One stroke (in particular) and others (in general):
There are things that I know that are privileged information. I will not disclose the numbers of viewership (or other financial data) on any of the TAR matches.
There were complexities that made it difficult at times (dancing around Bonus Ball for instance) yet the expenses would continue.
CSI was the financial partner of TAR - and in time it became apparent the TAR model did not work. We could not seem to increase the viewership to the degree that was necessary.
To
insinuate that CSI 'pulled' our sponsorship to sink TAR is total BS. CSI supported TAR for 5 years. It was a financial disaster - yet it was so good for pool. I wish we could have continued but the climate became too sour.
I will also say that I realize you have a 'history' with Ozzy - but you need to leave that at home. And if you have any questions (that are public info)
you might want to pick up the phone and call me. I am not big into this 'sniping' on the internet.
I am very happy with Ozzy and his performance. It is easy to not realize that we are juggling 50 things at a time - and perhaps he worded things a little awkwardly (which he apologized for) but he had no malice in his heart. There are MANY issues that are not apparent from the outside view.
Show a little faith in what CSI has done in the past - and for better or worse, the race has to stay at 21. Does that mean we didn't hear you? No it means that too many things were already in place and it could get very tricky to change them.
I will also remind everyone - that a race to 21 is pretty long by US standards. And believe it or not, NOT all the players in these types of matches want long races.
BTW - I agree with others that these challenge matches are a 'side dish'. There will be 3 different challenge matches. There will also be a Pro-Am scotch doubles events.
CSI is proud to be able to bring these types of events. It is a big difference from last year when we had 3 events with a total of 256 entries. That did not work either. We don't have all the answers - but we are trying.
One last thing - I want everyone to know that most of these 'things' that CSI does are not money makers. My goal has been to 'not lose money' - now I need to be a little more careful - since the economy has gotten a little tougher, the cost of mistakes are a little higher.
Thank you,
Try not to flame too much - we try to provide quality stuff. We make mistakes because we are doing something. And to the 'keyboard cowboys' - I am not going to get into an endless debate with anyone that is anonymous. If you wanna talk - call me.
Mark Griffin, CEO
CSI
Than by all means state the facts ,, because from where I sit it seems far to coincidental that TAR folds and now he's working for you
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