Shocking I say. Who ever would have thought that $fw, who have never been transparent, never submitted to independent audit, who don't even allow public viewing of the expo draw, might rig anything?
Fact is. The expo is possible, along with $fw/MDF, based on 2things.
1st, rich dudes having big schlongs bidding wars.
2nd, hunting companies.
The first is obvious.
And here comes me touching the "the fire".
There are a ton of hunting related companies that will talk about "conservation", and talk about public land hunting($fw is opposed to public land hunting), but when the rubber hits the road, will show up, and support the expo.
Give REI, Black Diamond, Patagonia credit. They stuck to their stated beliefs, and got Outdoor retailer show pulled from SLC, and are now promising a boycott if it returns.
The same IS NOT true of companies in our space.
Like it or not, that's the cold hard truth.
As long as $fw can show huge attendance numbers(the real reason for in person validation), and huge commerce numbers, the abortion that is the expo will continue, and in fact, will get only larger.
Would companies that claim to support hunting and public land, lose market share? No.
In fact it would help to focus attention on ACTUAL CONSERVATION vs Advertising slogans.
Yes. I know Fin will comment. I know he doesnt agree totally with this position, and yes, he and I have been back and forth on different forums about it.
But not a single person, says "hey, brand x wasn't at the expo, better quit buying their stuff"