An observation

[FROSTY:Me]

I couldn't help but notice in all 3 TV news stories presented to the public the "face' of the motorcyclists were mainly the "bikie" looking guys. panned shots over what looks (to the untrained eye) to be gang patches -(they were actually Ullises and hog patches)and tough looking dudes. Big beards etc.
Given we are trying to apeal to the general public mightnt it be a good idea to engineer it so the less dangerous looking folk are the most visable and possibly the patches not visible.
I know myself as a biker that those guys are all good guys with hearts of gold
But the image is definitely one of nasty "bikie"
My thinking here is that bikers alone are unlikely to sway the gubbinment. But general public sympathy is
To get that sympathy or at least empathy they need to relate in a positive way

[MSTRS:Me]

Have you missed the fact that many of the organisers of the Bikeoi are mature, women-next-door types? Not to mention they are good looking, but not in a MissNZ sort of way. None of them could be mistaken for bikie molls. They are intelligent, well spoken, and have an inner beauty that shows and once this section of the protest gets underway, they will be there on the TV cameras doing the cause proud.

[Maha]

Have you missed the fact that many of the organisers of the Bikeoi are mature, women-next-door types? Not to mention they are good looking, but not in a MissNZ sort of way. None of them could be mistaken for bikie molls. They are intelligent, well spoken, and have an inner beauty that shows and once this section of the protest gets underway, they will be there on the TV cameras doing the cause proud.

That sounds just like me........

[FROSTY:Me]

Have you missed the fact that many of the organisers of the Bikeoi are mature, women-next-door types? Not to mention they are good looking, but not in a MissNZ sort of way. None of them could be mistaken for bikie molls. They are intelligent, well spoken, and have an inner beauty that shows and once this section of the protest gets underway, they will be there on the TV cameras doing the cause proud.

Diddn't see em on TV mate. I saw "bikies" which fit with the angle the news teams seemed to be taking.

[MSTRS:Me]

What you saw on TV was the Ulysses 'effort'. How many females ride under their banner?
Our lot haven't been out there. YET.

[Ixion]

What? You missed the cardy of Fair Isle goodiness?

Realistically, they are public events. Blokes (and chicks I guess) with big beards and patches will turn up .

And we can't force the TV people not to film them if they see them.

And, unfortunately, blokes (and chicks) with big beards and tatts and patches is what TV WANT to film.

[FROSTY:Me]

Ixion thats what i mean about engineering it. Rather than passively allowing them to do their thing arrange that as long as theyre filming .... ahh sod it you know what i mean...

[Dealer]

And, unfortunately, blokes (and chicks) with big beards and tatts and patches is what TV WANT to film.

Not sure I want to see chicks with big beards on TV

[MadDuck]

Not sure I want to see chicks with big beards on TV

Not sure I want to see chicks with big beards in real life.....

[Maha]

Not sure I want to see chicks with big beards in real life.....

Did you have a good look around on Saturday?......

[riffer]

Not sure I want to see chicks with big beards in real life.....

sorry I read that as chicks with big something else entirely...

maybe that would help the cause. Certainly get us some attention.

[Insanity_rules]

Did you have a good look around on Saturday?......

We had the lovely Sherie Flintov (forgive the spelling)in Welly. She was far from the bearded biker type!

[SARGE]

What? You missed the cardy of Fair Isle goodiness?

Realistically, they are public events. Blokes (and chicks I guess) with big beards and patches will turn up .

And we can't force the TV people not to film them if they see them.

And, unfortunately, blokes (and chicks) with big beards and tatts and patches is what TV WANT to film.

so do i leave my helmet on and grab the wife's scooter jacket?...

[Motu]

I saw "bikies" which fit with the angle the news teams seemed to be taking.

And you would have seen the back of my head.One of the very few people I call my best friend was in the focus of the TV cameras (the guy with the purple beard).He's been riding bikes for a lot longer than you,so I don't see how you can criticize his support.And yes,I would call him dangerous to those in the focus of his wrath.....and he's a Westie too.....

[FROSTY:Me]

And you would have seen the back of my head.One of the very few people I call my best friend was in the focus of the TV cameras (the guy with the purple beard).He's been riding bikes for a lot longer than you,so I don't see how you can criticize his support.And yes,I would call him dangerous to those in the focus of his wrath.....and he's a Westie too.....

I think you are totally missing my point ol son--His support --unquestioning. His visually fitting the public steriotype of a "nasty bikie" sorry dude also true.
The need to win support outside of biker circles i feel is really important.
a visual impression of a bunch of normal kiwi blokes n gals would catch their eye more. --But then its NOT what the gubbinment funded channels want the public to see i guess