Tragedy of the Commons

Warning: This is gonna be boring paintball stuff along the lines of past boring posts like the ones here, here & here. Oh, and this one, too. (The Econometrics of the Commons series) If you missed them count yourself fortunate or, if you are a glutton for punishment or a junior member of the Marquis de Sade Club enjoy. Basically the series called out PBIndustry. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

This post is covering some related territory--hence the title--and is intended to be the introduction to the posts I've been meaning to get around to on the PSTA. Within the overlapping frontiers of social & political sciences and economics 'tragedy of the commons' normally refers to the inability (or unwillingness) of individual actors to act cooperatively with respect to common or shared resources--often within a closed or semi-closed system. [This, btw, is the general area of study of the recent Nobel prize award given in economics.] Or the uncommon result when they do act in concert. Bored yet? I'm just getting started.

Anyway, it seemed to me there were potentially some interesting parallels in a small, emerging market--like paintball. (There are also some very significant differences, too.) For example, Texas Gulf Coast shrimpers have behaved certain ways based on finite fishing beds--and have been a prime area of this sort of study--but is it either appropriate or rational for PBIndustry to have behaved in similar ways? And they have--and, no, I'm pretty sure it wasn't either appropriate or rational even though it worked for a few (or seemed to work, as the case may be.)

Without getting too bogged down however the simple point is to set a baseline for PBIndustry and my baseline, as expressed in past posts, and restated here is that they have screwed the pooch more often that not. And the past conduct of PBIndustry is my prism for looking at the PSTA, its goals and purposes, and its future plans. This doesn't mean I am opposed to the PSTA or disbelieving of their claimed intentions. Only that, in my estimation, the PSTA will have a lot to overcome both externally and internally. Can the PSTA actually accomplish positive for paintball results? Will the PSTA succeed where PBIndustry has failed in the past? Or will the PSTA, despite every good intention, fail because PBIndustry can't seem to avoid the 'tragedy of the commons'?

It will be interesting to hear what the PSTA's current goals are and how they intend to go about achieving them. Of course I will probably have a thought or two on their prospects in light of past history. And I will flesh out future thoughts within the 'tragedy of the commons' framework throughout the upcoming PSTA posts.

Paintball Stuff

It's Monday so I am once again harassing you with the by now familiar reminder that the weekly post is up at Baca's Blog over at the Big Bullet. You might want to check this one out as it deals with some further thoughts related to the past weekend's NCPA championships. It's called, 'The Future of Competitive Paintball'--so not really a big deal. And if you are a member of the PSTA or know a member of the PSTA give them a nudge and encourage them to take a look 'cus this is, near as best I can tell, one of the principle reasons the organization exists. And if it isn't maybe they ought to expand their vision. No doubt it won't be a shocking revelation--or at least it shouldn't be--but if it encourages some more dialogue or helps engender some action that would be a good thing.

By the way, don't let the PSTA website discourage you. I'm sure better is on the way and whoever is responsible for the music has been fired. They really are a professional trade organization. Right?

UPDATE: Oops. I just realized according to my brand new shiny schedule I was supposed to post that playing the game piece on the HB layout on Saturday. The dog ate it. Hey. (I'll get it done today sometime.)

Mr. Curious wants to know

How is it Mr. Miller remains the Vice-Chairman or Co-Chair (or even the Comfy Chair) of the PSTA when he isn't in the industry anymore having received his gold watch and hearty handshake from Procaps towards the end of '08? Not that there's anything wrong with that. Just curious.

Major League Paintball Held Hostage, Day 27

I wonder if VFTD can get Ted Koppel to do daily podcast updates for MLP held hostage? (That one dated me, didn't it?)

Okay, PSP has announced prizes for '09. If you're up in arms over this, seriously, what did you expect? And if you haven't seen it yet and don't know what to do with your arms go check it out at pspevents.com (Link in sidebar, Paintball on the Web)

ProPaintball is reporting that the USPL is planning a surcharge on cases of paint sold at their events. (Or should that be our events? I get so confused sometimes.) If accurate all I can say is Paintball has a lot of leading feet and not all of them have been shot yet but not because peeps ain't trying. (Work on that for a second and you'll get it.) Promote marginally cheaper entry fees and then find ways to make it up with extra charges. That's the ticket!
Though I have no reason to doubt the report I do have an alternate theory that fits the evidence--if a couple of the details were misunderstood. It could be a clever "sponsorship" formula for paint manufacturers instead as once described to me. At least I thought it was clever. A lot cleverer (if that's a word) than charging your customers a paint surcharge.

UPDATE: In the comments section of the report at ProPaintball FrankdaTank opens mouth and inserts ... he reassures all the readers that nothing is set in stone. Could a six figure PR job be far behind? Camille follows up and states categorically the info is wrong. That, boys and girls, is how you do it. Off to bed without their dinner tonight for the ProPaintball kids.

I can't quite let go of the Craig Miller interview over at 68 Caliber 2.0 just yet. (I'd apologize but you should know by now I get fixated on stuff in completely arbitrary ways.) I am, however, gonna limit myself to two observations: 1. If you follow the explanations for how the PSTA got started you discover that paintball's Big Boyz sat down in a room and decided the best way to move forward was for paintball's Big Boyz to run the show because it might create internal divisions down the road if paintball's Big Boyz weren't in charge. (Which I find uproariously funny.) 2. One of the benefits of aligning with SGMA is the Industry Shipment reports which provide unique info and began in 2006. And it has only taken until 2009 to figure out how to begin an initiative to invite wider industry participation. At this rate the PSTA might start answering their phone in 2011. Gotta love those all volunteer committees. What a hoot.

Lastly, working (but not very hard) on a post called 'The Iron Law of Tournament Logistics' which will post whenever I finish it. (See, no more broken promises.) I mention it because it has some relevance given the laundry list of PSP changes this year and the nascent efforts of the USPL to figure out how to operate a hopefully successful league.

Major League Paintball Held Hostage, Day 26

It's nearly time to start a daily check on teams registered and PAID for Phoenix. The clock is also winding down on the PSP with respect to the actual number of pro teams competing. Once the countdown begins the reality of this hostage crisis will take on a whole other level of immediacy--which is why I'm putting it off.

For an interview with Craig Miller of the PSTA (and whatever Procaps is calling itself this week) check out the latest at 68 Caliber 2.0. (Link is in the Paintblog roll.) Warning: it's long and not terribly exciting. Okay, it's tedious and dull but only because the "answers" are of the sort that sound like something but really aren't much of anything. That, by the way, is just my opinion. Your view may vary.

The Alphabet Strikes Back

In a special after action report from WC 'The Ford Report' mentioned a meeting of the PSTA and Paintball Extravaganza which naturally got me thinking (again) about just what to expect from the PSTA in the future. So I cast the tarot cards, read the tea leaves and splattered the blood and entrails of a goose and divined an answer. Just to be extra cautious–can't be too cautious when predicting the future–I double checked my answer with the Magic 8 ball.
Prediction: PSTA will be a highly exclusive PBIndustry club that uses its reach and influence to maintain as much marketplace control as possible. What'dya mean I didn't need to whack a goose to see that one coming?
Here's the thing. So far the PSTA doesn't appear to be set-up to take new members and so far the PSTA's "outreach" has been to Paintball Extravaganza. And interestingly enough PE is a project aimed at gathering all manner of PB retailers together in one place. Also interesting is that PE is the baby of the only guy on the PSTA board nobody ever heard of before (or at least isn't a well known, high profile PB bigwig). And what would an exclusive group of PB manufacturers like more than to meet, greet and sell to as large a gathering of PB retailers in one place at one time as possible? While acing out all that pesky competition?
Of course I could be completely wrong even though I did read Tarot Made Easy and had Madame Zelda assisting me with the tea leaves interpretation. In fact, I would like to be wrong. If you think I am wrong about this please set me straight. Here's a good place to start. It's been such a long time since I was wrong I've forgotten what it feels like.

The Econometric of the Commons: Sign Posts

Part Four of a four part series. Has a certain symmetry, doesn't it? And yes, I'm just filling some space. You see, there's plenty more to be said on this topic but I'm losing interest. Like the rest of you. Besides, PBIndustry(?) has got the PSTA up and, hmm, running? So there's a start.
Instead of doing a recap and an outline for laying a foundation–-which was the original plan–-I'm simply gonna suggest a few sign posts for PBI to consider keeping in mind as the process moves forward. What should happen and what should the development of the PSTA look like if it's on track? (And by 'on track' I'm taking some liberties since I mean on track as I think it ought to be. You may, of course, have a different opinion. Which is, as has already been established in the sidebar of this blog, a position you may want to reconsider.)

Signs Your Industry Trade Assoc. May Actually Serve Your Whole Industry
1. trade assoc. has a defined and enumerated mission statement and/or purpose
2. operation and function of the trade assoc. is transparent (and I don't mean invisible.)
3. open to all legitimate members of the industry
4. provides an opportunity and methodology to give voice to all the members
5. actions taken / choices made are consistent with the association's charter / mission / purpose

Right. That'll get the party started. And by all means, if you've got any additional ideas, feel free to post 'em up in comments.

The Econometric of the Commons: Been There Done That & the PSTA

Here's Part Three and I solemnly swear to keep it shorter than the previous parts. There have been expos, trade shows, advisory committees, steering committees, commissions, networks and associations and all that remains is a couple of out of date websites. From the PBI side there was the Paintball Product Manufacturers Association. Impact? Nil. From the front lines of fields and local retailers there was the Paintball News Network. Impact? More inclusive was the World Paintball Commission which appears to have been an if we build it they will come kinda effort. But nobody showed up. Old news, ancient history. Today there is a new push being made with the Paintball Sports Trade Assoc. But just what is the PSTA?
The past is littered with failed attempts but attempts at what? Were they really sincere efforts to engage PBI in a united effort? If they were and failed from apathy perhaps the current environment will have grabbed PBI's attention.
Do you recall from a couple years ago when the NPPL and the PSP were sounding off about world league federations? Did you like the sound of it? Where is it today? PSP even included federation talk on their website. Where is it today? My point isn't that PBI has had lots of good ideas but failed to follow through–my point is that all the federation talk wasn't what it seemed to be. The purpose was to compete with the other guy. The accomplishment of the stated goal was incidental. You oldsters will remember the space race of the 50's and 60's. The results have had a widespread impact on all sorts of things but the primary motivation was a competition between superpowers. Same with the world federation talk. And as soon as one side lost the other lost interest.
Which brings us back to the freshly minted PSTA and their scheduled shindig with the PB Extravaganza Dealer Trade Show. Is this the beginning of a unified face for paintball or is it just another B-to-B event? In the comments to Part One pbi man invoked SGMA and gave out the PSTA's website so anyone interested could follow up. SGMA (Sporting Goods Manufacturers Assoc.) is primarily a relationship (to retail) and lobbying entity. Will they have a useful contribution to make? I expect they will. But if the PSTA ends up being a mini-SGMA it will have forfeited an opportunity. If that's all that happens it will be an improvement over the present but there are other ways it could go. Why isn't the PSTA prepared to sign up, right now, today, all legitimate members of PBI and welcome them on board? And they already have a Board of Directors? As a natural cynic that looks like the recipe for exclusivity, not inclusivity but hopefully I'm mistaken. It could be I'm just impatient.
Anyway, if you'd like more info check out Warpig and send any queries you have to the PSTA .
Additionally the latest PR from the PSP wants y'all to know Paintball Events Unlimited LLC (you will see them at the Warpig presser) and Paintball Extravaganza (them too) will have a booth at Cup. Maybe you unacknowledged members of PBI should ask them if they want you to join them or be their customers. Just saying.
And if you'd like to do a comparison check out the WPC site.
Could be now is the time to start heating up that tar.

[Update: my html sucks but all the links are now working as intended.]

And the big finish–
Part Four: Making Moves
UPDATE: I've changed it to Sign Posts