Adam Popp wrote:
> So those are the top 10 reasons shy autocrossing should be on
> television. Only the big races like pro solos, national tours and the
> Solo II nationals would be televised because that's where all the big
> named autocrossers and sponsors, are all together, in one. If I owned a
> television station, I defentely would have autocrossing on my station.
> So that's what I think and I would like to know what you fellow
> autocrossers think about it! If my message was a little long, I'm sorry,
> but next time it won't be. I'm out!!!
We had this discussion awhile back, and I enjoyed it. (I personally am
still in the possibly niave, "why-not" camp too) I think it is a good
topic, although there are quite a few roadblocks in the way of "easy"
entry into the world-o-television. (There are a bunch of very qualified
folks on team.net who are in the "biz" and will no doubt offer some
realities.) Personally while I agree that there are difficulties, I
believe firmly that it can be done.
Look at Prosolo, which IMO is the most logical candidate for coverage.
Changes of late are intended to begin to make this series more palitable
with this in mind. At least that's my understanding. This has been met
with no shortage of scepticism, and often not very logical sceptisicm at
that, but I say "what's the downside?" If you don't make any effort,
why should you expect any gain?
The camera technology (or whatever you want to call it) exists now to
put together a visually attention grabbing and exciting format. (One
reason I mentioned the skiing double shot replay thing- excellent direct
application.) I think everyone agrees that this is a given, as well
having the talent in many areas. When you look at production costs,
finding a buyer, and adding the sponsorship, and (fill in things I
forgot here), you start to see that while not impossible, it is
difficult. Maybe it is the sponsorship thing.
It seems to kind of a chicken/egg thing to me. I personally feel that
if there were large, national sposorship signage running around on the
cars first, the likelyhood of some sort of TV coverage might be
accelerated. I'm sure the reverse is true. (Televise the cars, and
they will come) Right now, there just isn't a lot of exposure to sell.
Grassroots Motorports, and SportsCar are our main print media outlets,
and I am appreciative of what they offer, but there needs to be more. I
fully hope that GRM will commit more of their space to Prosolo coverage
since they are now series sponsors. When they print photo's and do
stories on sponsored vehicles, they are encouraging the market to grow.
It's like "why should I bother to gain sponsorship if our focused media
doesn't respond in kind by doling out some exposures." Some may say
"What market? We are a small amatuer enthueasts sport, and we have no
market to sell.", and I can't say I would disagree with that right now.
But will the house build itself? I don't know, but I think that there
are no down sides to trying, but there needs to be a little support from
our parent. Wow, I got a little carried away. I'm certainly no expert
on the sponsorship thing, and it may be possible that I just don't know
what the hell I'm talking about, I'm just rambling out some random
thoughts here. (Basically what I'm saying is that I want someone to pay
me to have fun! ;) ;) )
Anyway, to sum up:
T.V. - good.
Sponsorship - good.
Sponsorship and T.V. - hard to get.
Washburns chances of a ProSolo season? - No funds, no ProSolo.
--
Patrick Washburn <washburn@dwave.net>
Wausau, WI Land of Cheese
95 DS Neon
Moooooooooo.
|