YOU TELL ME: Got Ideas for the New Year?

 WHEW!!!

Since this was our 4th consecutive Kentucky in December, it seems a tradition has been born:) and now that we've had time to catch our breath, it's time to digest what just happened. For one thing, the back-to-back tournaments (formerly known as the Winter Southern Closed + New Year's Classic) will forevermore be referred to as

THE KENTUCKY MARATHON!!!

We celebrated a quiet Christmas (the very best kind) and left early the next morning for our 26th TOURNAMENT OF THE YEAR...coincidentally the longest trip on our schedule - 7+ hours to Louisville - and we arrived just in time to set up and greet excited players as they checked in. SO FAR, SO GOOD - lots of "Happy Holidays!" - "Was Santa good to you?" - and like that.
The Christmas spirit in full force...You knew that wouldn't last.

And it certainly didn't. The tournament director got an earful DURING CHECK-IN from an angry mother who was very upset about scheduling issues that she felt gave her daughter's opponent an unfair advantage..mind you, she was referring to a potential match-up that MIGHT have occurred three days later (and of course it didn't even happen). What the...oh geeez! Then the tournament kicked off and things went downhill pretty fast...An all-time low was when a furious father yelled at Danny for a full HOUR!!! He was angry because his son was not playing well and he insisted that he needed to protect his privacy rights...blah blah blah. He argued with the tournament director, threatened to call the USTA (go ahead), and told Danny he appreciated our video service (really? this from a former customer, believe it or not) but he insisted we needed permission from BOTH parents before we recorded any match. Since he clearly had no intention of purchasing the video (and he already knew his son's opponent was not going to buy it - he'd approached them too, unbelievably), he DEMANDED that the camera come down...and he finally got his way. We have certainly researched this topic many, many times and we are NOT doing anything wrong...but just try convincing ballistic parents of that. 

I was in tears - Danny wasn't crying of course but you better believe he was very upset. It was about much more than the $55...The man was essentially questioning our integrity and implying we were doing something illegal or immoral. WOULD YOU BE SERIOUS, MAN - nothing could be further from the truth!!! I can't tell you how hurtful and disheartening it was to be repeatedly insulted in that way. Of course this man wasn't the first and unfortunately he won't be the last.

WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT THIS?!

YOU TELL ME!

Next, a father approached us to ask if we'd object to him recording his son's match (what were we supposed to say?!? Can you bring your own steak to Ruth Chris steakhouse and sit in their booths and use their silverware while you eat?!?) and we watched as a parade of parents strolled by with video cameras (to hang their cameras beside ours, though they were not permitted to do so) - one father even went so far as to angrily shove me out of his way as he went to hang his camera (which he was not permitted to do)...

I understand it's a free country (hey, I'm all for freedom) but....well, when you factor in 7 straight 16+ hour days for 2 people covering 4 separate sites and recording 250 matches (while selling 50% of them), well, it's easy to see why we're reconsidering what the @#@#% we're doing and why.

So as we begin our SEVENTH YEAR of this crazy business, we're asking for YOUR help.
Just pretend you could tell us what to do.
You can't, of course:) but if you could, what would YOU do???
You would think that we wouldn't have to deal with this CRAP anymore---but you'd be wrong.

:(

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

Please keep in mind that we get virtually NO support from the coaches, NO support from the tennis association, NO support from academies, NO support from anyone.

I can't imagine giving up (and I'd hate it if the 99% who love what we do lose out to the 1% who make our lives miserable) but in spite of our best efforts, there may just be a reason nobody else is doing this...and unfortunately, TENNIS may just be the only sport on earth that isn't ready for technology.

Oh, yes, of course the best players with the best bank accounts are ready and they're already doing this and more...but the average tennis player?

YOU TELL ME!

As HIGH-TECH TENNIS Turns - August 23

THERE'S MORE TO LIFE THAN TENNIS---
JUST ASK THIS BUTTERFLY BOY (LOL)

HI and thanks for reading!!! Another month has passed - bet you thought we melted - and you'd be ALMOST right. :-) WOWOW! This summer has been the hottest in recorded history...and it has reinforced something I already knew: We simply MUST find a way to work smarter, not harder. I don't know about you (LOL) but we are not getting any younger. And 12+ hour days with triple-digit temps and/or extreme triple-digit heat-index with NO break? They are NO JOKE.

Sorry about that :( but no more whining...Time to get a grip and tell you all about the exciting details of our exciting lives, LOL!!! This month is AWESOME because YAY-we're on BREAK!!! This is not the kind of break where we're just kicking back, eating bon-bons (have never even seen a bon-bon, have you?), but we're on a FIVE-WEEK BREAK from the constant tournament trail and oh, how sweet it is!!!! Still, we know how important it is to recognize the people who help to make our lives to wonderful so we're ready for some SHOUTOUTS! Ready? :)

We kicked off the month with a trip to - where else - NORTH CAROLINA. It seems like we spent practically the entire summer in North Carolina (first Cary, then Winston-Salem, and this time Charlotte) but there are worse places to go, right? :) Besides, there were a few extra-special things about this trip: 1) we were invited to be there (ahem---so much more than I could say about most tournaments in Georgia), 2) we got to see/spend time with Danny's sister in the Charlotte area, and 3) we got to meet lots of nice people at the beautiful Olde Providence Racquet Club. GREAT THANKS to TD Randy Chamberlain and everyone at OPRC for being so nice to us but this tournament fell between two supernational tournaments and we were quite exhausted before the fun even began in Charlotte. Not sure we'll do it again next year, but we'll see how things go...
  
The more things change at the G12 National Hard Court Championships at the wonderful Windward Lake Club, the more they stay the same---which is to say YAY-THEY ARE ALWAYS AWESOME!!! This was our 4th consecutive year there and each year has been better than the previous...We miss Cannon, and we miss Patrick, but the one and only Greg Grover did a perfectly FINE job as tournament director this year. There is a reason why Windward Lake Club is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL tennis facility with THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS tennis academy in Atlanta. So GREAT THANKS to TD Greg Grover and Club Manager Amy Riley, as well as the whole cast of characters at Windward! We are very proud to be part of all the cool stuff that goes on out there and we LOVE being treated like part of the family. They recognize that we are an AMENITY to make their great tournaments BETTER...It means more than we can say.

While reading the bathroom wall (more accurately, while reading an announcement that was posted on the bathroom wall, LOL), I saw that HIGH-TECH TENNIS was offering video services at the 18 & Under tournament at Windward within hours after the G12 Hard Court tournament finished. WHAT?!?!?!?!? OH NOOOOOOO. But soon after I read it, I took a call from a father who was thrilled at the opportunity to purchase a video for his son---WOW. So after all Windward does for us, how could we possibly say no?!? GREAT THANKS to our great friend and one of our all-time, all-time favorite coaches: TD Torrey Hawkins for supporting HIGH-TECH TENNIS in every way on every day.

Wow - for a short month, this was a long list of thanks...and we're very thankful to one more person who recently brought us a GRRRRRRREAT new opportunity that we think the junior tennis community is gonna LOVE but we can't reveal it just yet. STAY TUNED-it's gonna be good! 

SORRY THIS WAS SO LONG, but as always, the greatest GREAT THANKS goes to YOU, our wonderful customer friends. We couldn't possibly do what we do without your ongoing kindness and we always appreciate your amazing support. We recognize that is a real privilege to be involved in the development of your junior tennis player --- and living this dreamy life ain't so bad either! :) For example, for the 2nd year in a row, I'M GOING TO NYC TO SEE ROGER!!! YAHOOOOOOO for that!!! Oh and after that, our video cameras will be looking for YOU on the tournament trail! :)

Another Satisfied Parent! :)

"Our college recruit video looks sooooo good!
Thank you for all your work on this!
We will certainly do our best to spread the word about
HIGH-TECH TENNIS!!!"

Mother of 17 Yr Old Junior from Mableton, GA (and Repeat Customer Since 2006, when we prepared College Recruit Video for her other son - who plays baseball!)

As HIGH-TECH TENNIS Turns - July 23

EXTREME HIGH-TECH TENNIS HUSTLE (LOL)
HI and thanks for reading!!! WOW---Once again, it's been almost a MONTH since I posted what used to be a weekly update filled with exciting details about our exciting lives, lol!!! Wait--I did share some observations about some awesome directors at some awesome tennis camps...That's because no matter how busy we are (and WOW O WOW-are we busy!!!), we know how important it is to recognize the people who do so much for us. We're shouting out some big names this week...Ready? :)

 

GREAT THANKS to Dave Power and the entire staff at the wonderful Windward Lake Club. One of the best things about being self-employed is choosing the people with whom we spend our time---and we choose Windward! :) We spent 3 fun days at the US Open Southern Qualifier over the 4th of July weekend! We saw some great tennis and we had a great time...GOOD LUCK to the players who earn wild card entries into the US OPEN!!! Oh, almost forgot-we even caught up with our friend Luke Jensen, one of our earliest supporters! It sems like just yesterday when he enthusiastically said "YES!!! WHAT YOU'RE DOING IS FANTASTIC AND I LOVE IT!!!" GREAT THANKS, Luke--You should listen to him--he knows a thing or two about tennis! :-)

Mobile is always a home run for us..and we were surprised that the Regional Segment the following weekend fell somewhat flat but GREAT THANKS to TD Scott Novak for the warm welcome. I guess we had to save our energy for the following weekend because we hit it OUT OF THE PARK at the National Clay Court Championships in Winston-Salem (what's with all the baseball references? you tell me, lol!) This was our 4th consecutive year and it just keeps getting better...so GREAT THANKS to TD Chris Cagle for recognizing the value of what we do....We sold an unbelievable 102 videos over 6 days at the tournament so we know we're making a difference and we LOVE that...which brings me to another point...

While chatting with parents in NC, I shared our excitement about being invited to a tournament next weekend in Charlotte. People are shocked (I'm talking S-H-O-C-K-E-D) to learn that some tournament directors actually expect us to PAY for the opportunity to enhance their tournament. Oh, if they only knew!!!
Why do you think we spend so VERY LITTLE TIME in Atlanta???
"I thought it was such a big tennis town???" "Well, lots of people play tennis, but ..." Trust me - nobody and I mean NOBODY - wants to spend time at home more than me (we live in paradise, remember?) - but we have VERY GOOD REASONS for avoiding most of the tournaments in Atlanta.
A mother from NJ summed it up perfectly:
"Any tournament that would charge you two for providing services that are so POPULAR would be a tournament I wouldn't want to go to!" We're slowly but surely making better choices--ENOUGH SAID.

Also, GREAT THANKS to the growing number of college recruits who contact us for help with their recruit videos---LOVE THAT! Oh and don't forget it's been about 400 degrees almost every day for the past month or more!!! UGH.

SORRY THIS IS SO LONG :( But as always, the greatest GREAT THANKS goes to YOU, our wonderful customer friends. We couldn't possibly do what we do without your ongoing kindness and we always appreciate your amazing support. We recognize that is a real privilege to be involved in the development of your junior tennis player --- and living this dreamy life ain't so bad either! :) Our video cameras will be looking for YOU on the tournament trail! :)

As HIGH-TECH TENNIS Turns - June 26

LONG LIVE THE MIGHTY FED

HI and thanks for reading!!! WOW---It's already been more than a MONTH since I updated this "weekly" blog...Where does the time go? Let me tell you---it just GOES---but we know how important it is to recognize the people who make our lives wonderful (and they surely do). We're shouting out SEVEN names this week...Ready? :)

GREAT THANKS to the other half of HIGH-TECH TENNIS, without whom nothing else would be possible, nor would it matter. It is common knowledge that Danny is the tennis brain behind HIGH-TECH TENNIS---but he's sooo much more than that. Most of all, he's MY BUDDY and for that I will always be grateful.
YOU ARE THE BEST. 

GREAT THANKS to the awesome Summer Tennis Camp directors who know how lame it is to send campers home with another t-shirt they just don't need. Sure, it takes a little extra effort on their part to coordinate our video services for their campers, but these directors know it's worth it. They GET IT and they've been doing it for the past 3-4 years. Way to go the extra mile! Coach Amy Bryant (Emory), Coach Manny Diaz (UGA), Coach Craig Jones (Idle Hour), and Coach Bryan Shepherd (Gwinnett)...YOU ARE AWESOME!

GREAT THANKS to Chris Mather for believing in us from the beginning and for helping us to see that there might just be a better way. The days of D and Me going to endless tournaments and dealing with constant drama may be numbered...We've got big expansion plans in mind and please STAY TUNED for details that could change everything...but here's a hint: COLLEGE SPORTS SHOWCASE.

GREAT THANKS to TD Sean Ferreira for standing up for us and explaining the reality of a public tennis center in a free country to a pushy parent who 'didn't want her son videotaped'. Some people just don't get the message, though---she didn't accept his response and came to us. She got her way because we didn't want to create waves...but she won't get it again. What we are doing is PERFECTLY legal and it's permitted - no, it's appreciated...even loved - by 99.99% of parents throughout the Southern section. Florida is its own section for good reason, lol. Let's just say that one of the greatest parts about being self-employed is the ability to choose the people with whom you spend your time. We are slowly but surely making better choices--ENOUGH SAID.

As always, the greatest GREAT THANKS goes to YOU, our wonderful customer friends. We couldn't possibly do what we do without your ongoing kindness and we always appreciate your amazing support. We recognize that is a real privilege to be involved in the development of your junior tennis player --- and living this dreamy life ain't so bad either! :) Our video cameras will be looking for YOU on the tournament trail! :)

As HIGH-TECH TENNIS Turns - May 24

Hi there and thanks for reading! It's been a wonderful SIX weeks (WOW) in our world but the amazing things that happen just wouldn't "happen" without the help of some great people.
As always, it's time to shout out some names and give credit where it's due --- Ready? :)

GREAT THANKS to all who have contributed to our VIDEO DOES GOOD program in honor of the Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research. Inspired by the vision of Arthur Ashe, we are "starting where we are, using what we have, and doing what we can" to make a difference-thank you for caring about something that means soo much to us.

We are exhausted but excited about EIGHTEEN straight days of fun in THREE different states (maybe the most exciting part is that it's over, LOL). First up was the Hilton Head BullFrog, which was terrific, even though five sites proved to be a logistical nightmare for us and also prevented too many players from having the opportunity to use video to their advantage. We are working to remedy this even as i type-STAY TUNED. Next up was our favorite spot on the planet where we set two new ALL-TIME records: Best Single Day (May 7) and Best Southern Tourney (Southern Spring Closed). GREAT THANKS to Scott and Lorraine Novak for taking a big chance on us back in 2007, which they will never regret. The last stop on our 18-day extravaganza was Macon. While fun, it wasn't fantastic and we're still struggling to understand how/if we can support National Open players going forward...STAY TUNED.

GREAT THANKS to our favorite CEO (Victor Bergonzoli) for sharing our belief in the HIGH-TECH TENNIS + Dartfish equation, even when we're not sure what it all means. The path to success is not always clear but we're enjoying the ride - and choosing the people with whom you share your time is one of the best parts about being self-employed.

As always, the greatest GREAT THANKS goes to YOU, our wonderful customer friends. It is truly a privilege to play a small part in the development of your junior tennis player - and living this dreamy life is tough to beat! :) Thank you for your ongoing support and our video camcorders will be looking for YOU!

As HIGH-TECH TENNIS Turns - April 15

Our Favorite Women's Tennis Coach

Hi there and thanks for reading! It's been a wonderful week and a half in our world and it's time to reflect on all the amazing things that have happened. As always, we know how important it is to give credit where it's due --- so we're gonna name some names...Ready? :)

GREAT THANKS to our favorite women's coach: Coach Amy Bryant has been a longtime friend of and believer in HIGH-TECH TENNIS. Not only have we we provided video services to her annual summer camp at Emory University for the past 5(?) years (how sweet to send those sweet little campers home with sweet little video souvenirs that will be precious treasures for years to come) but this year, Coach Amy got serious about using video: she contacted us ahead of time and reserved time on our calendar for us to record doubles and singles matches throughout the spring tennis season. YAHOO! Coach Amy's team finished second last year and they're gunning for first this year. They can do it too because our videos provided the missing link-so GOOD LUCK EMORY EAGLES...Win your 6th natl championship (Coach Amy's 5th) and we'll be cheering for you!!! :)

GREAT THANKS to a great friend, great coach, and longtime supporter of HIGH-TECH TENNIS: Coach Pete Townes knows VIDEO WORKS and it was just a matter of time before we were able to bring it to his students...This pic was at the YMCA in Buckhead---a first but definitely not a last for us---cuz the players DUG it and we DUG that, lol. Most of all, we love being around people who GET IT. What is wrong with these other academies??????? YOU TELL ME. I think that many of these academies are more concerned with getting paid than with getting the message across to the players. SAD BUT TRUE - That's only my opinion but it's based on 5+ years of begging these guys to wake up. :(



GREAT THANKS to THE UNIVERSE for enabling us to be home for a very important event. "Don't Pass Me By" - A Third Annual Celebration of Sean Costello. Sean was a good friend of ours and he passed away 3 years ago tonight (Friday)-just one day before his 29th birthday. :( We have formed the "Video Does Good" program in his honor and we will donate $1 for every video sold to support the Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research. We hope you will consider matching our contribution. Visit our website for more information about Sean...or ask us about him when you see us. We miss him sooo much---May he rest in peace forever.

But as always, the greatest GREAT THANKS goes to YOU, our wonderful customer friends. It is truly a privilege to play a small part in the development of your junior tennis player - and living this dreamy life is tough to beat! :) Thank you for your ongoing support - and our video camcorders will be looking for YOU! Finally, it's been a few tough days at the office for Rog, but LONG LIVE THE MIGHTY FED-FOREVER, and our video cameras will be looking for YOU at a tournament real soon! :)