After the offensive e-mail offering a slot to sold-out IM’s if I am a “top business executive.” Outrageous. What is so noble about being a top business executive. It sounds like even extra Kona slots for “Top business executives.” What about top doctors or postal workers or stay at home moms, etc., etc., etc?
I have no desire to race on overcrowded courses. I had a lot more fun at Chesapeakeman than at IM Austria or IMLP. I have no desire to call a half-ironman a 70.3. It’s a half - 70.3 sounds stupid, there are plenty of halfs that are not 70.3’s, and Clearwater is not a destination race. And I have no desire to do an event where you get special treatment if you are a “top business executive.” Really, really offensive.
I agree… It would be interesting to see how quick a Challenge North America Race would fill.
Did you receive the email personally? What benefit could IM garner from offering special slots to business execs that couldn’t be achieved from other successful “well-paid” individuals? I’m curious to know the story behind this…
I got the same e mail and I started to click away at the links to find out what it was about, and surprise, surprise, they want to bring in a few high end swank CEO types who have lots of cash (bailout money from the little people no doubt) to add to thier bottom line. Tim
Why in the world would you be offended?
The WTC is a private company and can offer spots to whomever they wish, CEOs, single mothers, bricklayers.
Like it or not, money talks in this country and you can buy almost anything.
Offended by this? I’m offended by many other things but this is more “business as usual” to me.
You should try more independents - they really are great races. Great Floridian is one of my faves.
It makes sense to target a demographic who can blow the kind of money it takes to go to Kona.
Can you please post the offensive email on here?
I am waiting for the day that they will sell directly the finisher medal and a photo op at the chute without racing. After all anyone can finish in 17 hours. hard thing is to register and pay the money…
It will be interesting to see if the Executives will be allowed to cross the finish line with their family… I mean their Boss? The new rule is supposed to be “no more non-competitors” across the line… or something to that extent.
Let them pay the money for privilege at the race but privilege to get to Kona?
business as usual is often offensive =)
Like it or not, money talks in this country and you can buy almost anything.
Offended by this? I’m offended by many other things but this is more “business as usual” to me.
You should try more independents - they really are great races. Great Floridian is one of my faves.
THE DETAILS:
What about top doctors or postal workers or stay at home moms, etc., etc., etc?
Top postal workers?!?!? I’m sorry but that’s funny.
Thanks! I’m having trouble figuring out why this is so offensive as it’s not really all that exclusive. My inspiration to get into triathlon is this guy: http://www.quinnemanuel.com/attorneys/quinn-john-b.aspx
Why in the world would you be offended?
The WTC is a private company and can offer spots to whomever they wish, CEOs, single mothers, bricklayers.
Did you say BRICKLAYERS? Oh HELL NO! I’m out! Never doing an IM now.
I hope the pink font isn’t needed.
I have no problem with them charging more money for sold-out events. I understand it is a business and they can do what they want.
I’m offended by them saying business executives are superior because of their job, so we are creating a special catagory for them with special IM slots for them. Lots of people have important jobs or work a lot of hours. It’s also okay if you don’t have an “important job”. What is so special about being in the business of trying to make more money for your business? Why is that a better job than some other job and why should they get a benefit other than what they are paid at their jobs. I’m not trying to sound like a lunatic and if people work very hard, its okay for them to be compensated accordingly by their companies. But why does WTC seek to give an extra benefit?
I also cannot believe what an incredibly stupid business decision that is by WTC in today’s political climate where much of the public is really pissed off at business leaders. Their brand is much more valuable than the money they are going to get from the Ironman Executive Challenge and why risk turning people off to the brand over this.
that’s funny–and true. I am done with M-dot races because I refuse to commit to what I will do a year in the future.
vineman, silverman, forestman (UK), other independent LD races.
70.3? Yeah, right–whatever.
I guess I don’t see where they are saying that these people are special. They aren’t getting invited to participate for free or anything.
I agree with you that it was a bad PR move in the current political climate to saddle the program with the ‘executive’ label.
Would you have been offended if they just called it the “Red Carpet Concierge Ironman Service?”
I wonder if this is a way for WTC to look for a new sponsor? Is Ford done? I ask because this is the only logical answer for doing this. I mean how much more will WTC actually make off of doing this? As an income line item I can’t imagine it being substantial enough to piss their customer base off about. They surely would have added more revenue by sticking the M Dot on something else.
My suggestion: Make the best of what’s given to you. There are many positive things that M-dot brings to us. Focus on that because you’ll drive yourself crazy if you spend all of your energy focusing on the negative stuff.
Thanks, Chris