Questionable ABA Marketing

[The Magician]

Forever Fit of Las Vegas joins ABA affiliate program
http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3454318

Las Vegas, NV. Forever Fit, a health and wellness fitness system designed specifically for adults 50 years and over, located at 2400 N. Buffalo Dr. #`110 in Las Vegas, Nevada has joined the ABA Affiliates program ...

No disrespect to our physically active 50+'ers ... But this helps the ABA how :confused:

Who's in charge of Marketing at the ABA?

[TheStandard]

who do you think?uncle Joe.

The man will sell snow cones to the eskimos

[The Magician]

I forgot! (What was I thinking?)

The Houston Takers of the ABA signed an 80 Year Old to play for them during the 2007-2008 season!

Takers sign 80-year-old player
03/16/07 - American Basketball Association (ABA) Houston Takers
http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3437458

According to Leonard, "Mr. (Howard) Judah has an awesome basketball resume and has been a consistent winner." "And one other thing," added Leonard, "Mr. Judah is 80 years old and is probably the oldest professional basketball player in history."

I imagine the Forever Fit Health and Wellness Fitness System is just what the ABA needs then :infun:

[Fells]

I don't even know what to say.......

[abie10]

i don't see the big deal here. so the aba is trying to expand their potential market by appealing to the older crowd?

[Strong Island Sound]

...is extremely difficult in minor league sports, especially independent leagues such as the ABA. Not sure if you have ever made the effort (if that is your duties), but I can tell you from experience that it is like pulling teeth.

NY is a big place with a lot of sports franchises, and getting anyone to recognize the team is a challenge. Las Vegas is obviously a place that has a lot going on, so this should be applauded and not lauded.

Maybe the age group of this fitness center is not exactly the target demographic, but keep in mind that the people that will be there have families, friends, neighbors, etc. that may hear about it because of this.

Get the word out any way you can. That's the name of the game. Hey- if anyone knows about a place like that on Long Island, let me know.

[a1sports]

Leave it to Darren to ask the fellow posters here to help him market his team. WHY?
Becuase he doesnt have the money to hire a marketing firm for the team

Darren, you just sat there listening to Joe talk at the meeting, interesting how you dont question any of Joe's BS, oh thats right you get a 6 figure income from Joe. Shame on you.

Think people out there dont know what you did to the Doyle group..everyone knows.

I cant wait till you cry to Joe that you dont have the money to go to Halifax.

But Ill save you room here so you can post and ask for more help marketing your team. Maybe you can ask for donations? Hey sell some of that ABA stock Joe gave you.

[heavesrock]

A1, the guy's name is Joe Pietaro, and is the media director for the Sound. He extremely nice, very down to earth, and is a great guy for the Sound to have. I have never had the pleasure of meeting him in person, but would consider it a great honor to do so. He knows what he is doing and accomplishes great things with what he has.

[Strong Island Sound]

Leave it to Darren to ask the fellow posters here to help him market his team. WHY?
Becuase he doesnt have the money to hire a marketing firm for the team

Darren, you just sat there listening to Joe talk at the meeting, interesting how you dont question any of Joe's BS, oh thats right you get a 6 figure income from Joe. Shame on you.

Think people out there dont know what you did to the Doyle group..everyone knows.

I cant wait till you cry to Joe that you dont have the money to go to Halifax.

But Ill save you room here so you can post and ask for more help marketing your team. Maybe you can ask for donations? Hey sell some of that ABA stock Joe gave you.

A1, I've got to hand it to you. Every post from you just grows with more frustration from your apparent futility to be involved in sports - in any capacity. You spew negativity from every misspelled word and incorrect grammar that you use. Unfortunately, you will not reveal yourself and let us know why you harbor so much resentment towards the ABA in general, and more recently, Darren from the Sound.

Although the other person spelled it out (correctly, I might add. And thank you for the kind words), I am the Director of Media Relations for the Sound and it is part of my job to market the team. How many independent minor league teams have the capital to hire marketing firms, as your 'wisdom' suggests? To get the job done, all you need are dedicated people who put some effort and passion in what they do and hopefully receive a positive response from the local media and communities.

A1sports- just the name that you chose on this forum is an oxymoron. And I am not trying to bait you into an infinite banter of nonsense. It is just the fact that you are so predictable with your rant, and that you seem to be implying that you are someone of importance. As if you were the 'fly on the wall' at the owners meeting and that you are the 'main cog' in the ABA wheel. You put down every post here regardless of the topic. If I must say, it is getting quite old.

If you do not want to be a part of these threads, then simply stop posting. And if you are a part of an organization in the ABA and feel that it is beneath you, then pack up your gear and leave. Believe me, no one will try to stop you.

Is it a perfect league? By no means. Can it use a lot of improvements? Certainly, and hopefully that can happen sooner than later. If you peruse the other minor leagues, there is no perfect one. Even the NBDL cannot draw flies to their games. It may be a tighter ship (due to the NBA affiliation), but is still flawed.

These boards have become no more than a bash session, and that is acceptable as long as there is equal ground. Don't hide behind a pen name and then throw out accusations and other statements unless you can back it up or say who you are or where it came from. If you know something about the league that is out right bad, then I'm sure I can speak for others when I say that we all would be very interested in hearing about it. But it holds no water unless we know its origination. 'Sh**-house rumors' do no one any good.

[a1sports]

I was at the ABA "meeting" and dont worry about my spelling or grammar, your not my English teacher correcting my paper.

The ABA has ruined people. Its leader and those involved take advatage of minorities and anyone else they can. Your a part of it. too scared to rock the boat and get the leader out. Players not being paid, games missed, fans upset,lies to media, fans and players from your leadership group. You call it "some problems" I will keep my investigation on going and reveal everything I find. If you think 30 fans at a game is good than your in a fatasy land along with the other owners while Joe takes in money. IT wont happen soon but there are people contacting the SEC for all the violations that your leader has done. Keep promoting, your doing great, you might hit 35 fans a game.
As they say if your not part of the solution than your part of the problem.
The Doyle group was right and you are wrong, shame on what you do to the Fans and the players. EVEN his press release on ABA live is a lie, simple things he can not tell the truth on. There were NOT 60 owners there, Maybe 27 tops, But you dont care, you have your agenda like Joe does.

[Alumni96]

Will you be flying a crop duster over ABA venues dropping PBL flyers, or will you be confining your information warfare here to OSC? :infun:

[Strong Island Sound]

I was at the ABA "meeting" and dont worry about my spelling or grammar, your not my English teacher correcting my paper.

The ABA has ruined people. Its leader and those involved take advatage of minorities and anyone else they can. Your a part of it. too scared to rock the boat and get the leader out. Players not being paid, games missed, fans upset,lies to media, fans and players from your leadership group. You call it "some problems" I will keep my investigation on going and reveal everything I find. If you think 30 fans at a game is good than your in a fatasy land along with the other owners while Joe takes in money. IT wont happen soon but there are people contacting the SEC for all the violations that your leader has done. Keep promoting, your doing great, you might hit 35 fans a game.
As they say if your not part of the solution than your part of the problem.
The Doyle group was right and you are wrong, shame on what you do to the Fans and the players. EVEN his press release on ABA live is a lie, simple things he can not tell the truth on. There were NOT 60 owners there, Maybe 27 tops, But you dont care, you have your agenda like Joe does.
It comes as no surprise that we have gone down that road, A1. That old 'us vs. them' mentality when you're called out. Paranoia (or is it insecurity) has caused you to pull out that trump card. The same old story revisited. And I find it odd that you would pick that with one of the points that most people agree on is that the ABA does have diversity in its owner's group.

I'll say it again in case you were too wound up to get it the first time: if you don't like it, then leave. If you were at the meeting as you claim, then why didn't you voice your opinion there? If you did, then the other owners that post here would know who you were and not be playing a guessing game. I am not an owner and therefore was not present. But if I was, I would have questioned the things that have come up right here on this board that have validity.

You apparently have more confidence 'speaking' here anonymously than you do in a room with your peers. If you converse in a similar fashion to how you express yourself in writing, it is not a shock to know that you sat by idly. And you are right- I am NOT your English teacher. (perish the thought!)

I am sitting on my hands waiting for your 'investigation' to be completed. Lt. Columbo should be so sharp as yourself to catch all those 'felons.' And yes, I will keep on promoting even if it for the result of only adding 5 more fans per game. What is your suggestion? If you are a team owner and are so upset over the proceedings (or lack thereof), then go to the PBL and 'good bye and good luck to you.'

Just what is your agenda? You obviously do not like the ABA and are oiling up the other league, so just make it simpler on yourself and us and totally emerse yourself in them.

[a1sports]

Im not an owner, God forbid, I have a conscience. If I was I would have never joined the ABA after doing due-diligence on Joe. I would pay my players and make my games. The einsteins that were in that meeting room had no idea who I was. They were too busy asking each other business questions that a 5th grader would know running a lemonade stand.
When the time is right, I will go after the PBL, IF they pull the same stunts the ABA does. I have no loyalty to any minor league basketball team, my loyalty lies in fairness for people. ASk your Boss if he has that. He needs the money from Joe so he hides his head in the sand. I heard so much BS in that room that when I look at my notes, I question who will believe that the CEO actually said that. Just watch the next few months, there will be more teams added, even though he said no more ( he will calll them replacement teams not expansion teams) He will ask for 3,000 performance deposits from teams and those who miss games will lose it ( of course he will keep it) He has asked team owners to due backround checks on teams in there divsion ( As if one owner will give another owner their social security number, LOL) and how smart Joe is, the teams have to do the backround checks not the league. It goes on and on....Like any good investigative reporter, it is no concern to you who I am, you should be concerned with what I find and what I write.

[Strong Island Sound]

Fair comment. More importantly is what we learn from the meetings, etc. But to at least give us some confidence in what you are saying (or speculating, from time to time), it will be of help to know who you are. Or at least your position. The 'unnamed league source' starts to get a bit dry after a few statements that fizzle.

Instead of trying to blast everything that happens, it may be more constructive to make suggestions that will actually assist in getting some of the things that you point out improved. Do you think I want to see the league fail? Obviously not. But I cannot say the same for you. If the league folds, what will be gained? It will leave organizations, players and fans (no matter how many) without a team. And that cannot be good for other leagues, even the future PBL.

[preeths]

I will say that I have talked to others who were at the ABA meetings, and they gave much the same story as A1Sports. It was described by them as unproductive. Many of us have made suggestions, over and over, and they have been ignored, over and over, with no apparent change. Only one person has the power to change the ABA, and we have seen no inclination that he is willing to make those changes.

Why is it the league's critics are questioned about such minute details as their sources, when the league never releases any information on the changes that are allegedly taking place? The ABA sets up failed ownerships left and right, which leave unpaid players and employess along with burned sponsors and vendors in city after city, yet ABA critics are just being mean and vindictive?

[The Magician]

... He (Joe Newman) has asked team owners to due background checks on teams in their division ...

I'm just shaking my head ... :eek: Horrible

[Strong Island Sound]

I will say that I have talked to others who were at the ABA meetings, and they gave much the same story as A1Sports. It was described by them as unproductive. Many of us have made suggestions, over and over, and they have been ignored, over and over, with no apparent change. Only one person has the power to change the ABA, and we have seen no inclination that he is willing to make those changes.

Why is it the league's critics are questioned about such minute details as their sources, when the league never releases any information on the changes that are allegedly taking place? The ABA sets up failed ownerships left and right, which leave unpaid players and employess along with burned sponsors and vendors in city after city, yet ABA critics are just being mean and vindictive?
Definitely valid points. I am writing out of frustration from the consistent bashing posts that have appeared. I am doing everything that I can in my position to promote positively for the Sound and the ABA in general. There is only so much that can be done from here. But I still honestly believe that if teams are run professionally, the product can still be good.

Obviously from a league standpoint, that has to come in to play, as well. Even a team that has all its I's dotted and T's crossed can only do well if they have a schedule and opponents. That is where the problem lies. Clubs such as Vermont (and I will say Strong Island biasly) have done their part to put the product out there. Prior to the playoffs, this season was much better than last in regards to home dates, opponents, etc. The only home game change for Strong Island was the final scheduled one versus Newark.

There are many things that can be discussed here in a professional manner. Some of the remarks are just ridiculous, and that I feel is one thing that we all should stray from. We can voice our opinions and get our points across without acting childish. The reason why I was so curious to get some info on A1 was because his/her posted a conglomerate of accusations and flat-out baiting threads. Maybe in high school that would have been the plan of action. But I'm not a teenager anymore and I would rather do it with maturity. Even though many here may disagree, this is a professional league and being in the front office of one of the teams, I choose to act professionally when I am reporting.

If in the position, I would do the same for the ABA as I do for the Sound. And that is keeping the people interested informed of the current news and happenings. But to do it on a league-wide level is not as easy as it sounds. I would welcome the challenge and have many ideas that I feel would be fruitful. Yes, I agree that changes are necessary and they can be done without being drastic. Tweaking and subtle changes can be just as effective. And suggestions from these boards are also important. Maybe not all of them are plausable, but I'm sure that many are. This is not impossible to fix. It will take time and effort, but if we are spending so much time on these boards, then it means that we have a passion for it. If it is a positive or negative passion, it is still there. Constructive criticism is a part of any business.

I hope that we can all gain something from here. Even from the negative posts, I am using that as knowledge to do my job better. We are all still fans down deep, and want to see this thing succeed.

[TheStandard]

First off. In Puerto Rico the second a team is late on a check. The league goes and pays for the checks and then fines the team the money and 10%. Second time it happens. The league takes over and usually will give the team to the local city government or finds a very suitable owner. But teams do not fold nor move to another town. In regards of moving to another town it has to be that something wrong happened to the arena.

Second Off. Ok, The Kool Aid Joe is giving out to the owners and prospects can't be of the Jim Jones kind because you die automatically. He must be adding some good valium or something to it to make all of you beleive into even doing background checks on your own???

This is not a league. Not even a recreational league. I know of rec leagues that do background checks on the players themselves because they dont want to be liable of a shooting or whatever of the criminal sort.

Joe wants your 10k. Joe will always find ways to get the 10k. Expect another team in Indiana, Expect another team in NYC. Guys Brooklyn is gone. The Brands will move that to Westchester or if they can as close to Peekskill as they wish to do.

He's put a team in Long Beach and one in Orange County which no one knows of!!!!!

I have a home in Huntington Beach and I've asked local kids and ballplayers that play in rec leagues have they heard of the OC Gladiators and they say what is that an AAU?? Ask them about the Anaheim Arsenal and they say yeah Majic Dorsey comes around here and we have gone to their games.

I head to Brooklyn did anyone know of the Wonders/Comets? Hell no.

All they knew in Brooklyn was The Knicks, Nets, The Entire NBA. Lincoln, Grady, Boys and Girls, Loughlin oh and a few said The Albany Pats.

Hell I yelled at my Center for even daring to play in the ABA this year with the Tropics. Good move Jeff Aubry went to play where the money is right and teams do not fold.

[Fells]

Joe,

First of all, thanks for coming on the boards. You, Darren, Carter and a couple of others have the guts to take the abuse that is given, and that is to be commended.

When it comes to marketing a team, you are correct in saying you do what you have to do to get the team's name out there. I was stunned at first, but you made a good point in saying it may not be the target demographic, but the demographic that was targeted can tell others about the league, they will tell others, etc. The method behind the madness now makes sense; get the name out there whenever you can.

There are some problems with the league, and I hope they are addressed. There are owners and executives in the league who care, and are passionate about their teams and the league. From what I have observed, there is a strong willingness to change, but Joe will not allow it.

Going on past history, I find it difficult to believe all of the games will be played. But, I have also spoken with Brad Hester and now appreciate the monumental task he was given in creating last year's schedule. Honestly, I cannot imagine creating a schedule, and then having to change it as often as he was forced to do. Brad strikes me as being passionate about the league, and if given the tools, he will be a big part of making the league stronger. Joe just has to listen to, and have faith in his administration and owners to do so.

Having covered the league since the inception of the Vermont franchise, there are many negatives, but also some positives as well that can be built on. I am more than happy to go into my own nickel opinions, but would take up too much space here. Feel free to send me a PM, and if you would like, give me your contact information and I will be more than happy to talk with you at anytime.

Joe, you guys have a strong franchise, and I wish you all the success in the world. From speaking with Darren, and reading what you have to say, you guys have the brains and passion to make the league and your team work. As my mother says "You guys get it".

Fells

[preeths]

Definitely valid points. I am writing out of frustration from the consistent bashing posts that have appeared. I am doing everything that I can in my position to promote positively for the Sound and the ABA in general. There is only so much that can be done from here. But I still honestly believe that if teams are run professionally, the product can still be good.

Obviously from a league standpoint, that has to come in to play, as well. Even a team that has all its I's dotted and T's crossed can only do well if they have a schedule and opponents. That is where the problem lies. Clubs such as Vermont (and I will say Strong Island biasly) have done their part to put the product out there. Prior to the playoffs, this season was much better than last in regards to home dates, opponents, etc. The only home game change for Strong Island was the final scheduled one versus Newark.

There are many things that can be discussed here in a professional manner. Some of the remarks are just ridiculous, and that I feel is one thing that we all should stray from. We can voice our opinions and get our points across without acting childish. The reason why I was so curious to get some info on A1 was because his/her posted a conglomerate of accusations and flat-out baiting threads. Maybe in high school that would have been the plan of action. But I'm not a teenager anymore and I would rather do it with maturity. Even though many here may disagree, this is a professional league and being in the front office of one of the teams, I choose to act professionally when I am reporting.

If in the position, I would do the same for the ABA as I do for the Sound. And that is keeping the people interested informed of the current news and happenings. But to do it on a league-wide level is not as easy as it sounds. I would welcome the challenge and have many ideas that I feel would be fruitful. Yes, I agree that changes are necessary and they can be done without being drastic. Tweaking and subtle changes can be just as effective. And suggestions from these boards are also important. Maybe not all of them are plausable, but I'm sure that many are. This is not impossible to fix. It will take time and effort, but if we are spending so much time on these boards, then it means that we have a passion for it. If it is a positive or negative passion, it is still there. Constructive criticism is a part of any business.

I hope that we can all gain something from here. Even from the negative posts, I am using that as knowledge to do my job better. We are all still fans down deep, and want to see this thing succeed.

Joe, I see where you are coming from, and I'm glad to see that you understand our viewpoints as well. I would definitely exhort everyone again to make their points less personal. It's one thing to say that Mr. Newman is resistant to change and has the ABA on a bad course. It's quite another to attack his character. Personal attacks don't lead to change, they just harden positions.

I also agree that on a team level, these organizations simply must run better for the good of the league as a whole. Even the best organization is undermined by changing opponents, or unplayed games, or a constantly altered postseason. Even relatively minute details such as the quality of the uniforms of the visiting teams can affect fans' perceptions. There is much to be done. But the question I keep coming back to is will Mr. Newman allow it to be done?

We can call for these teams to conduct themselves more professionally, but if they don't hire front office staffs, skimp on uniforms, websites, venues, etc. because they simply don't have the money or skills to do any better, who really is to blame? More importantly, what can realistically be done about it?

[The Magician]

More importantly, what can realistically be done about it?

lies in L-E-A-D-E-R-S-H-I-P ...

[SignGuyDino]

lies in L-E-A-D-E-R-S-H-I-P ...


nah...too easy... :P

[teqkng]

OK FELLS!!!!

I told you Brad had gotten to me in a big way, I feel after the short time we had to speak that he has the ability to bring things into focus as long as he is allowed the resources to do so. I have been a bit quiet on the boards and a bit evasive to questions in private email since the game in Vt., and that is why. I think you need to have a protracted conversation with Brad in person to come to the same conclusion. I feel that Brad will take the good from the boards (Believe me he is reading. HI BRAD!) even to the point of recognizing my Email address as my Posting Tag here on OSC when the selectees were submitted to him for the "Shootout".

BRAD... Just a Quote from C. Schwab... Success is not being proficient in every area we are responsible for, success is in selecting the proper individuals to delegate those responsibilities to.

and one Paraphrase from C. Swindoll... 10% of life is what happens to me and 90% is how I react to it.

We are looking for good things moving forward!!

TEQKNG

[Fells]

OK FELLS!!!!

I told you Brad had gotten to me in a big way, I feel after the short time we had to speak that he has the ability to bring things into focus as long as he is allowed the resources to do so. I have been a bit quiet on the boards and a bit evasive to questions in private email since the game in Vt., and that is why. I think you need to have a protracted conversation with Brad in person to come to the same conclusion. I feel that Brad will take the good from the boards (Believe me he is reading. HI BRAD!) even to the point of recognizing my Email address as my Posting Tag here on OSC when the selectees were submitted to him for the "Shootout".

BRAD... Just a Quote from C. Schwab... Success is not being proficient in every area we are responsible for, success is in selecting the proper individuals to delegate those responsibilities to.

and one Paraphrase from C. Swindoll... 10% of life is what happens to me and 90% is how I react to it.

We are looking for good things moving forward!!

TEQKNG

I actually spoke at length with Brad a couple of weeks ago. Brad is very open, very honest, and I was very impressed with his candor. Martin, you are correct in saying that if Brad is given the tools, he has the ability to make this league a success. This means expansion being capped so he can make the schedule and set it in stone. It also means solid teams that aren't fly by night operations. If Brad is to be effective, the teams have to be solid, and be able to fulfill their commitments to the league. With teams dropping out left and right, what in the world is he supposed to do??

I will not discuss details on our conversation as it was not meant for a public forum. I will say that I was wrong about Brad, and a lesson was learned. I don't think Brad is, or has been the problem at all. He has done the best he can with what he has had to work with. If I implied Brad was the problem with the league, I sincerely apologize.

[a1sports]

Brad does what Joe tells him to do. He sounds sincere on the phone but bottom line its Joe's show. Dont be fooled. He will give you the "I understand your concern" line but he has NO credibility.

Why would Joe listen to Brad when he didnt listen to his own chosen board members doyle and salley.

Wake up and smell the coffee.

[Fells]

Brad does what Joe tells him to do. He sounds sincere on the phone but bottom line its Joe's show. Dont be fooled. He will give you the "I understand your concern" line but he has NO credibility.

Why would Joe listen to Brad when he didnt listen to his own chosen board members doyle and salley.

Wake up and smell the coffee.

A1, I believe fully that this is Joe's show and Joe's show only. What I am saying is that in my conversation with Brad, he told me some of his ideas and concerns, and strong points were made. Brad has the desire, the ideas, and the willingness to say he made mistakes, and wants to move forward. I think if Joe listens to Brad and others, the league will move forward. Joe just needs to let the people around him do what they do best, let Joe do what he does best, and then take all of those people and make it a collaborative effort. One person does not make a league; it is a TEAM effort and I think Joe needs to realize he is not the only member of his team.

[teqkng]

A1 AND FELLS,

That is why I quoted Schwab for Brad to quote back to Joe. The quote goes further by stating that once you find those individuals and delegate those tasks you must stand behind their decisions right or wrong, offering acculades for successes and discussion for what Schwab termed "Near Success". Heck the Mans tombstone even says at his own request. "Here lies a man who was wise enough to bring into his service men who knew more than he."

The Charles Schwab I am speaking of ran Carnagie Steel after starting at the very Bottom working in one of Carnagie's steel mills and ended up a legend in both management and in business.

[Fells]

A1 AND FELLS,

That is why I quoted Schwab for Brad to quote back to Joe. The quote goes further by stating that once you find those individuals and delegate those tasks you must stand behind their decisions right or wrong, offering acculades for successes and discussion for what Schwab termed "Near Success". Heck the Mans tombstone even says at his own request. "Here lies a man who was wise enough to bring into his service men who knew more than he."

The Charles Schwab I am speaking of ran Carnagie Steel after starting at the very Bottom working in one of Carnagie's steel mills and ended up a legend in both management and in business.

Trust me, I know the quote, and the story well.