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The Skater's Corner:
Helping Us Help You
The Rocker Fund was created for you, the Skaters.
Our original goal was to rally the fans to send donations to the skaters and help with the expenses inherent to competing at an elite level. From there, we quickly discovered we were thinking way too small. Few skaters have websites, or much of an opportunity to grow their own fan base, let alone have a tool to attract donations and sponsorships.
On the flip side of the coin, since most skaters don't have their own websites, fans find few places to educate themselves on specific skaters, or follow their careers, competitions and accomplishments. There is even less information on where to send a donation directly to a skater, even if a fan wanted to.
So here we are.
Our hope is that this will provide a place where skaters can post their biographies, schedules, results, (and donation information if they choose) to better acquaint the new fans with all the Senior and Junior Level Skaters and keep the old fans informed.
To that end, the following paragraphs are some items we would like from the skaters that will help us create an informative and attractive biography page for those skaters who would like to post their information.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Requested Skater Information:
...or a quick course in "Self Promotion 101"
- STRIKE A POSE...
We will need at least 2 pictures of you. One of your handsome/beautiful face, one of you skating.
Yeah, yeah, yeah- we know- you hate having your picture taken... and we feel your pain on that one. (I can count the decent photos I've taken on one hand- but that still isn't getting you off the hook ;-)
The goal is to motivate fans to open their wallets and make a donation. If they're going to write you a check, they'll want to associate a face to the name on it. Even better still, they'll recognize you when they go to the competitions. Voila!- You're the happy recipient of your own rooting section-
You have fans!!...and they'll be people other than your parents!!!
- MAKE IT PERSONAL
While your peers and coaches may be impressed with a page full of stats, a fan is going to be intrigued with you as a person. Often what endears a fan to you has just as much to do with your own personality and charm as your skating abilities. As hard as it may be to write about yourself, try to zero in on what makes you special and unique. Your hobbies, background, and goals really are of interest - and often an inspiration- to those who come to watch you skate- and donate. There are many other skaters on the website. Educate a fan on who YOU are.
- TOOT YOUR OWN HORN
Even if you aren't seeking donations, We hope the skaters who would be eligible to skate at Nationals will use the website to post their own information, accomplishments, schedules, and links to their websites and blogs if they have them. We see The Rocker Fund as a tool to help you cultivate new fans and keep the old ones up to date on your career. You will be saving them hours of time googling your name and eons digging through the archives at Ohnozone looking for basic information - and you will be increasing your own fans, and their awareness in the process.
- PRIDE GO-ETH BEFORE A FALL ...AND FUNDING ISSUES.
As elite level athletes, the fans understand the expense of just keeping a roof over your head, let alone the expenses of competing.
In doing the research for The Rocker Fund, what surprised us was how uncomfortable some athletes were about accepting money from individuals. The unfortunate fallout from a sport that gets little media attention, and a limited fan base. We assure you, you're not letting the 'cat out of the bag' on how difficult it is financially to aspire to your dreams.
Whether it be speedskating, figure skating, hockey or skiing- the minute one decides to strap something to the bottom of their feet and compete on something frozen, you're looking at some serious bucks - and everyone knows it. Compete at an elite level, and the bucks escalate. Aspire to be a future Olympian, and you're looking at even more. If a fan admires you enough that they would like to contribute to your 'cause', - let them. Fans understand the expense, and that our government does not support our Olympic athletes.
In no way is it our intent to embarrass the skaters or make them out to be needy creatures out of 'Oliver Twist' begging for pocket change. It is the understanding of The Rocker Fund (and the fanbase) that funding is a pervasive problem throughout the sport, and it affects the majority of its athletes.
- PLEASE AND THANK YOU
The Rocker Fund was started with the simple premise of motivating fans to attend Short Track events and offer donations with the concept of 'both hands open' (meaning to give freely from the heart, expecting nothing in return.)
That being said, as the recipients of someone's hard earned money, you will further endear yourself to a fan, and even gain a few, if you acknowledge the donation with a Thank You. When we polled the fans, it wasn't that they wanted recognition of their donation, but the connection they make with the skaters that they cherish the most. The sport is still small, affording a fan the opportunity to actually meet one of this country's future Olympic hopefuls. Give 'em a cheap thrill.
I know it's a pain, but I assure you, simple 'Thank You's will gain you fans for life, and possibly more donations in the future. (It also indicates to the fans that the clubs actually are giving you the money we send to you through them).
We are working out how to make it easy for you, and provide a way the skaters can send Thank You's on the site while still protecting their private information.
Emily Post would be so proud....
- PLAY FAIR
The only thing the Rocker Fund requests is that if you are an athlete who is doing just fine for funding, that you recuse yourself from donations so that an athlete who is truly struggling can have an opportunity to compete to their best potential. We know this is a tough one. You may be friends off the ice, but we understand you are fierce competitors on it. In a perfect world, if you win, it's because you truly are the better skater- not just the better funded one.
For those skaters not seeking donations, we still hope you will send in your biographies and information. There is another agenda to The Rocker Fund, and that is to grow your fan base and get your name out there, - but ultimately - to get more fans in the seats at events.
- SOUND OFF
We welcome your input. This is new to us too. We want The Rocker Fund to be a true benefit to the skaters and the fans. Give us your suggestions or what we could improve (given our limited website building talents. LOL) Let us know what we're missing or have inadvertently forgotten or left out.
- HATS OFF TO YOU
Thank You for taking this 'leap of faith' with us. We don't know how successful this endeavor will prove to be- and we're small potatoes compared to a corporate or business sponsorship, - but if the fans can take even a little financial discomfort off your plate, or help you with expenses- we're good with that.
The Rocker Fund
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