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Did our Presidente actually say that the convention was the first one structured to be a means of promoting soaring to the public, rather than just a trade show? No kiddin', Mr. Sanderson. I thought you were distracted with other duties. You just don't understand the concepts, do you? Instead of marketing to us, try those people out there...the public.
In a local Ontario newspaper (which I am seeking so we can all see the .pdf version) these notable quotes are reported to have appeared:
-'soaring is no fun because you have to put up with so many old fogies'. -'five minutes in a hang glider is more fun than 2 hours in a sailplane'.
WHAT A GODDAMNED GREAT IMAGE! I don't even recognize that as a surface description of a red-line final glide into Cal City after a run up the Whites. And most of the old fogies that I know are never in my way...they are too far ahead to be a problem to me. If I wanted to hang around under a rag, I would bail out. But, no matter. They won big.
I can see the 30-somethings and Baby Boomers seeking a thrill lining up right now to get their asses bored off. I would rather just have the public talk to Mike Koerner at the front desk. He isn't an old fogey and he is anything but boring (not necessarily a compliment, Mike). Someone else could have sold the tickets. We needed someone to sell soaring. But, as usual, it was at the bottom of the list. It should be first...at least at the Convention. Okay?
Ever heard of a press kit? Schmoozing the reporters? Handing out copy and photos? Having your marketing people control the outcome? OF COURSE NOT! Just how much of this crap has to go on before anyone notices?
The sport isn't shrinking because a glider costs a lot, or it's a long way to drive, or families want daddy home, or any of those alibis. It is shrinking because we do not compete with other activities EXCEPT the NRA. We have an expert ribbon in foot shooting.
I published a marketing plan...a guerrilla marketing plan...that is within the scope of what the SSA can do. I sent it to all the Directors. I got ONE response. SSA procedures dictate that they will discuss it in June and vote in September. Considering the cold shoulder that I usually get from certain Directors, I can imagine the outcome.
BANG! OUCH!
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