BASS Renewal

[tr186man]

Due to all the discussion regarding the direction of BASS/ESPN has taken as of late and my somewhat disapproval, I have taken the following action as of today. I received my annual renewal notice for BASS. Instead of renewing for another year, I decided to write a note on the form indicating my dissapproval of the current direction BASS/ESPN is taking and the lack of concern they have exhibited towards the average fisherman. I also indicated to be removed from all futher coorespondence. I know this in itself will not result in any, if at all, changes; but, I felt they should now how I (we) average guys feel.

I know some of you guys/ladies feel as I do and some do not. So be it. That is why we live in America, the right to choose. Well I have chosen and I let the powers to be know why. Maybe if others do the same that are displeased with the current state of affairs, BASS will look at itself a little more closely. It is the average guys/ladies that pay the majority of the monies, besides the large endorsements from companies, to take care of daily business and tournaments. Since money talks, hit them in their ears - their wallets.

I know some will agree and others not. But I felt I should pass this along as a course of action we little guys could take. I am not a tourney fisherman as of yet or may never be. I simply enjoy fishing. I watch the fishing shows and read the mag. to pick up tips and to learn about the sport. Seems as of late the only things I am learning is how to act after catching a fish, what products BASS wants me to buy, etc.

Another point which I have had difficulties with for several years now is the idea that Busch beer is the major sponsor of the tour. This to me in itself is okay. However, when I see ads in the magazine or on tv displaying beer in a tackle box in a boat or similar concepts I am very disturbed. Alcohol and water don't mix. There is no place for drinking on the water and then driving 50, 60 or more mph to get to the next fishing hole or weigh-in as is suggested in such ads. Nor is there any justification for drinking a few before driving home after a hard day on the water. Now before I am blasted for being anti-alcohol, let me say that I do enjoy a cold one from time to time; but, never before getting behind the wheel of my Triton or my Chevy truck. However, we should all ask ourselves, what kind of message are these ads sending to our younger folks? Is it okay to have a few cold ones while out fishing with their buddies?

Sorry for the long post/rant. I didn't intend to get off on the Busch beer thing, but it has been bothering me for some time.

thank you

Andy Myers

[plowboy]

I don't enjoy it as much since it went to ESPN. The show is more like a watching a football game with the guys sitting in a big studio that don't seem to know a spinning reel from a baitcaster. I miss the small town feel of the old BASS. Plus it isn't worth $25 per year to me. I would rather watch a Billy Westmoreland rerun or the In-Fishermen which actually trys to teach the viewers.(not be superstars in their own mind). Just my opinion.

But on the plus side they went to war for David Hayes and the world record smallmouth until it was reinstated. I will always be grateful for that.

ESPN did it for the money, not the love of the sport. Thats business.

[Danny]

Andy,

I agree 100% about alchol and water. More importantly than me not drinking and boating, I don't want anyone else running a boat that is drunk. Heck, they may hit me!! I am scared of pain, and for the most part, I'm scared of an early death...LOL

As for BASS, again, 100% agree. I have decided not re-up. I had planned to call their customer service to voice exactly what you wrote. I don't know if either will have an affect or not, but at least I will feel better about myself.

I feel the magazine has changed way more than the TV. Everyone sees the TV change, but I don't know that everyone notices the slow change. The real change came when they changed editors. The magazine has become very "slick" and even the articles about patterens now read like and infomercial.

I will miss two main things, Harry and Charlie of course, and "A day on the Lake". After that, the rest will be easily replaced or done without. Further, I am canceling my "insider" status with ESPN. I follow college basketball, and to read most of the stories now, you have to be an "insider." whoooo wheeeeee However, that insider status doesn't help with bassmaster.com, where you again have to be an insider and a member of BASS to read anything of substance.

Just wanted you to know you are not alone. I won't be surprised that after ESPN finishes destroying BASS, they will sell it to someone who can bring it back.

And oh by the way, what about the huge increase in cost? I always subscribed for multiple years and the last time I subscribed the cost was barely over $12 a year, but now it's almost $25. I guess we have to pay for all that slickness and infomercialness.

Danny

[getthanet]

In fear of sounding like a wise guy I say this...I think you are in the minority...The guys/gals in the marketing divisions at BASS and ESPN know what they are doing...I think they may lose your membership, but the nature of this sport has chaged and with or without you the sport will move on...

Just my two cents....

[MarkW]

As much as I don't like what goes on either---he is right. Business is business and BASS/ESPN will move on however they feel is right and we can either chose to stay with them or not.
I do have one thing to say about the "alcohol" thing. What's the difference of beer being advertised on a boat, or beer being advertised on a race car--NASCAR now has Miller,Budweiser,Crown Royal etc. etc. Race cars that can go 200 MPH and alcohol don't exactly mix either---but alcohol companies do have the money and they help provide to a sport we like to watch. Again, whether we like it or not---it's here and I am sure it's here to stay.

[Danny]

Hey Mark,

You may have misunderstood my remarks about alcohol. I absolutely support the advertising, I detest the drinking of alcohol while on the lake, or on the way home. Alcohol and water can make you dead in a hurry, just the same as Alcohol and driving.

I'm not going to respond to anymore on this. I have stated I am not renewing, and I won't. Others will. We all have opinions and predictions, and it seems that nerves are getting raw. It's not worth fighting over on here.

If someone likes the new BASS, then they should continue to support it, and buy the magazine. If subscriptions drop dramatically, they will change or sell. If subscriptions go up, then they will keep going their way.

But, this discussion is getting very close to pointing fingers making accusations, etc... and I just don't think it is worth that.

Danny

[Devils Horse]

Business may be business for them. But after many years of membership they don't have mine anymore. For several reasons, mainly the way they handled the federation I won't be renewing. So long Rucks and Jones, I just know you'll miss me a lot.

[SilverRanger]

I'm just sorry I became a Life Member of B.A.S.S. several years ago.

Wonder if they'd refund me any of my $400 ?

BYE BYE BASS/ESPN.

[Viking]

Don't back-up, Danny.

[stratosjoe]

Silver Ranger have them forward your subscription to a hospital or childres hospital at least it will do some good...

[Danny]

OK, as Mike and Mike say, I've got to "JUST SHUT UP."

But first, I need some advice.

My wife and I were heading to the store today, and she wanted to know what was going on here on the fishin.com board. Great wife, huh?

Well anyway, I told her about this thread. She laughed and said you know you still want that magazine. Well, I launched right into my rant about how the magazine has changed, about the directions of BASS, etc.......

Then, a very sad look came across her face. You see, my honey is a big time magazine fan. She has tons of them that she subscribes to, and even with our current condition (finances) I've encouraged to her keep her magazines... they make her happy and she really loves to read.

Well, she told me she thought I was just not resubscribing because of the cost. She had been saving some money to buy me something for Valentine's day, so she bought a money order, and subscribed me for 3 years.

Now my delima, do I keep the subscription, after all, she was very thoughtful, or do I try to cancel and get a refund. Now, she has given me permission to do that. However, I'm afraid I will hurt her feelings.

So, what say all of you.... Keep it, or ask for a refund?


Thanks in advance.

Danny

[Devils Horse]

If you have any doubt as to whether it'll hurt her feelings you gotta keep it. You could get your money back and take her out for a nice dinner with it.