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Post by Andy Ducharme on Aug 26, 2004 20:33:35 GMT -5
As I read the threads where there is talk of wanting unification, I see where there is diversity in the reasons behind it. Some want it because they think it will aid in becoming an Olympic sport. (Perhaps?) Others want it because they want to see monetary awards for placing. And some want it for other reasons also. I see complaints that people are making money off arm wrestling. So what? We want sponsors to support the sport, but they won’t if they aren’t making money from it. Promoters won’t promote if they don’t make a living off it.
The unity in this sport begins with us, the pullers. It is our love for the sport that unites us. The camaraderie is second to none. We are such a diverse people. Our jobs, backgrounds, walks of life, localities and languages are all different. Yet, this is all overcome when we first walk up to that table and reach across it to shake hands before we pull. This is where our unity begins and needs to grow from.
We are in this sport and know what goes on in it. It is through outsiders that the sport will grow and be recognized. When they see the camaraderie and intensity that we have, they see professionalism and it is like a win at the table and one step closer to that first place trophy. When the see the arguments and petty bickering they only see us as bar room arm wrestlers and it is like a loss at the table. No matter how many wins you have it only takes two losses to be eliminated.
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Post by Cindy Looney on Aug 26, 2004 21:21:30 GMT -5
yeah what he said those magic beans make you quite articulate  |
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Post by Bill Cheetham on Aug 26, 2004 21:28:33 GMT -5
Well done, Andy. Very well done.
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Post by Bill Cox on Aug 26, 2004 23:50:40 GMT -5
Right to the point Andy. We started out super and continued to grow into the biggest and best Board out there. Now we are starting to sound like some of the other boards out there. Keep in mind that any sponsor, new armwrestler or for that matter any IOC or GAISF people that would do a search for armwrestling can end up here and see the name calling and unsportsman like conduct we are portraying. We need to keep our emotions in check and stick to what got us here, pure love of the sport and great topics that interested everyone. Lets stick to Armwrestling and the promotion of the sport we all love. Let the other boards call names and point their fingers and whine & cry about everything.  |
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Post by James on Aug 27, 2004 7:37:29 GMT -5
No crying, I prefer cheese with my whine. That is such an old one, I can't believe I am posting it. But then, things could be worse. I could be Andrew Fournier.  Agreed Andy, very well put. The personal battles between a couple of people have kept this sport from thriving. Let's get past it and see the opportunities the sport has. |
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Post by CHRISTIAN BINNIE on Aug 27, 2004 9:34:38 GMT -5
James, I agree with what you said. Imagine that!  Only kidding! Andy, the people who are running organizations ( the most promienent ones ) for profit ARE the ones who are stopping unification. Just like James said at the bottom of his thead. Like it was stated before, to death, things " seemed " ( mistake ) like it was going to unification in Japan, then...... |
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Post by Chris Coletti on Aug 27, 2004 10:00:42 GMT -5
That's exactly how I feel and my intentions with my original post.
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Post by Christopher Myers on Aug 27, 2004 17:59:50 GMT -5
Bill , as per your post
Remember that for the term "We" ( being the best board ) to be true has to include "ALL" of its members
We must not forget that the masses will not always agree and it is a core essential right of our country to be able to speak our views without fear. I do not agree with a lot of things that people post, but I am offended by the people who think they know what is best for all of us. People should stick to knowing what is best for themselves and the majority should rule.... that is what is fair. Also what would be the point be to solicit sponsers without representing who we really are? We are individuals....each with diffrent points of view one no more correct than the other. I dont want to pretend to be something else to get a sponsor. Or lose my ability to really speak my mind on this board for fear of losing one
Post your views......... Not mine
Christopher Myers
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Post by Bill Cox on Aug 27, 2004 20:19:41 GMT -5
Hi Chris. I agree with what you say about speaking your mind. The problem I have is with the language and the bad implications. The post that could be taken as slander. I have no problem with anyone posting that they disagree with one person or association. That is good for the sport. We are all individuals with our own likes and dislike. We should all have our own ideas and be able to speak them. We (meaning all the armwrestlers) have worked hard to improve the image of the sport. Do you honestly believe that if say GNC or someone from the IOC or GAISF came on here and read some of the post that I am refering to that they would think we are ready to step up to the next level. There are a lot of things done in the sport that I don't agree with but I would never get vulgar of threatning in any post or reply. I have had my problems with AAA as have others. I hope this post doesn't offend anyone because we do need Sponsors to help us run bigger and better tournaments. |
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Post by Pete & Tim on Aug 28, 2004 7:48:29 GMT -5
I agree with you to an extent Bill. If you notice, television and the censorship board have become a little more flexible with what they allow on T.V. these days. That has to do with the fact that the general public is understanding more and more that certain words can be used to get a point across and not be taken the wrong way. There are some words that are without a doubt too extreme to be used still, but no one has used those words on this forum to date.
If the general public can come to terms with the times that are changing, than so should all of us. As far as descriptions of violent acts towards one another, do you or anyone else here really think any of them would happen. I do not. I took what was said as a form of expression and that was it. It was a colorful description of a feeling that the person was expieriencing at that time. Like I said, I don't think anything would ever have come of any of his statements. Do you?
Freedom to speak your mind on this forum in a publically accepted manner should not be shunned. There is a line that shouldn't be crossed, and so far, no one has even gotten close enough to see what it looks like!
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Post by Ron Klemba on Aug 28, 2004 8:18:11 GMT -5
The right to speak freely in this society was designed to avoid war. It became apparent that everyone didn't think the same and those differences needed to be defended and respected.
The problem really lies when the comments become purposefully hurtful. This often happens on this board as a way to share humor and get other indirect points across.
Often it is not even funny. It merely pushes the edge of appropriate adult banter. I love humor for my heart and soul but the kind that is just plain funny not the kind that tears someone down to make others laugh or understand an indirect point.
As humans we have an innate tendency to want things to go our way. Power and control issues run wild in most situations i.e. relationships, families, at work, between organizations.
The answers always seem to be related to the ability to negociate and remain flexible when possible. We may need to take charge and unite with the masses to elect those who can effectively represent our majority. To have our leaders subject to change like other groups. This can remove much of the corruption and limit the tendency for political favoritism.
I have great respect for those who work tirelessly for the sport to make things as good as they are. However, we must beware of operating in a bubble. We need to remain open to the options affordable today that can contribute to bringing the sport the direction we hope to go.
I'm Andy Rooney and that's my two cents
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Post by James on Aug 28, 2004 21:45:09 GMT -5
Ron, fire up the couch. I'm next |
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Post by STEVE PHIPPS on Aug 29, 2004 19:40:02 GMT -5
I have no problem with promoters making money from the armwrestling tournaments, as I have put on a couple tournaments myself and know how much work it takes. I also know that if no one is willing to do the work to host a tournament we no longer have the avenue to get together and compete in that way. So my hat is off to anyone who is willing and able to put on a tournament.
A couple things I don't understand are:
1. If you make it possible for everyone to continue to hold tournaments and make money, under a unified organization, what is holding them back from unification?
2. If promoters really want to be successful, make money and have the most possible armwrestlers attend, then why have big tournaments so close together or even on the same day?
As an armwrestler I have competed in both current large organizations ( as well as many large organizations from the past that are no longer ) and I have seen that if it no longer becomes profitable to hold tournaments it doesn't take long for the promoter to close shop. I know I wouldn't want to take money out of my own pocket on a regular basis to run tournaments. My wife would kill me, as I have children to feed! ;D
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Post by STEVE PHIPPS on Aug 29, 2004 19:40:41 GMT -5
I have no problem with promoters making money from the armwrestling tournaments, as I have put on a couple tournaments myself and know how much work it takes. I also know that if no one is willing to do the work to host a tournament we no longer have the avenue to get together and compete in that way. So my hat is off to anyone who is willing and able to put on a tournament.
A couple things I don't understand are:
1. If you make it possible for everyone to continue to hold tournaments and make money, under a unified organization, what is holding them back from unification?
2. If promoters really want to be successful, make money and have the most possible armwrestlers attend, then why have big tournaments so close together or even on the same day?
As an armwrestler I have competed in both current large organizations ( as well as many large organizations from the past that are no longer ) and I have seen that if it no longer becomes profitable to hold tournaments it doesn't take long for the promoter to close shop. I know I wouldn't want to take money out of my own pocket on a regular basis to run tournaments. My wife would kill me, as I have children to feed! ;D
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Post by Andrew Fournier on Aug 29, 2004 21:59:08 GMT -5
HAHA, James, you are gonna get some of this Hook next time we meet! Don't be getting excited that my post count broke 150, I think you might still have a slight lead... As for what you said Andy, well put, I completely agree....and the camaraderie is absoulutely incredible in this sport. I have never encountered a more supportive, friendly, and diverse group of ppl. in any other sport. No crying, I prefer cheese with my whine. That is such an old one, I can't believe I am posting it. But then, things could be worse. I could be Andrew Fournier. Agreed Andy, very well put. The personal battles between a couple of people have kept this sport from thriving. Let's get past it and see the opportunities the sport has. |
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Only kidding!
