proffesional Unicycler ?

[kidmuni]

How can you tell if someone is a proffesional uniccyler ?
I mean
we are nearly all proffesional compared to clowns :D

[MuniAddict]

How can you tell if someone is a proffesional uniccyler ?
I mean
we are nearly all proffesional compared to clowns :DA professional gets paid.:D Doesn't necessarily translate to expert status though. For example, someone in the right place at the right time might get a paying gig doing whatever, even though there may be tons of non-professionals who could do a much better job.

[wickedbob]

I'm a professional. I can ride.

[Poseidon]

As soon as you accept money for anything, be it golfing lessons or unicycling, you are by definition "professional"

As Terry said there might be tons of non-professionals who could also do the same thing if not better.

[BillyTheMountain]

"Amateur" means you do it for love of unicycling.

Professional means you do it for the money.

[MuniAddict]

"Amateur" means you do it for love of unicycling.

Professional means you do it for the money.I think you can still love what you do and still get paid as a pro. Isn't that the ideal, to do something for a living that you love? I'm a "professional" piano technician and get paid well for my services, but I also LOVE what I do.:)

[captainkrunk61]

Shaun Johanneson is the best example of a pro. He's tapping the untapped market.

[Goats_On_Unicycles]

No, it's your level.
Probably messured against the skill level of those who get paid but its your level.


Example: There are plenty of professional painters but not all of them get paid...

EDIT: I think by "pro", you guys mean "sell-out".

[wickedbob]

It is getting paid to do something, that's it like they said. I think people miss use the word professional a bunch of the time, but no being professional has nothing to do with skill other than to get paid you have to be good, maybe. Clowns are an exception, they just suck =(.

[Goats_On_Unicycles]

So, someone who can ride about three yards and then wreck is pro if they're sponsored or whatever?

[wickedbob]

So, someone who can ride about three yards and then wreck is pro if they're sponsored or whatever?

Yes.

[BillyTheMountain]

I think you can still love what you do and still get paid as a pro. Isn't that the ideal, to do something for a living that you love? I'm a "professional" piano technician and get paid well for my services, but I also LOVE what I do.:)

The proof is in the pudding.

There's no proof that you do it for love, because you get money.

On the other hand, if I asked you to do it for free because you love it, and you couldn't resist the chance, then we'd know you do it for love.

Like sex.

[kidmuni]

Like sex.

lol

[wickedbob]

Just like sex.

[MuniAddict]

The proof is in the pudding.

There's no proof that you do it for love, because you get money.

On the other hand, if I asked you to do it for free because you love it, and you couldn't resist the chance, then we'd know you do it for love.

Like sex.Haha I have nothing to prove to you ar anyone else. As long as I'm true to myself that's all that matters. Fortunately, I'm in the position to do only those things that I enjoy, having paid my dues for the past half century. So now I'm enjoying my life, family & friends to the fullest, riding every day, loving my work and being successful. It's ok, I've earned it!:cool:

[kington99]

How can you tell if someone is a proffesional uniccyler ?
I mean
we are nearly all proffesional compared to clowns :D


Clowns are vastly more professional than us, clowning is their profession, it puts the food on their table, we're mostly a bunch of kids messing around in mall parking lots and bike trails.

We've argued the toss of the who 'professional' thing before. Is KH a professional? He makes money from unicycles, but he's not actually paid to unicycle, and I'm not sure whether it's even his main income. The real professionals are all those guys working variety shows, circuses and the side walk with their act for their rent money.

And being a professional does not necessarily mean a particularly high level of competence, professional unicyclists i've seen, except at conventions, rarely perform tricks that I couldn't, despite my meagre skill level. However, they have the patter and showmanship that I entirely lack that makes sure the hat is filled when it's passed round.

[Jkohse]

EDIT: I think by "pro", you guys mean "sell-out".

please dont use that word here again. I have a lot of respect for what shauns doing. hell if i could get payed to uni i would, even though im interested in a different career path ahha, but still!

because of the level of unicycling as it stands,especially how much the bar has raised for an average street rider these days, unicycling hasnt had enough time to reach the "pro" level yet, but if you think about it you can pick a few names out of the hat that really stand out

dan
ryan
mike
kris
shaun

its all about revolutionizing right now, the "the pro" will come soon, we just have to be patient.

remember skateboarding?
http://www.sadkids.com/images/Skate_Film_Pic2.jpg
http://www.how2skate.com/pics/625870Skateboarding%20-%20%20Ryan%20Sheckler-%20varial%20kickflip%20(2).jpg

[ridethelobster2008]

How can you tell if someone is a proffesional uniccyler ?
I mean
we are nearly all proffesional compared to clowns :D




adjective
Date:
1606

(1): characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession (2): exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace2 a: participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs <a professional golfer> b: having a particular profession as a permanent career <a professional soldier> c: engaged in by persons receiving financial return <professional football>

Is this any help?
Thanks to Webster's

[BillyTheMountain]

Haha I have nothing to prove to you ar anyone else. As long as I'm true to myself that's all that matters. Fortunately, I'm in the position to do only those things that I enjoy, having paid my dues for the past half century. So now I'm enjoying my life, family & friends to the fullest, riding every day, loving my work and being successful. It's ok, I've earned it!:cool:

Be honest. You would not do it if you weren't paid.

Your addictions you do whether anyone pays you or not.

[U-Turn]

If you've ever seen Cirque du Soliel's "The Fire Within" series, you can easily see that most or all of us are not anywhere near professional level. For professional-level performance, the key ingredient is consistency. I.e., you have to do your thing every time, every night, every place, no matter how you feel, injured or not, perfectly, with a big smile on your face.

I love the videos, I love seeing us progress. But a tape of 5 mins of tricks that took days to shoot with a 5% success ratio is nowhere near professional-quality riding. Make a tape of all the stuff you can do right first time, every time, every day of the week no matter who is watching, whether you are sick or not, and that's your current "professional" level.

[Goats_On_Unicycles]

please dont use that word here again. I have a lot of respect for what shauns doing. hell if i could get payed to uni i would, even though im interested in a different career path ahha, but still!


I wasn't refering to anyone by saying that. I'm sorry if you were offended. I just think it's silly to say someone's pro by if they make money or not. But I do think that a uni rider getting sponsored by lots of companies that don't even have anything to do with unicycling is kinda silly.

[MuniAddict]

Be honest. You would not do it if you weren't paid.

Well, I do have to eat lol! But I have tuned many pianos for free and yes, if I wasn't getting paid I'd still want to work on pianos, because I do enjoy it so much. I'd just have to find another line of work that would produce a liveable income.:)

[BurnerDave]

Touché, Terry!
I love kayaking and unicycling. If I could convince someone to pay me a reasonable amount to do those things 5 days a week, I'd be a happy guy. I'd still love doing them just as much as before!

One of the summer jobs I had putting myself through school was as a locksmith. I loved it. When I retire I'll probably do that for fun and a few bucks. No harm getting paid for doing what you like to do whether you need the $$ or not!

[kidmuni]

please dont use that word here again. I have a lot of respect for what shauns doing. hell if i could get payed to uni i would, even though im interested in a different career path ahha, but still!

because of the level of unicycling as it stands,especially how much the bar has raised for an average street rider these days, unicycling hasnt had enough time to reach the "pro" level yet, but if you think about it you can pick a few names out of the hat that really stand out

dan
ryan
mike
kris
shaun

its all about revolutionizing right now, the "the pro" will come soon, we just have to be patient.

remember skateboarding?
http://www.sadkids.com/images/Skate_Film_Pic2.jpg
http://www.how2skate.com/pics/625870Skateboarding%20-%20%20Ryan%20Sheckler-%20varial%20kickflip%20(2).jpg

thanks good example

[MuniAddict]

Or more on point for an exapmle:

25168

25169

[cathwood]

There seem to be two different meanings to 'professional' being used here.

The first is the dictionary definition, whereby 'professional' means getting money for it or doing it for a living.

The second is the word 'pro' which seems to related to a particular skill level in sports such as skateboarding.

[BillyTheMountain]

Well, I do have to eat lol! But I have tuned many pianos for free and yes, if I wasn't getting paid I'd still want to work on pianos, because I do enjoy it so much. I'd just have to find another line of work that would produce a liveable income.:)

Very cool!

Would you ever try to tune TWO pianos to play together?

I think that might be a challenge.

[Wheel Rider]

.... As long as I'm true to myself that's all that matters. Fortunately, I'm in the position to do only those things that I enjoy, having paid my dues for the past half century. So now I'm enjoying my life, family & friends to the fullest, riding every day, loving my work and being successful. It's ok, I've earned it!:cool:
I hope this will apply to me in about 40 days. I am going to retire after 31 years of working for the Federal government. :)

[BillyTheMountain]

I hope this will apply to me in about 40 days. I am going to retire after 31 years of working for the Federal government. :)

CIA?

YOu can retire, but you can never get out.....

[kidmuni]

CIA?

YOu can retire, but you can never get out.....
what do you mean by that ?

[James_Potter]

I just think it's silly to say someone's pro by if they make money or not. But I do think that a uni rider getting sponsored by lots of companies that don't even have anything to do with unicycling is kinda silly.
But that is the dictionary definition of 'Professional'. You're thinking of some other word, like 'expert', or just 'really good'.
A lot of people think your lifestyle is "silly", it's no reason to call names now is it?
Let's play friendly.

[Jkohse]

There seem to be two different meanings to 'professional' being used here.

The first is the dictionary definition, whereby 'professional' means getting money for it or doing it for a living.

The second is the word 'pro' which seems to related to a particular skill level in sports such as skateboarding.

so "pro" skateboarders don't make ANY $$$ for what they do? i think these two terms mesh together fairly well in the "extreme" world.

[BillyTheMountain]

what do you mean by that ?

With your distinguished service to the CIA, one day ther'll be aknock at your door....

[kidmuni]

With your distinguished service to the CIA, one day ther'll be aknock at your door....
oh ok

[johnfoss]

The first post in this thread asked the question. The second post provided the answer. "Professional" means somebody paid you to ride, not in the form of a bet, but as a business transaction, such as performing in a show or at an event. It doesn't mean you have top skills, just like anything else people get paid for.

"Amateur" means you do it for love of unicycling.
Professional means you do it for the money.Normally I wouldn't bite, but you might keep coming back so:

"Amateur" means you don't get paid.
"Professional" means you do get paid.

Neither includes the implied certainty of how much you like or dislike doing it.

Anyway, that's the basic definition of being professional when it comes to sports and entertainment. Anything else, like what some of the posters in this thread seem to be trying to say, is very subjective. Like there's a certain level of skill, or coolness, beyond which you can be called "pro." Maybe there is, but I got paychecks for unicycling for years, and never learned to do a crankflip. What does that mean? Billy would say it means professionals don't do crankflips.

Not only does being paid not mean you're a good rider, it also doesn't mean you "act professional." A year and a half ago I arranged a job for myself and two other users of these forums. They did Trials and I did "old school" performances at a big event, and were nicely compensated for our day there. But my guys wanted to keep mentioning how they didn't really need the money, never got paid before, etc. and I had to keep asking them to not mention these things to the client. Why? Because it devalues you in their eyes if you don't think you're worth the amount that's been asked. They will generally be more impressed with your performances when you act like you're more than worth it.

That was just one example. Acting professional also covers simple things, like showing up on time, having clean equipment, etc.

In addition there is part-time, which means you may have only been paid once, to full-time, which means you do it for a living. There's a huge gap there! In fact, the number of people who actually make their living from unicycle performing is very tiny. I used to make my living from various activities that *included* unicycling (working for the National Circus Project (http://www.nationalcircusproject.com)), but unicycling wasn't my primary activity. Kris Holm has surely been paid to perform from time to time, but doesn't make his living from it.

Kris is also in the "unicycle business," which is something else. John Drummond, for instance, is not a professional unicyclist, but he's Donald Trump in the unicycle business. :)

[oneisenough]

well, i uni for the love of it, but if the definition of pro is getting paid than i guess i am b/c i made $25 doing a show at a nursing home. i thought it was volunteer work until the check came:D :p

i think to be pro you need to have a consistant flow of money coming from it, not now and again, pros shoudl also be the best riders w/ sponsers and wat not, this is my opinion

[ivan]

Do you have to be paid in money to be a pro? Can you get paid in services or discounts?

I have free entrance to a skatepark for a year after doing a show there once. Does that make me a pro?

[James_Potter]

Do you have to be paid in money to be a pro? Can you get paid in services or discounts?

I have free entrance to a skatepark for a year after doing a show there once. Does that make me a pro?
I think professional implies that you do it for a career.
For example, I am a musician because I play the guitar, but I don't do shows and don't depend on my music to support me, so I am not a professional musician.

[jamessd]

I think John more or less finished the topic well...

[Divebomber]

Did anyone else notice that "professional" is spelled wrong in the title? :p

[kidmuni]

Did anyone else notice that "professional" is spelled wrong in the title? :p lol

[General Dibbles]

professional >noun a percussion instrument resembling a shallow drum with metal discs around the edge, played by being shaken or hit with the hand.

[Divebomber]

professional >noun a percussion instrument resembling a shallow drum with metal discs around the edge, played by being shaken or hit with the hand.

You mean a tambourine?

[James_Potter]

Did anyone else notice that "professional" is spelled wrong in the title? :p
Not to mention that the proper term for "one who unicycles" is unicyclist, not unicycler.

[Hazmat]

:p Well.... i think the one who did these videos is a professional somewhat. (http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=ttt8699) :p

[Naomi]

Not to mention that the proper term for "one who unicycles" is unicyclist, not unicycler.


Oh, I could have coped with "unicycler", had the spelling not been like this in the body of the post :-)

How can you tell if someone is a proffesional uniccyler ?

Nao

[kidmuni]

Oh, I could have coped with "unicycler", had the spelling not been like this in the body of the post :-)

How can you tell if someone is a proffesional uniccyler ?

Nao
typo

[Hazmat]

typo
I think Nao meant to do that on purpose. :D

[kidmuni]

I think Nao meant to do that on purpose. :D
oh lol
awell
thanks for your replys everyone:D

[MuniAddict]

:p Well.... i think the one who did these videos is a professional somewhat. (http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=ttt8699) :pOnly at piano tuning lol!:o I guess if somebody made a commercial (shawn) and stuff like that they could be considered professional, even though the work migh not be constant.

[BillyTheMountain]

Normally I wouldn't bite, but you might keep coming back so:

"Amateur" means you don't get paid.
"Professional" means you do get paid.

Neither includes the implied certainty of how much you like or dislike doing it.



Amateur, from the Latin, Amare, meaning to LOVE! The root meaning is that you do it for love, not for money.

"for enjoyment, not professional."
www.facts.com/gdns-0000171.htm

From the Latin "amator:" lover, devoted friend, devotee, enthusiastic pursuer of an objective.
www.bluethread.com/glossary.htm

There are only 3 reasons to unicycle: Love, Money, Exercise, Transportation,

[CoreTechs]

There are only 3 reasons to unicycle: Love, Money, Exercise, Transportation,

*whispers* That's four. ;)

[MuniAddict]

*whispers* That's four. ;)What about *FUN*, and also for the challenge of it. A way to improve general balance. Because you want to make a statement that you're a UNIque and badass individual! To prove to yourself that you could do it...I guess that falls under "challenge". There can be unlimited reasons why one might take up unicycling, not just three or four that's ludicrous haha!:p

[CoreTechs]

What about *FUN*, and also for the challenge of it. A way to improve general balance. Because you want to make a statement that you're a UNIque and badass individual! To prove to yourself that you could do it...I guess that falls under "challenge". There can be unlimited reasons why one might take up unicycling, not just three or four that's ludicrous haha!:p
I agree with you, Terry. There are so many possible reasons to unicycle.
I was just jokingly pointing out to Billy that he put four reasons when he said three. :rolleyes:

[MuniAddict]

I agree with you, Terry. There are so many possible reasons to unicycle.
I was just jokingly pointing out to Billy that he put four reasons when he said three. :rolleyes:Haha yeah I wasn't saying that to you I meant it as a response to Billy lol!:D

[CoreTechs]

Hehe, thought so, just wanted to be sure.

[Uni Tricks]

Clowns are vastly more professional than us, clowning is their profession, it puts the food on their table, we're mostly a bunch of kids messing around in mall parking lots and bike trails.

We've argued the toss of the who 'professional' thing before. Is KH a professional? He makes money from unicycles, but he's not actually paid to unicycle, and I'm not sure whether it's even his main income. The real professionals are all those guys working variety shows, circuses and the side walk with their act for their rent money.

And being a professional does not necessarily mean a particularly high level of competence, professional unicyclists i've seen, except at conventions, rarely perform tricks that I couldn't, despite my meagre skill level. However, they have the patter and showmanship that I entirely lack that makes sure the hat is filled when it's passed round.

When i was 10 i was thinkin about being a clown lol that juggles, unicycles, magic tricks and stuff but now im not so sure, i think i want to be a street unicyclist

[johnfoss]

I think professional implies that you do it for a career.
For example, I am a musician because I play the guitar, but I don't do shows and don't depend on my music to support me, so I am not a professional musician.But if you did do shows for a paycheck, you would be a part-time professional musician.

So where do you draw the line? Well, in the past we had to for Freestyle competition, as there was a rule (since dropped) that required "professional unicyclists" to compete with the experts. We dropped this for two main reasons, because there are hardly any professional performers competing, and because being a professional performer, in most cases, doesn't put you anywhere near where you need to be to be a winning Freestyle competitor.

Our definition then was someone who made more than 50% of their income from performing that involved unicycling in a substantial way. That's not the exact wording, but the basic idea was that it had to be more than half your income, which eliminated a lot of performers, and your performing had to have unicycling as a substantial part, not just as a prop in your "finishing combo trick" or whatever. That eliminated almost everyone else.

Examples of professional unicycle performers:
Peter Rosendahl
Teresa & Sem

But Teresa & Sem either don't perform much these days, or possibly not at all. But they came out and did their performance at the NAUCC public show last summer and it was as awesome as ever. When do they *stop* being professionals? I do about one paid show a year. I'm not full-time, but am I still a professional? I believe I qualify for part-time, though what I usually tell people is something more on the order of "hardly ever." Unless they are looking to hire me for a show, in which case it goes back to part-time, formerly full-time. :)