Dammit, I should have used smilies on that post.....
Ryan has it right, I thought that idea for a post struck me as funny.
That said, your basic thesis about why gca's don't participate here is correct. I know many who read every day but either don't have the time or inclination to participate. Mostly, its because they feel they can type all they want, but a "my mind is made up, don't confuse me with facts" attitude is prevalent here.
It seems pretty clear to me that any mainstream gca will be generally thrashed here, while any young up and comer will be given the royal treatment. I presume that Ian's, Ryan,s or Mike Nuzzo's second course will be better than their first, as is the case with most gca's, but expect his will open to rave reviews here. I suspect its because of that great american tradition (yes, I know the internet is a worlwide reach) of rooting for the underdog, with the subtle overtone that if a newbie can make it, by god, so can I. Deep down, every one here (as well as most golfers in general) thinks they can design the next great course, given a chance.
You, me, Paul and a few others, except Mr. Doak, who by all rights should be paying for this site, really have no reason to participate under that scenario. We are just weird ducks, what can you say? In fact, last night at a bar, a hot chick came over, said "show me your nuts" and I responded that "I participate on golf club atlas" to prove the point.......
Actually, I have expounded on why I do participate - the mental gymnastics involved when you actually try to write what you believe (I once wrote that I believed in the ten commandments, but never more than 8 at a time.....), the fact that these posts are often dry runs for my other writing obligations (not only my posts, but sometimes others as well!)
Oh, yeah, I have a really, really slow printer at work, and I need something to do while waiting for documents to print. If I ever invest in a high speed model, I am definitely outta here!
I agree with you that we don't talk architecture as much as we should. However, the weakness of a chat room is also its strength - you never know just what direction the free flow of conversation will take. Its kind of like eating at local roadside stops instead of chains when you travel. You know what you will get at Mickey D's, and nine out of ten times you will get a lesser meal at the local place, but you live for the 1 of 10 where you really get something special.
That was another one of my fathers life lessons in addition to the aforementioned "write it briefly" lesson. He also told me that the urinal cakes aren't mints, don't eat yellow snow, and only pick berries higher than a dog can pee.
Gee, I think I will miss Dad this fathers day......
For the record, I love the threads when we talk theory, using courses or holes only to illustrate a point. I do understand that some may feel intimdated if the great Tom Doak (or mediocre Jeff Brauer) postulates an idea and wants responses - who are they to argue, they feel, with Tom?
I sometimes feel they are more afraid to "put themselves out there" than any architect that participates here.
Of course, even Tom (how long before he can assume the mantel of "Old Tom" BTW?) knows that there is no absolute right and wrong. In fact, any of our open noodling on design concepts often sounds just like the amateurs in the group.
For that matter, I do understand that thrashing courses is just an extension of "A picture is worth a thousand words." Its also an extension of the old art line "I know what I like." So, its hard to get upset with people with an interest in golf design who are just being, well.....people.
Have a nice weekend! Enough for now......