[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by GarthB

My original statment that I would pay $199 for a legal updated copy of the J/R is valid. I would pay that. But since I have not done any studies on the subject, let's assume that a lower figure is more appropriate. Let's say , oh, $89 turns out to be an accurate price for the definitive 700 page work on the Official Rules of Baseball.

Garth IMO what's missing in all this discussion about marketing etc. is: Which audience are you appealing to:

In other words, we have fast food chains and equisite restaurants each appealing to a different audience.

Therefore, depending upon where one is in respect to their umpiring career will determine how much to spend.

Example; If you are HS umpire doing FED ball not that it wouldn't be good knowledge to purchase the JEA or J/R but it would probably do more damage then aid you because FED rules vs. OBR rules are vastly different in some instances.

To me since I umpire HS ball and a vast majority of leagues (excluding college) that use some of FED rules, the BRD is most valuable to me. Unless one makes it to the "BIG TIME" Strict OBR rules will not come into play.

Therefore, in summary umpiring is a hobby at least to me so I take a look at what tools I feel will be most beneficial using plus / minus system when determining cost.

Would I like to purchase the JEA - Yes but if it cost $150.00 or so not that I still wouldn't purchase it, but is it a MUST FACTOR.

Therfore, I would think (boy that's scary) that Jim wants to appeal to an audience aspiring to get to the BIG TIME.
The audience you are trying to appeal to will dictate the cost.

Pete Booth