| |
BGonline.org Forums
Participation in ABT events..Apr-June 08 vs this year.
Posted By: Coolrey In Response To: Participation in ABT events..Apr-June 08 vs this year. (neilkaz)
Date: Wednesday, 10 June 2009, at 11:29 p.m.
NEIL: Neil replies.. yes I didn't go due to Cheyenne's graduation. But allready it was clear to me that the perceived expenses were keeping other some players away. Players due talk amoungst themselves you know. And admittadely I did voice some concerns Memorial Day weekend about the what was being perceived by more than a few players as a gimmicky rebate, but I certainly didn't stand up at the podium and broadcast it over the loud speaker.
Ray: Originally Peter Kalba was the scheduled auctioneer, and I stepped in for him when he failed to make travel arrangements. I did that for free, but I have opinions and people like to read them, and people like to HEAR them, too. The local players who came got their money's worth of my BS, trust me. If it was at the expense of certain people who have made more from backgammon than any of the rest of us can even imagine, then tough shit. Players might want to notify Chiva that they will boycott the event if I am the auctioneer... but the fact of the matter is the audience was laughing and ADDING to my dialogue.
You make some valid points as always Neil, I honestly believe that for American backgammon to survive the pay back should max out at 80% and they should always pay semi-finalists as Phil Simborg suggested. Share the wealth, and take the view that you are going on a vacation to do something you like to do... The fact that you might decrease your expenses or actually make money is merely a bonus that snow skiers and people who go on cruises or safaris don't have the luxury of. Hobbies cost money, mostly. American TDs have bent over backwards in the past to make ABT events a great deal for the players, now that they are in trouble, should we not repay the favor by contributing to their cause? Who gives a crap if you can stay across the street for $60 at Motel 6, while the tournament venue is charging $89? Be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.
The pro am was a success but not for the PROS, who might normally have the whole entry fee paid by their partner. Carter Mattig, Myself, Joe Russel, Bob Glass, Ed O' Laughlin, and 3 other pros that I can't remember were willing to do this. Only the finalists profited, but all of the amateurs were thrilled. Ask Bill Davis. Great innovation, Chiva!
| |
BGonline.org Forums is maintained by Stick with WebBBS 5.12.