A way to possibly promote airsoft

OddysAirsoft

Disagree with you NakedDex......I have heard the ad over and over again and I see nothing wrong with it at all. It may not be to your taste but no one can say it's wrong or does the sport a disservice because it doesn't. I am fed up with people always being negative in this sport - or more correctly - on this forum. I respect anyone who tries to promote this sport in a positive light and very little for people who sit around behind keyboards slagging off the people who are tying whilst they do nothing themselves! That was a general sweep not just directed at NakedDex.



Now I will brace myself for the onslaught of usual haters!

Villafan6

FRUoddy wrote: »

Disagree with you NakedDex......I have heard the ad over and over again and I see nothing wrong with it at all. It may not be to your taste but no one can say it's wrong or does the sport a disservice because it doesn't. I am fed up with people always being negative in this sport - or more correctly - on this forum. I respect anyone who tries to promote this sport in a positive light and very little for people who sit around behind keyboards slagging off the people who are tying whilst they do nothing themselves! That was a general sweep not just directed at NakedDex.



Now I will brace myself for the onslaught of usual haters!

I really agree with you there, I think if we just sit back for to long we'll be walked over by everyone if anything ever goes wrong because of one idiot did something stupid. We just need to inform people of the sport not hide it!

joe stodge

FRUoddy wrote: »

Disagree with you NakedDex......I have heard the ad over and over again and I see nothing wrong with it at all. It may not be to your taste but no one can say it's wrong or does the sport a disservice because it doesn't. I am fed up with people always being negative in this sport - or more correctly - on this forum. I respect anyone who tries to promote this sport in a positive light and very little for people who sit around behind keyboards slagging off the people who are tying whilst they do nothing themselves! That was a general sweep not just directed at NakedDex.



Now I will brace myself for the onslaught of usual haters!

Witcher

There is a right way and a wrong way to promote the sport. Informed, well explained pieces in newspapers such as the recent articles in the Gazette are the way to do it, radio is not a good way, theres limited time to explain it appropriately and it will inevitably come down to 'gunz'.

This has all been said before on earlier threads several times.

NakedDex

I was in the car with four people at the time, none of whom know anything about airsoft. All of them, however, were instantly both confused and a little concerned since, as it transpired one of their sons had mentioned it at home. I actually had to explain things somewhat, including that it was a sport and not just an excuse to buy guns, which was a point rather glossed over in the ad in favour of mentioning the words "pistols" and "rifles" as much as possible between the sound effects of gunfire.

On top of that, I had never heard the ad until that day, but I had known of it from the surprisingly large number of people who had complained about it to me or who, at the very least, had mentioned it in bad terms.
Now, I've never been one to form my opinions based on others views, but when I heard it I actually felt the complaints were generally restrained from what they could have been.


Now what I'm fed up with is the general purpose, catch-all "stop being negative" defence of any and all advertising, in the face of blinding rationality and awareness of cultural and socio-political climates.
Now this isn't directed at anyone in particular, but everyone who thinks Ireland is ready for untargeted, mass-media advertising of airsoft, alongside commercials for house cleaning products and low cost mortgages.


I'm all for advertising, but it needs to be done cleverly and carefully, and in a targeted manner that won't cause concern and panic among the populace to the extent of another Joe Duffy uprising. We've been there, and elsewhere already, and just about escaped calls for a total ban. There's no point in painting a target on our chest for them.

OddysAirsoft

Every business has a right to promote and market themselves and very few will do it to the detriment of themselves. You have 30 seconds to get your message across - how can you be that detailed in 30 seconds.

Yes I agree there are some great mediums to promote the sport - the Gazette is brilliant (and it is what got me into airsoft) but there is a difference in educating the public about a sport and selling a product to the public! Obviously lost on some people.

I have done my fair share on trying to promote the sport in a positive light and will continue to do so. And my journey has led me to having a very close relationship with retailers, site owners etc and I am more than aware of the hard work these guys are putting into their businesses to ensure they survive. And I for one commend them not condemn them for it!

Inari

Agreed with NakedDex. I heard the ad in the first time about two days ago...and it just left me irritated. Once again, I'd heard it mentioned on boards plenty, but had never heard it first hand. It was in the same breath as the Harvey Norman bombardment type ads, and it just did not sit well with me.

But hey, that type of advertising exists because it sticks with people. I mean look at us, we're talking about it now, aren't we? Just look at Ryanair for further proof. Commercially speaking, this advertising works. From a gamer and hobbyist perspective, this is negative advertising for us. But I sincerely doubt that MIA mind about our opinions if it packs people into their store. Let's be honest like.

NakedDex

I think it's fair to say I've had a fairly integrated position within the industry for quite a few years now, so don't think for a moment this is an uneducated view, ignorant of the intricacies of the industry and it's challenges.
I have no issue with retailers advertising, nor could anyone condemn them for it. My condemnation is for the advertisement and it's delivery.
I, too, have done my bit advertising the sport, dealing with everyone from devoted fans to vociferous, fearful mothers. I know both the lauds and the lows of opinion, and the narrow line between the two which advertising must tread in order to be both effective and safe.

You may have 30 seconds to get your message across, but a shortage of time does not necessitate nor excuse shock tactics.

Witcher

FRUoddy wrote: »

You have 30 seconds to get your message across - how can you be that detailed in 30 seconds.

You can't...that's the problem. It's the wrong medium to advertise in. It sends out the wrong message.

there is a difference in educating the public about a sport and selling a product to the public! Obviously lost on some people.

Yes there is a difference between educating about a sport and selling a product. The difference is that the 'sport' in question uses that 'product' so if that 'product' were to be misused because the person it was marketed to isn't of great moral standing then the sport is damaged.

The fact is:

Newspaper article(or other appropriate medium) says: 'Hey everyone, here's the sport of airsoft, you'll meet new people, make friends, exercise, have fun and by the way we use guns.'

Radio says: 'Guns, guns, guns..and eh..there's also the sport of airsoft if you want to do that'

Nobody is 'condemning' MIA for advertising, were just saying it is being done the wrong way. We haven't got a gun to Derek Talbot's head telling him to get it off the radio, we're just giving an opinion.

OddysAirsoft

Yes there is a difference between educating about a sport and selling a product. The difference is that the 'sport' in question uses that 'product' so if that 'product' were to be misused because the person it was marketed to isn't of great moral standing then the sport is damaged.

And yet we have tons of airsoft guns being sold in markets every Saturday around the country with little regard of who they sell to and usually guns that run 'HOT"and no one moans! -at least when a new person comes to an Airsoft store most owners take some time out to educate the customer. And if an ad brings newcomers to a shop at least there is a chance of them being educated!


Love it

but a shortage of time does not necessitate nor excuse shock tactics

there's a shock statement if there ever was one :rolleyes:

Witcher

FRUoddy wrote: »

And yet we have tons of airsoft guns being sold in markets every Saturday around the country with little regard of who they sell to and usually guns that run 'HOT"and no one moans!

Everyone moans about it...there have been numerous discussions about it and thus the CJA Amendment Bill will solve that issue when it is implemented...and that has nothing to do with what we were discussing.

Look, you obviously support the advert in question and I and others don't and it's apparent neither side is going to budge so we've reached a deadlock as it were and either way the ad will still be on the radio tomorrow be it right or wrong.

se conman

While my opinion is that the ad is more embarrassing than damaging I was wondering has there been any bad press (other than on boards) directed at the ad ?

OddysAirsoft

and that has nothing to do with what we were discussing.

It has everything to do with it if you reread the whole paragraph!

Yes we will leave it there. Points have been made and little will change!

deepimpact

Is there any chance someone could send me an audio file of this radio advert? I have some experience in advertising (at approval stage, not the initial planning). I'd like to hear it.

NakedDex

It's playing on Nova Radio, you may hear it online. I don't know how frequently it's rotated.

FRUoddy wrote: »

Love it there's a shock statement if there ever was one :rolleyes:

It is a shock tactic in advertising. It's how Harvey Norman advertisements attempt to get peoples attention, by simply being suddenly and aggressively the opposite, in tone and volume, to the adverts before or after it. This is in exactly the same bracket. Crammed unceremoniously betwixt an advertisement about double glazing and one about a concert was a series of bursts of gunfire and someone shouting out the word "guns" a lot.

Quite literally everyone I've spoken to has told me they find the ad - to quote one individual - "Just plain wrong", or words to similar (and sometimes stronger) effect.
Now I'm not trying to convince you that you should think the ad itself shouldn't be aired, or that you shouldn't like it. What appeals to your taste and sensibilities is entirely your own prerogative and not to be trifled with by others. I'm just attempting to portray the side of the argument which is left rather voiceless on an airsoft forum; that of those ignorant of airsoft's existence in the country and their reaction to such a piece of media.

This is why I so often say such advertising should be targeted carefully. The vast majority of those who play, or those who would be interested in playing, airsoft regularly also spend a great deal of time online. A smaller, but still majority, cross-section of them would be gamers of some breed or description. Tapping into either of those as part of a targeted advertising system will not only yield far more effective results for the investment, but also limit exposure of such things to those who would be not only sensitive to it, but those who would find raise public issue or complaint with it.
Your own videos, for example, are a perfect example of the relevant content getting directly to the target market, but also have the ability of easy propagation throughout the market and beyond through simple links. Viral marketing in one sense, in that viewers of such will pass on the link, but also regular direct marketing through links from and to relevant sites (in the example of the demographics above, think gaming websites like IGN, or gaming fora) and details of bricks and mortar facilities.
It's cheaper and it's massively more effective, which is a win-win for the retailer, but it's also targeted and focused on the market instead of throw-to-the-wind-and-hope style which keeps the more, shall we say "uptight", wolves at bay.

Effective and cost-efficient advertising and good PR for the sport without any extra effort. No downside. What's not to love?

Hivemind187

It amazes me how every time this particular argument rears its ugly head (which must be once every six months at the least) how so many people hold forth and decree what works and what doesnt with a grand total of zero experience, background or education with regard to the media or advertising.

Its astonishingly conceited. Compounded by the fervor with which they argue with those who do have relevant knowledge and experience.

Typical Irish mentality really. Hear something, make a snap decision without thinking any of the factors through and defend it like it's your own personal plot of land. Sheer egotism and nothing more.

OddysAirsoft

LOOOOOOL Hivemind187 that was truly an outstandingly funny reply.....I laughed so much when I read that post that I would swear I felt a damp patch..

You sir are the very reason that people are turning away from this forum in droves!

In future I will switch off my tv or radio when the ads are on because as I do not have a degree in the relevant media marketing and advertising, they would be lost on me as a consumer - even though that is for whom the ads are made for....but hey it's great to have someone more educated than me in the relevant fields explain the errors of my ways!

On that note I will get my coat...........


Footnote: At least NakedDex had the decency to articulate a reply that was free from personal insults and try to inform and educate - in fairness I was beginning to see his point - but now I have closed the door again safe in the knowledge that there are some really bitter and shallow, mindless morons out there in the world of airsoft who are like dogs with bones - and will not let things that happened in the past go and move on for the good of the sport!

Hivemind187

FRUoddy wrote: »

LOOOOOOL Hivemind187 that was truly an outstandingly funny reply.....I laughed so much when I read that post that I would swear I felt a damp patch..

You sir are the very reason that people are turning away from this forum in droves!

In future I will switch off my tv or radio when the ads are on because as I do not have a degree in the relevant media marketing and advertising, they would be lost on me as a consumer - even though that is for whom the ads are made for....but hey it's great to have someone more educated than me in the relevant fields explain the errors of my ways!

On that note I will get my coat...........


Footnote: At least NakedDex had the decency to articulate a reply that was free from personal insults and try to inform and educate - in fairness I was beginning to see his point - but now I have closed the door again safe in the knowledge that there are some really bitter and shallow, mindless morons out there in the world of airsoft who are like dogs with bones - and will not let things that happened in the past go and move on for the good of the sport!

Ladies and gentlemen ... my point proven.

MagicIRL

Jesus Hivemind, there really was no need for such a harsh statement. You do not need some form of degree to have an opinion.

Now, As Winston Churchill (Someone who I pressume you all are familiar with) once said; "Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm."

I don't see how Airsoft is ever going to grow to the size and strength it has (As in America, England etc) if everytime someone suugests something, or attempts to argue their point it is shot down immediately.

Personally I think that both advertising in the Gazette newspaper (As NakedDex has already said) coupled with Advertisements on radio and this "Town" TV are all avenues that we should persue. If we fail, we fail but at least we tried. And if you have tried, and tried your very best, there is nothing more you can do.

I would be pleased if Oddy would continue to post his ideas within this topic as I do find that any form of construction is better then nothing. Even though some seem to be blatantly opposed to any form of "out-side-the-box" thinking.

thermo

keep it civil guys, this thread has the potential to be an interesting discussion/debate.

Puding

I find this rather amusing, i read hiveminds post as a note on both sides of the argument in this thread both for and against , i suppose people read into things what they want :rolleyes:

NakedDex

As opposing to Oddys views as mine are, in the interest of a balanced debate I'd still like to hear his thoughts.

This is an important factor in airsoft's future and I genuinely think both sides need to be involved in order to come to a valuable decision on the sort of standards of advertising that would simultaneously benefit the sport and not cause offence or concern among the general public.

Oddy, I'd implore you not to shut that door. Whether you see my point or not, your input is valued. I think we see validity in each others arguments, and that's a promising prospect.

OddysAirsoft

Quite simply I love Airsoft - and have done everything to help promote it in a positive light within the realm of my very limited capabilities. I have to admit it is time consuming as hell and sometimes you do feel 'why bother'!

I just feel that people are ever so quick to condemn the people who try in life, they put down ideas and scoff at attempts made, but never seem to add to the pot with anything constructive. To give an example - there seems to be an awful lot of people on here who seem to have a great knowledge on advertising who feel the MIA have missed the mark with their radio advertising. Still with me? Good. Now how many of those people have actually given Derek a ring and explain how they feel and take it a step further by offering a solution ie an alternate way the ad could be constructed/presented that would better the sport/increase footfall for his store? Anyone hearing Crickets and seeing TumbleWeed? Thought so!

Last thing I want to do is fight with anyone on here and that is why I have a huge dislike for forums (I know,I know I can see the contradiction) due to the fact that written word is open to interpretation and misreading. I would wager if we took the most volatile posters here and put hem in a room together they would come out more friends than enemies.

I really enjoyed NakedDex's post because while I might not agree with ALL he says - he did raise some interesting points that could at least kick start some thought process within my tiny mind

I was asked recently to put together a promo vid for GoTactical to help promote Airsoft (this will be played on a large screen in their store window) I uploaded it to a spare channel because I didn't want to infringe on Copyright issues due to soundtrack I have used. It is over 5 mins long and barely gets the message across - I fail to see how a Company can do it in 30 seconds and not produce something to the level that MIA did, that all I am saying.

For anyone interested this is the uploaded draught ... the final one has had a few minor tweaks made to it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkt2C_kiCLg

NakedDex

I'll be honest, I haven't picked up the phone to do that, but I have my own very good reasons for doing just that. Reasons I shan't go into here, but reasons I'm not at odds with discussing in private if it becomes a necessity.

I'd like to see advertising of the sport, I've mentioned this on numerous occasions. I'm also of the opinion, and I think Oddy shares this (correct me if I'm wrong), that trying to advertise airsoft as a sport and trying to advertise a commercial airsoft interest are two vastly different things and need to be approached accordingly.
This thread started out considering options to promote the sport itself, and I personally think that video does a rather excellent job of portraying the fact that it is - lets not kid ourselves - based around gun and military kit, without making it look like something sinister. On top of that, as you mentioned, it will be played in the window of GoTactical. This is the kind of targetted marketing I was speaking of. It doesn't need to be incredibly narrow, it just needs to be somewhat targeted.

What promoting airsoft gains in the ability to be designed as an infomercial, rather than a commercial, it loses in it's ability to be concise. Commcercials, by nature, have to be concise. They must capture the listener of viewer quickly, deliver a message and leave a memorable imprint before said person's attention span wains.
Easier said than done. It's incredibly easy to go too full on, or too softly-softly. Both are counter productive for their own reasons, and both are expensive mistakes in their own right.
I'm, personally, rather opposed to the "Harvey Norman meets Rambo" method that MIA's add portrays. I'm not sure how much control they had directly in the making of it, as these things are often handed over to an advertising agency who reassuringly say "trust us, this is what we do" to just about anything they come up with.
Radio advertising is one of those broad-spectrum systems that might, if you're lucky, register an interest with a handful of people. It's like using a shotgun with a birdshot cartridge to put a hole in a stamp from 50 yards. Chances are you'll get one or two hits, but it's an awful waste of potential. The problem is, it's just as likely to make it to the ears of someone who will suddenly take umbrage to the message or concept in what has lovingly become known in the Irish airsoft community as the "Maud Flanders Effect". These are the people who call Joe Duffy, raise public outcry and borderline get the whole sport banned, but surely give it a bad name in the short term.
My opinion on the whole commercial advertising concept is simple and hardly demanding; by all means advertise, but be careful. That just means things like omitting the sound of gunfire as sound effects, picking appropriate time slots for the advertisement to air and not shoving the words "guns" or "rifles" down the ears of the listeners with all the overexcited fervor of a 5 year old after a couple of bags of sherbet.

I'm not in the least part implying a retailers shouldn't use any option possible to advertise, I'm simply asking that a degree of care and caution be taken when more broad-spectrum, mass media are chosen as the medium.

deco nate

tbh,its a great ad for airsoft,but its just a bit lacking.
why?it needs a bit o the fun in it,if you get were im
comin from.

it needs to show that if its your first game you will
be welcome to the game,you know a bit o banter
so the not so hard core can have a game on the day,
yes i know we all welcome noobs(hate that word,tbh)
but its what paintball does so well.

i have been tryin for the best part of 2 years to get
the lads i work with to give airsoft a try,no luck.
yet in that time they have played paintball
6 times!

and imo,this is were we fall short.
good videos like this are just what our
hobby needs,you just.imo.
need to show a bit of the bloopers,banter in game
footage(it makes every one feel a bit better if they see someone else make a fool o them self,seein that someone has done it already).just so everyone that does not play this
game can see it is,if not better...is equal
to paintball in thier eyes,after one game they will see this game is better.
its just so hard to get people to try it out.

NakedDex

I've tried the "lets just do something ridiculous for fun" route before, as plenty of others have. The Hawks famously suited up for a milsim game in HRTA, for example. The pictures are quite legendary, and are highly indicative of the fun side of the sport.
On a whim one day, due to the amount of ribbing I was getting for turning up to a site wearing flashy jeans, a Leinster jersey and shoes, I decided to not change into my ACU for the days gaming and used my "Landsdowne Camouflage Pattern". Those who weren't in on the joke, complete with playing the Ross O'Carroll-Kelly character as best I could, were split 50/50 betwen those who found it hilarious and those who it just annoyed as it was ruining their experience.

And therein lies a fundamental issue in itself. The sport itself is generally taken seriously while played. There's the odd joking shout here and there but, for the most part, it's reasonably intense. It's a tough balance to show both the intensity of the game - which is what makes it so addictive and enjoyable - and the good natured camaraderie you find in the safe zone or between games, or even during lulls in the action.


Last summer, for a couple of days, I ventured out to HRTA with my camera gear to try and capture some of this. To an extent, I managed it. I got both the super serious and the rather ridiculous, and all points in between. I think I may sally forth again this year and repeat it. I got some very interesting and even inspiring images from it, so it'd be interesting to try again (if a little nerve wracking considering a stray bb to the lens could ruin a two grand lens...)

The serious


The ridiculous


The best part



Like Oddy, a large part of the reason I did this was so I could get images of people enjoying the sport so that it could be promoted to those who have never seen it and those for who an explanation of it may not suffice to capture their imagination.

Gatling

could be a whole lot worse ,could be a color advert in the Sunday World with pictures and prices for a selection of pistols and rifles beside a story about guns and gangland crap ,as bill cullen says you have to take chances in business ,3O seconds isnt the outlet for the sport,but its a retailer selling goods not promoting the sport ,salute,duncannon,gaming conventions ,sporting events would be the main promotional chances for airsoft as a sport ,

NakedDex

We are all ambassadors and advertisers of the sport, and that includes stores. The option is there to use effective and still somewhat careful advertising, maintaining and increasing the customer base and, thereby, the sport. The option is also there to pillage the market as far as it will go, which will eventually rub enough people the wrong way to have action taken against us as a sport, not them as a commercial interest. You don't saw the branch you're sitting on.

Again, I hasten to reiterate that this doesn't imply I feel there shouldn't be advertising, just that it needs careful consideration and management.

Also, Bill Cullen sells cars. The most worrying backlash you can expect from a pushy car advertisement is an eco warrior complaining about large engines and pollution. This entire debate revolves around the cultural and personal sensitivities of the general populace. Cars wouldn't be on that list, but guns certainly would.

MerryDespot

NakedDex wrote: »

The ridiculous Awesome!

Fixed that for you there Sir Dexington!

I think those photos captured exactly what airsoft is about - a bit of craic, some banter between mates, and a fat bald man hiding in a river.

Stercus Accidit

/\ How many people missed the second guy in the image above?

MerryDespot

Stercus Accidit wrote: »

/\ How many people missed the second guy in the image above?

If you think that's bad - there were four of us in the river that day...

Inari

Airsoft is like many other sports and hobbies...while it is being played, it is rather serious, intensive and immersive. While you are dead, out of action, or not playing (i.e. occupying safe zone), is where the real craic and fun is.

Promoting Airsoft as an activity is very difficult. We come accross as weirdos who love guns, and always wanted to be elite Green Berets called John Rambo. How do you change that? I would say that you don't. Instead, I would say that you encourage the new players to get into the cosplay aspect.

darman28

hi lads to our surpise our airsoft site in sligo got put into a local paper, we dont know how or who done it.It all came out well expect the picture was not of the site or any of the players who play on it but of a randomer who seems to be playing in an airsoft world war 2 event or something to the affect in a german uniform.The average person most think we are a bunch of nazi airsofters bring the third reich to sligo hahaha.:eek:
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy351/Daninkr/tigerland-newspaper.jpg

Airsoft Reloded

darman28 wrote: »

hi lads to our surpise our airsoft site in sligo got put into a local paper, we dont know how or who done it.It all came out well expect the picture was not of the site or any of the players who play on it but of a randomer who seems to be playing in an airsoft world war 2 event or something to the affect in a german uniform.The average person most think we are a bunch of nazi airsofters bring the third reich to sligo hahaha.:eek:
http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy351/Daninkr/tigerland-newspaper.jpg

That was a very positive review, fair play to whoever set it up and to the paper for printing it that way.

I have to agree completely with Inari on his post above, we should definitely encourage the fun aspect for more than the sport aspect (I know that’s not what he was saying exactly, I was just elaborating on my view of it)

NakedDex

That picture looks rather familiar actually. I think that may be a site in the UK. The name escapes me, but the faux-artillery piece between the trees, and that whole shot, looks exceptionally like something I've seen before in coverage of one of the British WW2 events.

The article seems to be well written, but then it would be, given that it's pretty much lifted from here and moved around a bit.

Still, it's good to see a positive article for a change. Kudos to whomever is responsible.

Witcher

The picture used in the article was on the 'Airsoft' Wikipedia page a while back, but I can't seem to find it on there at the moment.

Found it on Wikimedia: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:AirsoftWWII.jpg

NakedDex

Nice to see the Wehrmacht using Sig 551's... wait, what?


Regardless of the mish-mash of sources, it's not a negative article. That, in itself, is something to be lauded these days.

Danin

NakedDex wrote: »

That picture looks rather familiar actually. I think that may be a site in the UK. The name escapes me, but the faux-artillery piece between the trees, and that whole shot, looks exceptionally like something I've seen before in coverage of one of the British WW2 events.

The article seems to be well written, but then it would be, given that it's pretty much lifted from here and moved around a bit.

Still, it's good to see a positive article for a change. Kudos to whomever is responsible.

We didnt even know this article was written NakedDex one of the lads spotted it in a chiper while waiting on his lunch LOL but at least the writer made the effort to go "there" for valid information gathering rather than the usual used just to get a reaction. Still strange that they never contacted any of us prior to its release though for any kind of comment or information.

MagicIRL

So since the beginning this thread has any new form of advertising been launched or even considered or is this just detined to be the subject of the internet for more weeks to come, until, eventually, fading into nothingness?

BigGunner

Fading into nothing

MerryDespot

MagicIRL wrote: »

So since the beginning this thread has any new form of advertising been launched or even considered or is this just detined to be the subject of the internet for more weeks to come, until, eventually, fading into nothingness?

No offence MagicIRL, but there've been about four or five completely diverging ideas about 'how to promote' airsoft. Are you advocating just doing something for the sake of doing something, rather than nothing, or actually doing something that's thought through, less likely to raise the 'horror' of the usual radio shock-jock-ery and basically effective.

Shouldn't something like this be coordinated through the IAA rather than just a 'I'm going to do something because I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore' type thing?

Just a thought...

evilrobotshane

Right, I'm not going to do this because I'm rubbish with graphic design and all that. So, somebody who's not me, please make a generic airsoft-is-good flyer and poster (A4) that can be stuck in shops and handed out at events. Then give it to the IAA and make it available for anyone who wants it, and that'll be a good start.

Villafan6

evilrobotshane wrote: »

Right, I'm not going to do this because I'm rubbish with graphic design and all that. So, somebody who's not me, please make a generic airsoft-is-good flyer and poster (A4) that can be stuck in shops and handed out at events. Then give it to the IAA and make it available for anyone who wants it, and that'll be a good start.

I think that's a good idea although it could be quite difficult to make something like that purely because when your putting up an airsoft poster an aeg or two usually gets into the picture and when most people see that there just going to see it and think GUN GUN GUN!

But if someone does it right it could be a great idea

Leftyflip

A background image, but subdued into the page, similar to the one Dex took of Thermo and Paddy from the Rats shaking hands after a game would work well in my opinion. I'll see if I can try make something similar to what I'm on about.

se conman

It might help to have a photo taken from slightly behind a group of players as they advance.This would show team work , players view of a site and give limited view of guns.

evilrobotshane

I think a number of pictures would be best, focussing on different aspects of airsoft, as previously discussed. Men touching each other is only one aspect.

I'm sure there's loads of photo collections that can be trawled through to get pics we own ourselves and so can easily get permission to use. My own collection of photos of me (as opposed to photos I've taken) is here and I think I remember there being an Irish Airsoft group on Flickr, but I can't find it now.

Airsoft Reloded

The IAA (and others) advertise in salute, toys 4 big boys e.t.c and that is the correct avenue for them and the advertising they want to do. We site owners and retailers have regularly taken out adds in newspapers and magazines, google addwords and other online sources. Some have even got banners on the sides of trucks.

There is also an editorial being done by a business magazine pretty soon that will focus on the business opportunities in airsoft.

The advertising is being done, I don't think any of us are going to be hitting sky or rte any time soon but short of that its all being done. Not to mention word of mouth which is the main source of business for all of us it seems.

Stone.cold

I have held off posting in this thread to see where it was going, but i have to agree with Brian here, MIA are all over google with ads the have trucks going around with ads on the side the gazette ran a big section various radio stations run ads for different airsoft venues, i don't see how ramming it down the throats of the general public will be a good thing, airsoft has grown in leaps and bounds since i started it. i guess what im asking is why do we need to advertise it?

evilrobotshane

Stone.cold wrote: »

why do we need to advertise it?

I'd like to advertise it to get a more diverse population playing, to open up more interest for more diverse games. I'm sure everybody else has their own motives but that's mine.

Stone.cold wrote: »

airsoft has grown in leaps and bounds since i started it.

I was wondering where airsoft originated, thanks for that.

Stone.cold

evilrobotshane wrote: »

I'd like to advertise it to get a more diverse population playing, to open up more interest for more diverse games.

seriously are we learning to run before we walk, i am hearing things like look at England & the U.S we could be like that, we are toddlers in the Airsoft world can we not grow up at a normal pace and in time get everything you all want, where do u all suggest we advertise where do we put these posters?