I am a big hockey fan...have been for years and I play hockey in 3 adult leagues.

In the US, hockey is major sport that really isn't a major sport in the eyes of lots of folks.

Hockey highlights make the news when there's a good/bad fight or somebody gets cut by a skate a bleeds all over the place...(not to overstate it...but that's mostly true).

The NHL has been trying for years, and with some success, to attract new fans to the sport.

Overall, I think the popularity is growing...but it's a SLOW process...and hockey will NEVER be as popular as football, basketball, baseball or even NASCAR in the states. Personally, I am OK with that.

I think EF/MF is in the same boat.

There are other hobbies/games/sports that get more attention and that more people participate in...and EF/MF faces the same kind of uphill battle when it comes to spreading the word and promoting the hobby.

Like hockey, EF/MF is something that most likely will appeal to a smaller group of people...but also like hockey...that's a pretty hardcore group!

The thing is...everybody has to do something to promote.

For some, HYPE is good and gets the message home.

For others, it's maybe a more subtle message that gets through.

Either way...the best thing we can do is realize that there are different ways to reach people...and as long as we do it with honesty and passion, then the message will reach the right eyes and ears.

Just my thoughts...