1) How much of an influence do your fellow posters have on your buying habits?
Some. There have been a few bows I purchased based solely on the recommendation of folks from the various forums. Most of it has to do with availability though. If I cannot at least find one shop in the area that carries that particular piece of equipment then I usually won' t buy it....bows excluded ofcourse.
2) Do you find that your fellow posters good experiences are more often correct than not in your case?
Yes, but it really depends on personal preference in my case. For example, many folks on these forums are very happy with their Muzzy Zero Effect rests. I tried one once and found them to be durable, easy to use and reliable. However, they did not fall into what I like to have in terms of a " compact" hunting setup so I sold mine. A good design, yes, but not to my tastes.
3) Are you more inclined to go with word of mouth advertising (like here on HBBS), commercial advertising (from the manufacturer), or pro-shop recommendation?
I have to make a differentiation here as well. When it comes to bows I can and do buy sight unseen based solely on specs. Accessories are another matter entirely. Usually I find something that works well with my setup and continue to use it from bow to bow. It normally takes quite a bit of persuasion from you folks on these forums to get me to try a new accessory...and only if someone can convince me that it is more beneficial than what I am currently using. Magazine ads only let me know that the product is out there...not necessarily how good it is.
4) To what degree are you skeptical of people promoting product who work for the company, are staff shooters, or sell the products for a living? A lot? A little?
Somewhat skeptical but not entirely. I judge people just like everyone else. What I use to separate fact from hype is the person' s personality and intelligence. Are they open minded? Are they willing to accept criticism and suggestions for overall improvement? Do they understand other designs on the market and how their product compares to them?, etc.....
Heck Jeff, I know never to trust your first impressions as you are always excited about whichever new bow you get....
. I usually give it a week or two and if you are still excited then I know it must be a good product...
5) In relation to number 4: Even if that “biased individual” (cause they sell the product or work with/for the company in some manner) is also making constructive criticisms about said product, are you less likely to dismiss the product?
See number 4.
6) How influential are your hunting buddies on your buying decisions? Do you tend to gravitate towards the same gear that they have or vice-versa? (I see this all the time @ the shop I help out at)
Not at all. I tend to be the guinea pig on just about every piece of hunting gear we use...whether it be bows and accessories, camo clothing, ground blinds, treestands or whatever. I normally end up being the litmus test in terms of what they end up using. Heck, most of the bows they are shooting are actually ones that I owned at some time or other.
One further comment about the survey in general. The internet has become a very powerful tool both in terms of advertising and communicating experiences with equipment. 5 years ago there was not any active representatives from any bow companies let alone accessory and other hunting related companies. But in those last 5 years I have seen someone from just about every major bow company and quite a few of the other archery related manufacturers chime in from time to time.
Think that your opinion does not carry weight? Think again.