Betfair Buys HOL Naming Rights
 

It's an exciting time - an operation that actually is excited about marketing the game to younger generations and has fresh ideas and approaches to do so, not the least of which is the expansion of exchange wagering.

On the other hand, here is how the status quo is marketing the game:

http://www.santaanita.com/specialeve...zenyattas-colt

What I love is that they have to tell folks "in lieu of flowers." For what? A funeral for the death of personal dignity? I'm a sucker for poster, bobblehead, etc. giveaways, so I get coming for that, but bringing flowers? Perhaps a bottle of wine, although you might wanna hold off if you were gonna send something from Kendall-Jackson.

:tro::tro:

Honestly, I never got past the headline... In lieu of flowers.....oy vey

This is one of those times where I'll probably wish I had kept my big mouth shut but here goes.

Oh and this is said with affection cause I like you guys so much. I'm not fighting with anyone on this thread.

Not yet. :D

I agree, it will be exciting to see new marketing strategies, etc.

In terms of the baby shower stuff though...

I will preface this, I love Zenyatta. I am not the screaming, chanting, drunken fan type or the lady with the massive tattoo on her (have you seen that thing? Whoa!) back but I do consider myself a fan.

At the same time I like to think I have a brain. I'm sure that is debatable to some.

Okay so here's the thing... on the above like it says the following...

Zenyatta fans, join us for Los Angeles' biggest baby shower to celebrate Zenyatta’s brand new colt. All fans will take home a free* Zenyatta poster and at 11:30am, there will be an autograph session with some members of Team Zenyatta. Also, in lieu of flowers, bring a small donation to benefit CANTER and Old Friends Farm.

*With paid admission, while supplies last.

(Oh and it didn't mention it in that link but I read, maybe in an email from DSA or something, that if you so desired you could purchase one for $25. which I thought was nice for the people who live out of the area).

Now to me the "in lieu of flowers" is three fold.

It's cute. (Disclaimer - that doesn't mean I like cute things. I just think it is).

It specifies this event if for charity, and

... I'm sorry but i can see a few people anyway (like maybe people who write to "her" on her website?) actually bringing gifts... thinking oh wouldn't it be sweet to bring this, that, the other thing to the owners... I mean right?

This way it's made clear who benefits and not to do some stupid thing like bringing, I don't know... a dozen balloons and white roses? Baby stuff? Diapers with Don't Blame Me or somethingprinted on them? Who knows what silly things people might have seriously spent on to show their... fandom (?)(Illiterate, I know, but I'm just trying to make a point).

So for that reason, I can't argue with the idea of it.

I'd like to think I would have come up with something better but yeah... look who it benefits. It is innovative, creative, different... maybe it will trigger some other (better) ideas (?).

Feel free to rip me to shreds now. You know you wanna. :p :confused: :wf