[sumo] Classic sumo

[Lon Howard]

On Jun 24, 2008, at 5:58 PM, Barbara wrote:

>
>
> Lon Howard wrote:
>> I agree with you regarding TV Japan's service regarding sumo -  
>> it's been exemplary.  I simply meant - but not clearly expressed -  
>> that they COULD easily drop sumo coverage IF they thought it  
>> wasn't relevant anymore OR profitable.  Under these conditions it  
>> would be an easy decision because they wouldn't lose that many  
>> subscribers.  Most subscribe to TV Japan for reasons other than sumo.
>
> TV Japan has no trouble relating the sumo coverage to the number of  
> subscribers they have because a significant fraction of subscribers  
> cancel their TVJ during the 6 non-sumo months, incurring a $5  
> charge instead of $25 for the month, to save money.  TVJ can see  
> their subscriber base going up and down each month.


Thanks for your thoughts, Barbara.  I guess there's no way to know  
what this fraction is, but based on my many experiences 'on the  
ground' with the demographic I belong to, it wouldn't be very high.   
My opinions are based on the fact that this demographic of English  
speaking fans outside Japan (retired/ex-military who were stationed  
in Japan for some years) SHOULD be the one with the most interest in  
sumo, having had direct exposure in Japan.  I just haven't found this  
interest so it's hard for me to believe that there are that many of  
us English-speaking sumophiles out there.   It's possible I've been  
running in the wrong circles, or running in circles generally, but  
I'm just going by what I've experienced.  Anyway, I'm very happy with  
TVJ right now, so I've probably generated an irrelevant sub-thread.

- Shomishuu