Seems like a lot of unnecessary venom for someone who bowls and seems like a good ambassador to bowling. Her average is "high" enough or "she's the problem with bowling today" seems ridiculously harsh. This thread started as a simple question and then turned into a bash fest. That's the real problem with bowling and the internet. Keyboard warriors talking crap from behind a computer and no way to hold them accountable. 

Unfortunately I have to agree here . . maybe it's not right, but it doesn't seem right to people who have "success" on the lanes or at tournaments or in the industry and who have put in the time or work but can't get a staff contract with anybody to get onto youtube and see people who don't seem to be at the same skill level as they are on staff.  That either pisses them off, or creates a false sense of what it really takes to be a staffer, like you alluded to.  At the same time, people end up on staff for several different reasons, she could work at/manage/own a pro shop, that counts for a lot more than how you throw the ball, but sometimes it's hard to explain that to joe bowler or get them to understand . .

It's far from ridiculously harsh.  Someone like her getting free balls is the reason every person that can average 220 thinks they should get free balls.

It's not life or death, but you wouldn't know it by visiting this site.  Sometimes this place can be a great spot to gain/exchange ideas from other bowlers while other times...

You should go visit the unmoderated forum...it's a hoot.

My wife used to be on Motiv's staff.  Along with Angela, I believe they were the only women on their amateur staff.  The amateur contract with Motiv does not really give bowlers "free" equipment.  They are reduced price equipment.  I believe you might get two free ones when you first sign, but after that, you pay for all your equipment.  Some are able to earn money redeemable for equipment.

To defend Angela, regardless what you think of her form or her average or whatever, she is a known commodity in the women's circuit in Motiv's backyard of Michigan.  There is a lot to be said for a company to support local talent.  There are many bowlers who have amazing form and high averages and all that, yet aren't on a staff.  And there are the opposite also, less ideal form, low average, etc.  But what Angela did was get the Motiv name out there and showcase their equipment.  The number of comments on this topic are indicative of her reach.

I agree with ^^..some staffers I have seen shoot the lights out on a house shot and struggle on tougher patterns. Its really all about can you move there product on staff.

As someone who has done Videos for a ball company I can say this.

I am not on "staff" with Visionary, but have done a few videos for them.  Are they super duper high quality.. nope I do the best I can.

Do i get a discount on balls.. yes.   Do i get them free.. nope

And when you add in all the time I spend shooting the video, editing the video, clipping it all together and paying to get it drilled I am prob losing out on the deal.

BUT

I enjoy doing it and they seem to be ok with the quality of them.

So to bash someone that puts in the effort no matter what their quality of bowling just sounds like a little bitterman to me.

It's far from ridiculously harsh.  Someone like her getting free balls is the reason every person that can average 220 thinks they should get free balls. 

I think what is more ridiculous is the average bowler who thinks his score is all that matters in getting on staff.

But I see your argument.

I'm not sure how the average person is supposed to know that though.  All they do is watch the video and say, "this person is on staff with somebody?  I'm better than they are!"  Most people don't understand what being on staff is about, they think if they're good enough bowlers, companies will want them promoting their stuff, they think that's all it takes is bowling good because all they see are good bowlers that are on staff. 

And that is why I said I saw his point. 

I realize some people don't think about what it takes to be on staff.  A lot goes into the decision: ability, schedule, sales, image, location. 

And after I read itsallaboutme's post, my message stated pretty much the same thing, just in a different way.  Fact of the matter is, Angela is a good bowler.  Her form, which seems to be the part of the equation most have an issue with, may not be textbook Kelly Kulick.  But there are many professionals with less than ideal form.

I realize many people like to poopoo on staffers for one thing or another.  This seems especially true for a lot of Motiv staffers.  I understand the reasons, but this topic was getting out of hand in my opinion attacking Angela for what some think is an undeserved amateur staff position.