The value of a diverse list of FWers is that one's own views are often
constructively challenged. No one is right, nor wrong. But different
"takes" on the same article can be a learning opportunity.
thanx
Arthur
-----Original Message-----
From: r h [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: January 18, 2001 3:43 PM
To: Cordell, Arthur: ECOM; [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: Who pays, who benefits?
Arthur,
This is not meant aggressively, I'm just in the middle of rehearsing for
auditions that I am not getting paid a cent for doing and so my time is
short, although I love the list and the discussion. I also owe Mike an
answer on something as well but this hits close to home although I am not in
sports.
Values: Why is entertainment work with very high expenses somehow of less
value than a retail item? Football reaches millions and the entertainment
arts balance the export deficit for the country. Also it is not polluting,
doesn't use up a non-renewable resource and promotes the idea of excellence
in performance. So, it entertains, has suspense that is not "canned",
promotes the idea of the supremacy of practiced skill over mere talent,
connections or likeableness(unlike the Presidency). Unlike politics and
religion which elevates amateurism and industrialization which destroys the
planet, sports are the one element of the entertainment industry where the
end is in doubt and subject to both skill change and a change in the
weather. It need not cost the common man at all since a TV is all that is
required or it can be a holiday for building connections and conducting
business. It is certainly cheaper than paying for the liability on a raft
trip down a level four river or climbing El Capitain with overweight or
arrogantly over judging excutives. All are activities done in the name of
building team work and business connections.
Not availible to the steel worker: Working both in the labor force and in
management I can tell you that it is more of a problem between married
partner excutives who cannot write off their business meals because of being
married than it is for workers who take a break and have no responsibility
for management planning or networking. They could write off their meals
if they were dealing with Union matters that reaches beyond the hired hand
status of workers. The difference also is in time. They are paid by the
hour and the management that I am connected to and work with are not. They
have to work until it is done no matter how much time it takes. I also
feel the same way about our Congress and President best bargain around as
for their salaries. They are not paid by the hour either.
So I say bring on the games and let us find real motivation for work by
growing within. Value determined only by payment is motivation poor.
Such a business " game" makes these schemes necessary but if I had my
druthers I would choose football over most of the retail and service
businesses that limit imagination and create banal minds and over general
understandings of the world.
Regards,
Ray Evans Harrell
