Bad publicity

No one reports because no one cares, save when one of us dies in the
act, proving once again there's nothing "safe as houses."

There are so many diversions available... who is the world snowmobile
champion? Scrabble? Water skiing? Rock climbing? Surfing? Curling?
Squash? Mountain biking? And a hundred other other equally challenging
passtimes with more participants, greater accessibility, and lower
barriers to entry.

We have an unrealistic view of our sport because we have so much
invested in its returns. We find the formula agreeable. Most people do
not. Enjoy the sport for the personal satisfaction you find in it.
Answer the questions of the curious with honest enthusiasm. Welcome
and support those who have recognized the commitment required and have
chosen to pursue the sport anyway (this is where we lose the majority
of potential soaring pilots). And accept it is a passtime to be shared
among a lucky few.

And if you think it is important to be featured on the news in a
positive light, all it takes is money to feed a PR machine. I'm sure
Steve Fosset can recommend a capable firm. Make sure you have 7
figures available. Free advertising is expensive.

Cheers,

OC