Custom Clubs & Repair

[danscustomgolfshop]

Just wondering what you guys think about approaching the 'staff' and asking about adding a new section for custom clubs and repair. The Golf Gear and Equipment section would remain targeting OEM equipment. I just find the 2 should not be lumped together as they are 2 different animals. It would give a chance to share knowledge for all the guys who do their own work but don't have anyone specific to ask those tough questions.
Alot of OEM guys don't read much on repair, and Custom guys foam at the mouth over a good discussion on technique
Your thoughts?

[mirak]

I agree with you. They should be two separate sections and I'm looking forward to see the clubmaking section

[dekker]

I agree.The point of a golf forum or at least one of the points is to inform yourself and be able to be informed. A fair number of players like to mod their clubs,sometimes on very short notice.
For the hobby guys who love to tinker it would be a place where they get to talk to the big guys,who likely will at some point pull their butt out of the fire.It's a win situation all round.The average Joe will learn someting and the pros can demonstrate their knowledge and resources.

[danscustomgolfshop]

I've been considering a sponsorshhip here, but am a little dissappointed in the amount of responders that show on this forum.
I'm new here but is this just because were in winter here - only 10 degrees?
Does this forum get busier during the spring / summer?
I'm an FGI guy and a Wishon forum follower and they seem to get more hits?
Thoughts from some of the senior members please?

[Mule56]

I've been considering a sponsorshhip here, but am a little dissappointed in the amount of responders that show on this forum.
I'm new here but is this just because were in winter here - only 10 degrees?
Does this forum get busier during the spring / summer?
I'm an FGI guy and a Wishon forum follower and they seem to get more hits?
Thoughts from some of the senior members please?

Sponsorship has it privileges:

Since Sep 21, 2004
Threads: 12,858
Posts: 121,074
Members: 3,555
A lot busier in season when people are playing.
Not having to worry about Mule56 delete and edit your posts.........priceless:D
Mule

[leftintherough]

Not having to worry about Mule56 delete and edit your posts.........priceless:D
Mule

lol

Hey Dan;

Being a component fan myself I think its a great idea.

[goshawk]

Not having to worry about Mule56 delete and edit your posts.........priceless:D
Mule

Nice one Mule!!!

I'd like to see a seperate thread on clubmaking. I'm getting a set of Wishon's made right now and would like to see how others think on the subject.

[leftintherough]

I'd like to see a seperate thread on clubmaking. I'm getting a set of Wishon's made right now and would like to see how others think on the subject.

Way to go! What heads are going with?

[goshawk]

Getting the 560MC.....4-PW, LW (SW isn't available!)

[leftintherough]

Getting the 560MC.....4-PW, LW (SW isn't available!)

Very nice! I had my hands on one and was very impressed. Alas, not available in left handed.

I may be going with a set of 770cfe's myself, although not sure when.

[nearace]

I've been considering a sponsorshhip here, but am a little dissappointed in the amount of responders that show on this forum.
I'm new here but is this just because were in winter here - only 10 degrees?
Does this forum get busier during the spring / summer?
I'm an FGI guy and a Wishon forum follower and they seem to get more hits?
Thoughts from some of the senior members please?i am also new here lots of people dont post but a ton of people online all hours of the day.my wife says this new blog is keeping me from quality time with her lol:)

[goshawk]

i am also new here lots of people dont post but a ton of people online all hours of the day.my wife says this new blog is keeping me from quality time with her lol:)

Then ask her join to in!!!!:D

[sharkhark]

I wholeheartedly agree as I also belong to the ottawa golf forum and they have such a section.

Makes it convenient when you want to ask a question like I do currently: "Is there a cheaper recommended business or person locally to toronto to adjust lie angles?"
Just picked up a cheap back up set and not crazy of $50 or more to bump the 8 irons up 2 degrees.
Any thoughts?

[nearace]

Then ask her join to in!!!!:Dno way she might start to golf :eek:

[Shadow]

Just wondering what you guys think about approaching the 'staff' and asking about adding a new section for custom clubs and repair. The Golf Gear and Equipment section would remain targeting OEM equipment. I just find the 2 should not be lumped together as they are 2 different animals. It would give a chance to share knowledge for all the guys who do their own work but don't have anyone specific to ask those tough questions.
Alot of OEM guys don't read much on repair, and Custom guys foam at the mouth over a good discussion on technique
100% in agreement. IMO, a lot of the information that golfers may learn from the OEM section is highly influenced by the marketing of the OEM products and is not beneficial to getting an accurate vision of club fitting, club making and customization, that may be beneficial to one's game.

There may be a number who would like to do their own work, but may think that a lot of sophisticated equipment is necessary to get started.

There are profesional club makers on this forum and many others who consider club making as a hooby, but who have a wealth of knowledge and experience. Sharing ideas will help everyone, particularly those who are still convinced that OEM is better. Even if they buy OEM, help from a club making section will perhaps give them a number of questions to ask when dealing with salespeople.

Great idea!!

[golfinseb]

I agree as well. Alot of info is waiting to be shared in terms of clubmaking on this board.

Also as to the original question, this is the slow season on this board, during the spring/summer there are easily 3 times the number fo active threads.

[kontesto]

Love the idea! Let these people share their knowledge!

[SW20 MR2]

FGI and Wishon are not regional-based forums. Thus, there will never be more users here than on those boards. With that being said, however, you will find many more prospective customers on this type of forum since your business aims to serve local businesses.

I've been considering a sponsorshhip here, but am a little dissappointed in the amount of responders that show on this forum.
I'm new here but is this just because were in winter here - only 10 degrees?
Does this forum get busier during the spring / summer?
I'm an FGI guy and a Wishon forum follower and they seem to get more hits?
Thoughts from some of the senior members please?

[dlnljl]

I agree, there should be a second section for the custom build people. It would make it alot easier for most as we could post to the specific section we are looking to answer a question etc.
Also give more exposure to the sponsors on this site, involved in this type of customization.

[danscustomgolfshop]

Moderators - how do we appraoch TGN to see if this is possible. In the off season there seems to be lots of interest - how bout it?

[Mule56]

Moderators - how do we appraoch TGN to see if this is possible. In the off season there seems to be lots of interest - how bout it?


You topic has already reached it intended target and is currently being discussed.
Mule

[goshawk]

no way she might start to golf :eek:

OMG....going to the golf course 4 times per week with the wife instead of sneaking off once per week on your own and getting yelled at!!! SOMEBODY SPANK ME!!!:rofl:

[nearace]

:) OMG....going to the golf course 4 times per week with the wife instead of sneaking off once per week on your own and getting yelled at!!! SOMEBODY SPANK ME!!!:rofl:dont need to sneak as long as the laundry is done lol

[Wildhorsered]

Great idea! Hopefully soon.

[Louie]

As Larry the Cable Guy would say "Git R Done"!:)

[danscustomgolfshop]

You topic has already reached it intended target and is currently being discussed.
Mule

Thanks Mule

[Ankorgolf]

Another vote for this great idea!

[danscustomgolfshop]

I just got word back that TGN does not want my money.
I offered to enlist as a sponsor, and got told that they have 1 (one) exclusive fitter on this forum and that is it.
Sad part is that I don't even know who the fitter is as several of the current affiliates list club fitting as a portion of what they do???????????????
I would insist on better visibility if I was the exclusive fitter.
Too bad as I really felt I have something to offer to this place. Is it because I do fittings as well as many other functions - the word fitting stops me from participating!!!
I like the location, and the people that post here seem good, BUT what am I to do?????????????

TGN will be limited in it's growth with this set of priorities.

[nearace]

dan your name says it all i just assume advice should be kept to a minimum and more private calls will come your way. my two cents:)

[Mule56]

Dan
I'm not sure if this was mis-communicated to you or not, so I will explain what I know. One of our sponsors has paid for exclusive rights for a one-year period. It is not that TGN does not want you as a sponsor (i.e. your money), it is that they have committed to another sponsor for one year. That integrity is very important.
That sponsor is clearly marked as a sponsor and has the right to advertise their services as they see fit for that one-year period. Their level of visibility is their choice.
Your input, as is any other members, is a very important part of TGN. The only limit to that input is to advertise your business.
The growth of TGN is not limited to one issue. The growth of TGN, as it has been to date, is due to first and foremost to the members, and secondly due to the integrity of the list itself.
Mule

[Bellyhungry]

Where the heck is Hampton, Ontario? Does the place rival Hampton, NY?

[Pingnut]

Where the heck is Hampton, Ontario? Does the place rival Hampton, NY?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampton,_Ontario

[Bellyhungry]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampton,_Ontario

Thanks...

Hog's Hollow? Very cool name for a town...Up there with Sleepy Hollow, NY, and much better than Santa Claus, IN and Dildo, NF.

[racmbs]

I'm gonna go pop some popcorn, this could get very interesting.

[gocchin]

Dan
I'm not sure if this was mis-communicated to you or not, so I will explain what I know. One of our sponsors has paid for exclusive rights for a one-year period. It is not that TGN does not want you as a sponsor (i.e. your money), it is that they have committed to another sponsor for one year. That integrity is very important.
That sponsor is clearly marked as a sponsor and has the right to advertise their services as they see fit for that one-year period. Their level of visibility is their choice.
Your input, as is any other members, is a very important part of TGN. The only limit to that input is to advertise your business.
The growth of TGN is not limited to one issue. The growth of TGN, as it has been to date, is due to first and foremost to the members, and secondly due to the integrity of the list itself.
Mule

Hi Mule, I'm puzzled a bit, if it's due first and foremost to members, isn't more choice better for the members? I don't see any advantage to TGN or it's members to have one exclusive clubfitter especially when there are probably more than one worthy clubmaker here willing to give their money to TGN and share skills and expertise through their services. I don't know anything about this "exclusive" deal since this is the first I've heard of it but it surprised me a bit.

[Bellyhungry]

Given how popular this site is becoming...How can I invest some money into this site? Who do I need to talk to? Can I buy shares?

[racmbs]

Given how popular this site is becoming...How can I invest some money into this site? Who do I need to talk to? Can I buy shares?

Yer such a sheet disturber. :rofl:

[Bellyhungry]

Yer such a sheet disturber. :rofl:

Hey, I think we ship our our sheet to the dump site at St Thomas....;)

Getting back to topic...I want in!!!!! Do you have any insight as to how I can invest in this? We can start selling advertisements. Then in a few years, we can sell to Google for big bucks and then build our own golf course (we can bribe Mr. Thompson to rave about the course), open our own equipment store, and many many other numerous goodies...

[danscustomgolfshop]

Where the heck is Hampton, Ontario? Does the place rival Hampton, NY?

Hampton (my friend MrHainey calls it Hooterville) is a small (600 people) village about an hour east of Toronto. It has 2 general stores, liquor store, post office and 1 church. I attend 1 regularly:D

[Mule56]

Hi Mule, I'm puzzled a bit, if it's due first and foremost to members, isn't more choice better for the members? I don't see any advantage to TGN or it's members to have one exclusive clubfitter especially when there are probably more than one worthy clubmaker here willing to give their money to TGN and share skills and expertise through their services. I don't know anything about this "exclusive" deal since this is the first I've heard of it but it surprised me a bit.

Hi Gocchin,
The members are what have caused this list to grow. From the day I joined to today there have been some minor changes, but it is still basically the same list with 3,000+ more members. The discussions, championed by the members, are what have been the driving force behind the lists growth. The sponsors have come because of the members and the discussions.
One sponsor has now been given an exclusive. That means no advertising of that service by any one else. It does not mean that you and I can not share our opinions on the topic of custom club making. We just can't sell our club making business on this list.
Regardless of how many good club makers there may be, one has stepped forward and paid the price to have the soul right to peddle his services. That was a bold step for one person. Although I am not privy to the financial arrangements, I can only guess that it was pretty penny.
Mule

[danscustomgolfshop]

Dan
I'm not sure if this was mis-communicated to you or not, so I will explain what I know. One of our sponsors has paid for exclusive rights for a one-year period. It is not that TGN does not want you as a sponsor (i.e. your money), it is that they have committed to another sponsor for one year. That integrity is very important.
That sponsor is clearly marked as a sponsor and has the right to advertise their services as they see fit for that one-year period. Their level of visibility is their choice.
Your input, as is any other members, is a very important part of TGN. The only limit to that input is to advertise your business.
The growth of TGN is not limited to one issue. The growth of TGN, as it has been to date, is due to first and foremost to the members, and secondly due to the integrity of the list itself.
Mule

I spent nearly an hour preparing a response (only to screw it up and lost it). This didn't help my mood.
First off, for a public forum that covers probably 200 square miles of territory I have become a little miffed at the 'We only are going to have one clubfitter allowed to advertise' attitude.

I followed your directions at removing all of my credentials from my posts - which by the way exceed pretty much every sponsor listed here in order to conform.

Then decided again to follow your advice and see about becoming a sponsor, only to be told that ' We already have one so you will have to wait 1 year'.
Then to top it off you raise your tone with me over posting concerns over this monopoly as TGN already has an exclusive fitter.

My thoughts are - go back to the Wishon and FGI forums were I am asked for my Professional opinion, and am allowed to speak and give recommendations to help my peers. No I am not a sponsor there as that is a worldwide market, more suited to the large retail guys, with pro shops the size of Hampton.

I am a little guy with tons of experience, credentials coming out my ying yang, propriarary owner of 'True Length Technology' a fitting / assembly system that (mark my words) is going to be a major player in this fascinating business (currently under review by Tom Wishon and his staff).

To the guys that have welcomed me here, I thank you, to the guys that I've debated with, I thank you.

Where I go from here - not yet sure, but I really think TGN needs to rethink some of it's policies, as guys with a wealth of knowledge that just like to discuss golf are not a dime a dozen. I was so happy to find a forum where I thought I could help advise and actively discuss this difficult subject with people and peers from my own community. The bonus was going to be the possibility that it may help grow my business (yes, I said business).

[Golfbum]

[quote=Bellyhungry]Hey, I think we ship our our sheet to the dump site at St Thomas....;)
quote]

NO NO, you have it all wrong. Your "SHEET" plays at the ACC on Saturday nights. Better known as the LEAFS :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
OH Sorry, off topic! ;)

Since I have not money invested into this forum I have no say. I do however find it funny that there is one exclusive "Club Fitter" who can advertise here and others can not.

Then again if that one fitter paid a premium price to advertise I can see his point and managements too.

Either way, a section for club building would be nice. Besides most of us that have been around the forum for some time know who builds clubs and who doesn't ;)

[racmbs]

No point in adding a Custom Club and Repair section if you ask me....just asking for trouble, given the choices made by TGN to offer exclusivity to one Custom Builder.

Why do I say this you ask?

Because all it's going to do is start a p!ssing match against one another and I highly doubt anything constructive will come out of most threads created. There will be more time focused on deleting posts that border on advertising than anything else....

It's a shame and I gotta agree with Dan on this one. Guys with that have to offer a wealth of knowledge in this industry are not the ones you want to turn away. This is afterall, a game/passion shared by millions of people and word of mouth spreads very quickly when something as simple as this, has some form of censorship pinned against it.

[guitarman]

It's a shame and I gotta agree with Dan on this one. Guys with that have to offer a wealth of knowledge in this industry are not the ones you want to turn away. This is afterall, a game/passion shared by millions of people and word of mouth spreads very quickly when something as simple as this, has some form of censorship pinned against it.

Well I guess there is not much can be done about it for a year if their is an exclusive contract signed.

[nearace]

healthy competition is a great benefit to the consumer the more the merrier imo.thanks

[gocchin]

Hi Gocchin,
The members are what have caused this list to grow. From the day I joined to today there have been some minor changes, but it is still basically the same list with 3,000+ more members. The discussions, championed by the members, are what have been the driving force behind the lists growth. The sponsors have come because of the members and the discussions.
One sponsor has now been given an exclusive. That means no advertising of that service by any one else. It does not mean that you and I can not share our opinions on the topic of custom club making. We just can't sell our club making business on this list.
Regardless of how many good club makers there may be, one has stepped forward and paid the price to have the soul right to peddle his services. That was a bold step for one person. Although I am not privy to the financial arrangements, I can only guess that it was pretty penny.
Mule

Hi Mule.

Thanks for the explanation. For TGN's sake I sure do hope it's a pretty penny! :)

When it comes to forums, it's without a doubt the members that make a forum what they are. I've belonged to and administered several forums with members in the 10,000 range and they are the ones who define a community.

My concern is that this forum is afterall a community for golf lovers in Toronto, to learn and share about golf. To have one exclusive clubmaker basically makes this that clubmakers company site and no longer "Toronto Golf Nuts". I think that TGN would benefit from lots of experience clubmakers and more choice for members. I raise my concerns cause I like this place, I learned so much from it and there are a lot of great people here, golfers and club makers alike. In the end, it's TGN's business decision and those who run the forum obviously have a plan and I will respect that even if I do wonder whether it's best for the forum in my opinion. It will be interesting to see how things play out down the road. :)

[Mule56]

Then to top it off you raise your tone with me over posting concerns over this monopoly as TGN already has an exclusive fitter.

Dan,
I'm glad we talked on the phone. As I said it was not my intention to finish my post in a large font.
All others,
When I wrote my response to Dan earlier today at work I used Microsoft Word to spell check the post (yeah I know Scotty use the "fruit"). Well it seems the the last line of the post showed up as larger font which I did not intend. Although I still can't see it, this is what Dan saw and took some exception to. I can't say I blame him. I would have done the same.
Quick question is does any one else see the the last two lines of my post (#30) in a large font. Friggin' Bill Gates software.
Mule

[ondadl]

I don't get it. We have Swank Golf, Puregolf, and Fore The Golfer in the affiliates section. I'm pretty sure that each of these companies provide club building, and each have advertised their services and sales from time to time, since I've been a member. If someone is paying for an exclusive contract, I guess they're not taking advantage of the selling limitations of their competitors.

[nearace]

Dan,
I'm glad we talked on the phone. As I said it was not my intention to finish my post in a large font.
All others,
When I wrote my response to Dan earlier today at work I used Microsoft Word to spell check the post (yeah I know Scotty use the "fruit"). Well it seems the the last line of the post showed up as larger font which I did not intend. Although I still can't see it, this is what Dan saw and took some exception to. I can't say I blame him. I would have done the same.
Quick question is does any one else see the the last two lines of my post (#30) in a large font. Friggin' Bill Gates software.
Mulelast paragraph came accross in caps thought you were making apoint lol

[Mule56]

I don't get it. We have Swank Golf, Puregolf, and Fore The Golfer in the affiliates section. I'm pretty sure that each of these companies provide club building, and each have advertised their services and sales from time to time, since I've been a member. If someone is paying for an exclusive contract, I guess they're not taking advantage of the selling limitations of their competitors.

It is my understanding that the exclusive deal takes effect around the 15th of this month.
Mule

[Rocknronny]

Dan
I'm not sure if this was mis-communicated to you or not, so I will explain what I know. One of our sponsors has paid for exclusive rights for a one-year period. It is not that TGN does not want you as a sponsor (i.e. your money), it is that they have committed to another sponsor for one year. That integrity is very important.
That sponsor is clearly marked as a sponsor and has the right to advertise their services as they see fit for that one-year period. Their level of visibility is their choice.
Your input, as is any other members, is a very important part of TGN. The only limit to that input is to advertise your business.
The growth of TGN is not limited to one issue. The growth of TGN, as it has been to date, is due to first and foremost to the members, and secondly due to the integrity of the list itself.
MuleI dont see it and this is an unedited quote of your post.
RR

[Mule56]

last paragraph came accross in caps thought you were making apoint lol

Oh thanks. Now Scotty will be pushing the fruit more. Once again friggin' Billy Gates software. And yes I did that one on purpose.
Mule

I dont see it and this is an unedited quote of your post.
RR
Oh boy now it looks like some see it and some don't. Friggin William Gates :cookoo:
Mule

[dan_]

This whole issue has come about because TGN is being run as a business, not a community. The truth of the matter is, if this was a true peer community, there would be no advertising, no sponsorships, no banner ads, no email blasts, etc etc etc.

This isn't the case - TGN is being run as a business. Whoever bought exclusivity (obviously a businessperson, is simply playing the game that TGN has laid out the rules for.

I can sympathize with the sponsors on this forum who will not have the opportunity to market to this forum - but the unfortunate truth of the matter is, somebody else has paid for that right, before anybody else did.

The point of business is to make money. Obviously, the people running TGN are making a profit, to cover their hosting costs, and their golf habits. The sponsors on this forum are businessmen and women as well, making money to support their families, and their golfing habits. There will always be a winner and a loser in the business world....that's the nature of running a business. In school, we're always told that businesses are made to make money...responsibilities and obligations exist to appease customers, stakeholders, and whoever else is involved in the business.

Bottom line, TGN is likely making a heck of a lot more from this contract than they would from having three or four sponsors, or they wouldn't have offered this. Whoever ponied up the coin for the sponsorship likely made a good business decision to have exclusive rights to advertise to all those nuts out there.

[gocchin]

The truth of the matter is, if this was a true peer community, there would be no advertising, no sponsorships, no banner ads, no email blasts, etc etc etc.

While I agree with most of what you said, I think the above is not right. Even communities and forums that are not businesses require funds to operate (like you said, hosting, maintenance etc) so there definitely is advertising, sponsorships, banners etc....

As I said in my post this is a business decision and hopefully it will play out for the best. :)

[dan_]

While I agree with most of what you said, I think the above is not right. Even communities and forums that are not business require funds to operate (like you said, hosting, maintenance etc) so there definitely is advertising, sponsorships, banners etc....

As I said in my post this is a business decision and hopefully it will play out for the best. :)

Fair enough. However, if TGN was/is after advertising revenue, there are better ways (ie Google Ads) to garner revenue in a way that would not affect the community, and the relations within the community. I have no doubt that Google ads, with how many members and page views must exist here, would cover costs. I think that the sponsorship/advertising route that has been taken is more of a profit-based approach, as opposed to a recouping costs approach.

On TGNs side though, if businesses can come here to make money and win customers, TGN rightly should have the ability to make some money out of that process.

[racmbs]

Anybody up for a game of Monopoly?

[Big Johnny69]

Bottom line, TGN is likely making a heck of a lot more from this contract than they would from having three or four sponsors, or they wouldn't have offered this. Whoever ponied up the coin for the sponsorship likely made a good business decision to have exclusive rights to advertise to all those nuts out there.

Now I didn't take out all the rest of your quote to try to take something out of context. I just want to focus on the bold line.

So someone has decided to purchase the rights to be the sole sponsor to offer club making procedures. Good decision? I'm not so sure. What happens when someone has a bad experience? And perhaps another one? They will boycott this sponsor. Now I'm not saying this sponsor does bad work, but we do not live in a perfect world and sometimes mistakes are made. So if people start to boycott based on previous experiences I'm assuming they will not be allowed to ask within this forum if anyone knows of a reputable clubmaker/builder? Don't see how that is fair to a community of more than 3000 members. We are all passionate about the game, and it can be an expensive game. But by limiting us to not be able to ask around to find good club builders....I don't think that's right and you could find people boycotting the site eventually. And I don't even want to think what all the other sponsors think of this.

Anybody up for a game of Monopoly?

I'm terrible at Monopoly buddy, but I'll play with you anytime. :D

[dan_]

You make a good point, but that's something that every businessperson has to take into account, every day. How to deal with bad experiences, and correct them.

You make another good point about how it will affect discussion on this site...that's a problem that TGN will have to face, and they will have to deal with the repercussions. I don't deny that this situation poses some interesting issues regarding the site - in reference to my original quote, I said that to highlight my point - this exclusivity move was made by a sponsor because of the culture created here by TGN. I agree that the sponsor will haev to address some tough issues, but this issue has been born of the policies and decisions made by the leadership of TGN.

An interesting case to observe and analyze, that's for sure. :D

[Big Johnny69]

You make a good point, but that's something that every businessperson has to take into account, every day. How to deal with bad experiences, and correct them.

You make another good point about how it will affect discussion on this site...that's a problem that TGN will have to face, and they will have to deal with the repercussions. I don't deny that this situation poses some interesting issues regarding the site - in reference to my original quote, I said that to highlight my point - this exclusivity move was made by a sponsor because of the culture created here by TGN. I agree that the sponsor will haev to address some tough issues, but this issue has been born of the policies and decisions made by the leadership of TGN.

An interesting case to observe and analyze, that's for sure. :D

That it will Dan. Now I'm not a resident of Toronto so this will not have nearly the effect on me that it could on others. But its definately going to be somethig to see how it plays out.

[danscustomgolfshop]

Dan,
I'm glad we talked on the phone. As I said it was not my intention to finish my post in a large font.
All others,
When I wrote my response to Dan earlier today at work I used Microsoft Word to spell check the post (yeah I know Scotty use the "fruit"). Well it seems the the last line of the post showed up as larger font which I did not intend. Although I still can't see it, this is what Dan saw and took some exception to. I can't say I blame him. I would have done the same.
Quick question is does any one else see the the last two lines of my post (#30) in a large font. Friggin' Bill Gates software.
Mule

Mule, thanks for taking the time to phone. It was a pleasure to talk with you.
Friggin Bill Gates :rofl: is all I got to say :help:

[Bellyhungry]

Hampton (my friend MrHainey calls it Hooterville) is a small (600 people) village about an hour east of Toronto. It has 2 general stores, liquor store, post office and 1 church. I attend 1 regularly:D

Weather and time permitted, I might just pop by this weekend to check out this seemingly charming little town. :)

Are you also the mayor and sheriff of the town? ;)

[nearace]

being exclusive on this site doesnt guarintee any work as people can go anywhere.

[ondadl]

Are my positive reviews and compliments to other local fitters now going to be deleted? Are my posts about super deals from competitors going to be deleted in the deals section? Based on the positive feedback and frequent "shoutouts" by everyday members towards each of our three current affiliates, things could get pretty hairy post 15/01/07.

[el tigre]

Are my positive reviews and compliments to other local fitters now going to be deleted? Are my posts about super deals from competitors going to be deleted in the deals section? No they will not. As I understand it, this is strictly an advertising/sponsorship deal - and TGN has always accepted advertising and sponsorship. For TGN members, nothing has changed.

TGN have never censored members comments before based on WHO is being reviewed, and I don't see that changing in the future. There has been no shortage of discussions on this forum in the past about clubfitting and deals at GolfTown (even though they are not a sponsor) - and I'm sure that will continue.

As members we don't pay the bills to keep the forum going - that money comes from advertising and sponsorship. In my experience granting exclusivity in advertising can be a risky business decision - but of course I don't know the contract details so I don't know whether the return is worth the risk (not that it is any of my business to know these things anyway).

I doubt that anyone is getting really rich here. If this deal means that TGN can continue to operate on a solid financial footing, then I'm all for it.

[leftintherough]

No they will not. As I understand it, this is strictly an advertising/sponsorship deal - and TGN has always accepted advertising and sponsorship. For TGN members, nothing has changed.


From where I'm sitting, TGN has always been objectively impartial and fair in all of their dealings. Advertising and sponsorships are a fact of everyday life for all of the forums that come into my scope of reference. So it should be expected here.

I think we have a very good group of club fitters (both sponsered and non) that contribute here.

[toro57]

bellyhungry...if you make the trip and have kids you might like the drive back down to the 401 along old scugog road...they have a great christmas light display and you don't have to go out of your way to go past it....as long as it's dark...lol...Dan , I will be dropping in to see you sometime and talk golf with you...I believe that you have a nephew who played hockey with my son about 10 years ago...Can't be that many Connelly's in Hampton..:)

[racmbs]

Hampton (my friend MrHainey calls it Hooterville) is a small (600 people) village about an hour east of Toronto. It has 2 general stores, liquor store, post office and 1 church. I attend 1 regularly:D

Hey, is it true what they say about people from Hampton on the internet?

You know....like...:D

[danscustomgolfshop]

Hey BH, don't drive too fast as there is only 3 exits north off of Taunton road -take Old Scugog (lights) north 1km - rh side
Best to call first - just to be sure.
Hope you can make it

Weather and time permitted, I might just pop by this weekend to check out this seemingly charming little town. :)

Are you also the mayor and sheriff of the town? ;)

bellyhungry...if you make the trip and have kids you might like the drive back down to the 401 along old scugog road...they have a great christmas light display and you don't have to go out of your way to go past it....as long as it's dark...lol...Dan , I will be dropping in to see you sometime and talk golf with you...I believe that you have a nephew who played hockey with my son about 10 years ago...Can't be that many Connelly's in Hampton..:)

My cousins kids probably - they live out on the outskirts (country folk, not city like us in town people are).
Hope to see you - and you are right - best lights - bar none.

Hey, is it true what they say about people from Hampton on the internet?

You know....like...:D

Internet? Hampton? .....like...:D ? What are you trying to say?

[Big Johnny69]

No they will not. As I understand it, this is strictly an advertising/sponsorship deal - and TGN has always accepted advertising and sponsorship. For TGN members, nothing has changed.

TGN have never censored members comments before based on WHO is being reviewed, and I don't see that changing in the future. There has been no shortage of discussions on this forum in the past about clubfitting and deals at GolfTown (even though they are not a sponsor) - and I'm sure that will continue.

As members we don't pay the bills to keep the forum going - that money comes from advertising and sponsorship. In my experience granting exclusivity in advertising can be a risky business decision - but of course I don't know the contract details so I don't know whether the return is worth the risk (not that it is any of my business to know these things anyway).

I doubt that anyone is getting really rich here. If this deal means that TGN can continue to operate on a solid financial footing, then I'm all for it.

Terry, from your response I'd assume you are not privy to all of the details of this deal. So I don't expect you to answer this. You just made some interesting comments that I would like to touch on.

For the first section I highlighted in bold:

I agree, TGN has never censored comments in the past. But that was before a sole company was paying the bills.

Now before I continue with my first comment I'll touch on the second highlighted section. I'm sure the old sponsors welcomed the reviews of clubfitting and deals at GT. It gave them a price point to be competitive. And the fact that there was so many sponsors it would be tough for one of them to make a stink about someone posting reviews from non-sponsors. All would most likely have to be on board.

Now back to the first comment. I can see things being much different around here with a sole sponsor. If I paid out XXXX amount of dollars to be the sole sponsor of a web site why would I want reviews of others experiences at other buisnesses? Doesn't make any sense. Seeing how I am the sole sponsor I'd want nothing but reviews and sales flyers of my buisness posted. I would've purchased this right to drive people to my buisness and my buisness only. Like others have stated, its what's called a monopoly.

Now I can play my own devil's advocate and say if people post about other experiences and sales elsewhere it would give that sole sponsor a competitive price point, but I think they purchased that right to not hear about other company's buisness practices.

Just a thought that has been continually in my mind since I first saw this thread.

I don't expect the management of TGN to come forth and explain all the details of this deal, and that is their right, but it just has me confused. I'd the think the chance to get more sponsors and possibly make more money would be the way to go. But I do not run a website, so what do I know. :D

[el tigre]

Now back to the first comment. I can see things being much different around here with a sole sponsor. If I paid out XXXX amount of dollars to be the sole sponsor of a web site why would I want reviews of others experiences at other buisnesses? Doesn't make any sense. Seeing how I am the sole sponsor I'd want nothing but reviews and sales flyers of my buisness posted. I would've purchased this right to drive people to my buisness and my buisness only. Like others have stated, its what's called a monopoly. Geoff, you are confusing advertising and ownership.

I've worked for over 25 years in the magazine industry, so I know a little bit about the advertising/editorial relationship in media. Many, many people think that advertising controls the editorial content - but 99% of the time that is simply not the case.

Advertisers spend money to get access to the market, so they can get their message(s) across in the right environment (i.e., when people are thinking about golf). Exclusivity simply means you get access and your competitors don't. The editorial content remains separate, and editors take great pains to ensure that even the appearance of influence does not exist.

If an advertiser tries to control the editorial, they destroy the reason their market went there in the first place. The smart ones don't try to do that (and smart media companies don't let them), because they end up losing their reputation and their market goes elsewhere. Just look at BSG if you want an example of that.

Now I can play my own devil's advocate and say if people post about other experiences and sales elsewhere it would give that sole sponsor a competitive price point, but I think they purchased that right to not hear about other company's buisness practices.
No, you've simply purchased the right to advertise (just like all other advertisers) - but to the exclusion of your direct competitors. The moderators (editors) here have always been very diligent in keeping advertising and editorial (i.e., forum postings) separate, and I'm sure that will continue.

[Big Johnny69]

Appreciate the reply Terry, thanks.