Shills and Spammers in the Sailing Industry
Unless you're joining the show already in progres, you are aware that I windsurf. I'm also "employed" at the last standing windsurfing shop in the Dallas area. There were quite a few when I arrived, but that number has dwindled to one. And it too would not be in business were it not for the Hobie Cat and kayak business...But I digress.
As a web-connected windsurfer, I frequently find myself perusing the various windsurfing message boards and forums during what passes for Winter here in Texas. And I have to say that I'm constantly amazed by the number of seemingly innocuous messages that are really nothing more than plugs for some brand's product. You see it frequently really - the guy who "confirms" that a product is great without telling people he's sponsored. Or the "question" thrown out that eventually leads to a product endorsement by a 2nd poster (usually a sock puppet).
I find that behaviour reprehensible. It's dishonest. And that should be enough reason for people not to do it. But in our current "version" of acceptable behaviour, it appears that anything goes. Especially if it results in some form of remuneration.
I guess I'm older than my years. I certainly don't get paid enough working in the industry to justify the hard work. I get way more satisfaction from helping people than I do from my current paycheck. And since my salary is based soley on hours worked and not on the value of the products I help people get into, any argument to the contrary is dishonest. Yet people accuse me of the very thing that aggravates me the most.
So I no longer promote the shop when I participate in these windsurfing forums. Which is probably more to the detriment of the people I could help than to the shop. But the naysayers are persistent... And I long ago grew tired of correcting childish minds.
To all those "sponsored" riders and "professional" sailors.... Pound sand. For you've not actually worked in the industry and are not in a position to judge those of us who have the passion and drive to promote sailing at our on personal loss.
Labels: spammers, windsurfing shills
posted by The Dog @ 9:20 PM
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