The why…
Why would someone subject themselves to the ridicule, criticism, and why would they want to be a part of the “money grab”? There have been countless posts and comments pointing the finger at the ACL manufacturers who chose to stay this year despite the changes that came down the line. I can attest that those who are coming into the circus as a new maker this year are probably feeling the blame as some have taken the stance of “just refuse and the ACL will have to make changes.” This would be a great plan if we were in a movie; however, we aren’t…. so the hero won’t be the underdog who refuses to do what the bigger power tells them. They will just get passed by and someone else will step in to take their spot. Don’t get me wrong there are lots of levels of cornhole bag companies out there, I know, I have worked with them. Some choose to go through the process of being with the ACL, there are some who are choosing to go to the ACO since they have recently started growing their stamp and then there are those who would rather stick with what they know and not have a stamp at all. The point is this, it doesn’t and shouldn’t matter what people choose to do. I promise they have their own ethics behind why they are choosing what they have.
I had the opportunity to chat with a handful of makers who decided to not pursue any type of stamp this year, and while most would say they’re doing themselves a disservice I would take the other side of that argument and say the common statement was there doesn’t seem to be any super special reason to chase a stamp. One of the statements provided was around the lack of actual follow through from the ACL when things went sideways with particular companies who had issues with their bags being filled appropriately or not meeting turnaround requirements. This was an interesting way of looking at this as I hadn’t considered this before, but I can definitely see where they are coming from with this. If others can get away with things then what’s the point. At the same time there are those who are just starting out and looking to see where they fit in, this is the smart way of looking at it.
There has also been the argument that the ACL is only in it for the money and the monopolizing of the sport, while I think it is accurate to say that the ACL is working on building their brand I don’t think it is fair to say they are only in it for the money. Yes, the new fees for bag makers were astronomical and the higher tiering requirements are nearly impossible for non-automated companies to complete; however, it is NOT impossible. Yes, there are lots of makers out there attempting to get in, and while I don’t personally believe in segregating companies based on their ability to produce, this is how it is working going forward. Believe me, I helped a handful of companies get ready to apply for their stamp and then the day the new requirements came out, it was one of the most heart-breaking days ever. Hearing the people who had spent the last year getting ready were now not able to make their bag dreams come true because they hadn’t been prepared for the higher cost.
Now, onto those who are going ACO! The ACO is making a comeback with their new bag partnership program. You pay certain amounts of money to be listed on a certain page for purchasing, and then additional perks are added as you get higher up on the scale. I have a favorite bag maker friend who is going ACO, Nick Brzezinski with Breezy Bags, and he was one of those who was looking to go ACL but once seeing the intro costs it was a no brainer. ACO all the way! There is another maker who is going ACO after being in ACL for a bit but I’ll let them share their story another time😊. There are many new companies getting stamped for ACO, Miggy Boards is another who I have seen recently but I know there will be lots on their list! Can’t wait to see how this plays out!
Finally, let’s talk about the ones who are staying ACL and/or coming to the circus. I appreciate people like Rich Chamness as he has helped me keep my sanity to get to where we are now, and he’s not short of a class act. When I asked him about why he stays with the ACL, he stated “We stay ACL because we firmly believe in the direction that they are taking the sport and have been great partners of BG. People don’t always see some of the great things they do behind the scenes and some of the opportunities that bag vendors and players get to be involved with but they really do try to keep the sport trending upward and bringing new opportunities and cool things to the sport. A lot of great things continue to come out of the ACL and we’re excited to be a part of it.” A new maker, Jimmy Lily with Gnarly Bags said “When you think cornhole or watch it on TV it is mostly ACL events. It just seemed like the obvious choice. I want people to throw my bags, this is what it came down to.”
On the other side of this coin there are some makers who are staying with the ACL however, they aren’t happy about it. A well known maker (who asked to remain anonymous) voiced concerns over where the ACL is headed in regards to eventually making their own products or becoming so focused on output that none of the smaller companies would stand a chance. There were others who also commented on the amount of money given to the ACL for royalties each month, and the lack of support or communication they feel left out of.
Overall, I can’t speak for everyone but I can say this. Some of us stick with the ACL because it pays our bills and ensures our families will be taken care of, but there are some of us who are here because we refuse to give up or go to another entity because we don’t like something that changed. Some of us are in it for the players we supply quality products to even if it means we don’t get any more than 2-3 hours of sleep per night for a few weeks. I promise the people behind making your bags do not take it lightly, even if they have big machines or huge rolls of fabric, we all feel the same pains just on different levels. Here’s to the opportunity to choose where you want to hang your hat!
Till next time…
Sassy