Like the title says this is an interview with Ken Bryson of the Palm Beach Vipers. When I first heard about Ken's plan to expand the Vipers I was intrigued. Not because I couldn't wait for lots of new little snakes slithering around but because his plans sounded like they were addressing an issue I've blogged about before and continue to think is one of the core problems facing tournament paintball--the lack of leadership in the formation and maintenance of teams. I ask Ken about that and more so read on.
1--Seems like there's quite a lot of talk about the Vipers regional plans but not always much information. Can you lay out the basic concept, Ken?
Our plan is to start and build Palm Beach associated teams built from local players in areas where there are or have been strong regional sized tournament series. For instance we will build teams in NC that will focus on the CFOA, in GA to play GFOA events (also able to attend CFOA). In FL to support our struggling regional CFPS and SPCS events. In the Chicago area to play the MW events as well as a mid-division USPL/NPPL team. And finally 2 teams in CA, one north and one south, to play RPL and WCPPL. In the process of building these regional programs I hope to motivate other teams to strengthen their programs as well, if for no other reason than to come out and beat on Palm Beach. Join the teams because you like what we're doing or build your own teams because you hate us. Either way is fine with me, it still helps achieve the end result.
2--Part of the internet chatter has pronounced this a money making scheme. Is it?
Not at all. I have heard the same talk about this issue. Every time I see some 'internet qualified paintball expert' chime in about my grand plan to fleece the player base and line my pockets with all these millions of dollars I will be collecting I have to laugh. You know as well as I do that there is no money to be made running paintball teams. Anyone that thinks there is, or knows how to do it please let me know.
3--How does it benefit the players?
Hopefully the plans will all go as we hope and we will be able to keep the players interested in participating (in) the regional and national tournament series. Anyone that joins in and commits to playing the season with (the) team in their region will have all of the same benefits, entitlements and responsibilities that the rest of the Palm Beach teams for 2010. A big part of the over all plans are to encourage all of the team players to get back to inviting new people out to play as often as they can. Paintball needs new money, that will only come from marketing and promoting the game to their friends and families and even total strangers.
4--What are the benefits, entitlements and responsibilities of a Palm Beach Viper?
The responsibilities are most important to me, those include promoting the local paintball scene, specifically the playing facilities and stores that our players live on and around. Without these people we are all done playing; they need our support. On a larger scale I expect out players to represent the team, our sponsors, the industry and paintball in general in a mature professional manner that will not cause them drama or embarrassment. Basically act like a human being and don't do shit you or I will have to apologize for later. Our younger players who are still in school are expected to maintain a reasonable grade point average and take care of all their family responsibilities. If mom and dad are happy so am I. Older players are expected to be able to sustain themselves financially, and be able to manage their money properly so that their bills are paid, and be responsible with their spending and budgeting so they can afford to play for the team. The players are expected to bring new people into the sport and help develop the player base. And our players must understand that they are a marketing tool for paintball, our sponsors and supporting companies and for the team.
The entitlements and benefits include all of the discounts, support and sponsorship that we have been fortunate to receive from the industry and some from outside the industry companies and individuals who believe in what the team represents, and what were doing. Paintball companies that support the team know we are a very effective marketing tool, were lucky to be visible and well known, and the size of the team gives them access to a huge network of players all over the world. And they all get to be Facebook pals with Sinan and say they know DQ.
5--Doesn't it also benefit the team's sponsors? And the more players involved the better the sponsors like it?
The plans have been exceptionally well received by all of the companies that are working with Palm Beach. I have given them all the run down on how things are going to work and how each will benefit from the expansion. The various field owners around the country that will end up hosting the teams are the most supportive, as they all realize that they will be the ones that benefit the most.
6--If it's not about making money then why do it?
Well because it needs to be done. Why conquer the peaks of K2 and Everest? Frankly and honestly there is a bit of an ego boost, owning the world's largest paintball organization is pretty cool. I'm not going to deny it. In the last 26 years paintball has given me a lifetime of fantastic memories. I have met amazing people and built lifelong friendships, traveled all over the country and seen places I might not have had the chance to do otherwise. I want all of my players to have the same chances to do the same things as I have. But more importantly I am hoping that in some tiny measure what we are doing together as a team will keep some of our players out of trouble, off the street, away from drugs, and focused on educating themselves and life outside paintball. If in the process we can introduce a new crop of players that will carry the torch for the next and keep money flowing in the industry, all the better.
7--That sounds like a lot of work. How actively involved can you be with so many teams?
It will be a ton of work, no doubt of that. I will be around the regional teams as much as I can but there's no way for me to be there all the time and I never planned to be, that wasn't part of the idea. This isn't about duplicating the Palm Beach core everywhere else. I know I can't train or coach all of these players and teams. It's logistically impossible. Each region will have a director that I will work closely with in guiding them on how to manage the logistical part of the teams operation. Practices and the events each team will be attending will be arranged by that team's director. The directors will be held to some pretty rigid expectations, we have been fortunate to find guys in the areas that we have announced tryout dates for that are dedicated, committed and believe in what we are trying to do together. In the end the success or failure of these regional teams will depend on the level of commitment from the players on those teams.
8--So that mean a critical piece of the puzzle will be regional leadership. Who are they and how did they get involved?
The regional directors are players that live in the area, play at the local fields and are well known and well connected in those areas. They all came to me after we posted the plans for the expansion asking for the chance to help to organize and help us. Each of them have said the right things to me and I believe that we have chosen guys that will have the best interest of the teams in mind. All of them have a fair amount of tournament experience and know their local player base well.
9--Okay, but your regional guys aren't new to paintball, are they? They've run teams before. How is this different? How is this helping?
All of the regional directors do have experience either running or managing teams of their own or were involved in the management of the teams that they have played with in the past. None of them are currently on teams for one reason or another. They all needed teams or wanted to create teams on their own. We are offering them the things they are short on, direction, support and the access to industry sponsorship that will help them get players who are recently out of the game or not playing as often as they can back on the field.
10--What about the notion that all the regional teams will do is cannibalize players from other teams?
I cannot stop players from leaving their teams to come and tryout or play with Palm Beach. I encourage them to stay there and keep their own programs strong. I have said often that I am not looking to scalp talent away from teams for the regional programs. Our plans are to offer teamless and newer players who may not have a chance to play tournaments that opportunity. If players do leave teams to play with us I'd have to question why they would want to do that or what was going wrong with their current teams that would motivate them to want to leave in the first place. Palm Beach should not be viewed as the vulture circling the dying man in the desert just waiting for them to drop. If there are teams who are struggling and worried that we are moving in to kill them off I want them to contact me and we can work together to help them find ways to strengthen their teams with access to our contacts in and out of paintball.
11--What do you hope to accomplish with this project?
I'd like to be named paintball czar and wear a really cool hat. If we can keep regional paintball active I believe that it will filter up to the national series and down to the local level to help revitalize the local scene. All of the regional teams will be working with their local pro shops for most of their equipment needs and with their fields to play and practice. We are also working on a project in cooperation with Draxxus and some of our other sponsors that will produce free play passes for the local fields and discounts for local pro shops. We will have more on that after we get all the details worked out and the passes produced. They will be free and anyone can get them from us to pass around to get people out to the field and playing paintball on a regular basis.
12--Who are the Vipers sponsors this year?
We made some huge changes this past off season. As most know we had been with Proto from the beginning. After 5 years it was decided on both sides that we should consider some new directions for the team. It was a friendly parting, I still love all of the guys over at Dye and certainly owe them an undying debt of gratitude. Were it not for Dye Palm Beach would never have lasted this long.
For 2010 the teams will be using Macdev guns, the PSP focused teams; semipro, Div1, two in Div2 and Div3, will all be shooting the new Clone. The regional teams will have a choice to shoot the Clone, Cyborg or Droid.
We will all be wearing custom Titan Pro jerseys designed by Tanked and our own Rick Applegarth and wearing Tanked pants.
Draxxus will again be on board with us for paint, and we will be wearing Grill masks as well.
Guerrilla Air will be the teams choice for tanks and regulators.
Packs, pads and luggage by NxE.
Gen X Global will be supplying the teams with pods.
KM Straps will be doing some new straps for our Grills.
Mike's Paintball Supply in West Palm Beach has always taken care of us along with just about every other player in the area.
13--What else would you like people to know about the PBV regional program?
Stay updated with all of the regional news and tryout dates on the Viper forums on the team website www.palmbeachvipers.com
Anyone interested in a regional team in their area should let us know and we can talk about plans to help make that happen.
If you are interested in more information on supporting the Palm Beach program or marketing your businesses thru us; contact me to discuss plans and ideas.
Okay, on that final bit of self-promotion let's call it an interview. Thanks, Ken.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
JT channeled by JB: The Statement
Link is in the title. Below is the complete, as posted, statement.
________________________________________________
Ballers Cafe has just received confirmation that JT has set out to align themselves with a strategic partner which will help carry the brand and its storied line of products into the next decade. From the information that we have been able to gather, JT is actively looking to merge the business or license the brand in early 2010 with another company within the paintball industry that can match the strengths JT has held for over 40 years in the Action Sports Industry.
Riding on the momentum from a successful new products launch of its FX Concept line at the 2009 Paintball Extravaganza, all indications showed that JT in fact had turned the corner in their rebuilding strategy and were on the right path to significantly growing their position among the major paintball manufactures. This will definitely be a significant asset for whoever partners with JT by adding both the new and existing products and technology from JT / Viewloader into their lineup. Sources close to JT have also confirmed that they are also positioning the company for a probable merger by informing its employee’s of the pending changes and preparing them with different changeover scenarios, possible relocation, and probable work force reductions. Nothing has been set in stone or finalized at the time of this writing but from what we were told, JT is exploring all their options and narrowing the list for equitable partners.
After all the unsubstantiated negative press that has been circulating recently about JT closing its doors for good, the editorial staff at Baller’s Café ensured that it had all the facts correct and that we spoke to the right people who would give us the correct information before we released anything. One additional and very important point we did managed to obtain was that in no way were the leaders of JT just going to “shudder the brand” and let it die. There is too much pride and commitment within the JT organization to let that happen. If, and only if, the leadership team is ensured they have the right partner that is a fit for the JT name, then they will move to lock in a deal. JT has been in business for 40 years and is looking to be in business for at least another 40 more, except this time they will do so with the right partner who is as passionate about paintball as they are. More will be added on Ballers Cafe as the news to who JT will be partnering with becomes public.
_______________________________________________
Before I get started I want to say how much I respect Rich and the XSV kids and that I appreciate their loyalty to JT. I only hope it is returned.
With respect to the above statement I have a few comments.
There was no effort involved to "find the truth", it is a prepared statement, an embarrassingly obvious prepared statement.
The claim is that JT is actively seeking "a partner"--which means they need a buyer. Did the hunt begin yesterday? The day before maybe? Why do they need a buyer? Did they just discover this "fact" in the last 10 days? That vicious rumor is completely untrue but come to think of it we sure could use a buyer. Maybe for the same reason they closed down the Neosha paint plant recently? (See yesterday's post and link.)
Regarding employees it's relocation and/or loss of employment--and that's if they find a buyer?
Does the Baller's Cafe have all the facts correct or is JB simply passing out the party line? And could somebody actually learn the English language for god's sake? "shudder the brand" Are you kidding me?
And finally, there's too much pride to let it die but if and only if the right partner is found will a merger/sale/whatever go forward. (The very definition of empty blather. I checked. Webster's says so.) But what happens if the right partner isn't found? (And the list of candidates seems to be shrinking daily.)
Fortunately for the great unwashed paintball still has a few remaining beacons of truth willing to seek the truth and give us the facts in the face of unsubstantiated negative press. Knowing that, I for one, rest easier.
________________________________________________
Ballers Cafe has just received confirmation that JT has set out to align themselves with a strategic partner which will help carry the brand and its storied line of products into the next decade. From the information that we have been able to gather, JT is actively looking to merge the business or license the brand in early 2010 with another company within the paintball industry that can match the strengths JT has held for over 40 years in the Action Sports Industry.
Riding on the momentum from a successful new products launch of its FX Concept line at the 2009 Paintball Extravaganza, all indications showed that JT in fact had turned the corner in their rebuilding strategy and were on the right path to significantly growing their position among the major paintball manufactures. This will definitely be a significant asset for whoever partners with JT by adding both the new and existing products and technology from JT / Viewloader into their lineup. Sources close to JT have also confirmed that they are also positioning the company for a probable merger by informing its employee’s of the pending changes and preparing them with different changeover scenarios, possible relocation, and probable work force reductions. Nothing has been set in stone or finalized at the time of this writing but from what we were told, JT is exploring all their options and narrowing the list for equitable partners.
After all the unsubstantiated negative press that has been circulating recently about JT closing its doors for good, the editorial staff at Baller’s Café ensured that it had all the facts correct and that we spoke to the right people who would give us the correct information before we released anything. One additional and very important point we did managed to obtain was that in no way were the leaders of JT just going to “shudder the brand” and let it die. There is too much pride and commitment within the JT organization to let that happen. If, and only if, the leadership team is ensured they have the right partner that is a fit for the JT name, then they will move to lock in a deal. JT has been in business for 40 years and is looking to be in business for at least another 40 more, except this time they will do so with the right partner who is as passionate about paintball as they are. More will be added on Ballers Cafe as the news to who JT will be partnering with becomes public.
_______________________________________________
Before I get started I want to say how much I respect Rich and the XSV kids and that I appreciate their loyalty to JT. I only hope it is returned.
With respect to the above statement I have a few comments.
There was no effort involved to "find the truth", it is a prepared statement, an embarrassingly obvious prepared statement.
The claim is that JT is actively seeking "a partner"--which means they need a buyer. Did the hunt begin yesterday? The day before maybe? Why do they need a buyer? Did they just discover this "fact" in the last 10 days? That vicious rumor is completely untrue but come to think of it we sure could use a buyer. Maybe for the same reason they closed down the Neosha paint plant recently? (See yesterday's post and link.)
Regarding employees it's relocation and/or loss of employment--and that's if they find a buyer?
Does the Baller's Cafe have all the facts correct or is JB simply passing out the party line? And could somebody actually learn the English language for god's sake? "shudder the brand" Are you kidding me?
And finally, there's too much pride to let it die but if and only if the right partner is found will a merger/sale/whatever go forward. (The very definition of empty blather. I checked. Webster's says so.) But what happens if the right partner isn't found? (And the list of candidates seems to be shrinking daily.)
Fortunately for the great unwashed paintball still has a few remaining beacons of truth willing to seek the truth and give us the facts in the face of unsubstantiated negative press. Knowing that, I for one, rest easier.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Interesting Times: Wednesday Edition
Today we begin with the facts. In the not too distant past Ultimate Airball (UA) received their patent(s) on inflatable bunkers. (For more on that part of the story visit ProPaintball.) Not too long after that they announced they were back in full production and had reached a licensing agreement with Sup'Air. (For those who don't remember--or never knew--Ultimate Air made a heavier grade inflatable bunker than Sup'Air that came in a more limited variety of shapes and was promoted as a better all around outdoor use bunker. And one of the company's principles, Milt Call, was responsible for the Ultimate Madness 3-man tourneys in West Virginia back in the day and also the short lived WGN paintball show, Ultimate Arena Paintball. Seeing a pattern?) Unfortunately the timing turned out to have been inopportune as that was around the time things were going south in a big way and airball fields were less popular than herpes.
Returning to the present--and here is where the rumorology begins--UA is reputed to be on the verge of filing suit against Sup'Air for violating their licensing agreement--I know, another lawsuit in paintball *yawn* right?--but it gets better.
UA is also rumored to have threatened litigation on end users as well, big name leagues with three letter names anyway, that use Sup 'Air bunkers. (ProPaintball's story suggests the extent of the litigation may carry to other leagues as well.) That option is a viable legal strategy--they can include end users--in fact, it is the latest infringement lawsuit power play and often doesn't include the infringing manufacturer. The suits are rapidly becoming viewed as a ploy to squeeze money out of a larger pool of "violators" than a suit against a single manufacturer. And it is working. Litigation issues in patent cases are complex, uncertain and expensive and frequently mean that potential defendants pay off to avoid litigation even when they believe they're in the right. It does, however, within the paintball community context seem like a bad idea to sue your customer base.
Which brings us to the ironic portion of our story. Word on the street claims UA first tried to enlist the three letter league into a scheme where the league would promote and even broker sales for UA and, of course, use UA bunkers as the league's official bunkers. When the proposal was rebuffed then the litigation option was put on the table. You gotta love the paintball business, don't you?
JT Sports UPDATE: Brass Eagle--note the date. (h/t to Mick at T-Square for the link.) Plus Ballers Cafe has a statement posted regarding JT Sports' future.
Returning to the present--and here is where the rumorology begins--UA is reputed to be on the verge of filing suit against Sup'Air for violating their licensing agreement--I know, another lawsuit in paintball *yawn* right?--but it gets better.
UA is also rumored to have threatened litigation on end users as well, big name leagues with three letter names anyway, that use Sup 'Air bunkers. (ProPaintball's story suggests the extent of the litigation may carry to other leagues as well.) That option is a viable legal strategy--they can include end users--in fact, it is the latest infringement lawsuit power play and often doesn't include the infringing manufacturer. The suits are rapidly becoming viewed as a ploy to squeeze money out of a larger pool of "violators" than a suit against a single manufacturer. And it is working. Litigation issues in patent cases are complex, uncertain and expensive and frequently mean that potential defendants pay off to avoid litigation even when they believe they're in the right. It does, however, within the paintball community context seem like a bad idea to sue your customer base.
Which brings us to the ironic portion of our story. Word on the street claims UA first tried to enlist the three letter league into a scheme where the league would promote and even broker sales for UA and, of course, use UA bunkers as the league's official bunkers. When the proposal was rebuffed then the litigation option was put on the table. You gotta love the paintball business, don't you?
JT Sports UPDATE: Brass Eagle--note the date. (h/t to Mick at T-Square for the link.) Plus Ballers Cafe has a statement posted regarding JT Sports' future.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Interesting Times: Tuesday Edition (The Director's Cut)
I am bored already with the end of season rumors (except the ones I can't divulge) so today's post is part rumor, part rumination.
On the JT front I've heard confirmation of the original confounding rumor but it doesn't go quite as far as giving an official closure date. And multiple sources suggest there's been at least one failed dialogue with respect to selling the company within the industry. (It could be an effort will now be made to keep it afloat long enough to prove it has value in ongoing efforts to sell.) And it seems the sale of JT Europe--to Cybergun--hasn't been finalized yet but within this process some wondered how it would effect MAXS (a large Germany-based European distributor & paintball dealer) as there has been speculation that JT also owned MAXS (or a share of it.) (While the speculation was apparently wrong this part is important to my ruminations below.) (Wow, back to back parenthetical statements--no, wait, triple parens, I think that's a new record!)
In recent months much of the industry has made changes that included personnel changes. One target has been sales forces and their salary structures and it has occurred in big companies and small. Kingman made their move late summer for example around the same time Procaps altered part of their Euro distribution scheme, particularly in France. And lately similar rumors have swirled around Dye Europe. One camp seems to think it's a pull back and reduction, the other a consolidation of Dye's Euro resources into the UK. Of course from the outside the two might look about the same and essentially serve the same basic function so ... call it what you like I suppose. Everyone is looking for ways to economize--which isn't exactly a shocker, is it?
In the Procaps case rumor has it that the distribution change was brought to a head by the size of the debt the distributor had accumulated due to Procaps advancing credit. While a commonplace practice offering credit terms in a contracting market runs a number of risks. One is that the size of the debt will alter the relationship between the creditor and the debtor, creating a shifting leverage imbalance (among other things). Put simply when you owe a man a thousand dollars he becomes impatient for repayment, when you owe him a million dollars he takes a great interest in your continued good health on one hand and how he can parlay the size of the debt to his advantage if repayment isn't forthcoming on the other.The Procaps bind was a guy who owed a lot of money but who couldn't generate more income without more product but he owed a lot because he hadn't paid off on the credit already advanced.
That is the situation those speculating incorrectly about MAXS and JT Europe thought might have existed in a scenario where JT Europe took over part or all of MAXS based on outstanding prior debts.
This is interesting because it isn't uncommon, particularly of late, and because it has application up and down the paintball food chain. It bears a resemblance to the way stories claim NPS gobbled up smaller paintball enterprises back in its heyday and fits in with some stories currently making the rounds about MAXS, for example. The stories claim MAXS has used similar situations to gain an interest in (control of?) a number of retail paintball sites and there is--as of this morning--a related thread on pbhub.de about a field operator who refused to play ball. (The situation isn't identical to the debtor/creditor scenario but the results are.) And while I'm not wringing my hands at how big fish eat little fish there are also very subdued, whispered rumors of similar things going on here, particularly industry accumulating shares or ownership of local retail stores and fields in an effort to recover value on outstanding debt. Unreceived and unlikely to be recovered accounts receivable is a big problem and no telling how much some of the industry has had to write off in recent years but making vertical moves is one way to ameliorate at least part of the problem.
Depending on how widespread this practice is, how often it is happening, it may very well be silently altering the nature of the industry as a whole and it is very likely just delaying the problems of the present by pushing them a little further down the road and in the pocess changing the face of retail competition.
On the JT front I've heard confirmation of the original confounding rumor but it doesn't go quite as far as giving an official closure date. And multiple sources suggest there's been at least one failed dialogue with respect to selling the company within the industry. (It could be an effort will now be made to keep it afloat long enough to prove it has value in ongoing efforts to sell.) And it seems the sale of JT Europe--to Cybergun--hasn't been finalized yet but within this process some wondered how it would effect MAXS (a large Germany-based European distributor & paintball dealer) as there has been speculation that JT also owned MAXS (or a share of it.) (While the speculation was apparently wrong this part is important to my ruminations below.) (Wow, back to back parenthetical statements--no, wait, triple parens, I think that's a new record!)
In recent months much of the industry has made changes that included personnel changes. One target has been sales forces and their salary structures and it has occurred in big companies and small. Kingman made their move late summer for example around the same time Procaps altered part of their Euro distribution scheme, particularly in France. And lately similar rumors have swirled around Dye Europe. One camp seems to think it's a pull back and reduction, the other a consolidation of Dye's Euro resources into the UK. Of course from the outside the two might look about the same and essentially serve the same basic function so ... call it what you like I suppose. Everyone is looking for ways to economize--which isn't exactly a shocker, is it?
In the Procaps case rumor has it that the distribution change was brought to a head by the size of the debt the distributor had accumulated due to Procaps advancing credit. While a commonplace practice offering credit terms in a contracting market runs a number of risks. One is that the size of the debt will alter the relationship between the creditor and the debtor, creating a shifting leverage imbalance (among other things). Put simply when you owe a man a thousand dollars he becomes impatient for repayment, when you owe him a million dollars he takes a great interest in your continued good health on one hand and how he can parlay the size of the debt to his advantage if repayment isn't forthcoming on the other.The Procaps bind was a guy who owed a lot of money but who couldn't generate more income without more product but he owed a lot because he hadn't paid off on the credit already advanced.
That is the situation those speculating incorrectly about MAXS and JT Europe thought might have existed in a scenario where JT Europe took over part or all of MAXS based on outstanding prior debts.
This is interesting because it isn't uncommon, particularly of late, and because it has application up and down the paintball food chain. It bears a resemblance to the way stories claim NPS gobbled up smaller paintball enterprises back in its heyday and fits in with some stories currently making the rounds about MAXS, for example. The stories claim MAXS has used similar situations to gain an interest in (control of?) a number of retail paintball sites and there is--as of this morning--a related thread on pbhub.de about a field operator who refused to play ball. (The situation isn't identical to the debtor/creditor scenario but the results are.) And while I'm not wringing my hands at how big fish eat little fish there are also very subdued, whispered rumors of similar things going on here, particularly industry accumulating shares or ownership of local retail stores and fields in an effort to recover value on outstanding debt. Unreceived and unlikely to be recovered accounts receivable is a big problem and no telling how much some of the industry has had to write off in recent years but making vertical moves is one way to ameliorate at least part of the problem.
Depending on how widespread this practice is, how often it is happening, it may very well be silently altering the nature of the industry as a whole and it is very likely just delaying the problems of the present by pushing them a little further down the road and in the pocess changing the face of retail competition.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Interesting Times: Monday Edition (again)
There are conflicting reports on a rumored situation at KEE. The word on the street before Christmas was that KEE had put a hold on virtually all product orders to their suppliers and that employees would (will) have to take an unpaid mandatory two weeks off in either January or February of 2010. More recent efforts to verify the rumors have met with denials from well placed sources inside the company.
I'm passing it along to y'all despite the conflict because the original source has proven to be very reliable in the past.
In any event, while unusual it may portend nothing more than a measure designed to deal with a temporary cash flow issue or ongoing credit crunch concerns since the government isn't yet bailing out paintball companies. Or the naysayers may have it right. Either way it shouldn't be long to find out.
At this time I have two or three more similar items that will posted during the week but this isn't going to devolve, even for a week, into rumor central. I also expect to have a Ken Bryson of the Palm Beach Vipers interview up this week and who knows what else.
I'm passing it along to y'all despite the conflict because the original source has proven to be very reliable in the past.
In any event, while unusual it may portend nothing more than a measure designed to deal with a temporary cash flow issue or ongoing credit crunch concerns since the government isn't yet bailing out paintball companies. Or the naysayers may have it right. Either way it shouldn't be long to find out.
At this time I have two or three more similar items that will posted during the week but this isn't going to devolve, even for a week, into rumor central. I also expect to have a Ken Bryson of the Palm Beach Vipers interview up this week and who knows what else.
Jeff Stein Interview at The Ford Report
Link is the title. The interview expands in some detail on the Stein interview that appeared over at ProPaintball. Jeff's take is always interesting.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Rumorology: The Unseen Game
Have you ever asked yourself where rumors come from? After all, they don't spring up ex nihilo like maggots in a sealed jar with a piece of rotting meat. (Alert: ironic science humor not intended to be taken as fact.)
Yes, I'm picking up where I left off last Monday. But, as usual, I'm not going straight from point A to point B.
Most of the rumors that float around paintball are gossip. Low level stuff that's as likely to be dead wrong as anywhere near the truth. The sorta stuff demanded by the crew that have secretly seen 'The View' and tape Oprah to watch with their girlfriends. (You know who you are.) Another category of rumors are the ones that are discoverable but not widely known. Still others are factoids--some approximation of an actual fact--and, of course, some are true and some are utter nonsense. All kinds of rumors share one similarity--they start with somebody telling somebody else something the majority doesn't know.
Yes, I'm picking up where I left off last Monday. But, as usual, I'm not going straight from point A to point B.
Most of the rumors that float around paintball are gossip. Low level stuff that's as likely to be dead wrong as anywhere near the truth. The sorta stuff demanded by the crew that have secretly seen 'The View' and tape Oprah to watch with their girlfriends. (You know who you are.) Another category of rumors are the ones that are discoverable but not widely known. Still others are factoids--some approximation of an actual fact--and, of course, some are true and some are utter nonsense. All kinds of rumors share one similarity--they start with somebody telling somebody else something the majority doesn't know.
What is perhaps less well known (or left unconsidered) is the complicity of PBIndustry in the business of rumor-mongering. Very sensitive or fact specific rumors almost always originate from highly placed industry sources. The fact is that there are times when it is in the interest of one industry entity to get some information out there. Sometimes it's from within, floating a trial balloon or internal dissent or dissatisfaction. More often it's not. And if you're beginning to wonder if that isn't something of a dangerous game for industry to play I would agree but then where would would be?
Returning to last Monday's JT brouhaha I can assure you my source wasn't a highly placed inside industry source--I don't have a lot of friendly contacts there--but I have little doubt my source's source fits the criterion. So, in the future when a particularly good or revealing rumor hits the web take a second to consider where it might have come from and who might benefit from that info being made public. At that point you're getting a glimpse of the unseen game.
Oh yeah, I promised to tell y'all who the rumor mill claims is bidding on JT's paint manufacturing--it's Gino at Valken and Richmond from GI Milsim. More tomorrow.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
World Domination Is Just Around The Corner
As the Deadbox Puppet Army explodes with fresh recruits. This week VFTD is pleased to welcome Redwood, Tommy, Cedrik DeValk, Harb & Jonathan A. Thank you, gentlemen--and I use the term advisedly--given that we are talking paintballers.
UPDATE: Bounced?! What? Is that a comment on the recruits or what? I'm mystified.
UPDATE: Bounced?! What? Is that a comment on the recruits or what? I'm mystified.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Have a Merry Christmas Unless ...
I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year--so I will--but keeping in mind the perils & pitfalls of our ever more tolerant and diverse world I also offer this alternative:
Please accept with no obligation, implied or explicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2010, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.
Please accept with no obligation, implied or explicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2010, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Global Harmonization & the PSP
I'm gonna do an about face. Over a year ago I posted a rant or two or possibly more (I can seldom leave well enough alone when there's an opportunity to bludgeon y'all over the head an extra time or two with my flavor of the day outrage) regarding the PSP / MS dialogue about harmonizing formats, rules, etc. (Though it would be nice if the MS had a rule book ...) Anyway, as an anti-globalist anarchist I opposed it on general principle but more practically I opposed it because it looked like the PSP was moving toward the MS model and not the other way round--and I considered--and still do--the MS version of the format-formerly-known-as-xball to be a weak imitation.
At the time the PSP suggested that any appearance of globalizing was mostly coincidental (and something the Eurokids were pushing but not the PSP) and that the real mover was economic necessity with decisions made being what seemed the best available compromises, in essence. It was, and remains, a potent argument and I have no doubt economic concerns are a prime motivator. But global harmonization isn't a figment of my fevered imagination or a coincidence, it is real.
There is a light at the end of that tunnel though--perhaps. Here's where I change my mind. I'm still not thrilled that necessity and intent have moved the game closer to the Euro model but if viewed as an intermediate step in a larger plan it both makes sense and should hopefully lead in a direction I approve of. (As if my approval actually mattered anywhere but here at VFTD where it's paramount.) Okay, that's all rather cryptic and I apologise for not spelling it out but rest assured I will. Right now there are decisions still to be made and no doubt lots of details I know little or nothing about. Some of those should be clearer after the 5th of January as there will be a PSP meeting in San Diego on that date and part of the agenda will be addressing the intermediate step in concrete ways.
VFTD EXTRA: For those who can't wait for the PSP to make their announcements for 2010 I suggest you be prepared to wait until after the Jan. 5 meetings. At a guess I would say most of the work is done but some items are unlikely to be settled before that meeting. And yes, I know Faction has stated the 2010 rulebook should be released soon and while I don't doubt his best intentions soon is rather non-specific and I'm reasonably certain rules changes may be the least of it. Dammit, I can't even get a final pro roster number yet.
So relax, enjoy your holiday, there's plenty of time still to stress over paintball. Or, you could collect the torches & pitchforks and pay raehl a friendly visit.
At the time the PSP suggested that any appearance of globalizing was mostly coincidental (and something the Eurokids were pushing but not the PSP) and that the real mover was economic necessity with decisions made being what seemed the best available compromises, in essence. It was, and remains, a potent argument and I have no doubt economic concerns are a prime motivator. But global harmonization isn't a figment of my fevered imagination or a coincidence, it is real.
There is a light at the end of that tunnel though--perhaps. Here's where I change my mind. I'm still not thrilled that necessity and intent have moved the game closer to the Euro model but if viewed as an intermediate step in a larger plan it both makes sense and should hopefully lead in a direction I approve of. (As if my approval actually mattered anywhere but here at VFTD where it's paramount.) Okay, that's all rather cryptic and I apologise for not spelling it out but rest assured I will. Right now there are decisions still to be made and no doubt lots of details I know little or nothing about. Some of those should be clearer after the 5th of January as there will be a PSP meeting in San Diego on that date and part of the agenda will be addressing the intermediate step in concrete ways.
VFTD EXTRA: For those who can't wait for the PSP to make their announcements for 2010 I suggest you be prepared to wait until after the Jan. 5 meetings. At a guess I would say most of the work is done but some items are unlikely to be settled before that meeting. And yes, I know Faction has stated the 2010 rulebook should be released soon and while I don't doubt his best intentions soon is rather non-specific and I'm reasonably certain rules changes may be the least of it. Dammit, I can't even get a final pro roster number yet.
So relax, enjoy your holiday, there's plenty of time still to stress over paintball. Or, you could collect the torches & pitchforks and pay raehl a friendly visit.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Romance, Mystery, Legend & History
La Serenissima. Venice. It's all that and much more. An extraordinary if somewhat melancholy place in the 21st century. And the Grand Tour has announced Venice as the location of one of their tournaments for 2010.
(For everyone primed for Interesting Times I realize this is a rather abrupt segue but there you go. Tomorrow will see a PSP related post and should there be more to say in the aftermath of yesterday's post I'll let you know.)
Just how they are going to manage that I don't know but I wish them all the luck in the world. In Venice proper there are only two places I can think of; the great concrete wart of a parking lot addition by the train station in the Tranchetto or the grounds at the eastern end past the Arsenale district. And somehow both of those strike me as highly unlikely. Keeping to Venetian islands the Lido seems the most likely with lots of possible sites, a modern sensibility and cheaper accommodations but still--it's an island. Proximate to Venice on the mainland is Mestre but it's largely industrial and not particularly scenic though only a short train ride from Venice. There are a few other spots perhaps but they aren't actually Venice either. And while Venice has an airport--it's small and doesn't have lots of connecting points--there's also the matter of paintball being illegal in Italy. (Though I'm told there are a handful of paintball fields in the country nonetheless.)
Anyway, I'm intrigued and should anyone, from the Grand Tour, or otherwise have more info I'd love to hear about it. (I'm resisting the urge to post scenic photos. UPDATE: failed to resist urge.) Any excuse to visit Venice is an excuse well made.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Holiday Moratorium on 'Interesting Times'
UPDATE: A couple of things. Apparently Chuck Geiling at JT doesn't approve and would like to talk. Via phone. I prefer email--it leaves a paper trail. So we'll see, I suppose. VFTD will--as always--be happy to post any official statement Chuck wants to make on behalf of JT Sports.
In addition, a rep for XSV tells me the team remains in negotiations with JT for the 2010 season.
Look, it's very simple. I call all this stuff rumors because that's what it is. I don't post on a single source and if I'm suspicious I wait to hear more. I hear a lot more than I pass on because despite appearances if somebody tells me certain info isn't to be posted, I don't. Gossip about teams and players I usually ignore. I know there is a market for it but I like to pretend VFTD is more than a gossip site.
Finally, there is one issue related to posting rumors, responsibly or otherwise, that I didn't consider until it was brought to my attention today. The potential impact on peripheral people who may be affected by a rumor. Since it's the holiday season I'm going to hold off posting the rest of the 'Interesting Times' items until next week. Am I being overly sensitive? Maybe. Probably even--but a few days won't change anything.
In addition, a rep for XSV tells me the team remains in negotiations with JT for the 2010 season.
Look, it's very simple. I call all this stuff rumors because that's what it is. I don't post on a single source and if I'm suspicious I wait to hear more. I hear a lot more than I pass on because despite appearances if somebody tells me certain info isn't to be posted, I don't. Gossip about teams and players I usually ignore. I know there is a market for it but I like to pretend VFTD is more than a gossip site.
Finally, there is one issue related to posting rumors, responsibly or otherwise, that I didn't consider until it was brought to my attention today. The potential impact on peripheral people who may be affected by a rumor. Since it's the holiday season I'm going to hold off posting the rest of the 'Interesting Times' items until next week. Am I being overly sensitive? Maybe. Probably even--but a few days won't change anything.
Interesting Times: Monday edition
Were you paying attention when JT Europe was sold to Cybergun? Or when XSV's sponsorship wasn't renewed? Did you realize that upwards of 50% of all JT sales had been through Walmart? That the word on the street when JT Sports underwent a top to bottom restructure beginning a couple of years ago that parent company Jarden decreed each division (Viewloader, WGP, etc.) needed to be profitable to remain in operation?
The latest word whispered in my favorite dark alley is that the windows will be shuttered and the doors locked and closed on JT Sports for good on Feb 1 2010. Caput! No word on the availability of any of the pieces (like Viewloader) except the paint manufacturing element which apparently has two bidders at the moment. (I'll tell you who they are tomorrow.) I hope Rodney and World Famous Entourage collect on their sponsorship in a hurry. What's that all about?
UPDATE: If you're new to VFTD you might want to browse a bit. This week's rumorology isn't the blog's stock-in-trade, more a reflection of the time of year. And if you have a particular interest try "search" (but it doesn't work very well) or drop me a line any time (link on sidebar at the top.)
The latest word whispered in my favorite dark alley is that the windows will be shuttered and the doors locked and closed on JT Sports for good on Feb 1 2010. Caput! No word on the availability of any of the pieces (like Viewloader) except the paint manufacturing element which apparently has two bidders at the moment. (I'll tell you who they are tomorrow.) I hope Rodney and World Famous Entourage collect on their sponsorship in a hurry. What's that all about?
UPDATE: If you're new to VFTD you might want to browse a bit. This week's rumorology isn't the blog's stock-in-trade, more a reflection of the time of year. And if you have a particular interest try "search" (but it doesn't work very well) or drop me a line any time (link on sidebar at the top.)
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Hell Freezes Over
I've set up a Twitter account for VFTD. (http://twitter.com/VFTD) I don't like it. I'm not convinced it isn't stupid but I'm going to try it out on a probationary basis. The sole purpose will be to provide another source of info about new posts. There's also a link down on the sidebar.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
A Week Of Interesting Times
Aight. Things are starting to shake out, the word is starting to leak out. And I am reminded of the purported (but highly doubtful) Chinese curse, May you live in interesting times. If "interesting" is synonymous with unpredictable or chaotic then things are definitely getting interesting. All this coming week VFTD will have (probably) daily items of interest, mostly industry-related to report.
The only positive spin I can put on much of what's coming is that opportunity exists in periods of change.
To get y'all started I'm going with one of the more positive items. As was rumored some time ago Walmart chose to discontinue carrying JT Sports paintball stuff including the subsidiary brand like Viewloader and WGP. The related word at that time was that Walmart sales accounted for anywhere from 40 - 50% of all JT sales but paintball sales in all the box stores as declined in recent years and is losing shelf space everywhere.
However, the latest is that Draxxus has picked up the Walmart account JT lost. It's a temporary reprieve at best for Draxxus--which is producing more paint than ever and still struggling--because Walmart still intends to phase out paintball gear sales. The deal should (hopefully) help Draxxus over the next year or so anyway.
The only positive spin I can put on much of what's coming is that opportunity exists in periods of change.
To get y'all started I'm going with one of the more positive items. As was rumored some time ago Walmart chose to discontinue carrying JT Sports paintball stuff including the subsidiary brand like Viewloader and WGP. The related word at that time was that Walmart sales accounted for anywhere from 40 - 50% of all JT sales but paintball sales in all the box stores as declined in recent years and is losing shelf space everywhere.
However, the latest is that Draxxus has picked up the Walmart account JT lost. It's a temporary reprieve at best for Draxxus--which is producing more paint than ever and still struggling--because Walmart still intends to phase out paintball gear sales. The deal should (hopefully) help Draxxus over the next year or so anyway.
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