Unpopular opinion: Pretty much all media is social media. The mags, newspapers, and sites we peruse all have people who do influence our purchases and opinions. Social media (in traditional context) makes that bit feel 'closer', like we're involved in the lives of those folks, making it a very engaging experience which in turn drives opinions/choices. But that happens on any forum too. Look at the comment section here on the V4 Hope brakes as an example.
There needs to be more representation in our chosen (or any other) outdoor activity, there absolutely does. But from what I remember the results of the 'who are you?' questionnaires that sites/mags have run over the years, that demographic is pretty much saltine and between the ages of 20-40 and predominantly non-urban. I am curious to see how those demographics change in skateboarding in BMX, sports where there is a considerably diverse range of participants as the activities are much more approachable in urban & suburban areas, from every aspect. The cost of entry is relatively low (there was an article on how skateboard pricing really hasn't changed much over the last 20 odd years, google it), areas to go do it are pretty much a kick/push/pedal away out your front door and exposure can be had in a myriad of ways that both involve and don't involve competition. Cost of entry for a decent bike with wheels 26" or larger is a HUGE hurtle for anyone not from a certain tax bracket. Heck, look at track bikes. That fad ushered in a considerably diverse clientele, mostly because decent bikes could be had for sub 1k. Same goes for the wheelie/big BMX rides going out shop doors today.
I hope that doesn't read like an excuse. It's not at all intended to be. It's just financials across the board from participant to manufacturer. If a company isn't seeing and/or understanding the value that some of the influencers (not all of em were particularly good IMO), then it'll do what it needs to. If a co is anticipating a cut in revenue, as I'm sure a lot of companies have been over the last year, they'll likely stick with what has worked in the past (traditional race teams/athletes) as it aligns closer to their core market. 100%, doing rad shit should be celebrated and elevated, but that doesn't necessarily mean one should expect a paycheck for it nor be surprised when one goes away.
Jan. 12, 2023, 10:37 a.m. - JT
Unpopular opinion: Pretty much all media is social media. The mags, newspapers, and sites we peruse all have people who do influence our purchases and opinions. Social media (in traditional context) makes that bit feel 'closer', like we're involved in the lives of those folks, making it a very engaging experience which in turn drives opinions/choices. But that happens on any forum too. Look at the comment section here on the V4 Hope brakes as an example. There needs to be more representation in our chosen (or any other) outdoor activity, there absolutely does. But from what I remember the results of the 'who are you?' questionnaires that sites/mags have run over the years, that demographic is pretty much saltine and between the ages of 20-40 and predominantly non-urban. I am curious to see how those demographics change in skateboarding in BMX, sports where there is a considerably diverse range of participants as the activities are much more approachable in urban & suburban areas, from every aspect. The cost of entry is relatively low (there was an article on how skateboard pricing really hasn't changed much over the last 20 odd years, google it), areas to go do it are pretty much a kick/push/pedal away out your front door and exposure can be had in a myriad of ways that both involve and don't involve competition. Cost of entry for a decent bike with wheels 26" or larger is a HUGE hurtle for anyone not from a certain tax bracket. Heck, look at track bikes. That fad ushered in a considerably diverse clientele, mostly because decent bikes could be had for sub 1k. Same goes for the wheelie/big BMX rides going out shop doors today. I hope that doesn't read like an excuse. It's not at all intended to be. It's just financials across the board from participant to manufacturer. If a company isn't seeing and/or understanding the value that some of the influencers (not all of em were particularly good IMO), then it'll do what it needs to. If a co is anticipating a cut in revenue, as I'm sure a lot of companies have been over the last year, they'll likely stick with what has worked in the past (traditional race teams/athletes) as it aligns closer to their core market. 100%, doing rad shit should be celebrated and elevated, but that doesn't necessarily mean one should expect a paycheck for it nor be surprised when one goes away.