BW-

No, I am not a sponsor of this particular site, but I do pay for advertising on others. I think you'll find there are not all that many of us that actually DO pay for usage or advertising on any of these boards! I also am a current member of various organizations that help the Archery industry with members' monies. If I hurt other shops with my internet business, I would certainly be hurting myself too as a shop owner. Generating interest in the sport of Archery, no matter how it is done, should be everyone's priority if they are involved with the industry, whether manufacturers, dealers, reps, Staff, whatever. Making money, of which a percentage goes directly back into further purchases within the industry if you happen to be a dealer, only helps to maintain a stable platform from which the industry may grow, no matter if it is done via "old ways" or new. We all have to look towards the future because the industry is forever evolving, that is why new technologies always replace the old ones every five to seven years. Internet sales are becoming an integral part of the equation now, simple as that. Mathews was following along with the AMO's original plan to try and curb internet sales, because they felt it would cause too many problems. As stated above, we cannot stop it, it is far bigger than us, so either "get on", or "get off". I chose to get on because I love the sport and felt that internet sales are part of it's future. THAT is the bottom line. Anyone that thinks the Archery Industry is a place to make big bucks better think again, unless you happen to hit it just right. While I make a decent living it is a tough row to hoe, and competition is fierce. I could've definately made more money in another field, but it's what I love, so....

As far as "free advertising", as stated I do pay for advertising, and anything I get for free, well maybe that is just a little payback for the info I've shared on the boards in the past few years that took me many, many years to learn. Everyone has it pretty easy nowadays. I don't mind at all helping people, but when I get attitude from other posters that tells me it should be "all for them, nothing for me", I guess it's time to re-think my position as far as giving so much away for free.

I have no problem with those who decide that internet sales is not for them, but I don't think I or others should be crucified for having them, either. It is up to each individual shop owner to decide if they feel it is right for their particular business, and seeing as it is now an accepted form of shopping worldwide, no-one is "criminal" for grabbing a piece of the pie. It's a free Country last time I looked,(free speech, free enterprise) and I for one am glad it is! Good shooting, Pinwheel 12