The Monday Poll

This week VFTD continues forward with my single-minded, nearly pathological exploration of pro paintball. I mean, come on, it's a shaky concept of marginal substance that barely exists except as a convenient (and self-aggrandizing) referent. And yet--that's what everyone wants to be. And who wouldn't? (And, no, that was not ironic in any way. Ideas have power. Just keep in mind what Uncle Ben told Peter about using his power for good.)
To date the collective voice predicts the pro ranks will shrink next year to around 14 teams, or thereabouts. (The Collective Voice. Wow. If that doesn't sound like Orwellian doublespeak I don't know what does. Kinda creepy.) This past week the related topic was about the characteristics and/or qualities y'all recognize as the key element(s) in designating a team as pro.

With this week's Monday Poll VFTD gets down and dirty--and specific. The poll lists all the currently active pro teams and asks you to vote for those you don't think ought to be included in the pro ranks. Unlike past polls you will be able to vote for as many teams as you like. Well, not teams you like like but teams you don't think belong among the pro ranks. Got that? Get to voting.

Monday Poll in Review
Last week's poll; What makes a pro team pro? was a runaway. Every option received at least one vote but no other choice came close to the big winner; results. You decided the proof was in the pudding. Without real pro teams, mostly, you decided the teams that got it done on the field were the most deserving. The second most votes was a tie between major sponsorship and dedication followed by reputation. Making up the rest of the field was longevity, came up thru the ranks and established players. Other was a mixed bag largely trying to synthesize choices into a more satisfactory response.

I think a bunch of y'all jumped on the comfortable, obvious bandwagon choice and voted accordingly but that if you made a personal list of teams you regarded as "pro" and tried to figure out why the answers might just surprise. And while I'm at what is the statute of limitations on "results"? When do "results" become ancient history? And even more basic than that, what constitutes "results"?

Given the lack of the one undeniable clear cut answer--pro teams are pro teams because they compete in professional leagues in which the players are paid to play--I think this week's poll will demonstrate a lot of muddled thinking is still going on. I'll explain what I'm thinking (right or wrong) along with the results next week.

UPDATE: I will refrain from suggesting somebody has lost their mind or even that somebody else is simply screwing around. Oh, yeah, I'm taking about the votes so far. If you've got a good reason for throwing a vote at the Ironmen or Philly or Dynasty I'd love to hear it.