Stop The Revolution

Another quandary. I could have sworn that Ninthward was just about the peak of the newschool's ski industry bubble, but I guess I was irrationally un-exuberant and now there are real additions taking the floor. See, e.g.: Moment; and as markers of success Armada and Joystick. But I would like to point out the difference between introducing new products to a potentially saturated market with neat, new guerrilla marketing strategies and an actual revolution. Revolution is edgy, it says you're sticking it to the man as you hoist the flag of justice. Marketing is just that, clever, eye-catching hooks, like Britney Spears or Good Charlotte or Lil' John songs. And while I know that everyone just wants to be involved and wants a piece of the pie, too many little revolutions usually just leads to burned out buildings and failed states.

While I'm clearly dipping into rant territory, don't get me wrong, entrepreneurship, creativity and generally developing cottage industry in support of a cause are what it's all about, or the hokey-pokey, whatever. I'd just like to make a suggestion or a request: slow down and take a little more time planning things out, whatever your doing. On the hill generally avoiding thinking in favor of balls can be handsomely rewarded. But in business, which is what skiing mostly is, a plan and a decent product are necessary. I think generation X, or generation NEXT (brought to you by Pepsi), or gen Y, or whatever the hell younguns are labeled these days have grown up so engulfed in this sort of thinking that sizing up the actual situation and contributing accordingly has become a lost art. But then again, this is skiing, it's an individual's sport. I just think there is something to be said for some things that have succeeded. Line and the Skier's Union. K2 Skeeze. Of course they're just schemes as well, but at least they back something and involve more than hype for undeveloped products. You can fight or defend plenty of groups and companies out there but I would say many are not yet playing to the table, and a whole lot of others are just stepping up with 5 bucks in nickels and an off suit 2-7. Easy style it everybody. Buona sera.