https://quantisnow.com/insight/4509340
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MONTREAL, May 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (http://pyrogenesis.com) (TSX:PYR) (NASDAQ:PYR) (FRA: 8PY), a high-tech company (hereinafter referred to as the "Company" or "PyroGenesis"), that designs, develops, manufactures and commercializes advanced plasma processes and sustainable solutions which are geared to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG), is pleased to announce today its financial and operational results for the first quarter ended March 31st, 2023.
"The Company remains intensely focused on its goal of demonstrating its expertise and capturing greater market share across the broad industrial decarbonization landscape, and more specifically around the refined strategic verticals that the company introduced in Q4, namely Energy Transition & Emissions Reduction, Commodity Security & Optimization, and Waste Remediation," said Mr. P. Peter Pascali, CEO and President of PyroGenesis.
"Our backlog of signed and/or awarded contracts remains strong, at $30.6 million. Our belief in both our strategy and our technology has never been stronger, and the expanding interest from customers throughout the world and in fast-moving industries speaks not just to our potential, but to our immediate future," continued Mr. Pascali. "Our recent relationship with the New Zealand Trust for the Destruction of Synthetic Refrigerants – who have made PyroGenesis' SPARC™ waste destruction system central to their efforts to safely reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout New Zealand – and the rapidly developing interest within the additive manufacturing industry for our metal powders, as noted in our Outlook, are to us the ultimate expressions of this belief."
"The industrial world is changing, and while our quarterly revenues may fluctuate in this continued period of inflationary and logistical pressures, our customer-ready solutions will only gain more visibility as heavy industry races to meet decarbonization goals or maintain a competitive advantage," Mr. Pascali added.
The information below represents important highlights from the past quarter, followed by an outline of the company's strategy and outlook for the next quarter.
Q1 Production Highlights
In Q1 2023, PyroGenesis focused on advancing its updated business strategy that was first outlined in the Company's 2022 fourth quarter and year-end results.
As noted, as the variety of uses for the Company's core technologies has expanded, and industry interest has increased, the Company is concentrating its solution ecosystem under three verticals that align with economic drivers that are key to global heavy industry:
Energy Transition & Emission Reduction:

• fuel switching, utilizing the Company's electric-powered plasma torches and biogas upgrading technology to help heavy industry reduce fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Commodity Security & Optimization:

• recovery of viable metals, and optimization of production to increase output, to maximize raw materials and improve availability of critical minerals.

Waste Remediation:

• safe destruction of hazardous materials, and the recovery and valorization of underlying substances such as chemicals and minerals.

Within each vertical the Company offers several solutions at different stages to commercialization.
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The information below represents highlights from the past quarter for each of the above verticals, followed by an outline of the company's strategy, and key developments that will impact the subsequent quarters.
Waste Remediation

• In January, the Company signed a contract to provide the Company's SPARCTM hazardous refrigerant waste destruction system to an advanced materials entity in New Zealand.

The purchasing entity was subsequently revealed in February to be The Trust for the Destruction of Synthetic Refrigerants, who will use PyroGenesis' SPARCTM system as the core technology for New Zealand's national hazardous refrigerant collection and destruction initiative. The SPARCTM system will be managed and operated by a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trust, for use by the Zealand government-accredited product stewardship programme known as Cool-Safe, run by the Trust. Cool-Safe, also previously known as the Recovery Trust or RECOVERY, has been managing refrigerant gas collection and destruction in New Zealand since 1993. Cool-Safe's mission is to be a significant factor in the government of New Zealand's stated goal to reduce synthetic refrigerant greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 by at least 35%. This will be achieved by implementing their own 90% reduction target for hazardous refrigerants.
Up until now any of the refrigerants collected by Cool-Safe for safe destruction have had to be shipped to Australia. With the purchase of the SPARCTM system, New Zealand will have its own on-shore destruction capabilities. With the shift from voluntary to regulated handling of these waste streams in New Zealand, scheduled for 2024, combined with the relaunch and marketing of the Cool-Safe initiative, the collection and safe disposal of hazardous refrigerants in New Zealand is anticipated to be widespread, and the organization had indicated to PyroGenesis that they may require additional SPARCTM systems as the initiative grows.

• In March, the Company received an order for three (3) waste-destructing plasma torches from the US Navy's shipbuilder, Newport News Shipbuilding

The three plasma torches ordered are for the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, the largest and most technologically advanced warship ever built1, valued at approximately $13 billion. The plasma torches are to be used in PyroGenesis' proprietary Plasma Arc Waste Destruction System ("PAWDS") that the Company previously built and delivered to the US Navy.
As noted in the Q&A portion of the 2022 fiscal year end financial results conference call, the order was for plasma torches alone, and included none of the large ancillary equipment such as power supplies that comprise a significant portion of an entire PAWDS system.
Commodity Security & Optimization

• In January, the Company announced that, further to its press releases dated September 21, 2022 and November 2, 2022, all of the findings and recommendations made by a global aerospace company as part of their on-site audit of PyroGenesis' NexGen™ metal powder production facility, had been successfully completed and accepted.

With that approval and acceptance, PyroGenesis' moved to the next and final step in a two-year long supplier qualification process: to provide sample titanium metal powder for verification and confirmation of their chemical and mechanical properties.
As noted at the time by Massimo Dattilo, VP PyroGenesis Additive, the Client "is a very discerning aerospace company with some of the most stringent and demanding standards", and PyroGenesis "are very proud to have gained their confidence and to be moving forward to the final phase".

• In February, the Company provided an update on its Gen3 PUREVAP™ Quartz Reduction Reactor (QRR) pilot plant (the "Gen3 PUREVAP ™ Pilot Plant" or the "Pilot Plant") project.

The updated confirmed that process testing referred to in the press release dated January 19th, 2023 from the client HPQ Silicon, is moving forward as expected and represents, in PyroGenesis' management's opinion, a key development in the overall project. The tests were geared to not only confirm that the technology works as expected, but also to give input into the subsequent engineering study which will be geared to determining amongst other things, the actual number of systems required for commercialization and the profitability of each.
The PUREVAP™ process is an innovative patented process that will enable the one-step conversion of quartz (SiO2) into high-purity silicon (Si) at reduced costs, energy input and carbon footprint that will propagate its considerable renewable energy potential. PyoGenesis is the engineering and development producer, but also, as part of the terms of the contract with HPQ, PyroGenesis benefits from a royalty payment representing 10% of the Client's sales, with set minimums.
The Client, HPQ Silicon Inc. (TSX-V: HPQ) is an advanced materials engineering provider that offers sustainable silica (Si02) and silicon (Si) solutions. Based in Quebec, HPQ Silicon is developing a unique portfolio of value-added silicon products sought after by electric vehicle and battery manufacturers, among other industries.

• In March, the Company announced that, further to its press release dated July 18, 2022, the Company was expanding its European strategy team for its PyroGenesis Additive division, by retaining Mr. Olivier Dubois as the Company's Principal Advisor for European Operations and Sales. Mr. Dubois is well known to the Company from his time at Aubert & Duval as VP Business Unit Metal Powders.

As part of his contract with PyroGenesis Additive, Mr. Dubois will support broadening the Company's global strategy, with an initial goal to help structure the Company's plan for establishing European operations.
Energy Transition & Emission Reduction

• In January, the Company announced that it had signed an initial energy transition contract with a major European multinational chemical, oil, and gas conglomerate to assess the applicability of PyroGenesis' electric plasma torches for use in the Client's chemical production process.

The agreement outlined initial steps for supporting the Client's energy-transition goals, with the first step being a computational fluid dynamics ("CFD") study to gather initial data to evaluate the use of plasma in chemical production boilers. Depending on the results, the Client indicated that it may proceed to a live experimental validation study within their facilities, using PyroGenesis' plasma torches, as per a separate to-be-negotiated agreement.

• In January, the Company announced it had signed, through Pyro Green-Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of PyroGenesis, an emissions reduction contract with a North American lithium-ion batter recycler.

The contract was for the delivery of a system to decontaminate the dust generated during the battery recycling process, resulting in highly effective destruction of airborne contaminants with minimal energy use, reduced operating costs, and environmental impact.

• In January, the Company provided an update on its iron ore pelletization torch business line.

The update indicated the successful completion and delivery of four (4) 1-MW plasma torch systems to a major international iron ore producer, Client B (the "Client"), for use in the Client's iron ore pelletization furnaces – a key upstream process in the steelmaking industry that traditionally relies on fossil-fuel burners. With the completion of this delivery, Client B now has all the necessary components related to the Company's plasma torch systems on site at one of their key integrated iron ore mining and processing locations, allowing for the installation and trials (also known as site acceptance testing or "SAT") to then proceed at the Client's discretion.
The Company also reported that the value of the contract had increased by approximately $500,000 as a result of additional modifications requested by the Client during manufacturing, with total value of the project now exceeding $6.5 million
The update also confirmed that the previously announced contract and planned trials of its plasma torch system with another very large global iron ore client, Client A, continued to advance, as the Client informed PyroGenesis that, despite the Client's own operational delays, all objectives remain the same, and the trials will be going ahead as designed. That client has already received the contracted plasma system from PyroGenesis in advance of the trials.
Q1 Operational Highlights

• In February, the Company announced the return of Mr. Alan Curleigh as Chair of the board of directors. Mr. Curleigh previously was Chair of the Company's board until his departure in 2019 after a 9-year tenure.

With Mr. Curleigh's return, Mr. P. Peter Pascali stepped down as Chair of PyroGenesis to pursue his regular duties as CEO, President and Director of PyroGenesis. The Board now has eight directors, of which 6 are independent directors.

• In March, the Company announced the hiring and appointment of Mr. Mark Paterson as General Counsel.
  
• In March, the Company announced that, further to its press release dated July 18, 2022, the Company was expanding its European strategy team for its PyroGenesis Additive division, by retaining Mr. Olivier Dubois as the Company's Principal Advisor for European Operations and Sales.
  

Q1 Financial Highlights

• In February, the Company announced the withdrawal of financing after the Autorité des marchés financiers (the "AMF"), the securities regulatory authority in the Province of Québec, had issued an order suspending the private placement of units previously announced by PyroGenesis on February 14, 2023 for a period of 15 days – based on concerns from the AMF that PyroGenesis did not satisfy all of the requirements necessary to complete the financing under the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions, namely that PyroGenesis will not have available funds to meet its business objectives and liquidity requirements for a period of 12 months. As such, PyroGenesis and its investment banking partner Cormark Securities Inc. agreed that they will not proceed with the financing.
  
• In March, the Company announced the closure of a $5 million non-brokered private placement. The Company indicated it intended to use the net proceeds from the Private Placement for working capital and general corporate purposes.
  

OUTLOOK
Consistent with the Company's past practice, and in view of the early stage of market adoption of our core lines of business, we are not providing specific revenue or net income (loss) guidance for 2023. However, numerous events have occurred that allow for a partial window into the remainder of 2023.
Overall Strategy
PyroGenesis provides technology solutions to heavy industry that leverage off of the Company's proprietary position and expertise in ultra-high temperature processes. The Company has evolved from its early roots of being a specialty-engineering firm to being a provider of a robust technology eco-system for heavy industry that helps address key strategic goals.
The Company believes its strategy to be timely, as multiple heavy industries are committing to major carbon and waste reduction targets at the same time as many governments are increasingly funding environmental technologies and infrastructure projects – all while both are making efforts to ensure the availability of critical minerals during the coming decades of increased output demand.
While there can be no guarantee, the Company believes this evolution of its strategy beyond a greenhouse gas emission reduction emphasis, to an expanded focus that encapsulates the key verticals listed above, both improves the Company's chances for success while also providing a clearer picture of how the Company's wide array of offerings work in tandem to support heavy industry goals.
PyroGenesis' market opportunity remains large, as major industries such as aluminum, steelmaking, manufacturing, and government require factory-ready, technology-based solutions to help steer through the paradoxical landscape of increasing demand and tightening regulations and material availability.
As more of the Company's offerings reach full commercialization, PyroGenesis will remain focused on attracting influential customers in broad markets, and ensuring that operating expenses are controlled to achieve profitable growth.
For the remainder of 2023, we will continue to sharpen our focus on our strategy that structures our solution ecosystem under the three verticals noted previously: energy transition & emission reduction; commodity security & optimization; and waste remediation. Some key developments to that end, include:
Enhanced Sales and Marketing
Against the backdrop of this strategy, the Company is increasing sales, marketing, and R&D efforts in-line – and in some cases ahead of – the growth curve for industrial change related to greenhouse gas reduction efforts.
Some initial marketing efforts can be seen with the development of promotional videos and video presentations that are currently in use by the Company's New Zealand-based waste destruction client Cool-Safe, who has embarked on a promotional road-show to introduce their nation-wide hazardous synthetic waste reduction program to industry and consumers. PyroGenesis has partnered with the Client on this roadshow, as the events feature prominently a showcase of the SPARCTM waste destruction technology that is central to the initiative. An introductory video made for that promotional tour can be viewed online, and other material that has been developed by the Company and is in use will be made available to the general public at a later date.
The Company intends to develop additional visual material along these lines for the Company's other verticals, throughout 2023.
Separately, the Company's involvement with key industry trade shows has ramped up with the Spring season, with attendance at shows for additive manufacturing and aluminum production already secured and more scheduled.
Upcoming milestones which are expected to confirm the validity of our strategies, are as follows:
Business Line Developments: Near Term (0 – 3 months)
Financial
Payments for Outstanding Major Receivables: The Company was notified that Radian Oil and Gas Services Company has commenced transfer of the US$1.5 million (approximately CA$2 million) against the outstanding receivable of approximately US$9.5 million under the Company's existing CA$25million+ Drosrite™ contract. As previously announced, PyroGenesis agreed to a strategic extension of the payment plan, by the customer and its end-customer, geared to better align the pressures on the end-user's operating cash flows created by increased business opportunities.
Innovation Grants: The Company has applied for grants tailored to technology innovation and/or carbon reduction, and expects to have results regarding these applications.
Commodity Security & Optimization
Negotiations for Multiple Metal Powder Orders: concurrent negotiations are underway with several companies for commercial orders of the Company's metal powders, which are expected to be in excess of $1million.
Product Qualification Process for Global Aerospace Firm: Based on information flow between the Company and the Client, the Company believes that the previously announced 2-year long qualification process to approve the Company's titanium metal powers for use by a global aerospace firm and their suppliers, will conclude in the near term.
Energy Transition & Emission Reduction
Plasma Torch Order: The Company is in advanced discussions with an international entity, whereby a plasma torch contract, if signed, will be between CDN$3-$4million.
Iron Ore Pelletization Torch Trials: In April 2023, the commissioning of the plasma torch systems, for use in Client B's pelletization furnaces, was underway, with the Company's engineers onsite at the Client's iron ore facility. The commissioning process includes installation, start-up, and site acceptance testing (SAT). "Client B" is the customer to whom the Company previously announced that it had shipped four 1 MW plasma torch systems for use in Client B's iron ore pelletization furnaces, for trials toward potentially replacing fossil-fuel burners with plasma torches in the Client's furnaces.
Business Line Developments: Mid Term (4 – 6 months)
Energy Transition & Emission Reduction
Pyro Green-Gas: The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary is expected to sign a contract with a value of approximately between CDN$10-$15 million.
Please note that projects or potential projects previously announced that do not appear in the above summary updates should not be considered as at risk. Noteworthy developments can occur at any time based on project stages, and the information presented above is a reflection of information on hand.
Financial Summary
Revenues
PyroGenesis recorded revenue of $2.6 million in the first quarter of 2023 ("Q1, 2023"), representing a decrease of $1.6 million compared with $4.2 million recorded in the first quarter of 2022 ("Q1, 2022"),
Revenues recorded in Q1 2023 were generated primarily from:
(i)PUREVAP™ related sales of $527,600 (2022 Q1 - $441,605) (ii)DROSRITE™ related sales of $90,226 (2022 Q1 - $900,079) (iii)Support services related to systems supplied to the US Navy $352,103 (2022 Q1 - $745,260) (iv)Torch related sales of $1,170,748 (2022 Q1 - $1,041,709) (v)Refrigerant destruction (SPARC™) related sales of $67,847 (2022 Q1 – $0) (vi)Biogas upgrading & pollution controls of $32,895 (2022 Q1 - $990,045) (vii)Other sales and services $350,203 (2022 Q1 - $88,064)
Q1, 2023 revenues decreased by $1.6 million, mainly as a result of:
(i)DROSRITE™ related sales decreased by $0.8 million due to continued customer delays in funding for the construction of the onsite facility, (ii)Support services related to systems supplied for the US Navy decreased by $0.4 million due to remaining project milestones mainly related to inspection, packaging and shipment of the equipment to our customer in order to move forward with installation and commission, (iii)Biogas upgrading and pollution controls related sales decreased by $1.0 million of which $0.6 million is due to clients requiring additional modifications prior to installation and commissioning, as well as continuous testing to achieve desired results and $0.4 million due to the Company's Italian subsidiary and a customer who both agreed on the final acceptance of a contract which resulted in the reversal of costs and profits in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, (iv)Other sales and services increased by $0.3 million due to an increase in sales related to spare parts required by our customers.
As of May 15, 2023, revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to backlog of signed and/or awarded contracts is $30.6 million. Revenue will be recognized as the Company satisfies its performance obligations under long-term contracts, which is expected to occur over a maximum period of approximately 3 years.
Cost of Sales and Services and Gross Margins
Cost of sales and services was $2.1 million in Q1 2023, representing a decrease of $1.1 million compared with $3.2 million in Q1 2022, primarily due to a decrease of $0.6 million in subcontracting attributed to additional work being completed in-house and a decrease in direct materials of $0.5 million due to lower levels of material required based on the decrease in product and service-related revenues.
The gross margin for Q1, 2023 was $0.5 million or 20.3% of revenue compared to a gross margin of $1.1 million or 25% of revenue for Q1 2022, the decrease in gross margin was mainly attributable to the impact on foreign exchange charge on materials of $0.2 million and the reversal of costs and profits in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts due to the agreed upon final acceptance prior to final completion of $0.4 million.
The amortization of intangible assets for Q1, 2023 was $0.2 million compared to $0.2 million for Q1, 2022. This expense relates mainly to the intangible assets in connection with the Pyro Green-Gas acquisition, patents and deferred development costs. These expenses are non-cash items and the intangible assets will be amortized over the expected useful lives.
As a result of the type of contracts being executed, the nature of the project activity, as well as the composition of the cost of sales and services, as the mix between labour, materials and subcontracts may be significantly different. In addition, due to the nature of these long-term contracts, the Company has not necessarily passed on to the customer, the increased cost of sales which was attributable to inflation, if any. The costs and sales and services are in line with management's expectations and with the nature of the revenue.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Included within Selling, General and Administrative expenses ("SG&A") are costs associated with corporate administration, business development, project proposals, operations administration, investor relations and employee training.
SG&A expenses for Q1, 2023 were $7.6 million, representing an increase of 35% compared to $5.6 million for Q1, 2022. The increase is mainly a result of employee compensation increasing to $2.6 million mainly caused by additional headcount.
Share-based compensation expense decreased by $0.7 million, which is a non-cash item and relates mainly to a Q4 2021, and 2022 grants not repeated in 2023. Professional fees are $1.2 million which increased by $0.6 million, due to additional legal fees, consulting services, public listing expenses and patent expenses. Other expenses were favorable by $0.2 million due to a net reduction of insurance expenses, taxes, interest and bank charges. The expected credit loss & bad debt increased to $1.4 million is Q1 2023, and is due to an increase in the allowance for expected credit loss increase of $0.8 million and to the write-off of the accounts receivable related to the Company's Italian subsidiary subsequent to both parties agreeing on the final acceptance of the contract prior to final completion.
Share-based payments expenses as explained above, are non-cash expenses and are directly impacted by the vesting structure of the stock option plan whereby options vest between 10% and up to 100% on the grant date and may require an immediate recognition of that cost.
Depreciation on Property and Equipment
The depreciation on property and equipment increased to $0.2 million in Q1 2023, compared with $0.1 in Q1 2022. The expense is comparable to the same quarter last year and the increase is primarily due to the nature and useful lives of the property and equipment being depreciated.
Research and Development ("R&D") Expenses
During the three-months ended March 31, 2023, the Company incurred $0.3 million of R&D costs on internal projects, a decrease of 33% as compared with $0.5 million in Q1 2022. The decrease in Q1 2023 is primarily related to a decrease in employee compensation, subcontracting, and materials and equipment, offset by the increase in other expenses of $0.2 million related to equipment rentals.
In addition to internally funded R&D projects, the Company also incurred R&D expenditures during the execution of client funded projects. These expenses are eligible for Scientific Research and Experimental Development ("SR&ED") tax credits. SR&ED tax credits on client funded projects are applied against cost of sales and services (see "Cost of Sales" above).
Financial Expenses
Finance expense (income) for Q1 2023 totaled $0.9 million as compared with an expense of $0.2 million for Q1 2022, representing a favorable variation of $1.1 million year-over-year. The decrease in finance expenses in Q1 2023, is primarily due to the revaluation of balance due on business combination due to the Company's Italian subsidiary and a customer who both agreed on the final acceptance of a contract, prior to final completion. As a result, the contract did not attain the pre-determined milestone in connection with the balance due on business combination, and a reversal of the liability was recorded.
Strategic Investments
During the three-months ended March 31, 2023, the adjustment to fair market value of strategic investments for Q1 2023 resulted in a gain of $0.3 million compared to a gain in the amount of $1.2 million in Q1 2022. The decrease in gain is attributable to the variation of the market value of the common shares and warrants owned by the Company of HPQ Silicon Inc.
Comprehensive Loss
The comprehensive loss for Q1 2023 of $6.2 million compared to a loss of $4.1 million, in Q1 2022, represents a variation of $2.1 million, and is primarily attributable to the factors described above, which have been summarized as follows:

• a decrease in product and service-related revenue of $1.6 million arising in Q1 2023,
• a decrease in cost of sales and services of $1.1 million, primarily due to a decrease in subcontracting, direct materials and foreign exchange charge on materials, offset by the increase in employee compensation and manufacturing overhead,
• an increase in SG&A expenses of $1.9 million arising in Q1 2023, was primarily due to an increase in employee compensation, professional fees, travel, depreciation in property and equipment, foreign exchange charge on materials, and the allowance for credit loss of $0.8 million and write-off of $0.6 million which is offset by a decrease in several non-significant expenses,
• a decrease in share-based expenses of $0.7 million
• a decrease in R&D expenses of $0.2 million primarily due to a decrease in employee compensation, subcontracting, material and equipment and an increase in investment tax credits and other expenses,
• a decrease in finance costs (income), net of $1.1 million in Q1 2023 primarily due to the revaluation of balance due on business combination,
• a decrease in changes in fair market value of strategic investments of $0.9 million,
• a decrease in income taxes of $0.06 million in Q1 2023.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
As at March 31, 2023, the Company had cash of $1.9 million, included in the net working capital of $0.8 million. Certain working capital items such as billings in excess of costs and profits on uncompleted contracts do not represent a direct outflow of cash. The Company expects that with its cash, liquidity position, the proceeds available from the strategic investment and access to capital markets it will be able to finance its operations for the foreseeable future.
The Company's term loan balance at March 31, 2023 was $389,857, and varied only slightly since December 31, 2022. The increase from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, was mainly attributable to the additional proceeds received on the Economic Development Agency of Canada loan, which is interest free and will remain so, until the balance is paid over the 60-month period ending March 2029. The average interest expense on the other term loans was 7.2% in the period. The Company does not expect changes to the structure of term loans in the next twelve-month period. The Company maintained two credit facilities which bear interest at variable rates ranging between 7% and 8% at March 31, 2023. The Company expects to reimburse a portion of the credit facilities during 2023, and extend the due date of the remaining balance, while maintaining the similar conditions.

With the impending release of Deathwing, frequent visitors of this subreddit will have noticed an increasing amount of posts from former players and even some new players asking for information regarding the state of the game. These posts are so frequent now that I thought it would warrant a sticky post that would inform the interested players and answer their most frequent questions
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My intent is to have this cover comprehensive set of topics so please contribute in the comment section on what could be added and I will make the edits. I have requested the mods Thunderclaww to make this post a sticky one.
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Content:

• Free Hero Rotation-link in the upper left corner points to the "Currently in the Nexus"-page of The Nexus Compendium, and always shows the following current:
  • Event
  • Free-to-Play Hero Rotation
  • Heroic Deals and Limited-Time Items
  • Ranked and Unranked Battleground Rotations
  • From there, a ton of information can be accessed, like when a given Hero is predicted to be on Rotation and/or Sale next, based on the existing data, all previous Rotations/Sales, all previous Battleground Rotations, all previous Events (and a listing of the items they provided, which can also give an overview of Seasonal items).
• New heroes every 3/4 months
  • Newest heroes : Imperius, Anduin, Qhira, Deathwing,
  • All heroes free to play until Nov 11th , 2019
• Frequent balance patches
  • https://heroespatchnotes.com/patch/2019-10-15-balance-update.html
  • https://heroespatchnotes.com/patch/2019-08-28-balance-update.html
  • https://heroespatchnotes.com/patch/2019-07-10-balance-update.html
• Frequent reworks
  • Recent hero reworks : Junkrat,Whitemane, Chen, Chromie, Lucio, Ana, Abathur (minor rework)
  • Upcoming hero reworks: DVa and Tassadar
• Maps -
  • Hanamura has been reworked and is back
  • Sky Temple got a night color palette
  • latest new map is Alterac Pass
  • changes to BHB and Haunted Mines are being tested internally by the devs - no ETA when or if ready for production
  • Weekly Brawls are currently all ARAMs
• Themed events still at the same rate as before
  • Newest Event - Scarlett Heist - Ends on Dec 3rd 2019
  • Upcoming Events - Toys 2
• Mastery Rings - gold-purchasable cosmetic UI item that you can use to show your hero level
• Interactive Mount - New to HOTS, the new train mount will let your teammates interact with it and the whole team can ride on a toy train together
• Despite slower content release there is more focus on balance and the game is in a good state meta-wise
  • Majority of the hero roster is viable in draft and ranked modes
  • If you have a favorite hero that you are good at in almost all cases your pick will be playable/viable in most ELOs
  • There are some S tier heroes that are definitely strong in all ranks right now - Alarak, Chen (yes you heard right, Chen is meta now), Rexxar
  • but on the bottom end there are only very few heroes that are just too weak to justify drafting them - DVa, Probius, Nazeebo ( nothing has changed, these heroes are all hot garbage and have been for quite a while, unless you are some god-tier OTP mad man that play these toons)
• Population and queue times are in a good place unless you play on one of the minor servers (but that's really not smt Blizzard can control)
  • QM and Brawl queue times - almost instant
  • Ranked queue times - 150-300 seconds on average for most ELOs. At GM levels queue times will be variable and the matchmaker will have to adjust if not enough GMs are playing at the same moment
  • You can set your preferred role when you queue for Ranked games now, this doesn't directly affect your queue times.
  • For most ELOs you will find players in the similar skill bracket, you will find yourself playing with familiar players if you requeue after finishing a game right away

Gameplay Changes

• Nexus Anomalies - an upcoming gameplay change or rather a set of changes that the devs are using to shake up the meta and core gameplay systems. If successful the anomaly will be retained and if feedback is negative it will be iterated on or removed altogether. Since there is no official pro scene anymore, the devs have more freedom and space to test out new core systems and see what the community response is without completely breaking the game at competitive level.
  • 1st Nexus Anomaly will come in form of XP globes - killing minions will spawn XP globes that you have to be close to pick up the experience. This feature is not live yet from early builds it seems like passively body soaking xp will be more difficult because the XP pickup range is now shorter
• 10% movement speed increase on all heroes
• Armor doesn't stack anymore and baseline armor has been removed from most heroes (not including armor granted by passive or hero traits)
• Towers no longer have ammunition
• Taking down structures (forts and keeps) grants passive XP over time instead of immediate XP gain and periodically spawns catapults in lane
  • Not applicable to Towers of Doom
• Towers still give small amount of exp
• Ranked ladder merged Hero League and Team League into Storm League
• You can now q with any party size as long as the party members are not more than 2 divisions apart ( except for 5 man stacks)
• MMR = Your ranked points. Your initial calibration matches will grant/deduct ~500 points and will stabilize eventually to the usual +/- ~200 points. Don't be surprised.
• To be eligible for ranked seasonal rewards and GM ladder you have to achieve at least 50 wins a season. Besides the end of season reward you will also be granted gold for achieving certain amount of wins (5,15,30 and 50). This is to incentivize playerbase to actively play Storm League
• There is MMR Decay now for Diamond + players. You will see an indicator in the Ranked play mode screen when your account starts to decay
• For the upcoming season Master level players and higher will not be able to Q with a party size larger than 2.
• If you get leaver queue now, you have to win your games in order to remove the status.

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E-Sports and Tournaments

• Heroes Lounge - https://heroeslounge.gg/
• Nexus Gaming Series - https://www.nexusgamingseries.org/
• Nexust Contest-https://nexuscontest.eu/
• Heroes Hype - https://heroeshype.com/
• Khaldor's Casting - https://www.youtube.com/khaldortv and https://khaldor.tv/
• E-sports Calendar in sub's sidebar

Streamers

• https://www.twitch.tv/fanhots
• https://www.twitch.tv/followgrubby
• https://www.twitch.tv/zanehyde/
• https://www.twitch.tv/laubergg/
• https://www.twitch.tv/quackniix/
• https://www.twitch.tv/khaldor/
• https://www.twitch.tv/chu8
• https://www.twitch.tv/leonblack
• https://www.twitch.tv/notparadoxtv/
• https://www.twitch.tv/liquidhasuobs/
• https://www.twitch.tv/crisheroes
• https://www.twitch.tv/jhow
• https://www.twitch.tv/trikslyr
• https://www.twitch.tv/heroeshearth
• https://www.twitch.tv/bluebeetle93
• https://www.twitch.tv/stlk
• https://www.twitch.tv/b4ithoven
• https://www.twitch.tv/mcintyre
• https://www.twitch.tv/spekplays
• https://www.twitch.tv/kendricswissh
• https://twitch.tv/kylefergusson
• https://www.twitch.tv/tazzdingo
• https://www.twitch.tv/mfpallytime
• https://www.twitch.tv/heccu
• https://www.twitch.tv/dynouh
• https://www.twitch.tv/ragnaroslft
• http://www.twitch.tv/aullora
• https://www.twitch.tv/nurok
• https://www.twitch.tv/aliciawins
• As a note, a lot of these streamers have their Discord channels and in-game channels (type /join channel name ) where you can LFG and look for other info
• Fan, Khaldor, NotParadox, Zanehyde, Pally also have their respective YouTube channels if you can't catch their streams live. Fan uploads his games, Khaldor uploads his casted games, Zane does community coaching, and NotParadox does meta reviews, hero in-depths , map strategy. Great content overall, check it out
• Some streamers and content creators also frequent the sub and post here. The ones that I am aware of are zanehyde Unbiased_Bob/ (NotParadox)

Discord Servers

• HOTS Subreddit - https://discord.gg/heroesofthestorm
• Heroes Lounge - https://discord.gg/Y8TNBg
• Nexus Gaming Series - https://discord.gg/dkVSKH2
• ANZ HOTS Discord - http://discord.me/anzheroes/
• Wind Striders

Educational Resources:

• Builds and pick rates, other statistics - www.heroesprofile.com
• Apps
  • HOTS API Upload replays API - http://hotsapi.net/
  • Heroes Share - https://heroesshare.net/
  • Talent flowchart web app - https://hotstfct.net/
  • HOTS Complete iOS App - https://apps.apple.com/no/app/hots-complete-heroes-app/id1265870687
    • This app uses icy-veins builds and win rate/popularity from HOTSApi
• Patch notes aggregation - https://heroespatchnotes.com/
• Community builds -
  • https://heroeshearth.com
  • https://psionic-storm.com/en
  • https://elitesparkle.wixsite.com/hots-builds
  • On Fan's twitch channel you can type !heroname for his personal builds
• Into the nexus Podcast - http://amove.tv/itn, iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, RSS
• General HOTS info - https://www.icy-veins.com/heroes/
• The sub has weekly threads discussing various aspects of the game
  • Hero & BG Discussion
  • Teaching
  • RAGE
• For new players : https://www.reddit.com/heroesofthestorm/wiki/newplayerguide - NOTE : This hasn't been updated in a while. Some things still apply but the above listed game play changes should be used for reference as the more accurate info

If I missed something, pls comment and I will add. I hope this post provide a sufficient summary for interested returning and new players

Verified? (This bot cannot verify AMAs just yet)
Date: 2013-04-10
Link to submission (Has self-text)
Link to my post

Questions	Answers
You're like the jolliest man I know on YouTube, love your work :) Have you ever injured yourself (or anybody else for that matter) whilst working/filming? And is your YouTube job your main source of income? Keep it up, big man ;)	Hey, thanks! Yes, I have hurt myself, three times it was more than just a scratch. Two nasty eye injuries taught me to ALWAYS wear eye protection, and one grazing hit almost shattered my left hand. That was with the rooftop slingshot, a dangerous weapon that I disassembled afterwards.
	The channel is a non profit hobby - just my hispeed cam cost me more than YouTube ever paid me. That's OK, my job as a CEO in consumer electronics brings in enough money. We live comfortably, even though I am no millionaire.
Jorg, you are a legend. I've dedicated hours watching your channel with my bro's. Even made my own mini crossbow slingshot using a hundred pack of paddle-pop sticks, works a treat. also, ever thought about a boomerang bow-sling? for your Aussie fans? All the best big chief!	Boomerang? Sounds like I have to wear a helmet during the tests :)
	Seriously, that one is on my list.
Where can I order a condom slingshot?	What part of "Aaaargh" did you not understand :)
	Seriously, that video is a piece of comedy. But there is some truth in the concept - applying a condom is a fumbly, smelly, slimy and often frustrating experience. There must be a way to ease the process. I do hope my video will draw some more attention to the contest, and hopefully someone will come up with a worthy idea.
So you actually tried it ?	No... I am not THAT crazy :)
I wouldn't call myself a big slingshot buff, but I found you to be so damn likable that I couldn't stop watching your videos. Have you ever thought about branching off and discussing other topics?	In fact, I also review bows and blades. I think that any muscle powered weapon fits well into my channel. But I am still fascinated by rubber, as it turns my slow muscle power into very fast kinetic energy.
This is the most fascinating description of the physics behind rubber stretching I have ever seen...Feynman ftw.	Very solid lecture for sure. Did you see my work on the thermal properties of rubber? Link to www.youtube.com Link to www.youtube.com
Link to www.youtube.com.
Mate, what's your favorite beer at Oktoberfest?	Ah, beers... actually I was born and raised in Dortmund, Germany's biggest beer brewing city. That is 500 miles away from Munich, and we drink Pilsener for the most part. Now I live in Upper Franconia, legally a part of Bavaria. Here, we have lots of micro breweries... very delicious. But beer is heavy on the stomach, and my body wants to weigh 500 pounds if I let him... so I try to limit my beer consumption to a reasonable amount.
Hey, I am from Dortmund myself, from which part of the city are you from (if that´s not a too personal question)? Anyway, keep up the good deeds, you bring a smile to everybody whom I watched your videos with.	I grew up in Dortmund-Schnee, the highest part of the town. My favorite beer? Probably Veltins. But I like Hövels, too. Or a nice Kronen, fresh from the tab in a very busy "Kneipe".
Have you ever tried the beer in Dusseldorf? I'm visiting family there in a couple months and am looking forward to lots of Altbier and Killepitsch.	I will actually drive 300 miles to D'dorf on Saturday, friend of mine celebrates his 50th. Altbier rocks!
I've watched every video of yours, I'm a huge fan! Keep up the spectacular videos! Do you make your own ballistic gelatin?	Yes, I do. I buy the powder in 25 kg bags from the Gelita corporation. They make certified ballistic gelatin powder and also provide the proper recipe.
Do people have to give you notice before visiting you in case they visit and your randomly firing chainsaws at them or something?	As long as they don't look like Zombies or IRS agents, they are pretty safe :)
	Seriously, I do have visitors sometimes, but as I have a 60 hour job, a family, and a doctorate program I am enrolled in, there isn't much free time. So an appointment makes a ton of sense.
What are you earning your doctorate in?	Oh, it is a study about flu vaccination motivational programs at businesses. I try to find out if such programs can be profitable. My doctor father is Prof. Jürgen Wasem from the University of Duisburg/Essen, one of Germany's leading experts in medical management.
Merkel shows up at your door, which slingshot do you use?	Hard to say, I agree. But I think she wants my money more than my flesh :)
If you don't know how to answer that, do you define her as IRS or Zombie? That might help choosing a slingshot LOL.	Seriously, as an economist I am very much against her policies. She will save Europe to death. Now would be the time to help Europe's struggling members to get back in shape. We need to spend money in order to achieve that.
What is your favorite slingshot you have ever made? What is the worst injury you have ever had from one of your creations?	My Moorhammer design is still my favorite. It is a good thing that Peter Hogan from milbroproshotuk.com still casts it in bronze and aluminum.
	The most serious injury was a snapping band on a commercial slingshot that hit me in the right eye. It almost blinded me, and my eyesight won't ever be fully restored. Always wear safety glasses when handling slingshots. That one wasn't even loaded.
(I was thinking that the [Christmas Tree](Link to www.youtube.com slingshot would be good for the latter :-) I found your channel when I was searching for regular slings (David and Goliath style). Have you ever tried this technique and what do you think of them?	The christmas tree slingshot is indeed ideal for a survival situation that catches you without any tools, other than a knife and some rubber.
	I have done some work with the David sling, even made a more high tech frame for that style. Lots of power, works well for heavy projectiles, but it takes a lot of practice to hit anything with it.
Thanks, I'd be interested in seeing a video of your high tech frame for the David sling!	Link to www.youtube.com
What is your projectile of choice? Ball bearings, bolts, Oreos, ...? Would it be possible to adjust your weapons for paintball?	I use paintballs all the time, they are great for beginners that want to test a low forked modern slingshot. It takes away the fear to hit the hand. But my favorite ammo is lead balls, .75 caliber. They deliver.
I heard that your wife is your camera woman. How do you get her to allow all that destruction in your front yard?	Amex card with no limit.
I love your videos, your humor, and your obvious enjoyment of your projects!! Even if I don't ever build one of your slingshots, I watch your videos because they are simply great entertainment.	Actually my house is right at the edge of town, I only have neighbors on one side. Beyond, woods and fields.
The only thing that I want to ask is, What do your neighbors think? It seems like your neighbors are fairly close by... do they hide their children inside when "Crazy Jorg" is outside with a new toy? :-)	The local newspapers all covered me, so people know about my hobby. I am sure there is a ton of gossip, but for some reason noone ever approached me...
Have you ever gotten into trouble with the police in Germany because of who you are?	I always abide the law, so I have never gotten into trouble with the slingshots.
What is your dream machine, the slingshot you would build with unlimited funds and time?	I want to master Leonardo Da Vinci's unfullfilled promise to Count Ludovico di Sforza. With rubber.
	Link to slingshotchannel.blogspot.de
	A professional team (ITN) tried to build the thing in 2002, and failed miserably. I have other plans. Now I am thinking about a Kickstarter.
To use a metaphor from the story of another famous slingshot user, what is the biggest Goliath that you've overcome in your life?	Right after college, I almost had to go into bankruptcy because the company I started initially failed. Back then, that would have finished my career for good. It took me many years of very hard work to pay back the debt and avoid bk.
As you were repaying the debt, did you continue to try and work towards your next big move or did you find that you were mostly consumed by your responsibility (which you impressively fulfilled) to repay the debt?	Way back then I was simply working too hard to think about such issues. Repaying a huge debt is a long and frustrating process with many sorrowful days.
Hi Jörg! I love your channel on youtube, keep up all the good work! I was wondering, when did you first get into slingshots, and what/who introduced you to them?	I first got into slingshots as a boy, my father taught me how to make them. Then, I made a 35 year break... and found a forum about five years ago. The new, modern rubber types opened my eyes. With top quality latex, slingshots are very serious weapons now. Toys no more.
Have you ever used a slingshot on actual live game, and if so, what are your conclusions?	I don't hunt, simply because I don't enjoy it. Don't get me wrong, I don't frown upon hunting in general, but I found out that hunting is mostly waiting. Lots of people use slingshots to hunt small game, it obviously works really well. But in a true survival situation, what you need is some good traps. Much more effective.
Hi! I was wondering, how many slingshots have you made approximately? Also, what's your favorite type of wood?	I probably made three hundred slingshots in the last five years. My favorite wood - good question. I enjoy testing new, exotic types. Love the feel and smell! Desert ironwood is probably the most fascinating type, olive wood smells the nicest, and Texas Perssimon has the nicest feel.
Have you ever hurt yourself while making a slingshot? From some guitar makers I heard that those exotic woods can be toxic.	Yes, some wood types are nasty. But nothing beats carbon fiber. That stuff clings to you like glue, and you feel like you are coming down with a massive flu.
Does the wood in your videos cost a lot or do you acquire them yourself?	I have several sources. My favorite exotic wood supplier is www.edelholzverkauf.de, they have amazing stuff meant for pen and knife makers. I also use dead wood from here, if you collect it at the perfect stage of decomposition the colors are amazing. But I also get wood samples from fans, from all over the world. I often send them slingshots in return.
Haha, if I sent you a wood sample would you make a slingshot of it for me in return? :)	Maybe, if you have a wood type I haven't used before. But there is quite a waiting list. So many forks, so little time.
Has bill gates seen your condom slingshot? If so how did he respond?	He might have seen it, but I haven't heard from him yet.
I'm surprised no one has asked this yet but would you rather sling one horse sized duck or 100 duck sized horses?	I specialize in goats.
Has anyone ever requested for you to build any ridiculous/wacky slingshot designs, other that the ones you have made videos for?	Oh, I do get such requests all the time. But I have actually put some of these wacky ideas into reality! The saw blade shooter and the buzz saw bazooka are good examples.
I have no question; I absolutely love your laugh, and you. You're fucking hilarious.	Hey, thanks! I guess I paid attention in school :)
Actually I lied; how the hell did you become so awesome at English? I live in Germany and most Germans I meet, even the younger ones, are not nearly as good. It's impressive. Kudos.	Seriously, I like reading books in the original English language. Great for grammar and vocabulary, not so great for pronounciation...
Ich bin lehrnen deutche. wie ssagt mann "slingshot" im deutche? und was tadt kommst du?	Man sagt "Schleuder" oder Zwille. Ich komme aus Dortmund, lebe aber jetzt in Oberfranken, in einer kleinen Stadt namens Burgkunstadt.
What is your background? Or more specifically, how did you get into slingshots? Thanks, love the show.	As I said above, my father taught me how to make slingshots. We used inner tubes and natural forks back then. Now, with superior rubber and radically different frames, slingshots are so much better.
	I have a master degree in biz admin, and I am working on a doctorate at the side (not easy these days).
How was filming with Galileo? How long did the filmed for the short spot? Did you get something out of it? Besides Promo ? :D.	I did two Galileo shootings, with two different film teams. Those usually take a day or two. I could have charged, but didn't, out of principle.
Who makes your slingshot rubber? Where can I get some (ideally from the UK or somewhere in Europe)?	Check the FAQs on my website (www.slingshotchannel.com)! In short, I buy Thera Band Gold by the meter, from various ebay shops.
So I'm really curious, where does your love of slingshots come from?	Love has no origin and no destination, it just is :)
What would you recommend I buy or build for a starter slingshot? The only slingshot I have ever owned was a cheap drugstore type thing.	That depends on your budget. Under 20 dollars, I like the Saunders Hawk (www.sausa.com) as it uses flat bands. The Flippinout Scout (www.simple-shot.com) is a great shooter for about 40 dollars, very versatile regarding the bands. But nothing beats a Moorhammer in solid aluminum, cast by Peter Hogan in Sheffield (www.milbroproshotuk.com)
If you could build some plans and make them downloadable that would be awesome. I would gladly pay for a "kit" for some of your toys. Is there any chance that you will be selling specs?	I do have blueprints and several tutorials online. As I have no engineering background, I don't really enjoy that part - but if there are plans, they are always for free. My channel is non profit.
	Check my forum! Link to theslingshotforum.forumotion.com
Hello Jörg, I have a question for you. Where do you find YOUR theraband? Edit: answered. Also, what do you consider to be the EASIEST slingshot you have ever made?.	I use Thera Band Gold mostly. I buy it in bulk, 45 meter rolls, on ebay. Whoever is cheapest gets my order.
But, what awas the easiest slingshot you've built so far? And will you make a Rubber band mini-slingshot video in the future?	A stickshot is the easiest, clearly. Just a stick and a rubber band. Did you see my mini slingshot made from CF?
Just how much fun did you have making the condom clip? Love your clips, especially the bullpups :D.	The condom clip was kind of funny, but I am always nervous when we film the video. I enjoy the making of the weapon (or tool), and also I love following the comments after the clips go online. But the filming is quite stressy, things always go wrong. During the tests, everything is always perfect - cameras are cursed.
Why is your laugh both awesome and deliciously evil? Also..are you planning to take over the world with a giant slingshot?	Right after I shoot that goat to the f..ing moon. :)
	(Insider joke)
Have you ever... shot a slingshot from a slingshot while the slingshot is shooting a slingshot which shoots slingshots?	You mean cascaded slingshots? I did work with the concept a little bit. But there is room for future projects in that direction.
Sausage or bacon?	Both, of course. And Schnitzel.
Hi! I enjoy your videos. Always very entertaining in the comedic sense and technically as well! Have you ever had Bitburger Pils? I was born it Bitburg but haven't lived in Germany for some time. I'm curious as to its reputation.	Bitte ein Bit! (A Bit please), that is their big motto. Of course I had Bitburgers, great beer, and a great place too. Right at the Luxemburg border, beautiful countryside.
Do you ever get tired of being so damn awesome all the time?	Doesn't feel that way, really. I just do my thing. Thanks anyway! :)
"Le Reddit Army" ... Seriously?	I took that term from comments on my channel!
Yeah that's not a good idea. Redditors hate that term and its made to make fun of the site and its community. Love your videos btw!	Ah OK. I apologize. I thought the term was rather interesting and saw nothing negative in it.
I love your voice and the way you laugh, it's incredibly soothing to listen to your videos. Have your slingshots and other devices ever caused you trouble with the police, since some of those are lethal?	No trouble with the cops, I don't do illegal and always stay on my own property.
How do job, studies, family and your slingshot-hobby fit in your week? Are you afraid that one day it might turn out to be too much for your health?	Well, my wife is a medical doctor, she takes good care of me. I guess I just don't sleep very much.
Edit: had an extra part, do you know what that woman did so wrong to make that watermelon smash her in the face?	That happens if you use a bad pouch design and a wrong release technique.
Did your wife ever actually try applying a condom to you with your condom slingshot?	No. I am very glad.
So, have any of your employees come up and asked about your videos? And is your identity as the slingshot guy some kind of open secret in whatever business world you operate on (like, please tell me you've been at a convention or something and heard people whispering behind you "Dude, thats the CEO who builds slingshots!!)?	There is a LOT of talk about my hobby. And since my company is now a part of a public corporation, it is an issue for me. Not good for my career, in fact. But then again career isn't everything. Life is short.
What is your favorite slingshot that you didn't make or design yourself?	My friend Tobias is getting very good in making fantastic carved naturals from domestic tree forks. He gave me one made from an apple tree fork that is truly amazing.
HOW STRONG ARE YOUR ARMS? I'm just really amazed by some of those clips...	I am fairly strong. I was a heavy weight Judo fighter when I was younger, and spent a lot of time in the gym later on.
Who is the frightened Nun in your video credits?	See seems pretty fearless to me, just a bit... sceptical. She was actually just walking by when the film team (tapefilm guys from Munich) was here. She is quite something, right?
What made you want to go into making slingshots?	My first slingshot was made from a hazelwood fork, using an old car inner tube. I was maybe five or six at the time.
When did you make your first slingshot and what was the slingshot like?	Rediscovered slingshots about five years ago... modern rubber changed everything.
Love your channel, thanks for contributing your wonderful insanity to us all.	See above for the Da Vincy challenge!
My q - is there anything you'd really love to build but won't/can't? Why?	I'd love to incorporate fire and explosions, but there is no way that I can do that here in Germany.
Hey thanks man. Drop by the States some time, we love fire and explosions :) You should hook up with that FPS Russia guy for a low tech/high explosive episode.	That would be interesting for sure. I hear the guy is having rough times right now.
Hi Jorg, love your show and try to introduce people to it whenever I can. Do you have a lot of people working on your slingshot projects (I always see people working on things in the background)? Do you do a lot of inventioneering that doesn't involve slingshots or your day job?	My day job is really in management, suit and tie every workday. I have engineers that do the R+D for the business, mostly software guys. That is why I like to do my own projects just by myself.
Jorg, I was wondering if you have any other hobbies besides slingshots? Between your channel and your job, it seems like you have quiet a bit on your plate. Also, Keep up the great work!	I collect fountain pens! Also I like writing. Actually I have published two books, in the German language of course.
I've searched to no avail: where can I find a weapon that will shoot a 28mm DA D.I.L.D.O round???	Link to www.youtube.com
When are you going to build a giant mech suit with multiple weapons to shoot rubber bands and bearings? The ultimate product in home zombie defense?	The iron rubber man? Now that's an idea.
Have you ever been in a confrontation where you had to defend yourself with a slingshot?	Actually, nobody EVER attacked me - and I have been in some really shady places.
Also, are you a former athlete/body-buildespecial forces military man, or did you decide to start lifting weights as it was necessary to use the slingshots you make?!?!	Never been in the forces, did not pass my physicals due to a nasty motorcycle accident when I was 19. But I was a Judo heavy weight in my younger days, and I have been lifting weights all my life.
Hello Mr. Sprave, love your work! I'll have you know that you're reignited my woodworking hobby. My brother and I have independently discovered you and begun designing our own slingshots (he's doing the oreeeo gun), so thanks for a lot of fun! As for a question, what sort of concept for a slingshot or weapon excites you the most, and what concept do you want to build but cannot for legal or safety reasons? Is there even such a concept?	I really like my pump designs, and the gatlings. I would love to come up with explosive heads for the gatling projectiles, but that is a no-no here.
Are you ever afraid of your slingshots, or crossbows that you create? And have you ever not tested one because of this? And where do your ideas come from? I am a huge fan by the way.	The flechettes (spiked bolts that you shoot from a handheld slingshot) did take some courage at first.
Have you ever made anything so frighteningly scary you decided against documenting it and sharing it with the world? And if so, what was it?	When I was (much) younger (before the internet, actually), I was into home made firearms very much. Highly illegal, but very effective and innovative. I destroyed all of these toys a long time ago. It was the right thing to do, but I dearly miss the fun.
Hi! What slingshot would you suggest for someone just starting out? keep up the good work!	See above, I think the Saunders Hawk (www.sausa.com) is great for beginners. 15 bucks, with flatbands.
Where can I purchase one of your condom applicators?	Right after Bill Gates will have forked over the 100k, I will start on a production run - stay tuned :)
Hi Jörg! Wie viele schon gesagt haben, Deine Videos sind genial. Eine Frage hätte ich aber: Du hast ja einen auffälligen, sehr deutschen Akzent, ist der absichtlich überzeichnet? Was ist Deine Lieblingsbiersorte?	Mein Akzent ist nicht überzeichnet, aber auch nicht unterdrückt. Ich könnte das schon besser, wenn ich mir Mühe geben würde. Aber warum, es ist ein Teil von mir und ich bin gerne ein Deutscher (aber sicher kein Nazi). Ich mag Veltins ziemlich gern, oder Kronen von Fass.
Joerg, I admire you as an individual and one who inspires others to do and/or make things. What is your production process for your slingshots like? From concept to building?	I think about it during breaks over the week (john/bathtub/lunch...), then I buy the materials Saturday morning and make the weapon. Sunday afternoon is filming.
Why did you use Swedish margarine/butter in one of your videos?	Lätta? That stuff is pretty popular here. I prefer it vs. butter as it always is soft. The hardest butter always hits the softest bread, if you know what I mean :)
Have you considered making a slingshot big enough to fire a person?	Like the Mythbusters Border Slingshot? Interesting concept.
Have you made a slingshot for something in every day use around your house or work?	I have many such models!
Love your videos! I thought the slingshot cannon was especially neat, that car took a beating. My only question for you about slingshots is in regards to accuracy. Do you consider yourself to have good aim with a slingshot? Do you practice or shoot targets for fun, or is the fun part simply building them?	I spend more time in the workshop than at my "range". But in the summer I get enough practice. I can hit a shoe box from 20 yards every time, even with my strongest bands. That is good enough for me.
Do you train regularly in a gym or something? Or are the slingshots the only reason for your big arms?	I still hit the gym, although not nearly as often as I should. Slingshots take a lot of my free time now.
Jörg, warmest regards from Tokyo! I love your work. Do you have a recommendation for a hunting slingshot?	You can hunt in Tokyo?
	I suggest you use my forum, lots of hunters there.
	Link to theslingshotforum.forumotion.com
Your condom applying slingshot was hilarious. Did you make that video just for comedic purposes or was it to draw attention to the Gates' fund for better technology? I mean obviously the condom fits in with your fascination with rubber...	This one, I really wanted to do a piece of comedy. I never expected it to go viral. You guys actually started that process! But I am very glad that it probably brings more attention to the contest.
Jorg you are fucking crazy man, I love it thanks. What other hobbies do you have? Ram.	Fountain pens. Writing. Reading. Cats.
Are your co workers terrified of you? ;)	Well, I try to be as nice as possible - works OK, for the most part.
What are people's reaction when they drive by your house, and you are shooting machetes at a rubber doll?	Noone ever stopped, that's for sure!
You are an amazing person. How did you get into making slingshots in the first place, at least on this scale? Also, I really like your condom application slingshot. It truly is an amazing piece of art.	Running a successful youtube channel us addictive. It started small, but at some point I was firmly hooked.
Have you ever had the police investigate in case you actually did have anything that was restricted?	They may have investigated, but noone ever approached me.
Did you receive any compensation for the oreo slingshot?	Nope, except from my YouTube partnership as always. Nabisco even deleted my post on their FB page.
I'm curious. About how much, if you were ever to plan to, sell either your minigun or cannon slingshots? Best regards to ya!	No plans to ever sell. It would force me to put a price tag on my hobby hours, no thanks.
Were there any insurance issues when you made the circular sawblade slingshot? (That one has been my favorite so far.)	I didn't ask them. If I would have, the answers would have been... discouraging.

Last updated: 2013-04-15 15:55 UTC Next update: 2013-04-15 21:55 UTC
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