Hippy Dippy Communications .
By David Kjeldsen

Call me old fashioned, but I think the new formats of the APTA electronic communications (the website and NetNews email blasts) are becoming less and less “national organization” in look and feel, and more “hippy-dippy”; less “corporate” and more VH1.

I am guessing it is by intent that much of the clipart used to draw attention to an article or posting is “humor” oriented by design. It is obvious that “cuteness” such as “Poll taken by WSJ/CNN from September through October 2008…” to introduce the results of the recent lob rule poll in the most recent NetNews is the way of the day.

I can’t help but think this new look and feel is a cross between MTV and Nickelodeon. I for one admit I am not a fan of this less formal look for the electronic communication vehicles of the national governing body of the sport. I find it hard to take seriously any information that has a doctored photo of platform tennis balls bouncing off the head of “Joe the Plumber” as its lead in. But in the spirit of full disclosure, I don’t watch Comedy Central on a regular basis either.

Please understand, I love a good laugh. I understand we all take life too seriously at times and we often need to “lighten up.” I know not everything in the world has to have the “i” dotted and the “t” crossed to be on point. I know from time to time having a humorous article or showing a funny video on the APTA website or in an eblast is not a bad thing. That said, I feel it is difficult to convey governance and leadership, which are important obligations and responsibilities of the ATPA to our sport and its members, when its two web based initiatives are trying to emulate Jon Stewart’s Daily Show.

I can’t help but wonder as our sport continues to grow and potential sponsors visit the APTA’s website what their first impressions will be. On the one hand any minimal research will show the sport’s demographics indicate the player base is largely well educated, professional, and affluent, yet the online communications mediums to me convey a different image.

I guess it all comes down to philosophy about the purpose of the APTA’s web based communications about which reasonable people may disagree. I don’t watch Entertainment Tonight for my world news updates, but it is still a highly watched, highly valued program nonetheless.

what do you think? let me know! info@platformtennisnews.com

Click HERE to Return to November ’s articles