I want to address three related topics in this article: flaming peoples' styles, being closed-minded to different methods, and the importance of learning multiple techniques.

It seems like a lot of players these days are very closed-minded to certain methods of hitting moves, such as everything *must* be downtime, or they don't like when someone plants a certain way. While there is such thing as proper form, and everyone is entitled to his/her opinion on style, people need to respect each others' differences. So you don't like the way someone drags his Osis, or double plants on Ducks, there is a good chance people don't like the way you do some moves.

I remember reading someone saying they *hate me* for a move demo that was posted on the old site- because it wasn't as picture perfect as someone with better form on that move. That's fine; I shrugged it off. The important lesson here is that when you strive to learn hundreds of moves, you will definitely have a few weaknesses; we all do. Hopefully you are (or will become) aware of your weaknesses so you can overcome them one day. Being insulted for your weaknesses doesn't help (and feels awful), so why talk trash against others' styles? Just remember the adage that when you point the finger, there are four pointing right back at you.

Now on the constructive side, when you watch the trick videos on this site, keep in mind that you are not necessarily watching a perfect demo. That's why I show so many examples, and by different players. While the trick videos are incredibly valuable, they should really only assist your own learning process. I like to think that you are your own best teacher, so use these videos as a model when, and only when you can't figure a move out for yourself. However, after you've learned a move, there is still great room for improvement, so you also might want to watch the trick videos while you perfect your moves- it can even have a subconscious effect. The players in the Tricks section are experts, so you can probably learn a lot from them, but keep in mind that no one is perfect.

Now about learning multiple techniques, the keyword is timing. Changing the timing of a move can make it feel completely different. Take uptime and downtime for example. Drifter done with the assistance of a quick set (uptime Mirage) makes it a bit easier, because you have more time to reposition into the stall. While I personally believe you should never take the easy road, there is value in doing it both ways. Never be limited to one particular way of doing something. If you only learn downtime Drifter because you think less of uptime Drifter (and you are NOT a superior footbagger for doing this!), then you are hindering your ability to learn moves that use techniques of uptime drifter, such as Swifter (Drifter with a Swirl on the end). I could make the same case for countless moves, but I'll leave that to your imagination. The lesson here is there is value in all techniques, not only stylistically but also technically, and as I say time and time again, Learn Everything.

Personally I take a somewhat zen point of view, in that I never do a move the same way twice.

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