The Norwegians seem to be coming up with so many interesting, yet completely rediculous ideas: Micr-o, Marc-o and now this. Can't they just leave orienteering alone and just do it...
 

what makes an idea ridiculous?? at least the norwegians are trying different things in the sport. They have realised that there is chances for TV coverage thru Norge TV2. The sport is going nowhere at the moment, in terms of increased participation and media coverage. At least the norwegians are trying things. They should be praised not mocked!!
 

Do we know whether these gimmicks were done to have a little fun among fellow orienteers, or was this another serious attempt to promote the sport to non orienteers?

The former strikes me as harmless, but something I have little interest in. Straight orienteering in this terrain is plenty interesting.

If this is indeed the latter, I have to agree with "anonymous". This does seem to be another misguided effort, which puts the image of the sport at risk for minimal upside entertainment value to a non orienteer.

"What makes this stuff ridiculous?" Well it is subjective call, and I am no expert on Norwegian TV tastes, but to me this is not a close call.

Maybe these "creative" orienteers deserve some credit for trying to exploit an opportunity, but I think these "live coverage" ideas are not only bad, but pointless. The internet does live coverage quite well for the people who care, existing orienteers.

I am sold on the idea (from PG and others?) that the best concept for O on TV, or video for that matter, would be a highly editted post event program that tells the story in a dramatic, well crafted production.

The real idiots might indeed be Norge TV2, for leading on the orienteers, thinking this stuff will sell. Is Norge TV2 a for-profit or gov. subsidy operation? This might explain some weakmindedness. Right, William, Clem?

For me this promo trend is especially embarrassing because of my time spent in Norway, my idolization of the glory days with medal sweeps, and my mother's O stories with BUL-Oslo, which peaked my interest to start with. I still hope they beat the Swedes, but jeeeez....

EricW
 

Eric,

I can't begin to understand what mix of factors inspire people to cook up this stuff.

The BBC doesn't do stuff like this.

I think it is a confluence of factors--more so than TV's influence. I would really like to understand it.

That said, I'd like to try this kind of race as an exisitng orienteer but it doesn't do anything to advance the sport to non-orienteers. But, to me, this is so obvious that I can't believe that some out there earnestly believe it will do so.

Clem