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Post by mtnme on Sept 16, 2008 21:29:46 GMT -5
It really is..and even with Apolo being on DWTS they are having a hard time rising to the occasion...It has always had a small but loyal following But also, people should realize its the skaters who do not want photography at certain times. If it's the skaters who don't want photography at practice, then I support them 100 percent. I wouldn't even question it. I'm going to imagine that everyone else here feels the same.  Videocams at meets? Sorry, but I'm still not seeing it, and I'm at a loss as to how the skaters could possibly object. A knowledgable friend of mine once called Apolo, "the best gift to the sport of short track speedskating that USS ever squandered". With interest in short track at an all-time high due to fan interest in Apolo, isn't NOW the time to be encouraging even more fan interest in the sport? Lori, by all means give USS the link to this thread. And I love, love, love the idea of a non-voting "fan representative". If my local school board can tolerate having a teenage high-school student representattive, then I'm guessing that USS could get used to the notion that we the fans would like to have our views (at least) taken into account. And I'm willing to bet that Apolo would support the fans as well. Just IMO. GREAT quote Susie! - and one I've heard alluded to by some skater's parents. While they certainly would like more attention on their own kids- they're not oblivious to the fact that if it weren't for Apolo, the sport probably wouldn't have what exposure it DOES have - and his popularity certainly hasn't been taken advantage of to it's full potential to expand the sport. Of course, my next question was 'why?' The answer alluded to the attitude that when a skater gets more attention, they have more 'power' if you will, which apparently the NGB have an issue with. It's kind of like my grandmother's (stingy) attitude about love. 'It's like a pie, if someone else gets a slice, mine gets smaller.' It never occured to her that love is infinite - someone could love many people, and still not diminish that which was directed to her. I certainly believe that everyone working as a cohesive team is stronger for it, instead of small factions all fighting amongst themselves. As for the argument that it's the skaters not wanting photography during practice because it's distracting, of course, we'd all defer to their wishes. I'll even give you the argument that they don't want any training secrets out there. I just have a hard time buying it. As someone who figure skated in my younger days, I'd get off the ice to 'relieve my inner tensions' so to speak or re-tie my laces, and someone would come up to me and say "hey, we really enjoyed watching you skate - we even took pictures!"  Huh? Duh? Wha? I was so engrossed in whatever move I was trying to master, I didn't notice anyone there watching whatever I was doing (well, maybe the other skaters on the ice so we didn't slam into one another...) I doubt skaters at the elite level are that easily distracted. My understanding is the Oval is a public facility that is open to the community. You could very well find yourself jogging on the track with a long or ST member on any given day. While they wouldn't let Aaosmts take any photos, they also didn't ask her to leave either, and she was free to watch them practice. Certainly anyone on the National Team is familiar with the attention. Sorry, this reason doesn't quite cut it ... JMO  Breaking my silence (not an intended silence, believe me)....to ask a question. Can someone answer why it would be so bad to take pictures and video at practice? That seems the most ridiculous to me... I know there's all sorts of copyright stuff that comes when telecasts/webcasts are involved, but I totally agree with AAOsmts19. They can use all the publicity they can get. And if starved-for-any-kind-of-ST fans want to take pictures, just turn a blind eye. Unless they're willing to hire a fantastic photographer who will take amazing pictures of Apolo for us, and then give us the high-res versions for free (sarcasm). But really... *sigh* But it's a 'moo' point anyway, as Lindsey has come up with the perfect solution!  And it'll make EVERYONE happy! USS - or a trusted anybody approved by USS - can run out and take a couple of random "officially approved" daily pics of the skaters doing whatever. It can only take a few minutes- and WE DON'T CARE WHAT IT IS! Shoot those puppies off in an e-mail to an 'officially approved 'fan' of their choice, who would gratefully post whatever the Pictures of the Day were. Everybody wins!  1) . USS gets all kinds of free advertising - spun just the way they want it. 2) . The skaters get to expand their own fan base and name recognition 3) . We - (to quote Lindsey) Starved - For - Any - Kind - Of - ST fans get our daily fix.  4) And internet forums being what they are, the pictures will circulate across the internet like wildfire-therefor increasing the exposure of the sport as a whole ! In fact, to launch my idea, I'll throw out the first challenge! I would like to see a picture of Ryan Levielle not scowling at the camera (I'd ask for an actual 'smile', but hey, Rome wasn't built in a day! LOL) So there it is USS. You have just been given a FREE avenue for advertising, and advertising that's just the way you want it!  Have at it!!!! EDIT: And for those of you who didn't get the 'Moo' point reference, here's a reminder www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bo54wE_rJU |
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Post by susie on Sept 16, 2008 22:03:51 GMT -5
As someone who figure skated in my younger days, I'd get off the ice to 'relieve my inner tensions' so to speak or re-tie my laces, and someone would come up to me and say "hey, we really enjoyed watching you skate - we even took pictures!" Huh? Duh? Wha? I was so engrossed in whatever move I was trying to master, I didn't notice anyone there watching whatever I was doing (well, maybe the other skaters on the ice so we didn't slam into one another...) I doubt skaters at the elite level are that easily distracted. Same here on the balance beam. Did I care that people were watching me train/compete in a skimpy outfit? Nope. Did I care that they were taking photos? Nope. Take more, and get a few good ones while you're at it! Did I mind that they were holding their breath, not making so much as a squeak, watching me compete in the dead silence that I needed to perform at my best? Heck, no! God bless them! Thank you for caring enough to come see me! Memo to USS: You are dealing with a new kind of fan. We have a clue. We care. To the photography hobbyists out there, I have a proposal: adopt a skater. Let's get some great shots of our U.S. skaters this next season. |
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Post by susie on Sept 17, 2008 18:42:54 GMT -5
But it's a 'moo' point anyway, as Lindsey has come up with the perfect solution! And it'll make EVERYONE happy! USS - or a trusted anybody approved by USS - can run out and take a couple of random "officially approved" daily pics of the skaters doing whatever. It can only take a few minutes- and WE DON'T CARE WHAT IT IS! Shoot those puppies off in an e-mail to an 'officially approved 'fan' of their choice, who would gratefully post whatever the Pictures of the Day were. Everybody wins! 1) . USS gets all kinds of free advertising - spun just the way they want it. 2) . The skaters get to expand their own fan base and name recognition 3) . We - (to quote Lindsey) Starved - For - Any - Kind - Of - ST fans get our daily fix. 4) And internet forums being what they are, the pictures will circulate across the internet like wildfire-therefor increasing the exposure of the sport as a whole ! In fact, to launch my idea, I'll throw out the first challenge! I would like to see a picture of Ryan Levielle not scowling at the camera (I'd ask for an actual 'smile', but hey, Rome wasn't built in a day! LOL) So there it is USS. You have just been given a FREE avenue for advertising, and advertising that's just the way you want it! Have at it!!!! Okay, I like that idea. I'll even add to it. Why don't we pool money together and buy a camera for USS? (...maybe a new-generation camera that is somewhere between a point-and-shoot and a DSLR.) Then either USS staff or fans (trade your driver's license and/or credit card to borrow the camera) can take photos. If a fan borrows the camera it's handed back to USS at the end of the visit. USS can release whatever photos it deems appropriate. Daily would be burdonsome, IMO. I think even once a month would be great. At least it would be something. Is that idea workable? |
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Post by mtnme on Sept 17, 2008 19:30:04 GMT -5
But it's a 'moo' point anyway, as Lindsey has come up with the perfect solution! And it'll make EVERYONE happy! USS - or a trusted anybody approved by USS - can run out and take a couple of random "officially approved" daily pics of the skaters doing whatever. It can only take a few minutes- and WE DON'T CARE WHAT IT IS! Shoot those puppies off in an e-mail to an 'officially approved 'fan' of their choice, who would gratefully post whatever the Pictures of the Day were. Everybody wins! 1) . USS gets all kinds of free advertising - spun just the way they want it. 2) . The skaters get to expand their own fan base and name recognition 3) . We - (to quote Lindsey) Starved - For - Any - Kind - Of - ST fans get our daily fix. 4) And internet forums being what they are, the pictures will circulate across the internet like wildfire-therefor increasing the exposure of the sport as a whole ! In fact, to launch my idea, I'll throw out the first challenge! I would like to see a picture of Ryan Levielle not scowling at the camera (I'd ask for an actual 'smile', but hey, Rome wasn't built in a day! LOL) So there it is USS. You have just been given a FREE avenue for advertising, and advertising that's just the way you want it! Have at it!!!! Okay, I like that idea. I'll even add to it. Why don't we pool money together and buy a camera for USS? (...maybe a new-generation camera that is somewhere between a point-and-shoot and a DSLR.) Then either USS staff or fans (trade your driver's license and/or credit card to borrow the camera) can take photos. If a fan borrows the camera it's handed back to USS at the end of the visit. USS can release whatever photos it deems appropriate. Daily would be burdonsome, IMO. I think even once a month would be great. At least it would be something. Is that idea workable? OK, I WAS being a wise a$$, but hey, can we compromise and do twice monthly! There has GOT to be someone there who is a shutter bug other than Andrew! I'VE GOT IT!!!!! We need the 'Zamboni Driver's Mom!' She knows ALL!!!! |
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Post by bubblebuttsbabe on Sept 17, 2008 19:37:34 GMT -5
Okay, I like that idea. I'll even add to it. Why don't we pool money together and buy a camera for USS? (...maybe a new-generation camera that is somewhere between a point-and-shoot and a DSLR.) Then either USS staff or fans (trade your driver's license and/or credit card to borrow the camera) can take photos. If a fan borrows the camera it's handed back to USS at the end of the visit. USS can release whatever photos it deems appropriate. Daily would be burdonsome, IMO. I think even once a month would be great. At least it would be something. Is that idea workable? OK, I WAS being a wise a$$, but hey, can we compromise and do twice monthly! There has GOT to be someone there who is a shutter bug other than Andrew! I'VE GOT IT!!!!! We need the 'Zamboni Driver's Mom!' She knows ALL!!!! There is always Teri, but I think she only focuses on club, not the elite.  |
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Post by lilyover76 on Sept 17, 2008 21:22:37 GMT -5
Andrew Love's blog states:"There were other important things discussed at the meeting including something that might have a huge impact on what I do here. The banning of video cameras (possibly including mine) from all events that US speedskating webcasts is one of them. They also are banning picture taking/videos at practice."
The first sentence state... "important things discussed". Is it correct to assume that the camera issue is not a final decision, that it was only discussed, at this point? Can anyone here elaborate, since I was gone from Friday through Monday and I might've missed something. ?? Regarding the second sentence: Does the video camera ban apply only to USS events (that are webcast)? Does is not apply to ISU events, even tho USS athletes participate??? Maybe this is clear to some of you... but I had to ask. 
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Post by bubblebuttsbabe on Sept 18, 2008 1:06:19 GMT -5
Andrew Love's blog states:"There were other important things discussed at the meeting including something that might have a huge impact on what I do here. The banning of video cameras (possibly including mine) from all events that US speedskating webcasts is one of them. They also are banning picture taking/videos at practice."
The first sentence state... "important things discussed". Is it correct to assume that the camera issue is not a final decision, that it was only discussed, at this point? Can anyone here elaborate, since I was gone from Friday through Monday and I might've missed something. ?? Regarding the second sentence: Does the video camera ban apply only to USS events (that are webcast)? Does is not apply to ISU events, even tho USS athletes participate??? Maybe this is clear to some of you... but I had to ask. Most likely, at another time/mtg. USS will vote on any amendments that are in regards to this. I don't think this was the case at this mtg. But I haven't seen if they updated their regulations or whatnot (that usually takes awhile to be posted ). As you said, it was discussed, so no I don't think it's official. As for video/photos, that would only pertain to events that USS has sanction over. I don't think this would count the Utah WC seeing as it's ISU sanctioned and that most likely overrides anything USS. So this basically counts for anything national (Am Cups, US Champs, National Champs, etc). However, I don't know if it's only National events that are webcast-ed or all National events. |
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Post by lilyover76 on Sept 18, 2008 1:09:57 GMT -5
Thanks, BBB... I appreciate your info on this matter. ;D
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Post by bubblebuttsbabe on Sept 18, 2008 1:16:59 GMT -5
Thanks, BBB... I appreciate your info on this matter. ;D You're welcome, Lily! ;] |
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Post by lilyover76 on Sept 18, 2008 13:29:42 GMT -5
Okay... regarding videos, my hubby had a good question.
Are cell phones banned during competition???
If not, cell-casters can record live videos!
This was done, by the hundreds, during the recent American Idols Live Tour... as my hubby reminded me!
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Post by bubblebuttsbabe on Sept 18, 2008 20:28:49 GMT -5
Okay... regarding videos, my hubby had a good question. Are cell phones banned during competition??? If not, cell-casters can record live videos! This was done, by the hundreds, during the recent American Idols Live Tour... as my hubby reminded me! I don't believe they are. I have a hard time believing that USS would even think of cell phones as a way to disseminate media. I mean, we barely got webcasts last season...they seem to be a little behind on these things. Although, talking about cell phones, I think it would be really cool if we could get speedskating wallpapers or something - or ooo! Apolo's voice as a RINGTONE! LOL. ;] |
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Post by aaosmts19 on Sept 21, 2008 12:41:40 GMT -5
Here is the first reasonable explanation of that I've heard about taboo-videoing during meetings. From CHris Needham in the Andrew's corresponding thread: andrewlove.org/blog/"Chris "walking the party line" Needham, on September 20th, 2008 at 8:10 pm Said: No one is going to discount the value of You Tube and viral videos. What you need to understand is that USS has sold the rights to broadcast USS events, this is a good thing. If we allow people to video World Cups and US Championships and they put it online this will put USS in a very bad spot, all because they are trying to get us more exposure and a bigger audience. The rules that are in place are no different from any other sport that you see on TV, try taking a video camera into any other sporting event and a security guard will approach you and ask you to turn it off, that’s if you can even get in the door with it. This includes the X-Games which is owned by the copyright nazi’s over at Disney (I’ll probably get in trouble for using their name here). This will give us better opportunities to get our events on TV, along with live webcasts. Would you rather watch a full competition on TVor the web, that lots of people will see, or would you prefer to search out obscure skating clips on YouTube that the general population will never seek out. Now as this relates to the wonderful blog that I read and enjoy daily. As I read it you can video all the practice you want, just don’t video the national team (without permission). I think you should approach USS and petition for a media credential, I’ll support you(whatever that is worth). You are the only member of the media that reports on us. I along with many other athletes love being mentioned on this blog. Remember the post from a while ago where two athletes tell you how much they love your blog and want a mention andrewlove.org/blog/?p=325#comments the same goes for most of us. Just the way I see it, I can imagine I will get torn apart for this comment." |
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Post by aaosmts19 on Sept 21, 2008 15:39:29 GMT -5
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Post by mtnme on Sept 21, 2008 15:54:32 GMT -5
Thank You My Dear! ... * bows with a flourish* although my cheeks are a little red with the 'kudos'  ...me thinks after the last couple of rants I've posted, USS will be hiring someone named 'Guido' to break my kneecaps. Or at the very least, putting a gag order on me! LOL |
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Post by sk8on on Sept 21, 2008 17:51:20 GMT -5
Thank You My Dear! ... * bows with a flourish* although my cheeks are a little red with the 'kudos' ...me thinks after the last couple of rants I've posted, USS will be hiring someone named 'Guido' to break my kneecaps. Or at the very least, putting a gag order on me! LOL I have to join in on the 'kudos.' mtnme, I love your rant and it surely is deserved. LOL on the 'Guido' comment...but, we have your back...  |
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