Innovation comes with a price

[Reginald Rutledge]

Many who may know me here know that Thomas Alva Edison is one of my heros along with the Benjamin Frankins, Garrett Morgans, and Louis Pasteurs of the world. A rather odd type of hero for a kid raised in the deep South where "make do" was the theme of the day.

I remember many days growing up in Memphis, Tennessee trying to make electricity when there was none in my house just to play electric football. Edison, I once had read a book when I was young, on his ways of making electricity only to apply the same principles to my getting my electric football game to work when others would simply tap the board to see the play develop.

I unearth the magic of electromagnetics just by fooling around with my electric football game only to discover the formal name years later while in engineering school. I just knew how to make things work and knew how to create things. I could take something that one person saw as just junk and visualized something far greater. I would turn it into what I had visualized. Just call it one of those blessings, a "Gift from God".

While I see many people replicating things that are out there, I challenge them to create new things that will enhance the game. I challenge them to go beyond replicating what others have done and create something that no one has yet thought to create. I challenge them to push the game in a manner that shows innovative spirit as well as creativity. Just don't take from others and then claim it as yours but instead, go beyond what is already available.

I marvel at EA Sports and the gains they made over the years in football. While EA Sports is a corporate giant, it took guys with innovative spirit to create the various generations of packages they offer. And yes, those things can be accomplished.

And trust me, I do understand cost. I live it every day. Innovations come with a cost. A price you have to pay every time you stop at a Home Depot and spend out on things to enhance a game you love. You know that you've been in it probably longer than anyone, fighting the battles but you hope others will appreciate your efforts and further the innovative spirit of the game. You hope others will look to enhance the game in a manner so that it just does not become a piece of Americana.

So creators, go further. Dig deeper. Challenge yourself to be creative beyond what others have already done.

Just a thought,

Reg

[clmdesigns]

I will be taking your words to heart. I would love to add, dont be afraid to fail.

[canadatabletopgames]

Couldn't be more agree than that, great post Reg


Benster

[wolverine]

reg pm me...how are the the figures coming

[Geno H]

This is exactly what I have done with the The new Tornado Alley- TDQ (Touch & Distance Quarterback) and TDK (Touch & Distance Kicker).
There is nothing out there like it. The TTQB has been the same for 40-50 yrs and has had an identity crisis. Am I a Kicker or Quarterback? Now each has his own idenity and is in scale to the other figures.
I have said this before and will no doubt say it again, the one thing we must keep in mind is to make new products that work alongside not replace the equipment we use today. I think that one thing very unique about our hobby is the fact that equipment from our childhood is still useable today.
Interesting topic Reginald.

Geno H

Geno,

Any pics yet of your new products?

Matt

[eflfanatic]

Reg,

No doubt you are one of the great innovators of our hobby. From stadiums, to figures, and the dfwefl style of play. I have always enjoyed your comments on the chatboards and they have inspired me to be more creative and accepting of the different styles of play that people have come up with. It has been a pleasure knowing you and I know that you will continue to come up with improvements to this game.

Chris

[Reginald Rutledge]

Thanks for the kind words but let's continue not to push me but others who need the words of encouragement. Those that never post on these message boards. Those that have great ideas but just need it tweaked and gven some constructive criticism. Let's encourage newbies who come back into the game with enthusiasm wanting to change things. These are the ones y ou should hype up! These are the next version of creators, NOT me!

Geno,
I definitely love what you are doing with the bases and now the touch and distance QB. I will definitely get a few. If he can pass, I would definitely like to try it. Hopefully, your product will gain the type of initial acceptance that my products were not able to get. If not, continue to push the envelope.

Chris, definitely your play cards have made their way into leagues around the country. I remember the first time I saw them and I liked them. Similar to what you do, our punting is based on shaking "The Box". However, the ingenuity is still the same.

Just keep creating!

Reg

[Coach K-LO]

Originally Posted by Geno H

This is exactly what I have done with the The new Tornado Alley- TDQ (Touch & Distance Quarterback) and TDK (Touch & Distance Kicker).
There is nothing out there like it. The TTQB has been the same for 40-50 yrs and has had an identity crisis. Am I a Kicker or Quarterback? Now each has his own idenity and is in scale to the other figures.
I have said this before and will no doubt say it again, the one thing we must keep in mind is to make new products that work alongside not replace the equipment we use today. I think that one thing very unique about our hobby is the fact that equipment from our childhood is still useable today.
Interesting topic Reginald.

Geno H

when do we get to see and use (even if it is a test model) the TDQ or TDK ?????
stop with the reference if we cannot get any before summer.......i can't take it!

[Anthony D Burgess]

Originally Posted by Reginald Rutledge

While I see many people replicating things that are out there, I challenge them to create new things that will enhance the game. I challenge them to go beyond replicating what others have done and create something that no one has yet thought to create. I challenge them to push the game in a manner that shows innovative spirit as well as creativity. Just don't take from others and then claim it as yours but instead, go beyond what is already available.


Reg

People have done this for far to long.