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.

What's the POA?

It's the Paintball Operators' Association. The idea is an organization of field operators. If you've missed it look here and here. Conceptually it's a great idea--but it's been tried before. Of course maybe now is the time. Unfortunately it seems to me the info is a little thin--so far. I'm told more information will be forthcoming soon. I'm going to hold off posting about until I know more but that shouldn't stop y'all from speculating or commenting until VFTD picks it up again.