Jason Brown

[jacque]

hopefuly Jason will be there that would be great. after he is from Chicago. they are using his photo because he is extremely popular and it will boost ticket sell too be sure.hes one of the most popular figure skaters in the us.

 

[Tavi...]

Yes they can be... to the point where it is hard to surprise me at this point.



And this is where I think there could be some less kind motivations. If their thinking is that Jason can/will sell tickets and are using him for that purpose regardless of if he is there or not... well that is not very nice at all and I would call it misleading... and I would be rather sad if that thought never occurred to anyone along the process. Just because you can do something does not mean you should, and doing something that could cause confusion/disappointment or even frustration for fans, is likely not a good idea. Sadly... i can see many organizations only seeing the dollar signs and doing stuff like this... not just USFSA.

We are close enough to the draw that really they should not have used this pic in this way unless they expect him to be there (I am using the word expect deliberately, as i could see a situation where right not they think he will be, but something could still change - if he is not there, i will still be open to the possibility there is more going on, even if I will be a bit... well Marge Simpson sounding). There are many many other pics they could use for promotion that would at least be harder to construe as an indication of who will be there.

I actually think this pic of Max and Jason would have been a good option https://twitter.com/bell_canon/status/658618889127882752 As it more clearly shows a moment from a past Skate America rather than just showing a skater with little context. Max and Jason were the Gold and Bronze medalists - so them being in promotion together makes sense. And I don't think you need to dive that deep into fandom to realize that different skaters get different assignments and having the same two at SA two years in a row is not likely. I think this pic would be harder to take as an indication of who will be there.

There is no real need to have used this photo in this way. So either they are dropping a hint, trying to mislead for ticket sales, or just too clueless to realize that tweets don't exist in a vacuum, and that people will look at the big picture. And frankly USFSA should be better than this - they should be able to look at things like this and think about how they will come across. Sometimes I almost feel like USFSA views fans as an army to be conquered rather than its allies. I just don't get why they, or anyone, would not want to avoid confusion.

Hmm you sound quite pessimistic! We should know two weeks from today. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[Mrs. P]

Yes they can be... to the point where it is hard to surprise me at this point.



And this is where I think there could be some less kind motivations. If their thinking is that Jason can/will sell tickets and are using him for that purpose regardless of if he is there or not... well that is not very nice at all and I would call it misleading... and I would be rather sad if that thought never occurred to anyone along the process. Just because you can do something does not mean you should, and doing something that could cause confusion/disappointment or even frustration for fans, is likely not a good idea. Sadly... i can see many organizations only seeing the dollar signs and doing stuff like this... not just USFSA.

We are close enough to the draw that really they should not have used this pic in this way unless they expect him to be there (I am using the word expect deliberately, as i could see a situation where right not they think he will be, but something could still change - if he is not there, i will still be open to the possibility there is more going on, even if I will be a bit... well Marge Simpson sounding). There are many many other pics they could use for promotion that would at least be harder to construe as an indication of who will be there.

I actually think this pic of Max and Jason would have been a good option https://twitter.com/bell_canon/status/658618889127882752 As it more clearly shows a moment from a past Skate America rather than just showing a skater with little context. Max and Jason were the Gold and Bronze medalists - so them being in promotion together makes sense. And I don't think you need to dive that deep into fandom to realize that different skaters get different assignments and having the same two at SA two years in a row is not likely. I think this pic would be harder to take as an indication of who will be there.

There is no real need to have used this photo in this way. So either they are dropping a hint, trying to mislead for ticket sales, or just too clueless to realize that tweets don't exist in a vacuum, and that people will look at the big picture. And frankly USFSA should be better than this - they should be able to look at things like this and think about how they will come across. Sometimes I almost feel like USFSA views fans as an army to be conquered rather than its allies. I just don't get why they, or anyone, would not want to avoid confusion.

Honestly, I think it's more that USFSA's social media person likely was looking for a nice photo from Skate America and the photo of Jason interacting with fans seem like a good one to choose. Also they probably wanted to find a photo that was from SA when it was in Hoffman Estates previously, which is why they posted the 2014 Skate America photo of Jason rather than than one of him last year.

 

[Tavi...]

Honestly, I think it's more that USFSA's social media person likely was looking for a nice photo from Skate America and the photo of Jason interacting with fans seem like a good one to choose. Also they probably wanted to find a photo that was from SA when it was in Hoffman Estates previously, which is why they posted the 2014 Skate America photo of Jason rather than than one of him last year.

This makes a lot of sense. I will say, tho, that there's nothing identifying it as a photo from 2014 SA in Hoffman Estates, and without that context, potential ticket buyers will just know that it's Jason or some guy with long hair. Also, the tweet links directly to the page where you buy tickets, which has the same picture of Jason, a Skate America graphic, and a seating chart - but no pictures of other skaters, even tho I've seen other SA advertising with photos of the 2016 champs. So for me, the subliminal message is "buy tickets and you'll see Jason," even if it's intended to be, "buy tickets and you will have fun, experience a great competition, and interact with the skaters." I bought tickets before seeing this, but I do think it's potentially misleading.

 

[jacque]

oh well lets keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best. it would be great if he was there. and I hope he has a busy season this year too make up for most of last season. lets hope for his chances of quifying for the next Olympic games. that would be great go Jason!

 

[Mrs. P]

This makes a lot of sense. I will say, tho, that there's nothing identifying it as a photo from 2014 SA in Hoffman Estates, and without that context, potential ticket buyers will just know that it's Jason or some guy with long hair. Also, the tweet links directly to the page where you buy tickets, which has the same picture of Jason, a Skate America graphic, and a seating chart - but no pictures of other skaters, even tho I've seen other SA advertising with photos of the 2016 champs. So for me, the subliminal message is "buy tickets and you'll see Jason," even if it's intended to be, "buy tickets and you will have fun, experience a great competition, and interact with the skaters." I bought tickets before seeing this, but I do think it's potentially misleading.

Or maybe that Jason is so good at interacting with fans or is so animated that it truly was the best photo to use for promotional material. That's a compliment to him.

 

[karne]

Good grief, gone all conspiracy theory in here, have we?

I am quite confident in saying that I believe Jason will be at Skate America. It's in Chicago, and while we know the USFS are idiots, they're not THAT stupid. Jason sells tickets, Jason puts bums on seats, Jason is a popular skater that people will flock to see. Add in his hometown draw and he'll definitely be at Skate America.

If two other GP events want him, the USFSA might be happy for him to be assigned to another GP, in order for them to use the host spot to give a GP to someone who might not otherwise be chosen for a GP (e.g. Dolensky, Dornbush, and Johnson are all clumped in the mid-40s in the season's best standings; or Joshua Farris, if he's ready).

Wut? Jason would not get a host pick for Skate America, he'd get a first-round pick. Jason's selection or non-selection will have nothing to do with the host spot.

I'm calling it now that the two US men at Skate America will be Jason and Adam, and the TBA will go to either Timothy, Ricky, Ross or Joshua. And you know what? I don't mind that Max won't get it. As long as he doesn't get stuck with the impossible-to-win Skate Canada!

 

[jacque]

Max is a great skater as well. I wish him the best also. Jason will always be my fav. He really has the best connection with his fans.

 

[Tavi...]

Or maybe that Jason is so good at interacting with fans or is so animated that it truly was the best photo to use for promotional material. That's a compliment to him.

Since you're a journalist it's great to get your perspective on this, and I agree, it's a wonderful photo for all the reasons you've mentioned. But I don't think the fact it's a fantastic photo for promotional purposes precludes it from having a secondary message. Truthfully when I saw it, my first thought wasn't aww isn't Jason great with his fans but oh, they're using his picture so he'll be at SA: glad I got the tix. Of course others may react differently. And I agree that it makes sense to use one strong image on the tweet itself but why not diversify on the linked page - there were a lot of memorable images this season - the Adam "I can't hear you" moment comes immediately to mind.

Speaking of promos, have y'all seen this USFS promo video clip with Jason, Max, Adam, Nathan and many others - I think it's quite effective!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qoXTZxPHCMU

@karne I can't speak for anyone else but no conspiracy theories on my part. It's been quite a boring off season so far, so I'm speculating about nothing, having had to take a break from Orlando, gun control, the Russian doping scandal, and endless ballet documentaries. Gah.

 

[musicfan80]

I'm calling it now that the two US men at Skate America will be Jason and Adam, and the TBA will go to either Timothy, Ricky, Ross or Joshua. And you know what? I don't mind that Max won't get it. As long as he doesn't get stuck with the impossible-to-win Skate Canada!

Agreed about Jason and Adam probably going to be assigned to Skate America.

What about Nathan Chen? Is he not planning on doing the Senior GP next season? I think the third spot is between Nathan or Timothy. I bet we won't know who the TBA is until after at least one Intl Senior B happens.

Skaters with two assignments typically one of Skate America/Skate Canada/Cup of China, right? Hasn't the USFS typically sent the top tier skaters to either Skate America or Skate Canada? Hasn't USFS typically wanted Cup of China to go to lower level or comeback (Joshua if he is recovered and USFS is willing to give him an assignment so he doesn't have to go to through Regionals/Sectionals to qualify for Nationals) skaters? In that case, I think Max is going to Skate Canada.

 

[el henry]

I'm glad it was explained where the photo was taken, because I was scratching my head ... why the T&I costume? It really seemed to me to be just some random photo of Jason.

I would not put anything past the rocks-in-their-heads USFS, but Jason does seem an obvious choice, and the photos .... I would think that meant he'll be there. And Adam will be there as the defending champ.

Which leads me to thinking, don't TPTB usually like to assign the skaters from one coach to a competition? Does that mean Nathan and Ashley and Adam?

You can tell it's off-season.....Too much thinking for me

 

[jacque]

I cant wait for the skating season too start back up again being its one of my favorite sports. its really boring right now.antisapation is making me wait. owell at least we have the summer olyimpics in rio yah!!

 

[karne]

What about Nathan Chen? Is he not planning on doing the Senior GP next season? I think the third spot is between Nathan or Timothy. I bet we won't know who the TBA is until after at least one Intl Senior B happens..

I have not included Nathan in any predictions because IIRC he said he wasn't going to be even back on the ice (let alone jumping) until the end of June. I wish him a full recovery, but...he is in a worse place than Josh right now, and yet oddly, people are still doomsdaying Josh, but assuming Nathan will be back. A landing hip injury at just sixteen...I hope I am wrong for him, I have my doubts.

Which leads me to thinking, don't TPTB usually like to assign the skaters from one coach to a competition? Does that mean Nathan and Ashley and Adam?

It's only usually taken into consideration when the skater is a TBA pick, IIRC. Or a last-minute replacement (I am 99% sure this was why Brendan was chosen to replace Jason at NHK last year: "Your coach is already going to be there and you're already flying that way anyway.")

 

[ice coverage]

I have not included Nathan in any predictions because IIRC he said he wasn't going to be even back on the ice (let alone jumping) until the end of June. I wish him a full recovery, but...he is in a worse place than Josh right now, and yet oddly, people are still doomsdaying Josh, but assuming Nathan will be back. A landing hip injury at just sixteen...I hope I am wrong for him, I have my doubts. ...

What Nathan said in IN's article in mid-May:

".... I am back on the ice but not quite jumping yet ...."

.... "I am only on one session a day (on the ice), but I am doing a lot off the ice," Chen said.

.... There is no immediate timetable for Chen to return to competition. .....

http://web.icenetwork.com/news/2016...n-road-to-recovery-after-season-ending-injury (May 18)​

Nathan's new and improved website is scheduled to relaunch on Friday. [Coincidentally (or not??), at the time of the Broadmoor Open and Aerial Challenge.]
Perhaps we will more learn then about his plans/hopes for competition this season??

 

[jacque]

good look too Nathan and josh . its scary we haven't hered a thing about josh lately I'm worried.

 

[musicfan80]

I have not included Nathan in any predictions because IIRC he said he wasn't going to be even back on the ice (let alone jumping) until the end of June. I wish him a full recovery, but...he is in a worse place than Josh right now, and yet oddly, people are still doomsdaying Josh, but assuming Nathan will be back. A landing hip injury at just sixteen...I hope I am wrong for him, I have my doubts.

What Nathan said in IN's article in mid-May:

".... I am back on the ice but not quite jumping yet ...."

.... "I am only on one session a day (on the ice), but I am doing a lot off the ice," Chen said.

.... There is no immediate timetable for Chen to return to competition. .....

http://web.icenetwork.com/news/2016...n-road-to-recovery-after-season-ending-injury (May 18)​

Thank you for the clarification. For some reason, I thought Nathan's recovery was going a lot further than this. And we have no idea where Joshua is right now (he may not be doing even singles jumps either).

I will agree with @karne that I am concerned about Nathan and injuries at his age. I wonder if he should "pace" (if that makes sense) better throughout the season - I feel like the last two seasons, he put out an insane amount of content and performances and then he gets injured and can't compete as well after January.

good look too Nathan and josh . its scary we haven't hered a thing about josh lately I'm worried.

It wouldn't surprise me if when the GP assignments come out, we end up seeing more TBAs for U.S. men than usual. Not just about Nathan and Joshua, but USFS may be nervous about what is going on with Ricky, Jordan, and maybe even Ross.

I think even when he was healthy and competing, Joshua tweeted/posted on Instagram on average once every 2-3 months. I think he is on track considering. I don't think he is quite into social media like Ashley Wagner and Adam Rippon are.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Back to Jason:

Jason is EXCITED about the Summer Olympics in Rio: Post on Instagram & Twitter.

And the USOC responds by telling U.S. Gymnastics to WATCH OUT!

 

[ice coverage]

Thank you for the clarification. For some reason, I thought Nathan's recovery was going a lot further than this. And we have no idea where Joshua is right now (he may not be doing even singles jumps either).

I will agree with @karne that I am concerned about Nathan and injuries at his age. I wonder if he should "pace" (if that makes sense) better throughout the season - I feel like the last two seasons, he put out an insane amount of content and performances and then he gets injured and can't compete as well after January. ....

I think even when he was healthy and competing, Joshua tweeted/posted on Instagram on average once every 2-3 months. I think he is on track considering. ...

Presumably/hopefully Nathan has made good progress since the article was published a month ago.
The Challenger season does not start until September, and the GP season does not start until late October.
Seems plausible to me that Nathan could be prepared in time for both.
Jason did not return to the ice until Feb, and he was able to do very well in April at TCC.

Of course, I am with you and karne in hoping that Nathan will be able to avoid injury going forward.

And of course, I too am very hopeful that Josh quietly is making progress toward a full recovery.

Thank goodness that Jason already has made a strong comeback.

---

... Hasn't the USFS typically sent the top tier skaters to either Skate America or Skate Canada? Hasn't USFS typically wanted Cup of China to go to lower level or comeback (Joshua if he is recovered and USFS is willing to give him an assignment so he doesn't have to go to through Regionals/Sectionals to qualify for Nationals) skaters? ...

Reminder that USFS cannot "send" skaters to GPs -- except to Skate America.
For assignments to any other GP, Team USA skaters are dependent on invitations from the host federation.

I imagine that some wheeling/dealing/compromising among feds is involved, but I think it is safe to assume that USFS cannot unilaterally dictate which Team USA skaters go to Skate Canada International, etc.

 

[jacque]

yes thank goodness Jason has come back strong strong and healthy .and lets hope he stays that way. it looks like hes going too have a busy season. and hopefly a successful one.

 

[Arriba627]

Thank you for the clarification. For some reason, I thought Nathan's recovery was going a lot further than this. And we have no idea where Joshua is right now (he may not be doing even singles jumps either).

I will agree with @karne that I am concerned about Nathan and injuries at his age. I wonder if he should "pace" (if that makes sense) better throughout the season - I feel like the last two seasons, he put out an insane amount of content and performances and then he gets injured and can't compete as well after January.



It wouldn't surprise me if when the GP assignments come out, we end up seeing more TBAs for U.S. men than usual. Not just about Nathan and Joshua, but USFS may be nervous about what is going on with Ricky, Jordan, and maybe even Ross.

I think even when he was healthy and competing, Joshua tweeted/posted on Instagram on average once every 2-3 months. I think he is on track considering. I don't think he is quite into social media like Ashley Wagner and Adam Rippon are.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Back to Jason:

Jason is EXCITED about the Summer Olympics in Rio: Post on Instagram & Twitter.

And the USOC responds by telling U.S. Gymnastics to WATCH OUT!

Sometimes I feel like the "youngsters" don't understand the seriousness of their injuries and are too casual about them. Didn't we all feel at age 16 like we were indestructible?! I'm thinking in particular of Nathan...Jason looked great at TCC and I really hope he can stay injury free.

 

[jacque]

their skating carers usually don't last very long or at least there competeve carears. you would think the would be more cauious. ithink some of them are. I'm pretty sure Jason is.