Slingshot and Bad Taste

Mike W · Post by **Mike W** » Mon Apr 28, 2003 10:28 am

I don't know what others think, but I find the Slingshot Sluts section of the Slingshot website to be quite distasteful. I know this is probably an attempt to reach some part of the market, but I suspect that many in our neck of the woods will be offended by this kind of crap.

Tighe · Post by **Tighe** » Mon Apr 28, 2003 10:52 am

Just like whoever posted the oppsite opinion on Kiteforum, I think you've done more for Slingshot than you know. I'm sure Slingshot is seeing quite an increase in hits on their website.

Slingshot does have a branding or image thing that I don't identify with, eg. the skull and flames, though I'm sure they've done their homework. The future of this sport is in the youth, not us old farts. Windsurfing has suffered because at times they forgot the youth, and forgot that when one gets married and has kids that finding time isn't as easy. So if they find that that image attracts young new kiters, good for them.

I personally have never thought about their brand or their image when I have been flying one of their kites.( ok maybe I have thought about how cool their kites look in the air). Mostly, what I know Slingshot to be is how well they perform. If I can pull off a move I give more credit to the kite than I do to me. I like a kite that helps me feel good on the water. I don't ride Slingshots cause I think the Slingsluts are cool. I ride them cause they are the best kites I have ridden.

Interesting that you even went to their site Mike. The Kiteforum post said the Slingsluts was soft porn....perk your interest did it? or did you just go to their site cause you were looking to upgrade? : )

Mike W · Post by **Mike W** » Mon Apr 28, 2003 11:02 am

I did go to the site because of what I read on Kiteforum, but not because I was interested in viewing "soft porn." If I were interested in that, I am sure there are better venues. I think everyone would agree up front that this kind of tactic would increase traffic, but that is not the issue. The issue I raised is that this is not a tasteful way to market kitesurfing products. Stick to quality and innovation, and the profits will take care of themselves.

kenji · Post by **kenji** » Mon Apr 28, 2003 3:40 pm

Those bastards, they should have used hardcore porn. That would have really increased traffic on their site. We need a site with some good money shots.

Coach · Post by **Coach** » Mon Apr 28, 2003 4:31 pm

I won't be personally offended until they employ Peter North in Slingshot marketing.

(Please omit the obvious "well of course he should be working for NORTH kites" jokes).