This post is a slippery slope because there's alot of points that are right on all sides, but still contradict each other. Lately there have been so many staffers that it seems like people just want the merit and distinction of a staff member to separate themselves from those less talented than them. The balls just so happen to come with that deal. I think we in this thread who aren't staffers, yet know more about the game than the average league bowler are the minority. Bowling companies rarely have and rarely will cater products to our demand because out of the millions of potential customers, the 220+ scratch bowler that knows what they're doing is a very small minority. 8 balls don't come out a month to suit our needs, they come out to give the public something to be excited about and try. We should be good enough and smart enough to match good covers to core numbers and layouts for ourselves to achieve whatever reaction we want because we have the game to do so. Good bowlers are physically talented enough to make anything look good, but the bowling industry thrives on those who need a little extra help, so if you can't get angle with your release then ta da, this new ball is for you. The bowling industry will always be a business first and a "family" last.
While we aren't naive enough to buy a ball because a new staffer shot a big 7 or 800 with the latest ball out, there are a dozen ready and willing to make that purchase the night after league. It's very evident, ask any of the pro shops. Whoever shoots 300, whatever night of the week, I have 10 calls and inquiries the next morning about the ball they shot it with (how much it costs, how much it hooks, and when will we have it). These staffers may not be selling balls to us, but it looks impressive to the 160-170 avg women and 180 avg guys that bowl 1-2 nights a week that are looking for something to buy to "improve" their game. I don't consider myself a good bowler at all, but I know a thing or two about ball reaction and how to acheive it. Just after throwing 2 or 3 in a row in league with a new ball I get questions on "what ball is that/who makes that/how is that drilled". The answer that I give could be the difference in making a sale or two extra for the week versus none.
It almost seems like some people would rather have the title of "staff" than all that actually comes with it. On a merit and knowledge based system, there are always going to be better choices anywhere you go, but knowledge these days and good bowlers come a dime a dozen. It's not about that anymore. Who you know, and what shop you work for (and if they are big enough to generate enough sales to help out the company that is comp'ing them 10 free balls a year), is going to be the primary indicator on who will get these little advisory and pro shop contracts that are thrown out here and there. The amatuer/regional staff spots are more merit based and chosen around the beginning of the calendar year and winter seasonal year. It's then when companies go through a pool of people with the accomplishments and good enough names to warrant them a good image in an area with a large bowling population. Even then, it is hard and a very slim chance you'd get picked if you weren't persistent enough and didn't get your name out to these reps and people in charge of selecting staff. I was told awhile ago, if there isn't at least 6-8 people with the company that know you on a first name basis, then don't hold your breath on being looked at. Driving sales are these rep's number one goals, looking for staffers isn't.
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-DJ Marshall
...The Twelve In a Row Pro Shop. Hyattsville, MD
Coach: University of Maryland Baltimore County Mens Bowling
