RE: t-and-f: Competing at NATS- was "a huge loss to the sport"

[Andrew Fitzhugh]

> Simple solution, have him come, do luncheons, a clinic or 2, and some
autograph
> time.  People would come in flocks still.  The track fan is going to be at
> the meet regardless, but that person, kid that wants the
> opportunity to meet Maurice, Michael, Marion, Stacy, Gail will jump at the
chance.

This kind of exposure doesn't scale nearly as well as a competitive race,
the difference in reach is several orders of magnitude.  We know how many
news stories appear on the radio, TV, magazines, web, etc. after a great
competition, and they go to all ends of the globe not just the local area.
That absolutely dwarfs the kind of promotion to be had in a book signing or
a clinic.  The personal touch events like autograph signing and clinics may
be great for developing more participation in the sport, but I think that's
a different subject than the promotion of T&F.

-- Andy