So i just got off the phone with the DOJ lawyer...(SP Related)

[mobius]

If that's one of the reasons why SP buys ad space, wouldn't that be against some type of anti-trust laws or other laws?

No. Smart Parts buys lots of ad space. As a result, the paintball mag does not run any information bashing Smart Parts or attempting to discredit that company or it's lawsuits. This is not due to an agreement with Smart Parts, it's simple common sense. If they bash their advertisers, the advertisers will take their money elsewhere, thus endangering the future of said publication.

[pbzmag]

No. Smart Parts buys lots of ad space. As a result, the paintball mag does not run any information bashing Smart Parts or attempting to discredit that company or it's lawsuits. This is not due to an agreement with Smart Parts, it's simple common sense. If they bash their advertisers, the advertisers will take their money elsewhere, thus endangering the future of said publication.

So if said pulblication did run articles about the pending lawsuits and SP did tell them to pull the article or they will pull all of their ads and/or file a lawsuit, wouldn't be that be blackmail? And isn't blackmail in the corporate world against the law?

[Magglerock]

the information is there folks, as is the opportunity for some real change...all we need to do is work together...

this isn't over...not by a long shot...

Actually, it is over, unless others in the industry devote some real resources and effort. This guy returned your call because he has to; from here on out, you probably won't ever talk to him again. I work in government, and have so for the last five years. When I was in Congress, we'd talk to anyone. What? You say aliens landed in your backyard? Sure, we'll take the call - once. After that, you'll get the blow-off. There has to be a compelling reason - a motivation - to get things moving. Right now, there isn't. There can be if the industry orginized a coalition and devoted some money to representation so that they can get to see the people who WILL make things happen. But the industry as a whole is to nascent; there just isn't that kind of capital floating around, and most would take a "free rider" opinion. If the industry were more professional, this whole mess would have never happened. Like them or not, SP IS behaving like a large corporation, and that's why they are winning. If the rest of the industry doesn't do something, they will UNDOUBTLY lose a tremendous amount of business and opportunity. Where do you think this sport is heading? It will only get bigger. The longer they wait, the larger SP gets, and the harder it will be to combat them. They may already be too late. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about. Remember a while back, when Tom asked if we would save an industry even if it cost a million dollars? My guess is that was the quote he got for fighting this thing. He chose not to. Time will tell if that was a wise decision.

[RT pRo AuToMaG]

So if said pulblication did run articles about the pending lawsuits and SP did tell them to pull the article or they will pull all of their ads and/or file a lawsuit, wouldn't be that be blackmail? And isn't blackmail in the corporate world against the law?

It wouldn't be blackmail. Smart parts is not forced to advertize in a said magazine. If they feel the magazine give them a bad image, it's their RIGHT to take their ads out. They cannot file a lawsuit unless something was said that was untrue that was not an opinion. Blackmail would be like 'if you don't do this and that, we'll tell everybody that you killed that guy'

[mobius]

So if said pulblication did run articles about the pending lawsuits and SP did tell them to pull the article or they will pull all of their ads and/or file a lawsuit, wouldn't be that be blackmail? And isn't blackmail in the corporate world against the law?

That's not blackmail. That's big business. If you were a retailer who got bad press in a magazine, wouldn't you be inclined to pull your ads and spend the money elsewhere? Wouldn't you also be inclined to warn them that that is your plan if the bad press keeps up?

[magman#1]

dude you better watch out smart parts might have a contract out on your life.....

wouldn't surprise me if those bastards did, but keep fighting the good fight brother.

[pbspectre]

Actually, it is over, unless others in the industry devote some real resources and effort. This guy returned your call because he has to; from here on out, you probably won't ever talk to him again. I work in government, and have so for the last five years. When I was in Congress, we'd talk to anyone. What? You say aliens landed in your backyard? Sure, we'll take the call - once. After that, you'll get the blow-off. There has to be a compelling reason - a motivation - to get things moving. Right now, there isn't. There can be if the industry orginized a coalition and devoted some money to representation so that they can get to see the people who WILL make things happen. But the industry as a whole is to nascent; there just isn't that kind of capital floating around, and most would take a "free rider" opinion. If the industry were more professional, this whole mess would have never happened. Like them or not, SP IS behaving like a large corporation, and that's why they are winning. If the rest of the industry doesn't do something, they will UNDOUBTLY lose a tremendous amount of business and opportunity. Where do you think this sport is heading? It will only get bigger. The longer they wait, the larger SP gets, and the harder it will be to combat them. They may already be too late. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about. Remember a while back, when Tom asked if we would save an industry even if it cost a million dollars? My guess is that was the quote he got for fighting this thing. He chose not to. Time will tell if that was a wise decision.

so the facts that:

A - it's an election year

B- we are still in a recession

C - many American small businesses are in danger

D - the loss of these small companies will nearly guarantee the dominence of companies who import their products (Kingman and Brass Eagle) and stifle competition

are not compelling reasons??? like i said, i think a visual representation of the situation would have a much bigger effect than me inadequately describing the situation over the telephone...

[pbspectre]

here's an interesting piece of info i just got:

From Leon Styles, Owner of PGI Paintguns makers of the Osiris cocker:

we have looked long and hard at their patent, if you look closely at the drawings and how they state it works, it shows it firing from and open bolt, as any paintballer knows all markers fire from a closed bolt, under patent law it must work as shown or the patent is void

sound right to anyone?

[firebanex]

huh it does make sence... all markers "shoot" the ball in a forward position when the air is realesed...

[bunker17]

Guys does anyone know if SP has paintball.com un their budget ???? because for some reason their articles about SP seem like praises and worship instead of a neutral review.
for example this:

http://paintball.com/features/story.cfm?placementID=3037&clickon=NewsS

[marfish]

re: SP

So, let me get this straight; SP pulls their advertizing from any and all publications that give them bad press........cool. No more advertising, No more new customers, no more SP.
I wish it were that simple. They need to advertise in order to entice young minds. They may raise a stink about bad press but they can't afford to NOT advertise. Since they seem to be in the driver's seat on this they can afford to wait it out.