I think a lot of the "problem" is that at the root of it, DG is not a spectator sport. Skate/Snow boarding is so extreme and fun to watch, but DG not so much.
I follow cycling (talk about drug issues), and it has a similar problem. It's too hard to show the skill and toughness of the competitors through the TV. It's a great sport to participate in, but I know it will never have a huge following.
Ball golf has made the jump from participant sport to spectator sport, but it's taken a very long time. It's only been in the last few years that anyone cared about watching it on TV. It had to be pervasive as a participant sport first.
At the end of the day, DG will grow (or not) because people discover it and play it (or not). I do think this has everything to do with the image of the average player. People who play stoned, exhibiting public intoxication, littering, swearing, generally behaving badly will drive newcomers away. Especially newcomer families, who will be bringing the next generation of players (and spenders).
This is probably all off topic for the McBeast thread. I'll make it relevant by sating thanks to Paul. I've really enjoying keeping up with this thread....:thmbup:
I follow cycling (talk about drug issues), and it has a similar problem. It's too hard to show the skill and toughness of the competitors through the TV. It's a great sport to participate in, but I know it will never have a huge following.
Ball golf has made the jump from participant sport to spectator sport, but it's taken a very long time. It's only been in the last few years that anyone cared about watching it on TV. It had to be pervasive as a participant sport first.
At the end of the day, DG will grow (or not) because people discover it and play it (or not). I do think this has everything to do with the image of the average player. People who play stoned, exhibiting public intoxication, littering, swearing, generally behaving badly will drive newcomers away. Especially newcomer families, who will be bringing the next generation of players (and spenders).
This is probably all off topic for the McBeast thread. I'll make it relevant by sating thanks to Paul. I've really enjoying keeping up with this thread....:thmbup: