Blaster vs G*n: A Discussion on Terminology in the Hobby

[@SirClicks.]

Thanks for bringing this issue to light. I completely agree with you.

[@PirateJohnson]

11:59 PaintBall Marker, and LaserTagger, but IDK about AirSoft... But other hobbies HAVE made a small effort to disassociate the term that CAN, does have negative association. The debate is NEVER about how you feel about the word itself, but how OTHERS will.

[@homelee665]

I had forgot about "marker". But yeah, we need to consider perception of the public.

[@ryanengelstad2066]

I agree the growth has been exponential, the more organized and unified we are the stronger we are

[@norcalnerfclub3423]

This is a really important topic right now. I can understand and listen to both sides of the gun issue. If we are using our language correctly it keeps both sides of that argument away from our hobby. I'd like to think that this hobby may get some kids involved in a positive activity. One where they can make friends and be in a good environment where they can laugh and have a good time. Instead of feeling alone or angered and end up doing something drastic with a firearm. Thanks for this video!

[@Adrian-Ghostwolf]

I think it’s far more important to make sure we call the Darts DARTS and try to encourage people away from calling them Bullets or Nerf Bullets

[@homelee665]

Thanks for adding to the discussion. While I admit it is important to work on the whole darts/bullets debate, it is a much bigger issue to yell "g*n" in a public place than "bullets".

[@vaipuluj]

Robs whole argument wasnt that gun was the right word to use, but that policing language (especially among new players) creates barriers to communication

[@homelee665]

That wasn't my point at all. It is that we need to encourage the use of the term blaster throughout the community to make miscommunications less likely. Sure, it takes a while to shift paradigms, but for the future of the hobby we need to work at it.

[@homelee665]

On second reading, I see where you are going. Barriers can be a problem, but if we offer gentle encouragement towards the correct language, I don't think that will raise barriers.

[@PirateJohnson]

@@homelee665, My BanHammer was once a GreatSword, bludgeoned flat by folks that wouldn't negotiate diplomatically, LOL (JK!). Just had a few too UnWilling to progress, that their stubbornness became a bigger hindrance.

[@OCNerf]

Meanwhile Gun vs Gun has almost 4.7mil subs

[@homelee665]

Yeah, they are a problem.

[@ryanengelstad2066]

Once again the voice of reason has a sweet southern drawl

[@blastershogun]

I am from Singapore. We used non aggressive words as a form of ideal practice and positive public projection. Team Death Match = Team Tag Match Kill Confirmed = Tag Confirmed Attacker / Defender = Team 1 / Team 2 The word "Blaster" is highly encouraged. The word "Gun" is a Big No No. Here's our page : facebook.com/groups/nerfsingapore/

[@homelee665]

Thanks for input from another country.

[@blastershogun]

@@homelee665 You are welcome :) Our general rules ( not exactly exhaustive ), covers most of the areas ( at least locally) facebook.com/notes/nerf-singapore/nerf-singapore-rules-resources/2144276599233051/

[@DJNIAPO]

If I may, I'd like to point out that "Gun" is a generic term referring to any device that "fires" a specific type of "ballistic" ammo that requires an explosive element to propel it. When used to describe anything else, it's being misused. Having said that, Blaster is the same term, but has not been associated with murder or war or acts of terror. So to use the term "blaster" is strictly to appease the idiot masses that get offended real quick. My point is, this needs to start with Hasbro and Buzz Bee changing their terminology first. Because until that happens, parents and other authorities will refer to these toys as "guns" Anyways, thanks for allowing a platform for discussing this topic. Great vid!

[@homelee665]

Hasbro has taken steps to encourage the word blaster, but I haven't seen too much from other companies. Thanks for taking part in the discussion.

[@ThunderdomeDoc]

*wAtching* In b4 Staple Blaster And Guacamole Blaster

[@squirlly7328]

I don't know about airsoft but they are Paintball Markers. I come form the paintball community and all my friends would call them a G U N but I always called them a marker because I do own real firearms, served in the U.S. Armed forces and I won't point any item that reminds me too much of a real firearm at anyone that is why I won't play airsoft, I personally want that disconnect in my head between sporting goods and real firearms and that HUGE hopper on top really reminded me I was playing a game.

[@ThunderdomeDoc]

Squirlly Read it. Thank you for your service. - Beard.

[@ThunderdomeDoc]

I was a high school sophomore metal head goth kid The year Columbine happened Changed everything. Awful.

[@ThunderdomeDoc]

I love how y’all in Tennessee Say “Tennessee” Favorite thing.

[@ThunderdomeDoc]

Listening. I disagree But am glad that it’s being talked about. My opinion changed After I ACCIDENTALLY Started referring to My Semi Auto Shotgun As my Blaster. In that moment I decided to stop Calling my projectile launching tools As Blasters. But If calling them Blasters Saves one kid’s Life... then I’m willing To change. But. To me. It’s more important To get people nerfing Than trying to re-program Childhood words. But yeah. I hear you. I see you. What you say Matters to me.

[@ThunderdomeDoc]

Lastly OG Thunderdome was VERY ADULT CENTRIC, Drinking OK Drugs OK If everyone is 18 then I don’t care if you get mostly naked. We all got along But Like I’ve ThunderdomeD on Morphine Weed Cocaine LSD Adderall And beyond. Pure Excellence. ... But yeah, Naked CocainDome Is innately different than School Nerf. I am of the belief That Adult Nerf Is allowed to Be ADULTY In the right circumstance But perhaps That (and NERF GUN!!) needs to stay In the backyard arenas And that’s ok.

[@Boomtendo4tw]

Guns are still legal to have and own. So simply talking about them shouldn’t be something so alarming. The infringement on freedom of speech is a bit disturbing but yeah I wouldn’t encourage ppl to say something like “we are taking our G words to the park to shoot at each other”

[@Matt-md5yt]

I think it depends on the era you are from tbh.anyways it's politics that go with the naming.

[@homelee665]

But if we wish to continue public growth of the hobby, and continue to participate in public places with it, we need to use words that don't cause negative images with the general populace.

[@BobOBob]

90 seconds in and I'm already disagreeing. Hasbro does not "try." Hasbro has been constant for a decade or more.