Posted by: MikeM (moatm@sharpsec.com) on Sun Dec 9 10:44:00 2001

Jack,

I'd like to offer my input concerning your recent post. First, let me say, I purchased your video in July and have seen dramatic improvements in my daughter's swing mechanics and performance. In fact, I didn't let her hit live pitching until she completed 2 months worth of your drills. It was great for her to finally see the improvements in her results when i took her to the field. Since then, I have have been a loyal customer.
Second, although I've only e-mailed you once before (concerning my daughter's lunging problem-now history), I find myself checking out your discussion board all the time. As a marketing person, I respect the way you allow people to offer differing opinions. It shows the confidence that you have in your product and theories. What I don't like, however, is the sarcasm that some people incorporate into their opposing posts. They seem to be "testing" you all the time. I, personally believe that some of these posts may be coming from your competitors. If I was in charge of your site, I would do the following:
1) Offer products that compliment your video,such as punching bags, radar guns, batting mats (so my daughter doesn't chew up my lawn) etc, as you mentioned.
2) Continue to allow opposing views, but only if they are framed in a professional manner. If someone is intelligent enough to offer their theories and experience, then they should be intelligent enough to post in a professional manner.
3) Allow for competitive sites to be mentioned on your discussion board in proportion to your site being mentioned on their sites. If your competitor's sites are mentioned in threads on your discussion board but your site is never included on their board, it's not advantageous to your business, no matter how much insight they may bring.
4) Include a section for members only (those of us who purchased the video) that specifically discuss questions concerning the video. I feel that your actual customers will communicate more frequently in this Q & A type of environment.
5) Include a success story section for your potential customers to read actual sucess stories regarding your product.

Once again Jack, your site is one of the few that doesn't squelch opposing views. I've gained knowledge from you, as well as many other people (including the sarcastic ones) With a few tweeks, such as those that I mentioned, it will be even better!

MikeM