FYI

Yeah, I blew off the MLP Weekly Update yesterday. Mostly because there wasn't anything of consequence, moderate interest or cheap entertainment value to report. The time added to the deadline helped the PSP and a few teams out. (Even so, it's the largest decline year-to-year so far. But then again the league moved the MAO to the traditional 4th event slot which was always weak. Maybe the actual timing matters more than anyone thought.) The NPPL continues to be a last minute, seat-of-the-pants operation that somehow manages to keep going. The only question is are they doing it on a pile of escalating debt--like everybody else--or what? And, will the All*Star event be filmed or are like, seventeen people gonna see it? Just curious. Meanwhile more nothing is happening in Euroland so whoop-de-freaking-do. Well, alright, over in the not so Grand Tour they've got a few teams lined up for Moscow in late August and some actual information on the Vienna event along with some actual rankings. See what I mean? (Do they usually post fake information?)

Also, I haven't (yet) forgotten about the new POA (Paintball Operator's Association) being run on a day-to-day basis by PBN as it gets organized and accumulates members--or doesn't. The introductory thread is worth reading for those who have any interest in this topic. It's potentially a big deal and a very good thing for Paintball but realistically is also probably behind the eight ball given Paintball's history. I'm not thrilled with PBN's involvement but so what? If this is what it takes to get launched then better PBN have a part in the process than not. The only thing I would suggest at this stage is perhaps they reconsider the introductory membership fees which are currently tiered by the scale of the field operation of the potential member. Right now there aren't a lot of benefits, there's a need for members and the less risk involved to those considering joining the better. Gotta have members to make it work and there is an obvious hurdle to overcome due to past failures and, in some quarters, PBN's involvement. Make the introductory fees identical for everyone and let the members decide if that needs to change in the future or not. Either way the POA deserves a chance to succeed.

This Week Last Week What's The Difference?

Okay, so I'm behind again. Does it really matter when it comes to posting (and discussing) 7-man paintball? Really? Sure, maybe some of you are curious. May even find it vaguely interesting in an all things tourney sorta way but how much relevance does it really have? I mean, where were you? Not at Pev's is the winning answer for at least 99% of y'all.
Even so, I will do one more post (with field layout) on this 7-man business and make the basic point I was leading up to as it has some application across the tourney board. And because I said I would.
But I don't really want to. Largely because I don't want to spend another second thinking about 7-man right now. I'm not a happy camper. I'm a frustrated, angry camper and a lousy loser and the last think I want to do is spend time in that frame of mind. I realize you need to minimize your expectations when you don't routinely play a format or even practice it so the performing poorly part is not all that unexpected. It's the not practicing, not having a set roster not really trying to be successful part that pisses me off. And, yes, there are even reasons (or an explanation at least that is completely reasonable) for that but knowing why and accepting it are two different things and it just plain galls me. The only thing worse than losing is not really trying. (And I'm rapidly becoming convinced it has an unhelpful psychological effect across the board with the players too--which is a real issue compared to my ulcers and hair loss.)

Lane's interview will get going this week though there is no firm date on when it will be posted yet.

And I will have the inside story on the workings and goals of the PSTA coming (hopefully) sometime this week. As some regulars may recall I've been somewhat skeptical-not of the PSTA's stated goals--but it's past practices so this will be an opportunity for me to get past all that too. (Of course, I am by nature suspicious of any sort of power structure 'cus it's another way for The Man to hold you down. Fight the Power! Right on, Brothers.)

Otherwise, I'll post whatever comes up. Personally I like surprises.