If bowlers actually cared about this, they would vote to change the situation. All the power needed is in the local and state associations and the representatives who go to the national convention. The average league bowler doesn't really give a shit.

There are a handful of people here who actually care, but the people in your local Tuesday Night Mixed Fours don't give any of this a second thought.

That isn't the story here . . USBC membership is a hot topic with everyone every year.  No one has any idea what they're paying for, and now dues are being raised.  People aren't happy. 

If bowlers actually cared about this, they would vote to change the situation. All the power needed is in the local and state associations and the representatives who go to the national convention. The average league bowler doesn't really give a shit.

There are a handful of people here who actually care, but the people in your local Tuesday Night Mixed Fours don't give any of this a second thought.

That isn't the story here . . USBC membership is a hot topic with everyone every year.  No one has any idea what they're paying for, and now dues are being raised.  People aren't happy. 

Quote from: milorafferty on July 24, 2017, 09:49:31 AM

If bowlers actually cared about this, they would vote to change the situation. All the power needed is in the local and state associations and the representatives who go to the national convention. The average league bowler doesn't really give a shit.

There are a handful of people here who actually care, but the people in your local Tuesday Night Mixed Fours don't give any of this a second thought.

Yes, it IS the topic. If they weren't happy, then they would take part in the process and do something about it. But they don't. The rank and file member of USBC doesn't really care. They may grumble when they have to pay their yearly membership, then it's forgotten. This fact is proven every year at the local level when new offices and board members are voted in.

True story.  Our membership base keeps shrinking every year though.  Not only are they not doing anything about it, they're rather choosing to just say piss on it, it's not worth my time and quitting.  Of course that's what they want though, if you're not on fire for bowling and put hours and hours of your personal time on the line, being a participant/customer isn't good enough. 

Quote from: Luke Rosdahl on July 24, 2017, 10:14:27 AM

That isn't the story here . . USBC membership is a hot topic with everyone every year.  No one has any idea what they're paying for, and now dues are being raised.  People aren't happy. 

Quote from: milorafferty on July 24, 2017, 09:49:31 AM

If bowlers actually cared about this, they would vote to change the situation. All the power needed is in the local and state associations and the representatives who go to the national convention. The average league bowler doesn't really give a shit.

There are a handful of people here who actually care, but the people in your local Tuesday Night Mixed Fours don't give any of this a second thought.

Yes, it IS the topic. If they weren't happy, then they would take part in the process and do something about it. But they don't. The rank and file member of USBC doesn't really care. They may grumble when they have to pay their yearly membership, then it's forgotten. This fact is proven every year at the local level when new offices and board members are voted in.

I have and its a waste of time trust me.It's the good ole boy system.You don't like what they do and bring it up.Your labeled as a trouble maker because they can't enforce simple rules because of being a bunch of P...ys.They are afraid to piss someone off.Just facts here in my town.

 Main Event Entertainment is opening a center tomorrow here.They are only geared for recreation bowling.They only have what they call fun leagues 8 week leagues 8$ a week.My 3 other centers here are worried.Its going to be for the recreational bowler they at least seem to have a clue.Will be very interesting to see how it all turns out. Brand new 8 million dollar place compared to the other centers which are 40 years or older and dumps.

Last 15 years I have seen no promoting bowling at all in my area.If you don't put forth some effort of course it will decline.We don't even have High School bowling anymore we did 25 years ago.I want bowling to survive But if everybody keeps thinking the way it is now its not going to.

Eh, I'd argue they've had a fair amount to do with the decline in membership, just in several rather indirect ways.  The time and expense involved to "compete," something they've pushed and pushed, is too much for most people now.  That's what I've heard constantly in the shop, it's "I don't have the time or money to keep up anymore, I'm just a once a week guy and to even do any good you've gotta practice all the time and carry in 10 balls to league."  Naturally they're exaggerating about the 10 balls, but that's the general perception.  Competition is pushed so hard, you can't just have fun, you have to be good and have to compete, and all these tool bags they created marching around with their company jerseys dragging in bags upon bags of balls asking what the pattern is and for a topography report and asking why the oil isn't blue are for some reason who everyone looks up to.  You can't just pick up your LT-48 in your little A frame bag and head to league to have a drink and a smoke and hang out anymore.  It takes most guys a half hour just to get their hair gelled and spiked just right before league now. 

I'll agree with it being pretty horrifically promoted too though. 

The ABC had nothing to do with the growth in membership during the 60s, and the USBC ( ABC) had nothing to do with the decline in membership over the past 20 years.  I have had my share of beefs with how they managed a lot of things, but none of these issues would have changed the decline in membership at all.