my own enormous ego. My hope is that I can inspire 1 of 2 things; to either go out and nerf just like me and maybe one day be as awesome as I am, or better yet make me eat my words, which to this day has yet to happen I might add.

Lately, you've seen myself and others lambaste the likes of Evil for his "all hype and no play" attitude. This is really about 2 things. First, it's a shot at the likes of the majority of OTHER forums that have staff and contributors that haven't nerfed in years if at all. Why be on a forum for a hobby you don't do. Secondly, I hope you all take it personally, because it is a challenge to play against me and others who will only serve to better your skill. It's all in an attempt to get a fire under your ass to come out and shut me up. It's just how we do things out here in Jersey. It's tough love (so please stop asking if I hate Evil).

I hope that all the "strongholds of nerf" can come together at various times and places over a year's time and duke it out for supremacy. There are a lot of you out there that need to learn a thing or two. My presence alone should not dictate an entire team's moves, but I've seen it happen many times. If you want to elevate me to "Nerf God" status, that's your deal. I've been shot by the best and the worst players to ever play the game. That being said, back on topic.

I look forward to rising to any challenges out there, wherever they are. Opponents are always, and they will always offer a good challenge. I've nerfed against some of the best vets out there, and against some one hit wonders that you wouldn't even know if I could remember their board names.

The real point is this. Organize yourself, and the rest will fall into place. If you can get enough players to have a good time, that's all it's about, regardless of where you hail from. The South is one place I have yet to play. I know people like Garrett in FL, or if REN is still out there have/had strong followings. Get your shit together, and then those of us who take this NERD-ASS hobby seriously enough to travel a million miles will come out there and give you our seal of approval, along with probably a few welts and loads of good memories.

[Forsaken angel24]

We only have Assassin games out here. I wish we had wars. There is less paranoia and an equal amount of adrenaline there. There really isnt as much action as I wish there was out here. We are in the fourth chapter of Nerf Assassin since it began about 2 years ago. I just like to Modify. I wish I could get more wars. I joined the sport a little late. Their used to be wars at my own fucking high school during the summer and I had no idea. I guess that is the way the cookie crumbles. Now they dont do wars anymore because they are all into paintball now and the clan has dissolved into the solution of life. They missed out on something amazing.

Edited by Forsaken_angel24, 03 April 2007 - 12:33 AM.

[Evil]

I missed two or three events in 2007 so far, due to fluke occurences and some tragic events. But I've still Nerfed once more in 2007 than most kids on these forums ever have! Wooo!

I'm also loving how for some reason the "Nerf God" moniker has been thrown around lately.

It seems to me like their are three kinds of people who belong to our hobby:

* "Nerf Gods" (I wonder where that title came from) who don't Nerf anymore.

* East Coast Nerfers who organize events and Nerf consistently.

* Kids who modify guns in their basement but never test them in a game-setting.

Also, if this conversation can become a serious discussion concerning the merits of actually Nerfing over posting on forums I think this might be the best discussion in a long time. Regardless of Cmdrmack's initial intentions this might be a worthwhile talk we're about to have.

[Flaming Hilt]

You left out

* Non East-Coasters who organize events and Nerf consistently.

And of course maybe there should be something about the kids who mod and play monthly if not weekly but don't care enough to tell the whole world about it on a forum.

[Evil]

You left out

* Non East-Coasters who organize events and Nerf consistently.

And of course maybe there should be something about the kids who mod and play monthly if not weekly but don't care enough to tell the whole world about it on a forum.

There are 19 threads on the first page of NH's Nerf Wars forum.

Of those, 13 threads are dedicated to specific event organization.

And of those 13, 7 are East Coast event threads (not including Western PA events).

...So it might be fair to suggest that as of 2007, NJ, NY, PA, MD, MA, and CT represent something like 50% of organized events for our hobby. This is arguable considering the limited sample size I have and the fact that I'm only making a point of the most recent event threads on this forum, but it is worth noting that only 5 or 6 states in the US (all on the East Coast) could represent 50%+ of our hobby.

I didn't mean to make the point that East-Coasters are the only ones Nerfing, just that it seems like Nerf is at its most organized around the Atlantic and the Northeast. My fault for not being more clear.

And as for the kids who mod and play monthly if not weekly but don't care enough to tell the whole world, I can't account for them and neither can you so they have no weight in this conversation. We're discussing the Nerf community here with exception to flukes like those who might participate but arent part of the NIC.

...Hope that clears everything up.

Edited by Evil, 03 April 2007 - 12:47 PM.

[Flaming Hilt]

I didn't mean to make the point that East-Coasters are the only ones Nerfing, just that it seems like Nerf is at its most organized around the Atlantic and the Northeast. My fault for not being more clear.

Fair enough. I was half-joking... just trying to help your list out a little. But you're right.
*goes back to watch interrupted conversation*

[nerfer34]

I nerf indoors like once every two weeks.( Yea I have a big house)


But I gotta get to one of these EAST COST WARS!

East Coast For Life.

[Evil]

About the South: There used to be a serious contingent of AL Nerfers. Not sure what became of them though.

EDIT: OOPS! FORGOT REN STOOD FOR RANDOM ENCOUNTER, THE AL NERFERS. MY MISTAKE.

Edited by Evil, 03 April 2007 - 04:42 PM.

[Rambo]

Only the third, maybe fourth, person to mention REN...

[Jergling]

We only have Assassin games out here. I wish we had wars. There is less paranoia and an equal amount of adrenaline there.

Wow, I just realized how much assasin games would ruin your life for a week with anxiety...

Their used to be wars at my own fucking high school during the summer and I had no idea.

I feel the same way... I joined just a little late. Still, fads come in waves. It pretains to the way things are usually adopted first by the oldest, then work their way down untill all the little 6-year-olds want whatever the colledge students wanted a week ago. Nerf waves typically start in the other direction, the little kid sees the add on TV, their grade-school brother hears about it from them, brings it to school, and tells his friends how awsome it is. Older and older people get interested, and for some it hangs on after being a fad, those people are the ones dedicated to boards like this.

Nerf, not only in the south (as the forum creater claims), is slowly moving towards its demise currently, if nerf makes something truly interesting, the wave could start again. Linking these ideas, I think we just need another Nerf fad-wave to bring Nerfing back to the South, and everywhere else where it's fading.

-just a thought... (off topic?-I'll edit)

[Rambo]

It's off-topic, but insightful. Good post.

[TED]

Nerf, not only in the south (as the forum creater claims), is slowly moving towards its demise currently, if nerf makes something truly interesting, the wave could start again. Linking these ideas, I think we just need another Nerf fad-wave to bring Nerfing back to the South, and everywhere else where it's fading.

-just a thought... (off topic?-I'll edit)

I have to say the longshot is something that is pretty interesting. I've talked to friends that I have never mentioned nerf to, and they've brought up seeing a nerf "loser" rifle on tv. Both friends went out and bought one, and now want me to mod them.

[SHADOW HUNTER ALPHA]

I nerf indoors like once every two weeks.( Yea I have a big house)


But I gotta get to one of these EAST COST WARS!

East Coast For Life.

ECNO is a good opportunity, if I can find someone to drag my ass out there.

As for the decline of the South, it may just be due to the lack of new and interesting releases, like Jergling said. You southerners ought to see how many people you can get into nerf, and just hold major monthly wars after you get enough participants.

Edited by SHADOW HUNTER ALPHA, 03 April 2007 - 08:34 PM.

[Evil]

Nerf, not only in the south (as the forum creater claims), is slowly moving towards its demise currently

...But the East Coast is setting records for the amount of major events its hosting. The numbers we're approaching this year won't even compare to the previous best years of 2002-2004.

[Jergling]

Oh, that wasn't the intent of that statement. Sorry, I meant that Nerf has been in a downward spiral in general, I don't think it's going to fail or just all out stop though.

[Evil]

Oh, that wasn't the intent of that statement. Sorry, I meant that Nerf has been in a downward spiral in general, I don't think it's going to fail or just all out stop though.

Well then you need to thoroughly explain yourself. A general and damning statement like the one you made requires at least some evidence. Nerf still releases new and inventive lines, and some of us are Nerfing at major events more than once a month. 2007 is looking like a banner year for the community. Maybe not on the internet, but on the field.

[LordoftheRing434]

East Coast still has the predominant concentration of organized wars, but it always has been along with SoCal. But it doesn't mean other areas aren't making great strides to get more going.

The midwest is on a rapid increase in wars. Take for example Minnesota nerf. Before 2006, the only Minnesota nerfers I knew that existed were Jangadance and myself. Then the early part of the year led to a perking of several new NIC members from the area. The best part about it: they went straight into organizing wars. Their Twin Cities Nerf-out ended up a success, and I regret not being able to attend it. And even again, we've got one coming up in less than 10 days.

The point is that the proliferation of Nerf is going to develop into a multipolar network soon enough. I wouldn't be surprised to see major developments within the next year.

~Rings

[Diablo]

I'm an honest guy, and therefore I have to say that I haven't Nerfed in forever.
However, you East Coasters (especially Evil, since I talk to him on a more personal level occasionally) have definitley inspired me to get off my ass. Most of the big wars have been a little far from my residence, and while I know that isn't the best excuse, my schedule and budget really hasn't allowed me to attend the big East Coast wars. I am happy though, that this summer there are going to be Pittsburgh and Cleveland wars. I will, without a doubt, be to at least one war this summer. Hopefully I'll go to both the PANO and the Cleveland war, and maybe even an East Coast war if I find a way. But, I'm just happy that I am finally committed to going out and Nerfing, and I'm glad that a lot of you guys are getting on everyone's ass about doing that.

The only thing I don't agree with 100% is the competitive aspect that I hear a lot from East Coasters. It's great to be competitive, but I'm much more of a laid back kind of guy and am not really out to prove that I'm the best Nerfer in the land. That, and that fact that I'm really not that great of a Nerfer, make the super-competetive outlook not my cup of tea. I'm not trying to put down that view, it's just not for me.

[Groove]

The only thing I don't agree with 100% is the competitive aspect that I hear a lot from East Coasters. It's great to be competitive, but I'm much more of a laid back kind of guy and am not really out to prove that I'm the best Nerfer in the land. That, and that fact that I'm really not that great of a Nerfer, make the super-competetive outlook not my cup of tea. I'm not trying to put down that view, it's just not for me.

Well, I agree with your last point. I think that having a "super-competitive" attitude will only hurt you in the end. However, this is an action sport, and the competition aspect is just part of the game. I will say this, though: I think you're making a pretty broad generalization about East Coasters. I also think you might have missed the point that OMC, myself and Evil have been trying to make. It's not about who's the best, who's better than who, or any of that crap for that matter...because at the end of the day that's a moot point. Who is anyone to judge who's the best? The point is that we're trying to motivate people to get out and just Nerf, as many people take such a thing for granted. What a lot of people perceive as OMC's very 'opposing' nature is mostly tongue in cheek; the Jersey tough love mentality is designed to give people incentive to get off their asses and revel in the sport side of this hobby. In my eyes, the ends justify the means...and shit, I'm not even from Jersey.

I think you'll get a better taste of things when you come out to one of the wars, which I look forward to seeing you at this summer, hopefully.


-Groove

[One Man Clan]

Fuck that. I am super competitive! I'm the most thirteen thirty-seven-est guy to ever pick up a plastic gun. RESPECT ME or feel my wrath! For god's sake I ATE A FUCKING CLAN! FEAR ME!

Maybe it's just me, but can't you HEAR how asinine that sounds just reading it? Yes. Really I'm just a teddy bear who likes to yell a lot. I'm not going to lie, I think I'm a good nerfer, but I wouldn't say that an ENTIRE TEAM needs to come and deal with me when someone yells "Hersh is coming this way." Happens all the time.

You get better the more you play. That's true (usually) with any sport or activity. There are few out there with more wars or miles under their belt. That's what I'm really proud of. The fact that I have driven and flown out to various large wars and made some good friends is way more important than the ability to kill everyone in a round. Once you do this as long as some of us have, you remember the funny or best moments of the day, not your kill count/penis size.

If I had to list them, the top 4 of top 5 most memorable moments would probably be funny/stupid shit I did. Still to this day, the best moment ever was ambushing Spoon and 2 others at the first APOC (my first war) and not having my PC loaded. It's the dumbest thing ever, but it made me a better player.

Now go out and shoot someone (with a nerf gun).