Shunning Smart Parts

[doc_Zox]

shun

[tony3]

Wow, you really are a newbie.

[IWANTMOREMAGS]

It wouldn't work. Too many people shoot SP. Fields wouldn't do it. They would lose a lot of business. Paintball is all about business, nowadays....

[Ginjiroku]

I can't think of any way you could get it to work but if it did it would be cool.

[doc_Zox]

refuse to play anyone using a SP marker

make it personal

Stores react to picket lines

make selling SP product unprofitable and SP will back off

[spantol]

Re: Shunning Smart Parts

Originally posted by doc_Zox
What would it take for field owners and stores to consciously object to sell,
repair or permit the usage of Smart Parts products within their facilities?

Could Smart Parts product be shunned into perma un-cool?

For these two, the answer is simple. The only universal way to get stores and field owners to stop carrying Smart Parts products is to reduce the demand for Smart Parts products. The way to do that is through educating the community.

Others have said in other threads that one of the biggest mistakes we make when we discuss this issue is thinking that the internet community represents the offline community. That just isn't so. I've talked to a number of peopleat my local fields who were blissfully unaware that any of this was going on.

The question, then, is how can we raise offline awareness of this issue. I have an idea or two, and I'd love to hear others.

First, I think it's high time that we borrowed a common tactic from the music industry--the concept of a "street team." A street team is a guerrilla marketing tactic wherein a dedicated group of people pounds the pavement, spreading grassroots interest in their cause in a coordinated manner. A web-based forum would be an ideal vehicle for such a coordinated effort. I plan to give this a try in a passive fashion this weekend. I will go to a local field, and my gear bag will prominently display a sign stating "Ask me why I refuse to buy Smart Parts products." When (If )approached, I'll calmly and concisely outline the events that have transpired, and ask that they consider joining me in my personal boycott. I'll also direct them to AO for additional information. AO has members all over the country; if only a fraction were to do something similar, it would have a profound impact on the overall awareness of this issue.

Second, in the Legal Defense Fund thread, Jeb_Hoge suggested spreading awareness by pooling resources and buying ads in paintball publications. I think this is a great idea, and warrants additional research. I have a call into APG regarding their rate sheet, and I'm planning on calling a few other publications tomorrow. I'll post what I find.

[-=Squid=-]

This is the dumbest idea I have ever heard.

[shartley]

Originally posted by -=Squid=-
This is the dumbest idea I have ever heard.

HEY!!!!! YOUR MAILBOX IS FULL AGAIN!!!!

You really need to clean that out more often.

Did you get the package?

[Rumble]

Originally posted by -=Squid=-
This is the dumbest idea I have ever heard.

hey, instead of flat out bashing the guy, why dont you give some constructive critisim? at least he's trying

[p8ntball1016]

It will never work. As long as places like pbgear and 888paintball buy their products they will have income. Not to mention a few people on a message board will likely fail to bring down a corporation.

[spantol]

Yeah, and clarify who you're talking to. I'm not sure whether or not I should be offended.

Originally posted by Rumble
Originally posted by -=Squid=-
This is the dumbest idea I have ever heard.

hey, instead of flat out bashing the guy, why dont you give some constructive critisim? at least he's trying

[TheDuelist]

If everyone who tried something new or original listened to people that told them it was "the dumbest idea ever" where would we be as a people? Go for it Spantol, let your voice be heard.

[barberjohn]

Originally posted by IWANTMOREMAGS
Paintball is all about business, nowadays....

isnt everything.

[Eric Cartman]

Spantol, 2 things
First, "turgid member"? Brilliant!
Second, well said! I couldn't offer much, but I'd be delighted to chip in for some ad space as that's one of the first truly productive ideas I've heard. I also admire your calm rational approach as opposed to resorting to swastikas and irrational diatribes. Players educating players at the fields, proshops and in industry publications is probably the most effective thing that we can do to try to have any impact on this issue.

Keep me posted on any progress with ad space & donations. There's a local forum I'd like to post that in which might garner some support for you as SP's pretty hated there at the moment.

[-=Squid=-]

Attempting to block out half if not more of the paintball market and sport, is hands down, the dumbest idea ever. There are no ifs ands or buts, its dumb, and you people know it.