Are you kidding me?

[csh2z]

We won't be able to judge the value of this project until well after it is complete. Just like any other project. Until it is complete it will not produce the desired goals. As any work in progress, skepticism will always be felt by those outside the loop. Most of us don't know or understand the goal of this project. In order to achieve goals a plan has to be developed. The plan is broken down in steps or phases. Each step must be implemented and successful before moving on to the next step. Whenever anything is built, be it a boat, a building, a work of art or a business until it is complete it won't function as desired.
We are at the very early stages of this project. Unless you know what stage we are in and what results are to be expected, we cannot judge. I'm sure you can learn more about this project if you ask. One thing I guarantee, you won't get answers by complaining on Hydroracer.

[HRTV]

We won't be able to judge the value of this project until well after it is complete. Just like any other project. Until it is complete it will not produce the desired goals. As any work in progress, skepticism will always be felt by those outside the loop. Most of us don't know or understand the goal of this project. In order to achieve goals a plan has to be developed. The plan is broken down in steps or phases. Each step must be implemented and successful before moving on to the next step. Whenever anything is built, be it a boat, a building, a work of art or a business until it is complete it won't function as desired.
We are at the very early stages of this project. Unless you know what stage we are in and what results are to be expected, we cannot judge. I'm sure you can learn more about this project if you ask. One thing I guarantee, you won't get answers by complaining on Hydroracer.

John,

My logic all along has been that it simply was not needed. The world has changed drastically in the last few years along with the technology. Racing of any form as we all know it has never been a sport where people line up to participate. Racing for the most part is a sport that is handed down through the generations etc.

That said I honestly saw no emergency or need to reinvent the organization or take it into the digital age. Was it truly broken? Is there truly a need for a CEO? Sure a few minor updates along with a Facebook and Twitter Page would have been more then sufficient in my opinion. As stated in my original post in this thread I have now come to realization that powerboat racing of all forms is the water version of local Saturday night dirt track racing on water. Guys and Gals show up for the friendships and bragging rights. There is no fame or fortune to be had, websites or digital magazines play no role when it comes down to the winners circle and seeing those priceless smiles.

The guys and gals that are current active drivers know that its about that spray in your face on warm summer afternoon going into the first turn. There is simply nothing Crown or anyone else can do to make that experience any more enjoyable. You do it because you love it and that's what life is all about.

Be safe everyone have a great week.

[bill van steenwyk]

John:

If your post was directed at me and others who have been critical of the Crown project, I will say it one more time for you and anyone else who will take the time to READ CAREFULLY my previous posts on the subject.

I have not and do not criticize APBA or the current leaders for anything they are trying to do, however late, to spur growth in the different categories of boat racing.

What I have said time and time again, is in a member driven organization, if you want to keep good will and enthusiasm about a project that is financed by members dues, especially one with the many times mentioned figure of anywhere from 250K to 400K, YOU MUST BE OPEN AND TRANSPARENT ABOUT THE COST OF SAME, AND WHAT THE SCOPE AND PENALTY'S ARE IF THE TARGETS ARE NOT MET.

That information has been hidden in it's entirety from the outset, and add to that fact the last name of the person company who was awarded the contract is Hearn, do not help to lend much credence to it., to me and others with the same thought process. Until that happens it will continue to be looked on in the manner it has been by those who have been critical in the past.

According to your post, if you continue on with that line of thought, and the Crown project IS NOT successful, in the words of someone whose name escapes me now, YOU AIN'T HEARD NOTHIN' YET. As has been stated before, what is the scope of the project and what is expected? Even if they do not want to divulge the cost, for whatever reason, you would think this information would be front and center, WITHOUT HAVING TO CALL SOMEONE. What else is the site for, except for the reason of keeping membership informed, among others.

At that time, those who kept quiet will probably be wondering, why did I not say something at the time and demand more openness and transparency about it, but the money will be gone, and probably those who would not be open about it.

And one last thought, you make the comment "we are in the first stages of the project, and how can we judge?" If Richard Hearn's comments on the APBA site are to be believed, do you think the members have gotten their money's worth to this point? I'm sorry, but if I want to post someplace about Boat Racing, complain or not, I think right here is just fine. And if you want to know the reason just read the comments, and also see how many of the suggestions on the site were followed to make it more user friendly. Not many, starting with the color and basic format.

[csh2z]

I'll be the first to admit, I don't know the details of this project. But, I do believe that it is needed and long overdo. I don't know how many times over the years I've heard and said "How can we grow? Nobody even knows we exist!" We don't need millions of people to make us successful but we may have to introduce ourselves to millions to grow by hundreds. Many of our races are hidden in small towns and remote locations that are difficult to attract potential new racers. Making use of the internet gives us the opportunity to go to where the potential prospects are. We have to get our name out there, show off what we do and let people know they can do this too.

[bill van steenwyk]

I'll be the first to admit, I don't know the details of this project. But, I do believe that it is needed and long overdo. I don't know how many times over the years I've heard and said "How can we grow? Nobody even knows we exist!" We don't need millions of people to make us successful but we may have to introduce ourselves to millions to grow by hundreds. Many of our races are hidden in small towns and remote locations that are difficult to attract potential new racers. Making use of the internet gives us the opportunity to go to where the potential prospects are. We have to get our name out there, show off what we do and let people know they can do this too.

John:

I DO NOT ARGUE WITH YOU OR ANYONE ELSE REGARDS WHAT BOAT RACING, OF ALL CATEGORIES NEEDS.

I will not spend the energy or time saying once again what I have already said many, many times about its need, BUT, I would like to ask you or anyone else just this one question:

If you operated an enterprise of ANY kind, and especially one as APBA is, member driven and financed by payment of dues, and supposed to exist for the benefit of its membership,(if any other reason for its existence is pertinent, please enlighten me) and you proposed to spend the type of dollars that has been bandied about that this project would cost, WOULD YOU FEEL ANY OBLIGATION, to share with that membership that is going to have to pay for it, just exactly what the cost and expectations for the project might be. And what penalties, if they exist, for failure to complete the project in a timely manner might be?? And do you also feel an elected BOD in the organization also has that type obligation?

A simple answer, Yes or No, from you or anyone else that has defended this project will suffice.

[Racerkyle20]

New folks in boats, for the record.

How many other successful racer schools are there?

Just for the record Stacy jaga bombs! (inside joke)

SOA new folks in boats. Every year for past 5 or so years we have had a racer school. How many new racers have we gotten out of this? about 15- 20 (give or take, i'm not exactly sure on numbers). That's approx 3-4 a year. Not bad considering the sport is declining. We basically sign people up at a boat show in Seattle and give people rides. Brings in anywhere from 10 drivers to a high of 40 one year.

Racing in Seattle is as big as ever. 100 entries a day of racing is very common. Last year's nationals in Michigan, region 10 alone brought 27 boats. That's boats not entries for a 2000 mile trip.

Last weekend's race at Lawrence lake saw 155 entires each day. 19 csh's, 19 20ssh's, 10 CSR and 25ssr, 10 ASH, even 6 500ccmH, and 7 350cch, etc.

[csh2z]

Bill,
I get your point and I agree, the membership should have access to that information. Personally, I have not sought it out so I don't know whether it is available to us or not.

[raceright]

Are you kidding me

Are You Kidding Me all this banter and not one of you it seems have read the APBA By Laws. Go to the web and look up and read the second article--PURPOSE
Section 2.1 Object. The object of the Association is to promote the racing and use of powered water craft and the improvement of their design and construction,to formulate rules,to govern trials of speed ,endurance and competition between such boats and to further the interests of its membership consistent with the needs and aspirations of the people of the United States of America.

We seem to only improve boats and engines as is obvious I submit if you do not like what The leaders and Crown are doing you have had plenty of time you super chest pounding great racers to follow section 2.1.

And for those of you who will say what about you Pat Wright--you do not know me.

[raceright]

one more thing

We have had plenty of people become super racers, I do not remember any super Promoters. The leadership of APBA is trying something and until YOU CRIERS come up with a better idea and follow it through with the effort you put into building a boat or engine then sit back and see what happens.

Pat Wright

[bill van steenwyk]

Bill,
I get your point and I agree, the membership should have access to that information. Personally, I have not sought it out so I don't know whether it is available to us or not.

John:

Thanks for your reply. FYI, Mark Wheeler has recently posted on the APBA Social Page in regards to several questions about the same subject, that the costs WILL NOT be divulged.

The BOD of APBA who made this decision regards the Crown Project will, at some future time, have to stand for re-election again if they so choose. Since to this point no one but they know the cost, scope, and any penalties for non-performance or objectives of the contract not achieved, how will the membership then be in an intelligent position to cast a vote to either retain or replace them with someone else.

Also, how would a possible candidate for the BOD be able to make an intelligent decision as to whether the current members have done a satisfactory job so as to determine whether to challenge them for re election, unless the criteria for the contract and costs are divulged?

[bill van steenwyk]

We have had plenty of people become super racers, I do not remember any super Promoters. The leadership of APBA is trying something and until YOU CRIERS come up with a better idea and follow it through with the effort you put into building a boat or engine then sit back and see what happens.

Pat Wright

Pat:

As you are quite aware I am sure, the people who have been critical of the Crown Project are NOT critical because of the effort made to promote the sport.

If you read the posts about the subject, unless you choose to ignore what is written, it is plain that promotion of the sport has been needed for many years, and I and others who have been critical have applauded the effort to finally do something in this direction.

The problem is that the costs of the Crown Project have been hidden for 18 months and now that some of the results are starting to appear, some do not seem to feel that the money amount ????????? is being wisely spent, and want more openness and transparency as to those costs.

It is just that simple, and trying to put any other spin on it does a disservice to the dues paying member.

[raceright]

Pat:

As you are quite aware I am sure, the people who have been critical of the Crown Project are NOT critical because of the effort made to promote the sport.

If you read the posts about the subject, unless you choose to ignore what is written, it is plain that promotion of the sport has been needed for many years, and I and others who have been critical have applauded the effort to finally do something in this direction.

The problem is that the costs of the Crown Project have been hidden for 18 months and now that some of the results are starting to appear, some do not seem to feel that the money amount ????????? is being wisely spent, and want more openness and transparency as to those costs.

It is just that simple, and trying to put any other spin on it does a disservice to the dues paying member.

Bill
The dollar amount whatever it is (rumors of several hundred thousand)
is much more than 99% of membership could swallow. The BOD is elected
by the membership trust them or do not trust them you either sail or sink and there is noone to blame but the membership.

My take that after 50 years of nothing buy racing APBA"s lack of promotion
is what will make Marketing costs be very very high and no matter what we gave Crown it is not enough for a quality campaign.

If you remember about 6 years ago I pointed out on this site that there was no money spent on marketing for as many years as there was records and after I posted APBA's financials and we all saw that nothing was being spent
then leadership put $40,000.00 into the following years budjet, to little to late.
If you really want to know how much crown is getting it will be posted in year end financials.
Ask your Pro Commissioner to make them available Bill and have your chairman in all categories and regions insist they be placed on APBA's site.

Oh and by the way Bill you say you do not wish to be confortational, just that comment alone makes you confortational.

[HRTV]

Bill,

I have to agree with Pat, whatever they are being paid is nothing more then play money in the real world.

http://www.businessinsider.com/corpo...ng-2011-6?op=1

[lngnckboatworks]

I'll be the first to admit, I don't know the details of this project. But, I do believe that it is needed and long overdo. I don't know how many times over the years I've heard and said "How can we grow? Nobody even knows we exist!" We don't need millions of people to make us successful but we may have to introduce ourselves to millions to grow by hundreds. Many of our races are hidden in small towns and remote locations that are difficult to attract potential new racers. Making use of the internet gives us the opportunity to go to where the potential prospects are. We have to get our name out there, show off what we do and let people know they can do this too.

its that simple, nice post!!!

[Big Don]

I only share this to put things in prospective. I agree with what others have posted. What APBA is spending is pocket change. That does not mean we should just throw money around and waste it. Time will tell at the end of the project if it was money well spent. I agree that we should know what it’s costing us and what we are getting. But like Pat mentioned. We elected our BOD to represent us. Let them do what they think we need to do, that’s why we elected them.

Now I do understand we (APBA) is not a 400 million dollar company, the company I work for is a wholesale distributor and we work on very small margins so we have to be frugal when it comes to spending. Our budget for IT is about $3.6 million this covers stuff like programmers, support/help desk, servers/hardware, Computer equipment, maintenance agreements, internet expense, Web Site development, mobile app development, this does not include stuff like office phones, Phone lines, T1 lines, Data-lines, etc.

Once again I only share to try and help other put things in prospective for what APBA is spending if you don’t understand this stuff. If 250,000/350,000is the number that we are spending over three years…. it not much. Dan Lawrence and others could be right, it may not do what we are hoping it will do, but we needed to try something and if it means giving up my propeller magazine that I LOVE so much…then so be it. (as long as it comes back at some point) Like Dan at the APBA office mentioned, we were stuck in 1970 with a lot of this stuff.