Sensory Boards

[Andy Howie]

Nobody could object to the idea of Chess Scotland having sensory boards. In itself, it could only be a positive development. If the money for this can be found, then great. If however, the money to fund this is money that could have been spent on other things, then that's maybe a different matter.

Given that the money for this will be funded from donations, from individuals and congresses, it is not really Chess Scotland money that is being used

By that argument why do we bother upgrading the clocks to nice Digitals when we can just go out and buy analogues

[SRB]

Andie, I can't really be bothered getting into one of these "you said that"; "no I didnae" ; "aye, ye did" thingies. However, I really don't get why you've put up that post.


What "argument" am I putting forward that implies not "upgrading"?


I said the following:
"Nobody could object to the idea of Chess Scotland having sensory boards. In itself, it could only be a positive development."

I also said:
"If however, the money to fund this is money that could have been spent on other things, then that's maybe a different matter."
"Better things" could mean anything, including buying more digital clocks.

The second part of my last post seemed more worthy of a response, I'd have thought

[Andrew McHarg]

Watching the best players is not always the most interesting/exciting/enjoyable. If we always wanted to watch the most accurate Chess possible then we'd be sitting looking at the top computers playing each other all day.

If I want to watch something serious on the tv, then I watch the news, if I want to watch something entertaining then I watch the Simpsons, and if I want to watch something funny; I watch Aberdeen vs Kilmarnock. =)

[Andy Howie]

That's my point. We have upgraded clocks, what benefit is that to Chess Scotland??

None

Could the money have been spent on better things?

Probably but it was needed as the clocks were falling apart.

and Andy, Aberdeen V Kilmarnock is like having your teeth pulled!

[Andrew McHarg]

I also said:
"If however, the money to fund this is money that could have been spent on other things, then that's maybe a different matter."
"Better things" could mean anything, including buying more digital clocks.

That's maybe a bit vague though. People are more likely to donate to something that they will get a direct benefit from than something that they will not. We could just have a button to "donate to CS now", but people may feel that their donation would be spent in a way which makes it irrelevant to them. At least a focussed donation gives direction, and every tournament regular will see the direct benefits from their donations.

[Jacqui Thomas]

The live feed software has advertising space available on it which can be sold.

If it can be determined the consumer needs and wants of the people that will watch the live games, then relevant companies can be targeted to buy this advertising space.

That's it very basically. Am happy to elaborate and go into more detail if you wish SRB.

This has to be the most logical way forward - sell the advertising space & then no skinflints will be pressured to contribute & the congresses that already struggle to break even wont either.
Paul I am happy to take proposals to my work & I am sure others could also try approaching companies they work for or have contacts in. Please send me the figures to go in with.

[SRB]

PaulBlair wrote:The live feed software has advertising space available on it which can be sold.

If it can be determined the consumer needs and wants of the people that will watch the live games, then relevant companies can be targeted to buy this advertising space.

Ok, that's fine. What I'm wondering is:

How many people are you expecting to watch the live games - both at the Scottish and other events at which the boards will be used? I'm not convinced we're talking about huge numbers.

Also, how are the "needs and wants" determined? Is it through software or something?

Roughly, how much money might a company pay for the advertising space?

[David G Congalton]

SRB » Thu Sep 01, 2011 9:56 am

“Maybe splashing out on these boards will make the Scottish more professional/attractive to players, public and sponsors, but I don't know.”

Alex McFarlane » Thu Sep 01, 2011 10:47 am
“The number of hits and unique viewers demonstrate that broadcasting the games is a popular service.

These figures (I don't have exact figures - maybe Andy can supply) show that there is a potential to attract sponsors.

It also raises the profile of chess in this country. foreign players can actually see that there is a chess scene in Scotland and may wish to investigate it further.

It is not cheap but for an event such as the Scottish it is almost compulsory nowadays and if you have the equipment then you must look at ways of maximising its use (and income).”

SRB » Thu Sep 01, 2011 12:19 pm

“I'm still not clear how it will make money, though.”

Alex McFarlane » Thu Sep 01, 2011 10:47 am
“The number of hits and unique viewers demonstrate that broadcasting the games is a popular service.

These figures (I don't have exact figures - maybe Andy can supply) show that there is a potential to attract sponsors.”

PaulBlair » Thu Sep 01, 2011 1:27 pm

“The live feed software has advertising space available on it which can be sold.”

SRB » Thu Sep 01, 2011 8:14 pm

“but I'm just struggling to understand how anything significant could be brought in via this way.”

Alex McFarlane » Thu Sep 01, 2011 10:47 am
“The number of hits and unique viewers demonstrate that broadcasting the games is a popular service.

These figures (I don't have exact figures - maybe Andy can supply) show that there is a potential to attract sponsors.”

PaulBlair » Thu Sep 01, 2011 1:27 pm

“The live feed software has advertising space available on it which can be sold.”

robin moore » Thu Sep 01, 2011 9:02 pm

“How significant does it need to be ? If I were a prospective advertiser on this completely new media, I would maybe be thinking....Every chess player in Scotland and beyond with internet access will see my company name and services at every congress in every round in all areas of our country and overseas. It's brand new to this scene and there is sure to be loads of interest. How much is this gonna cost me? How much? That's a bargain, if I get one customer buying my product or service, I will make a profit.”

David G Congalton » Fri Sep 02, 2011 2:02 am

“It does have the potential to raise funds though and that potential is only limited by the time and effort put in, the number of people who help and the imagination, innovation and creativity of those willing to be involved.”

SRB » Fri Sep 02, 2011 9:33 am

“However, I remain unconvinced that the benefits will be as wide-ranging as claimed. Sorry if that sounds negative, but it's just my opinion. I do not see how using the boards at anything other than, perhaps, the Scottish will generate significant interest/income.”

Alex McFarlane » Thu Sep 01, 2011 10:47 am
“The number of hits and unique viewers demonstrate that broadcasting the games is a popular service.

These figures (I don't have exact figures - maybe Andy can supply) show that there is a potential to attract sponsors.”

PaulBlair » Thu Sep 01, 2011 1:27 pm

“The live feed software has advertising space available on it which can be sold.”

robin moore » Thu Sep 01, 2011 9:02 pm

“How significant does it need to be ? If I were a prospective advertiser on this completely new media, I would maybe be thinking....Every chess player in Scotland and beyond with internet access will see my company name and services at every congress in every round in all areas of our country and overseas. It's brand new to this scene and there is sure to be loads of interest. How much is this gonna cost me? How much? That's a bargain, if I get one customer buying my product or service, I will make a profit.”

David G Congalton » Fri Sep 02, 2011 2:02 am

“It does have the potential to raise funds though and that potential is only limited by the time and effort put in, the number of people who help and the imagination, innovation and creativity of those willing to be involved.”

Andrew McHarg » Fri Sep 02, 2011 10:19 am

“a focussed donation gives direction, and every tournament regular will see the direct benefits from their donations.”

Jacqui Thomas » Fri Sep 02, 2011 2:14 pm

“sell the advertising space & then no skinflints will be pressured to contribute & the congresses that already struggle to break even wont either.
Paul I am happy to take proposals to my work & I am sure others could also try approaching companies they work for or have contacts in. Please send me the figures to go in with.”

SRB » Fri Sep 02, 2011 2:39 pm

How many people are you expecting to watch the live games - both at the Scottish and other events at which the boards will be used? I'm not convinced we're talking about huge numbers.
Alex McFarlane » Thu Sep 01, 2011 10:47 am

“The number of hits and unique viewers demonstrate that broadcasting the games is a popular service.

These figures (I don't have exact figures - maybe Andy can supply) show that there is a potential to attract sponsors.”..................

[SRB]

David, first of all, thanks for proving, beyond any doubt, that the cut and paste/quote tools are functioning fully.

Thanks also, for pointing out my own failings and lack of attention. I stupidly thought that the questions I'd asked (basically, more specific/detailed information) had not been addressed. However, I now realise that all the information I required was actually there, before my very eyes. I now have a comprehensive understanding of how it will all work, thanks.

[David G Congalton]

SRB - It's my understanding that the Primary purpose of the boards is not financial.

I also understand that the initial cost of the boards will be raised by a variety of methods and not by one single method.

The sponsorhip and advertising ideas are fairly new territory to most but those involved in events in other countries are aware that the potential is there. The challenge is to harness the full potential.

The links below show some statistics and prices relating to chess advertising, all be it on a much larger scale and involving more prestigous events. The map ovelay does show that there is a significant interest in live games. From the pricng page, a very rough calculation shows that filling a couple of ad spaces all year round would generate around 18,000 euros for chessdom.

I certainly don't imagine that CS will generate such revenues, well not in the first year anyway but it does show there is a market out there for a product CS now have. Who knows what can be done with a bit of hard work, a bit of passion, a touch of energy and some enthusiasm.

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