The Dangers of the Internet
Wed, Mar 24, 2010 - 1:41pm
Funny how I wrote about the Alessi family in the Observations and someone titled it "Alessi out at KTM" which is NOT what I wrote and now behind the scenes, is blowing everyone up.
I never said he was out, I said that they are over KTM and KTM are over them. They don't like the motorcycle, KTM isn't happy with them (pick a reason) and that Alessi's have talked to Motoconcepts Yamaha about going over there. But I suppose it's easier and flashier to get people talking that they are done there.
Sleeter Tweeted me a confirmation that MA was still on board and even attached a photo of Mikes bike but let's be honest here, would a test rider really be kept right up to date with everything that's going on?
Trust me, small but core Pulpmx message board peeps, I've verified it with two people that would know (one of them said if I used their name, they would kill me) and then this morning my rumor was backed up by another person that would DEFINITELY know.
There's not a fire but there's some smoke out there and this could get interesting. Or maybe they all work it out and Mike stays orange.
Thu, Mar 25, 2010 - 6:11am
#2
Dangers of the Internet...is pretty much message boards...and people on the Internet.
2 sources seems solid, then again people take what they want from written content. As much I hate to waste time writing about the 800 sideshow...they should start their own team and they can run their own program.
Thu, Mar 25, 2010 - 5:14pm
#3
Quote:
In the always exciting world of the Alessi’s, it seems that Mike and Tony are over KTM and I think the feeling is mutual. So right now the rumor (that I’ve confirmed is true) is that Team Alessi may be reunited once again as Mike and Tony are talking to Motoconcepts Yamaha about riding outdoors for them. Stay tuned next week when…well, I don’t know what else could possibly happen
So as not to take anything out of context please see said quote above from Matthes. I can see how someone paraphrased your statement and came up with their own more sensational version. Take two key lines put them in a TMZ blender and you get..
1. In the always exciting world of the Alessi’s, it seems that Mike and Tony are over KTM and I think the feeling is mutual. + 2. Team Alessi may be reunited once again as Mike and Tony are talking to Motoconcepts Yamaha about riding outdoors for them. = "Alessi out at KTM"
Especially when creating a thread in a forum, most users want people to read their thread and respond. I think it is sort of a badge of honor in some forum settings to have a thread explode. As far as Sleetdawg commenting, no way he likes his job and wants to keep it whether he knows something or not he pretty much tows the company line. He will post little inside things now and again, but I would guarantee everything he posts is KTM approved. He's a great viral marketing tool.
Matthes as far as what you put out there, just stay consistent and keep doing what your doing. You give enough intel to make us readers feel like we are on the inside and behind the velvet rope, but I am sure you don't divulge enough to get your VIP pass revoked. Your not going to satisfy everyone and everyones not always going to be happy with you (like Fox Racing or 50beeks). But your schtick or flavor of writing style has thrown you into the mx headlines and I am sure paid some bills. Keep it up most of the fans like it, and as incentive Jody is still around and he says some pretty crazy Sh!te, I think your pretty tame compared to him.
Mon, Mar 29, 2010 - 10:46pm
#4
Is a rider testing out another bike and not wanting it to be known because of contract obligations really all that uncommon or terrible?
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 - 9:49am
#5
No it's not...they all do it when their contracts are up and they are looking for aother team. The OEM's fly out to where they live with a crew and let them test the machine. Happens all the time.
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 - 3:30pm
#6
I figured it wasn't really in the realm of the high crime the anti-Alessi crowd made it out to be.
Now the real question remains: Why are these two sources so anxious to throw the Alessis under the bus for something that is a general, albeit unspoken, practice?
I guess we can draw conclusions that they are loyal to KTM or feel threatened by Mike's presence in the Nationals.
Mon, Mar 29, 2010 - 11:11pm
#7
I can't say about how common riding others pro's bikes is because apparently in the back hills or secluded private tracks this is somewhat common amongst riders. But publicly it's a problem and Gio from Gio's Opinions would have better insight since he is a lawyer, but a contract is a contract and all the non-complete clauses and the stacks and stacks of signatures that the guys probably sign covers all these issues. If your being paid money to represent a brand you better be publicly seen on that brand. And if you are doing some secret testing you better hope nothing leaks out to the press.
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 - 12:10pm
#8
I think its pretty important that you got the info from two sources. You should follow that rule before reporting any rumors that are at this level. You dont want to be "that guy" who reports Honda doesnt have contingency money anymore.
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 - 5:50pm
#9
Ping got effed by that deal and is an example of why sometimes, things are fucked.
He checked the OEM websites on Thursday night before A1 and there was nothing. A reasonable person would assume that they weren't coming out with anything but what was happening was they were all waiting to see what the other guy posted so they could make changes either up or down. Then when he wrote that for publication the day BEFORE the first round, they got all butt-hurt but really, they got busted for waiting for so long.
It is true that the threads subject and the people replying to those without really reading what's written leads to endless Internet wars and more rumors.
Of course, as much as Sleetdawg is very open to discussing things, knowing the Alessi and companies managements in general, there are things he wouldn't know right now. Or things he knows and doesn't like being spread because it's not final or not good for the brand.
Alessi on a Yamaha was one of the option that was floating before he went to KTM anyway. It would be a logical alternative. Not sure the factory has enough dollars left though for the outdoors, especially if JS7 is doing some rounds.