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RE: [RC] [RC] Sponsorship - Howard BramhallSince Tevis seems to be the "Holy Grail" of endurance rides, I find it quite ironic that they have chosen to be sponsored by UAE. In some ways, I think this is a fantastic idea. What a concept! Forward thinking!In the age of war between two diverse cultures, here it is, Tevis, the ultimate western, American endurance ride, who embraces the other side. And, they embrace us, sometimes, with a kiss ("Kiss, kiss, you sweet American"). The beauty is no oil, or soldiers, seem to be involved here at all. Let me say something here (Geeez, I'd wish he'd shut the heck up), if this doesn't say something to you Americans as to how important it is we are perceived to the rest of the world is, I don't know what does. WE ARE FOR SALE. Wouldn't surpirse me, if some day, we rent out are military, since it seems the only thing we are really good at. OK, sort of kidding there, but, not really. Times have changed with this thing called a global, corporate world. The Sugar bowl used to just be called the "Sugar Bowl." But, these days, the name has changed to the "Blockbuster Sugar Bowl" or the "Nokia Orange Bowl." As a devout football fan, I used to be quite upset about all of this, when it first occured, but, lately, I have learned to live with it. I still like watching the games, especially the ones where the Florida Gators get to participate, so, I can handle the sponsorship behind them (as long as my Gators win). If most of ya'll out there in the west are upset about this, there's only one way to change it. Don't do Tevis. Don't go. Vote with your feet; or, with your horse's hooves. Don't participate, bring it down. Or, change their Board the AERC way, and, run for office, on this very issue! And, get others to run also (btw, I have no idea how the Tevis BOD operates or exists except from what I've learned on RC). My guess is, that will never, ever happen. Tevis will always be Tevis, just as football will always be football. Fans, and, players, will not stop participating because of sponsorship. It's the love of the game that will keep it going, not the money paying sponsorship. And, run for office, get elected and end up feeling like the SE's beloved Roger R. since his experience on "making changes." I guess next year we'll all find out how many are upset with all of this. Might leave some openings for those who just want to do the ride and are open enough not to villify someone because they donate money. I say: Take their money and ride (if you think 35 K is chump change, please, throw some my way). cya, Howard (I would stop with giving them a buckle though; those buckles are to die for, and, some horses and folks actually have) That should not be For Sale!
A lot of people are really upset by the UAE's sponsorship of Tevis this year. You have to ask yourself is it because they're Arabs or because of all the advertising? If it's the advertising, what in Glories name do you think Microsoft would have done, or Joe Schmo's Pizza Joint for that matter? Would you have rather seen Rolex emblazoned everywhere? The UAE was no different than any American company. And, by the way, notice no American company jumped forward to sponsor what the UAE did. If it was because they're Arabs, shame on you. Tevis is known world wide as the greatest 100 mile ride. We welcome foreign riders with open arms. Why shouldn't foreign countries say thank you by sponsoring the event? If you are against foreign sponsorship then don't open the race to foreign riders. You can bet your booties American companies are sponsoring foreign events. If the problem is solely with the belt buckle, and the anger would have been present regardless of the sponsor, then you have a legitimate gripe. The Tevis belt buckle has come to symbolize a great deal of time, effort, blood, sweat, tears and money to the riders. You hear the word Tevis and you think belt buckle. This was an oversight by the WST committee and should be rectified in the future. Perhaps a plaque, even one shaped like a big belt buckle, would be more appropriate for future sponsors. Letters to the WST directors screaming about advertising will do no good. Lot's of money is required to put this race on, and until somebody dies and leaves a billion dollar endowment to the WST for Tevis, advertising is going to be the norm from any sponsor. Instead of being angry that the UAE did the sponsoring, why don't you be angry over the fact that an American company didn't. Just my opinion, Tori _________________________________________________________________ FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar ? get it now! http://toolbar.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200415ave/direct/01/ =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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