Women's Physique International - New website!!

[Tre]

Check it out:

http://www.officialwpi.com/index.html

Finally, some real change in the works...

[genex]

Wow there you go! Now let's see what they do with that. I have a feeling that other federations may say that if you compete there that you'll be banned/fined from their org.

gene

[BuffDiva]

WOW!! Looks good so far!

[BTX]

Wow there you go! Now let's see what they do with that. I have a feeling that other federations may say that if you compete there that you'll be banned/fined from their org.

gene

You can count on that! The IFBB may hate women's BB and try everything in their power to strangle it...but they are a MONOPOLY and will do everything to control the whole pie and crush the competition (Ask Vince McMahon or the old AAU)

BTX

[ibarramedia]

You can count on that! The IFBB may hate women's BB and try everything in their power to strangle it...but they are a MONOPOLY and will do everything to control the whole pie and crush the competition (Ask Vince McMahon or the old AAU)

BTX

Why don't they do it like in the alphabet soup of boxing federations, league.associaton, council, organization, whatever. Point is anyone can compete in any of those groups.

[rpflex]

Wow there you go! Now let's see what they do with that. I have a feeling that other federations may say that if you compete there that you'll be banned/fined from their org.

gene

http://www.ifbb.com/ifbbpro/rules_amend5.htm

AMENDMENTS TO IFBB PRO RULES
Pursuant to Article 3.7 of the Professional Rules (2005 Edition), the Professional Division held their annual meeting at the Orleans Hotel, Mardi Gras Room, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, on Wednesday, October 12, 2005.

XI
The issue of registered Professional Athletes participating in the activities of other organizations was discussed. Article 14.9 of the Professional Rules (2005 Edition) will be enforced:

14.9 Non-sanctioned Events:

Any Professional Athlete, Judge or Official who participates at a competition or event not approved or sanctioned by the Professional Division may be fined, suspended or expelled. Participation shall include, but shall not be limited to, competing, guest posing, giving a seminar, lecture or similar presentation, judging, officiating and/or taking part in a non-Professional Division sanctioned competition or event in any other way, shape, or form.

[Tre]

I'm all over it and especially excited to see some women have already crossed over.

This is a (potentially) great thing for everyone!

[BTX]

I'm all over it and especially excited to see some women have already crossed over.

This is a (potentially) great thing for everyone!

Who has crossed over exactly? Any names?

BTX

[Tre]

Who has crossed over exactly? Any names?
Officially, Teri Mooney and Karen Konyha.

Unofficially (and off-the-record), two more women have said that they intend to. A third has said that she would consider it, but wants to see what the outfits look like first!

[Annie R]

Yes, this IS potentially a great thing but will enough women actually do it and risk getting kicked out of the current monopoly's competitions? I hope so. The women need to get together on this and the ones that are unhappy with the IFBB/NPC should jump ship together, all at once. I'm sure there are enough women not satisfied with the current monopoly's stranglehold, it's just a matter of getting them all together and mustering up some balls.

[GunnersFan]

I hope so as well, but many people are affraid of change, and will sometimes stick with something that isn't right. I really hope that the ladies get behind this organization and let that "other" organization know that they have had enough. However that's just it. The WPI will depend largely on what the women decide to do. If they support it then I think/hope it stays around if not, well you know what that means.

So Tre & Robin do you think it will be successful? Also what can others do to support the WPI?

[Zennie]

Wow there you go! Now let's see what they do with that. I have a feeling that other federations may say that if you compete there that you'll be banned/fined from their org.

gene

Lots of questions remain outstanding:

1) Are they incorporated? Important for legal protection against the actions of any individual who may be in the group, but doing something that is an individual action not related to corporate matters -- like getting too drunk and damaging something.
2) What's the business model? How do they propose to make money?
3) Are any women bodybuilders on their board?
4) Do they have a board or an advisory board?
5) Do they have a sponsorship proposal package?

Anyone on this site can establish an organization of this kind. There's no law against it. In other words, women's bodybuilding is not protected by a special anti-trust law, like Baseball. Nor is it a specially-recognized "private non-profit" like the NFL's organizational structure. (That's not a misprint)

As to any "blackballing" effort on the part of the IFBB, the importance of such an action is directly related to the number of people who care about it. If a large group of key women bodybuilders defected to an corporation that had 1) sponsorship money, 2) a key event planned, 3) media coverage, and 4) a really well-done and revenue generating / sharing web portal, the act of "blackballing" would be a joke at best.

I personally would like to see women establish such an organization, not men. I've brought this matter to the attention of The San Francisco Chapter of Women In Sports and Events, of which I'm a member. Nothing will happen quickly -- about a year or so. All I'm doing is bring this to the attention of some key women in the sports industry. So far, so good.

Cheers!

[Annie R]

http://www.ifbb.com/ifbbpro/rules_amend5.htm

AMENDMENTS TO IFBB PRO RULES
Pursuant to Article 3.7 of the Professional Rules (2005 Edition), the Professional Division held their annual meeting at the Orleans Hotel, Mardi Gras Room, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, on Wednesday, October 12, 2005.

XI
The issue of registered Professional Athletes participating in the activities of other organizations was discussed. Article 14.9 of the Professional Rules (2005 Edition) will be enforced:

14.9 Non-sanctioned Events:

Any Professional Athlete, Judge or Official who participates at a competition or event not approved or sanctioned by the Professional Division may be fined, suspended or expelled. Participation shall include, but shall not be limited to, competing, guest posing, giving a seminar, lecture or similar presentation, judging, officiating and/or taking part in a non-Professional Division sanctioned competition or event in any other way, shape, or form.
Just the fact that the IFBB has such a rule should be enough reason to leave the IFBB. This is more than trying to monopolize an organization, it's trying to enforce rules much like that of a dictatorship. Or the Mafia for a better example. If enough women just crossed over to this other federation the IFBB really could not do much if they wanted to keep any competitors at all, and if they do enforce their mafia type set of rules then that shows you even more how much they care about the athletes.

[Harry The Hat]

Here's the weird thing. I don't think that the IFBB wants to keep pro women's bodybuilding. Pecker was all for a summary execution of the Ms O after all. At the same time, they are such inveterate contol freaks that they don't want any of their athletes competing elsewhere.

So the pro women inhabit this strange kind of limbo, where they stick with the devil they know and hope that things will get better. My guess is that for the first couple of years the WPI will exist largely through its amateurs (NPC athletes ostensibly can appear in other organizations' shows). Then, as sizeable numbers are converted into pros (someone mentioned the figures of the first five in any amateur show), the pro circuit can get up and running.

If I were an IFBB woman pro, I'd be adopting a prudent wait-and-see approach. Wait till the new entity proves itself and see what the prize money is like. A lot of people want to see this happen, so they have goodwill on their side. If I were them, I'd also be getting on the message boards sharpish, working the shows etc. At the moment they're just waiting for people to come to them. They can't afford to be that passive.

[Zennie]

Here's the weird thing. I don't think that the IFBB wants to keep pro women's bodybuilding. Pecker was all for a summary execution of the Ms O after all. At the same time, they are such inveterate contol freaks that they don't want any of their athletes competing elsewhere.

So the pro women inhabit this strange kind of limbo, where they stick with the devil they know and hope that things will get better. My guess is that for the first couple of years the WPI will exist largely through its amateurs (NPC athletes ostensibly can appear in other organizations' shows). Then, as sizeable numbers are converted into pros (someone mentioned the figures of the first five in any amateur show), the pro circuit can get up and running.

If I were an IFBB woman pro, I'd be adopting a prudent wait-and-see approach. Wait till the new entity proves itself and see what the prize money is like. A lot of people want to see this happen, so they have goodwill on their side. If I were them, I'd also be getting on the message boards sharpish, working the shows etc. At the moment they're just waiting for people to come to them. They can't afford to be that passive.

These are great points of advice you offer, Harry.

[pict]

I just reallly hope the athletes take a chance on this organization and that the organization treats the athletes well enough to keep them happy.
Best of luck to everybody associated with this effort.

jeff

[Tre]

I just really hope the athletes take a chance on this organization ...
Yes, but not at $275 a person.

I cannot support that number at all, especially with *zero* events scheduled for next year.

As Harry said, these guys need to get on the ball, because they're failing bigtime in the info department.

[jason256]

Hi Tre

I remain skeptical. There are still way too many unanswered questions about this organization. Also when was the last time KK even competed? Has anyone directly checked with Teri Mooney to see if she even gave them permission to use her name.

Once again I hope to be proven wrong, and one day I know I will, but I doubt by this organization (?)

Jason256

[Imystify]

So the pro women inhabit this strange kind of limbo, where they stick with the devil they know and hope that things will get better. My guess is that for the first couple of years the WPI will exist largely through its amateurs (NPC athletes ostensibly can appear in other organizations' shows). Then, as sizeable numbers are converted into pros (someone mentioned the figures of the first five in any amateur show), the pro circuit can get up and running.

what about the number of women who compete locally year after year NOT wanting to go pro? what about the women who compete more for that personal 'reveal' or who test themselves by getting in shape? what about those women who don't want their 'show' to be more free/sexed, those who want the more 'athletic' vibe? So many compete with no plans of going pro and from the website it *feels* like this organization is really all about just that, going pro. I have many reservations and questions.

I also wonder at the managing board/those listed on the site, both men, I thought the cry out was for women to represent themselves, where is their representation in this organization?

As of today I'd have to recommend friends or budding bb gals to still go NPC or my more fav Nabba. I'd have to recommend any that want to be pro, to really wait and see and play the game they have to in the now.

[rpflex]

Yes, but not at $275 a person.

I cannot support that number at all, especially with *zero* events scheduled for next year.

As Harry said, these guys need to get on the ball, because they're failing bigtime in the info department.

I agree, Tre... (IFBB pros pay $200/year for membership). The amateurs pay $75 per year which is the same required by WPI. Asking $75 more from the pros is not a good way to begin recruiting new members.

Who is voting... the two women listed on their web site, the officials??? Does anyone know Tim Bonaparte and/or Greg Abroe who are listed as chairmen? I was under the impression that Craig Titus and Kelly Ryan were the major players? Anybody know for sure?

I'd like to know more about the principals involved and I agree with many of you that there are lots of questions that need to be answered before anyone will consider jumping ship...

Also, I noticed this today...
http://www.officialwpi.com/news-updates.bv
November 10, 2005 - Due to popular vote, the G-String suit will be removed from the list of acceptable competition apparel. :(

[Harry The Hat]

Popular vote? :confused: It's two guys with a hatstand in the corner. Perhaps the hatstand had the deciding vote. I'd hazard the wildest of guesses here and say that Craig/Kelly/Kim/Greg are checking out the message boards to see the reaction and refining their offering accordingly.

The only reason I can think that they're not getting on the boards is they don't want to be seen reacting to feedback, they'd prefer to be seen to be setting the agenda. If that's true, I'd like to offer them another way of looking at it.

This is a chance for a new organization - with much goodwill on their side - to engage with the women's physique competitors and grassroots to shape the organization's direction and character. In doing so, they place themselves in complete contrast to the IFBB's our-word-is-final approach and make valuable contacts for the future.

Of course, if they come down from the mountain there are going to be criticisms, questions and yes, mistakes. But I think people are willing to forgive the odd inconsistency and occasional about-face in the search to get things right. Personally, I think they're presently missing a very large opportunity to engage in dialogue when interest in their new venture is at its highest. But hey - it's up to them.

[James]

i recieved an e-mail this morning from Craig at WPI. It was a phone number for me to call, but I'm really not very knowlegable about what questions to ask etc. I sent Craig a link to this thread and hopefully he can answer some of your questions directly.

[Harry The Hat]

If it would help you James to have some questions to ask – or Craig directly if he reads this thread – there are a few things I’ve been wondering about.

1. When’s the first show going to be announced? I think as soon as there’s a time, place and list of events for the inaugural show, everything becomes a lot more real.
2. In addition to the already announced main sponsors, will there be room for smaller part-sponsors or regional sponsors? It just seems like good business practice, as today’s small company/sponsor could be tomorrow’s big one.
3. Am I right in assuming that initially the events will be focused on the amateurs and the professional shows will grow in importance as the top amateurs get elevated to pro status?
4. Any interest expressed by pro FBBs yet?
5. Any plans for a WPI ‘mega-site’? I’d rate this as particularly important as it’s where most of the money is being made in women’s physique economy. The athletes can continue their own sites but they can make additional income from shares in profits of photo sets, web casts, WPI DVDs etc etc.

With some decent news, articles, competition coverage and the rest, I reckon a WPI mega-site can reasonably charge a monthly subscription of around $20 a month and expect to get a couple of thousand subscribers within a year. That’s $40,000 a month to be funding the federation on an ongoing basis. It can also be a central point for offering special package deals for the shows.

6. Will the WPI be making an effort to engage the grassroots? Not just the fans and the athletes, but experts like Tre, George, Gene, James etc. There’s an opportunity for mutually beneficial relationships with photographers especially.
7. Will there be a special effort to engage Internet enterprises and include Internet sponsors – FemFlex, FTV etc – the very people who most passionately support the athletes and who have been ignored by the IFBB?
8. Will there be an open message board on the site any time soon to drive people to the site on a regular basis?

I’m sure other people have other questions, but they’re the ones that most readily spring to mind for me.

[edoardo]

Also, I noticed this today...
http://www.officialwpi.com/news-updates.bv
November 10, 2005 - Due to popular vote, the G-String suit will be removed from the list of acceptable competition apparel. :(
That is their first bad move :mad:

[Tre]

I mean...who voted?

All the women and men I saw weighing in on the subject loved the idea of thong bottoms.

As long as there's a least a small triangle in the back, the suit should be permitted.

Power to the people!

[jason256]

Hi Tre

Have you had a chance to contact Terry Mooney or Karen Konya
(I figure you must have at least one of them on speed dial ;) ) to check out
if even the claims that they have 'defected' are true.

Jason256

[JTx]

All the women and men I saw weighing in on the subject loved the idea of thong bottoms.


One vote for no to the thong.

[Tre]

One vote for no to the thong.
There's a chad hanging from your ballot, I'm afraid.

[JTx]

There's a chad hanging from your ballot, I'm afraid.

I got your chad... and I don't mean stickman either! :D



.

[CalJoe]

http://www.ifbb.com/ifbbpro/rules_amend5.htm

AMENDMENTS TO IFBB PRO RULES
Pursuant to Article 3.7 of the Professional Rules (2005 Edition), the Professional Division held their annual meeting at the Orleans Hotel, Mardi Gras Room, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, on Wednesday, October 12, 2005.

XI
The issue of registered Professional Athletes participating in the activities of other organizations was discussed. Article 14.9 of the Professional Rules (2005 Edition) will be enforced:

14.9 Non-sanctioned Events:

Any Professional Athlete, Judge or Official who participates at a competition or event not approved or sanctioned by the Professional Division may be fined, suspended or expelled. Participation shall include, but shall not be limited to, competing, guest posing, giving a seminar, lecture or similar presentation, judging, officiating and/or taking part in a non-Professional Division sanctioned competition or event in any other way, shape, or form.
I'm curious if the ammendment was made after the IFBB found about their potential rival organization. Whatever happened to "if you love someone set them free."? If the IFBB is so sure that the athletes are happy with their policies why the need to threaten athletes with fines and supensions? It's actions like these that make me dislike the IFBB more and more. A gorilla in a tuxedo is still a gorilla, and that is how the IFBB comes off with their silly little rules and ammendments.