It is astounding that Joe McManus would use media awards to garner media support for the PST. Most of the awards went to writers who in a single instant provided much needed exposure to the PST. However, if you probably asked the writers how many people really read their articles on squash from beginning to end, you would find it is far less than those who have read all the talented bloggers who took the time, free of charge, to write about the PST. No one including myself would ever ask for recognition, we do this for the love of the sport and because we believe in the PST and its efforts to promote a sport we are passionate about. But, I ask myself, what did these writers do that we didn't do? I have read some incredible blogs about the PST written by some very dedicated bloggers and followers of the PST. It is truly sad that McManus could not recognize those efforts and those articles.
June 7, 2013
PST Media Awards An Insult
by Will Gens
It is astounding that Joe McManus would use media awards to garner media support for the PST. Most of the awards went to writers who in a single instant provided much needed exposure to the PST. However, if you probably asked the writers how many people really read their articles on squash from beginning to end, you would find it is far less than those who have read all the talented bloggers who took the time, free of charge, to write about the PST. No one including myself would ever ask for recognition, we do this for the love of the sport and because we believe in the PST and its efforts to promote a sport we are passionate about. But, I ask myself, what did these writers do that we didn't do? I have read some incredible blogs about the PST written by some very dedicated bloggers and followers of the PST. It is truly sad that McManus could not recognize those efforts and those articles.
It is astounding that Joe McManus would use media awards to garner media support for the PST. Most of the awards went to writers who in a single instant provided much needed exposure to the PST. However, if you probably asked the writers how many people really read their articles on squash from beginning to end, you would find it is far less than those who have read all the talented bloggers who took the time, free of charge, to write about the PST. No one including myself would ever ask for recognition, we do this for the love of the sport and because we believe in the PST and its efforts to promote a sport we are passionate about. But, I ask myself, what did these writers do that we didn't do? I have read some incredible blogs about the PST written by some very dedicated bloggers and followers of the PST. It is truly sad that McManus could not recognize those efforts and those articles.
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Dear Will,
ReplyDeleteI too read the PST announcement of its 'Media Awards'. However, it only took reading about the first two recipients to guess, correctly, that none of the awards were being given to regular contributors to the squash game, and squash playing public. And that's actually the point, the squash playing public.
PST has always said that they are focused on bring squash into a wider market. Increase its exposure. And at the same time, adamently strive to provide a spectator experience that will invigorate not only the jaded squash player, but to impress the squash neophytes who come out to watch the PST tournaments.
So of course we have the very strict refereeing philosophy: get out of the way, play the ball, or lose the point. (refered to as the No-Let rules) Happily, the refereeing and players' understanding of how to play this way has been improving. I believe that the matches available online, in particular the ones from PST's most recent two tournaments, show how good this game could, and should be.
Thus, we are left with the second part of the equation, getting squash neophytes into the spectator seats.
We do have to admit, that the current group of squash writers, bloggers, coaches, et al, who are sweating out their words (often for free), are only providing reading material for those who are already squash enthusiasts. We as a group are not reaching a wider market. We're not for the main, I'm quite sure, putting non-squashers into spectator seats.
When PST gives these awards, they are rewarding those writers and news outlets who are putting out the word about squash, (its attractiveness, its fitness demands, its fast sharp excitement), basically thanking these non-squash writers for helping to promote the game to the non-squash public.
These writers and news outlets who were recognized, have a readership that us squash-writers don't have. And this is what makes them important to the growth of the game. If we get them on our side, excitedly promoting our beloved sport, then our game will get additional exposure that can do nothing but help build awareness of the game and its qualities.
I can empathize with your feeling of rejection, or at least the feeling that your contribution to the sport is ignored (thus less valued?). But, these award are for those who are helping to bring the sport to a wider, more general public that knows little or nothing of our sport.
Maybe, yes, there should, or could be some awards for those who are 'in' the sport, and contribute to the population of squash players. But that wasn't PST's intent. PST is doing what it can to build awareness in a wider market, and now thanking those who have helped along the way.
Finally, I suspect that these awards have significant importance because of the direct, on the ground impact that these writers and news outlets had in their local communities. If the efforts of these writers and news outlets resulted in fresh faces in the crowd, and new inquiries at local squash clubs, then certainly in those local markets, the squash game has been well served.
Cheers,
Kenneth
Hi Kenneth,
ReplyDeleteGreat points all around. But if yiu remember the PST published a marketing survey that showed thousands of players try the game but a very small percentage continue with it. So these articles if they've garnered a few neophytes I can assure you that they won't be long for the game. However, the bloggers in their tireless efforts most often get the former player who wants his child to play, or the adult player who stopped playing for a while to pick up the racquet again. The bloggers promote this game...if you can tell me that an article showcasing Ned Marks inspired players to not only try this game but also after trying it to play it then I will tip my hat to you. My guess is that other than a few people read this and found it interesting, no one rushed to the courts to play squash.
I would rather be wrong, Kenneth, I really would. But getting someone to try squash versus getting someone to play squash and continue to play that is the real challenge in this sport. So I think that the PST has awarded people who have provided free advertisement for the PST and their events, which is ok, it is a business after all, but I question the premise that these awards go to those who promote the game.
Of course the fact is that if few people know about squash, fewer play it, fewer try it, fewer read about it and almost none know about these awards. (I read about squash all the time and I have never heard of them.) The idea that selecting writers for recognition will contribute to promotion of the game is laughable to begin with. Complaining that the wrong writers are being selected for this purpose?! Squash from Delphi asks whether any of those selected have caused people to try the game and stick with it. Gosh, Del, (may I call you Del?) do you think any bloggers have had that effect?
ReplyDeleteThis all brings to mind Henry Kissinger's remark that the reason the battles in academia are so fiercely fought is that there is so little at stake.
Cheers Sasha
I agree with Squash From Delphi.
ReplyDelete