The Future of IHC

[RichardGraham]

STAND UP, OR…?
Is it time for Inline Hockey Central to become mostly reader supported?

by Richard Graham

Hi Folks,

Crazy thought: What if IHC was supported only by reader contributions and advertisers that could take an occasional negative comment about their product or service in the Forums section and continue to support IHC? (Many former advertisers and potential advertisers have been scared away by negative comments by IHC’s readers. That’s a fact. It’s an uncomfortable fact, but it’s a fact.)

It would mean a Pay Pal donation button on the IHC Home Page, and occasional reminders that IHC was largely reader supported. That can be a pain in the neck, I know. I have always disliked those appeals for support from a radio show, when you’d tuned in to listen to MUSIC.

The reason this topic comes up is because IHC has limped along for most of its 10 years because of my personal sense of obligation to the sport. Inline hockey gave me a living from 1993 to 1997 when I was an editor at Roller Hockey Magazine and InLine Hockey News, but those days are long gone. I really don’t think I owe anything to the sport anymore, personally... I just love it, and want to see it reach the heights it once attained, when InLine Hockey News said that inline hockey was “the sport of the ‘90s.”

Several people have asked me to turn up the heat on the Professional Inline Hockey Association, asking that I pose even tougher questions to Charley Yoder, but my sense is that that would be fighting THEIR battles. What’s in it for IHC if I help to bring down PIHA? What’s in it for the sport in general? Absolutely nothing, in my opinion.

I am still in a bit of shock that IHC has rarely had any advertising support from some of the major companies in the sport. I no longer think it’s anything I did personally to alienate the bigwigs at those companies. I now think that it is their shortsightedness and narrow vision and blinding egos. I don’t think anyone can deny that Inline Hockey Central brings new people to the sport every single year. Those companies should feel an OBLIGATION to support Inline Hockey Central. Since they don’t, it would be wonderful if IHC’s 40,000 unique visitors each month could chip in a little bit to keep this site going.

Where else can you keep up on the news of inline hockey around the world? Where else can you have (nearly) daily breaking news stories on domestic and international tournaments, major issues facing the sport, and the people who are working their butts off to build our great sport, from the recreational leagues to middle schools to high schools to colleges to ostensible professional leagues to masters divisions?

Where else can you find information on places to play, the best equipment to buy, and which tournaments to support and which tournaments to avoid? (I’m well aware that it’s mostly IHC’s readers who perform that specific informational service, on IHC’s very own Forums section, and I salute IHC’s readers for that.)

The answer? Nowhere.

So, I’ve said it. Are IHC’s readers prepared to step up and keep this site alive? If everyone who visited IHC sent in one dollar per year, I think that IHC could survive indefinitely... and I wouldn’t have to go hat in hand to events like the Let’s Play Hockey Show and ask for advertising support, and not get one single reply from any of the company’s that attended that show, except for Slapshot Energy Drink, a company that I gave a free banner ad to because I liked their product and their personable and friendly owners.

I’ve thrown down the gauntlet. Let’s hear where YOU stand.

(Of course, I extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported Inline Hockey Central over the course of the last 10 years, as readers, advertisers, commemorative IHC jersey purchasers, etc. You know who you are. If you need me to point you out, I’m willing to do that, too.

Well?

[onetimer48]

I don't think it's too bad of an idea. A lot of work goes into this site (especially the monitoring side of it) and it's a great place to come together on the sport that we all love. Companies and tournament coordinators definitely get great use out of the availability of this site. I don't consider the request of your idea "out of line" by any means....

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

Richard,

If you are looking for some financial support again to keep this site alive then I say lets make it a $1.00 yearly charge for each person. What is one dollar in the scheme of things.

I am sure you probably remember I sent you a donation almost 3 years ago when the idea of putting the Feasterville Fury together occurred.

I did this so everyone knows for the fact that I was going to get to advertise my tryouts and tournaments for free on IHC. How many other places do that?

I for one gave IHC some free advertising in return albeit Richard might not have known it but our 2nd minor league game at all our home games was officially sponsored by IHC. Why did I do this you ask? Just because Richard has always given me an avenue to express my opinion and advertise my teams events.

For those of you have never stepped up and donated a dime to IHC it is time. Richard has always supported all of us whether it is company with a product, a rink running a tournament, a team hosting a tournament or tryouts, or just to give our opinion on any topic.

Show this man and IHC some love!

In the words of the move Empire Records with a slight change: Damn the empire. Save IHC.

[-venom-]

What's the paypal address we send donations to? (or am I not seeing the Paypal button?)




There's not many places that even *care* about roller hockey anymore, so it doesn't hurt for us to serve ourselves a little better and help the cause.

[zipyaj]

Richard;

The heck with PayPal! Where can I send my check to subscribe?

THANK YOU for all you do for this sport. This web site, the articles and the forums have been an invaluable source of information!!!!!!

Another revenue consideration could be to bump up the importance of the event calendar section and invite more promoters to get their events into your calendar and a few bucks for doing so.

I appreciate the many opportunities you've afforded me to publish articles and to exchange views with other IHC members.

IHC must go on!

Jay Piz
Interscholastic Hockey Federation (IHF)
Irvine, CA

[indiangoalie33]

adsense? its a pretty good program add it around in places of this forum

[rhhof]

First of all....all Mr Haze ever needed to express any opinons was a certain beverage and a golf machine (no, the actual Golden tee style, for those wondering)

Any way...I feel its a great idea to have a donation button and along with what Im sending you Richard I will throw in an extra fin as well...

I feel the true supporters of this great website should come through and assist with what they can

Maybe we should come up with stock options...Im game...can I be chairman?

[SPORTSPLEXJEFF]

First of all....all Mr Haze ever needed to express any opinons was a certain beverage and a golf machine (no, the actual Golden tee style, for those wondering)

Golf machine, adult beverages, and adventures down to a certain place by the philly stadiums. I did keep you busy when you were in town!

[5280]

STAND UP, OR…?
Is it time for Inline Hockey Central to become mostly reader supported?
Well?

Even though I'm a newbie here, and a parent, not a player, I find the forums to be interesting and informative. I'd happily contribute a few bucks a year to keep the board running.

Just some questions, though. Will there be transparancy in where the money goes? Will we get P&Ls delivered monthly? If the forums are cancelled for a day, will there be make-up forums? And, most importantly, when will the IHC membership cards be issued?

[PGHhockey]

Just some questions, though. Will there be transparancy in where the money goes? Will we get P&Ls delivered monthly? If the forums are cancelled for a day, will there be make-up forums? And, most importantly, when will the IHC membership cards be issued?

Hahaha...yet another candidate for Quote of the Year

[uconnhockey1]

Hey all-

Some good comments have been made. I think Rich has a great point. This site is the best thing we have as a form of media coverage, and for it to have to disappear would take this whole sport back. Rich does a great job, and his job is a tough one. Not only does he take care of the website, but he must also be unbiased and professional, which can be very hard to do when feelings towards a certain player or league get involved.

For his readers to donate a little money once in a while- well, I do not think that is asking too much. I know I visit the site daily, and would be more than happy to donate money, or pay for a membership. It is our responsibility as readers and consumers of this website to use caution before we speak, regardless of injustices that may or may not have been had against us. The reputation of not only the website, but roller hockey as a whole are at stake.

Rich, keep up the good work, you are doing a lot for the sport, and I hope that it does not go unappreciated. It was nice meeting you at NCRHA nationals.

Jesse Creek
UConn Hockey
CT Blaze