How to increase membership in ACF ?

[Chexhero]

Jay, I love your idea. I will definitely give it a try! I think it can be done.

[Jay H]

Yeah....I made an error in my original post. The interview with Wahlberg was on "LIVE...with Kelly and Michael", from New York. I did not see the interview myself, but my wife did, and informed me. She said he went "on and on" about how much he plays the game during breaks on the movie set, and also stated that many others do as well.
What I found most intriguing was that he stated that he had a computer program that he also plays on by himself. Which suggests that he has a genuine interest in the challenges that game presents, and in my interpretation, that demonstrates a respect for the game itself.
Most Hollywood celebrities have massive egos that need to be stroked, that is why I suggest an ACF official offer him an invitation. My wife, who I believe is a closet fan of Wahlberg's, believes he has a twitter account, and is involved in "social media". She, knowing that I always felt the game could use some celebrity endorsement, suggested I attempt to contact him. Again, I feel that someone from the ACF should contact him.
I don't think it is a coincidence that during the halcyon days of yore, the game did have some high profile celebrity participation. One example would be Mathewson during the 1920's.....
I have read somewhere that BB King enjoys playing the game, and Bono from U2 also. But Wahlberg's statements during a nationally broadcast interview is the first that I have ever heard of any celebrity of his status, in recent years, proclaiming an interest the game.

Should be jumped on......

Regards
Jay H

[Alex_Moiseyev]

In Soviet Union it was a good tradition for Sport federations including Chess and Draughts, to elect as President of National Federation some celebrities or high ranking people. For instance, Cosmonaut Sevastyanov http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitaly_Sevastyanov was President of USSR Chess federation for many years. Mainly these Presidents were not involve in day-to-day Federation activities and operations. Their responsibilities were presentation and promotion.

Today in USA patronizing Checkers maybe an additional gates and way to publicity for celebrities.

I like this great promotional idea, thanks, Jay. This is very REAL

Alex

[Jay H]

In Soviet Union it was a good tradition for Sport federations including Chess and Draughts, to elect as President of National Federation some celebrities or high ranking people. For instance, Cosmonaut Lukyanov was President of USSR Chess federation for many years. Mainly these Presidents were not involve in day-to-day Federation activities and operations. Their responsibilities were presentation and promotion.

Today in USA patronizing Checkers maybe an additional gates and way to publicity for celebrities.

I like this great promotional idea, thanks, Jay. This is very REAL

Alex

Emphasis added by Jay H


Yes Alex,
IIRC, without digging into the books, I believe Matthewson was made an Honorary Vice President of the ACA back in the early 1920's...which definitely helped to promote the game, as he was a sports hero to many, and a good percentage of those many fans followed his interest in the game of Checkers.
It is almost equitable to the "Oprah Effect" from here book club......whenever she gave a favorable opinion of a book in her book club, it was guaranteed to be a top seller, just because she had a huge constituency of persons that hung on her every word.....
If Wahlberg's attention could be grabbed, the game may experience the same effect....
Jay H

[Alex_Moiseyev]

Just minor correction to cosmonaut name I used ... It must be Sevastyanov

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitaly_Sevastyanov

It was historical moment: during flight to cosmos, Sevatyanov played chess game (via communication channel) with people on the Earth in USSR Space Control Center. This game was translated on TV

[Jay H]

........yeah.....well...........

best to all............
..............

Jay H

[BillyBoy]

Here is a idea have better organized tournaments so players dont talk about foul play on game sites. It makes the ACF look corrupt and stops people from taking the game to the next level which would be the ACF.

[vhabgood]

I think we are missing a bigger picture....the majority of people can't keep up with travel expenses and time lost away from work in this era. Convenience is the key, and how can we do that? Technology...technology..technology. ACF sponsored computer-based tournaments would be a huge addition. I am not saying get rid of face-to-face. However, we can have more action in computer based tournaments. We need a decent website to run them in and announcements that include them. Some should be free, few could have entry fees with prize money. It is worth looking into.

-vic

[George Hay]

"That' a very sad news. I really hope that you will solve problem with ACF John, because your contribute in checkers movement is very important and precious. It is important that ACF will create a discussion table with you and solve all misunderstandings. Sorry for my english. Michele Borghetti"

The above quote is from the USA Checkers Facebook page, and concerns John Acker's resignation from the ACF Board.
Of course we have sharp differences about the Grand Old Game because we care passionately about the future of checkers. But we don't have a member to lose....John Acker is a life member who has paid his dues in more ways than one!
--George Hay

[Michael Holmes]

I am a life member and my son is also a life member. I can honestly say I have been contributing to checkers since 1988 and I have have been competing in tournaments since 1985. It is important to give to organizations to help them grow. I personally give to the ones where I am a member. Yes, I give more than just my membership dues, I give my time, skills, and additional money. It is important that in the course of doing business everyone must be treated fairly and respectfully..................................................................................................................................................................................

I think the above is a good start to helping any organization grow in terms of membership and leadership.
Michael