EVERYONE GETS A PRIZE

Pitchforks! Run for the hills! 
 
I found it funny that I've had so few arguments over sailors chosen for the Rider's Hall of Fame. Hardly a peep out of anyone for both Class of 2021 nor 2022, just announced. I only get one vote as member of the WHOF Selection Committee, but I also weigh in heavily, after discussion with the SC, on how many get in. But this is not about that. It's about the newly developed categories, the first to be announced in particular:
PHOTOGRAPHERS, FILMMAKERS, JOURNALIST. 
 
When I posted the inductees on FB Group WHOF, a lot of hands went up. What about this guy? What about that guy? Every pond has its pontificating pontif! Everyone gets a prize! 
 

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​Why not EVERYONE GETS A PRIZE? For one, it takes a great deal of computer hours to wrangle and write content, graphically design bio pages and individual plaques. It's my free time gone to hell. I have a regular job and three book projects in the way. There are steep web hosting and computer/software expenses (my job won't let me use theirs anymore), with very few people pitching in with support. For two, it waters the golden waters down. There are a couple of guys I put in because I feel they deserve to be there, have dedicated their lives to the sport. Though I may not judge their imagery to be on par with those top shelf guys, who am I to judge? Longevity and passion for the sport are key to entry. 
 
One other criterion was, How did they influence others to enter the sport, or changed their lives with their imagery or wordsmithering inspiration? Okay, not a word. There a couple of guys with their picture on that wall that were not really in it for the passion of the sport. It was more of a side gig to surfing and a way to make money. But they recognized the beauty of the sport and had a great INTERNATIONAL impact on others. A few like Tonix were late to the ballot due to drained memory cells, but those guys had passion and skills.
 
Here's my consolation prize: I will create a list that follows those portraits titled, OTHER GREAT CONTRIBUTORS to the sport, and if you think so strongly about it, you should have campaigned ahead of time on WHOF FB site. I called for it, nothing but crickets and Buelhler's.

Better yet,  put your money where your mouse is and donate to the Windsurfing Hall Of Fame. Without your support, the whole thing will be gone with the wind. Thanks for reading and your passion, your participation.

Jonathan Weston
Founder/President
Windsurfing Hall Of Fame