Originally posted by Robbo
1--My quote of 'hot air' when concerning what people write on these boards has little to do with the quality of what is written, as you are well aware, some of the discussions and participants we have on P8ntballer.com are by far the most informed, intelligent and interesting people I have ever seen on the Paintball net, yourself included!
2--My point (tho not well made) was directed toward the lack of interest and any subsequent uptake from the industry after maybe reading such threads.
3--They (the industry) seem to be a law unto themselves paying little heed to what is written in places like this no matter how well intentioned or intelligent.
4--As for any global intentions PP may have, I'm not one for monopolies, I'm also not one for a fragmented industry (or leagues) and if this sport is in dire need of unification (which I believe it is under present circumstances) then I couldn't think of a better bunch of guys to run any unified league.
5--They have earned their stripes in showing just how to promote and manage paintball events, they have shown they are the best in the world in my opinion and as such, 'to the victor goeth the spoils' as far as I am concerned.
6--The proposals getting ready to be placed on the table are I'm sure inclusive of shared responsibility and management by all parties (NPPL, PSP and Millennium) and if during that process of integration PP assert themselves, then you wouldn't get no moans from me.
7--These guys have done more for our sport than most, I respect what they have done, what they are trying to do and how much they have put in to get where they are now.
The only bias I have in saying all this is one of liking what they have done for our sport in unbelievably difficult conditions and let’s face it Paul, if we are looking round for alternate promoters in the US who could do the same standard of job as they, we start to scratch a bit.
8--Missy Q is a proud man and rightfully defensive of any attacks or criticisms directed at PP, he is also a company man ‘yes’ but not an unreasonable or unintelligent one, far from it in fact.
9--I wouldn’t let your verbal volleyball sessions get in the way of assessing the true worth of what PP have achieved for our sport.
All of what I have just said seems partial, it seems as tho I might have vested interests in promoting PP, I haven’t mate, none whatsoever, they give me nothing, I just honestly think they do a great job, that’s all.
1--I agree with you of course and just wanted to give you an opportunity to clarify what you meant.
2--a forum can only do so much--if it offers a diversity of points of view well expressed it can hardly do more. On the other hand I do think peeps do pay some attention because I can name a modest list of things that have changed or are changing and have correspondingly appeared either in this forum or on the pages of PGI. Is there a direct connection? Who knows?
3--true enough but their priorities don't necessarily or even often align with mine, yours or the next guy's for a variety of reasons.
4--while I have nothing against the PP peeps and even have real respect for their efforts and accomplishments here is apparently where we differ. To me all reunification would achieve is a rearrangement of the deck chairs on the Titanic. A return to the days when the rest of us are completely at the mercy of an elite group of Paintball industry and it doesn't matter to me how well-intentioned or determined they are it puts all our eggs in one basket and commits everyone, whether they like it or not to one path.
5--without wishing to be unduly harsh I can see that PP has promoted an event series that lots of players truly enjoy but that isn't the larger goal, is it? One of the issues unresolved (in my mind anyway) is what and how is Paintball actually promoted to the outside world? Is it as Sport or as Spectacle? I see, currently, PP on the Spectacle side of the equation and that too gives me pause for some concern as I believe in Paintball as Sport even though we haven't yet figured out precisely how that should work and yet, here we are, advocating full speed ahead as a unified body but where exactly are we going?
6--okay, so the same people as always have all the power and get to squabble amongst themselves over what's best and we don't even have the option of choice to influence any small bit of the outcome. I simply don't see that as a net positive. If you think nobody in power pays any attention to our little chats now what's the likelihood later on? Is there a value less than nil?
7--the best thing they did and a thing I am sincerely grateful for is they created competition. That still doesn't equate as a good reason to now do away with competition. Again, just MHO.
8--I like Missy and I like arguing with Missy. The only issue I ever really have with Missy is the advocacy position she holds while offering the appearance of independence.
9--Honestly, they don't at all cus I don't take it personally. I have fun with it. I have no issues with PP per se. I think they are doing a few things differently than I might choose to do them and I think they are making some mistakes here and there and so I say so. I do the same with the PSP. What I don't do is equate the power of the moment with the Game and in my own sad little way try to advocate not necessarily what is possible but what I think ought to be anyway. Not always realistic, I know, but when I see a windmill I can't seem to help myself.
See what you made me do, Pete?
Global temps just went up a degree or two at least.
