Pinged, Ping Pings Back.

Remember the kerfuffle over PING and their pulling their clubs from two Augusta, Georgia, area golf shops because they were giving discounts - to military personnel? When I mentioned it, I suggested that it wasn't a slap at the troops, it was preservation of a marketing/sales strategy (we can argue how good a strategy it is, but hey, it's their choice, and I assume it's spelled out in their agreements). PING has reached a compromise - *they* are going to offer a rebate to active duty personnel who buy their products. No doubt a result of the publicity, but it has the net effect of spreading the discount world-wide, not just two golf courses in Georgia.

Retirees don't qualify. Guess I won't be taking up golf... 8^)

Here's a note from a company spokesman that I confirmed (gotta admit - and it ain't Bill's fault, but when I got a note forwarded to me that was signed by "Bill Gates" my fraud-meter twitched) in subsequent conversations. I would note - the original was *not* addressed to me, it was an email sent to a Castle reader, Dave F, who had emailed PING reference the controversy - we're a second order effect...

Dear Mr. :

As someone who expressed concern over our relationship with the military, we wanted to make sure you are aware of PING's "Thank You Troops" rebate program.

We're in the process of finalizing the details of the program, but we can share this with you:

-The program applies to current PING equipment, including PING G5 and Rapture products. It is effective as of October 1, 2006.

-Active duty and Active Reserve members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and National Guard are eligible for the rebates.

-Cash rebate amounts will vary by product type and go directly into the pocket of the eligible military member. For example, PING will provide an $80 rebate on a set of 8 PING irons. PING will offer a $30 rebate on a PING driver.

The final details will be released in the next few weeks. In the meantime, PING executives will be meeting with military personnel to determine the best way to communicate the program to our troops.

Thank you again for taking the time to share your concerns with us.

Sincerely,

Bill Gates

My note to Bill:

Dear Mr. Gates:

My name is John Donovan, I am a "milblogger" who blogged about the dispute PING has had with the Georgia golf course shops offering discounted prices to military members.

I was forwarded this note and am writing to confirm its authenticity - unfortunately, with a name like "Bill Gates" my fraud-meter tickled slightly. Though I do trust the source forwarding me the note, I felt I should engage in a little due diligence to be sure.

Since I "pinged" you in a blogpost, I'm willing to put out this information even though, as a Army retiree myself, I feel left out... which is a completely empty gesture, as I've played golf twice in my life and the closest I get to it now is organizing a charity golf tournament. You guys weren't in any danger of losing business you never had...

http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/006454.html The 'ping' is in the middle of the post - as you can see, I did impute honest motives, not political ones.

If you'll confirm this, with any additional information you'd care to impute, I'll be happy, as one of the higher-traffic milbloggers, to help you get your word out.

Cheers,

John

And Bill's response:

John,

Thanks for your willingness to help. The message is authentic. Check out tomorrow's Augusta Chronicle for further information.

Thanks,

Bill Gates

So, there ya have it. I still think it was a bit of a mugging, but then, sometimes you invite the mugging when you walk down dark alleys flashing bling.

I'm gonna get in trouble for that last line...