Over 18?

Lindsay, These are good questions... I'll need more than 60 seconds. I'll work on it and come back to this dicussion. I'm not trying to prove anything either, I'm trying to determine for myself whether I think you have a viable idea I want to support or not. What has changed and how will you take advantage of that change? Be specific. All I am saying about investment is that if you want people to give you money you had better be able to answer the question of what will they get in return? Should they expect to get their money back with interest if the swimmer succeeds? Are they making a donation purely in the hope that good things will result and no expectation of monetary return? Are they paying for an outlet for their enthusiasm? Right now you are sending all sorts of mixed messages, and investors hate that. Investors want clarity. Is your target investor someone who is enthusiastic about swimming and wants a way to be part of the swimming scene or someone with money that you think will be interested in swimming if they have money on the line? To make it real simple, say we're in an elevator, I've got a nice crisp $100 bill, and you have 60 seconds to make me want to give it to you. What do I get out of it if I give you the $100? Sell me. And be specific.

When you buy a share, there is the chance you'll increase equity, depending on market values. That's precisely how the average consumer will become more interested. Ok, so now clarify what it is that investors expect to get back from their investment? The only way to get your average Joe to care which of eight swimmers touched the wall 0.04 seconds earlier than the others.

Jonathan Please hurry with your answer, I need the money in a hurry. It is only one month and 3 days til the Master Swimming LC Nationals in Oregon. Please invest in me. I have to pay big bucks to swim in Gresham Oregon. The entry fees, the meals, the hotel room. I need a new car, I also had to pay for the Parties. I will have to set up a corporate site with a paypal button on it. Donations accepted for $100.00 or you can slip it to me on the elevator at the Best Western in Gresham.

I'm not trying to prove anything either, I'm trying to determine for myself whether I think you have a viable idea I want to support or not. What has changed and how will you take advantage of that change? Be specific. The Olympics allow professionals into the competition. Hockey/Basketball/Phelps... The general public is now aware that in order to compete at an international level amateurism doesn't make the cut. The rules have changed, CASA is now Swim Canada, that opens the door for investment. To be completely fair going forward, all sports should be equal under the law. (even more changes would be beneficial) All I am saying about investment is that if you want people to give you money you had better be able to answer the question of what will they get in return? Should they expect to get their money back with interest if the swimmer succeeds? Buying a share means you can sell it whenever you choose. So yes, remuneration is a likely possibility. Are they making a donation purely in the hope that good things will result and no expectation of monetary return? Are they paying for an outlet for their enthusiasm? No, a donation won't motivate the masses the same way as seeing a personal benefit from an investment. That's just basic human nature, and working within those parameters would ensure a larger market potential. Having a tangible outlet for enthusiasm in terms of dollars and cents is absolutely necessary to maximize consumer involvement. Currently this mechanism doesn't exist in swimming, which makes that an opportunity for future share-holders.

Jonathon I thought you may find this story in the South Delta Leader interesting. The story is about a cyclist and goes on to tell about team sponsorship. www.bclocalnews.com/.../24343714.html