Jeff,
I just posted this on RB in response to JWC and hope it will help you see things from a little different perspective. Yes, I'm just as disappointed as everyone else (at least the longs!) in the share price, but, IMO, this too shall pass.
Having an alliance with Coke is, IMO, a great step forward in establishing credibility for TSIG... especially since this is only the first of four scheduled for this year according to the PR. As I pointed out in a recent post, if you look at the Coca-Cola Enterprises (a separate public company from Coca-Cola) website you will see quite clearly that all Coke marketing goes through the main Coca-Cola Company (the principal shareholder of Coca-Cola Enterprises). The type of marketing and where, when and how is determined by the main Coca-Cola Company. Therefore, regardless of who is doing the promotion, it had to be approved and authorized by the main Coca-Cola Company.
More importantly, however, is the UCP announcement which, at least IMO, has not been scrutinized carefully enough by most shareholders. I quote from the PR with certain parts emphasized:
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"St. Petersburg, Fla. (December 1, 1999) ? TeleServices Internet Group Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board:TSIG - news), known as TSIG.com, today announced that it has reached an agreement with United Cerebral Palsy Associations (UCP) to become a National Corporate Sponsor, their official National Marketing Partner and exclusive source of music and film processing for fund-raising purposes. Under the agreement, TSIG.com and UCP will jointly market and sell myMusicCard and myPhotoCard products through UCP?s local affiliates, national corporate sponsors, and their many other business relationships (emphasis added and, BTW, TSIG is their only marketing partner).
TSIG.com also agreed to appoint UCP as its "official health charity," to introduce UCP to TSIG?s business partners, and to assist UCP in creating an enhanced web presence and a powerful vertical portal on the Internet for the disability community. Further, TSIG.com will assist UCP in expanding its online giving capabilities, and the parties will jointly develop electronic markets through UCP?s affiliates and corporate sponsors. UCP sponsors include First USA, QVC, Miller Brewing, Tosco, Circle K, Union 76, TCBY, Greyhound Bus Lines, and others. (emphasis added) (additur: please don't ass-u-me that this will cost TSIG anything as has been implied by some on the threads)
"TSIG.com is proud to become a sponsor and partner of United Cerebral Palsy," observed Robert Gordon, the company?s chairman. "They do a great job in advancing the cause of those with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. TSIG.com and UCP have agreed to form a joint marketing committee to develop fund-raising programs for myMusicCard and myPhotoCard with their affiliates and corporate sponsors (emphasis added), and together we will be developing a joint prospect list."
"As the largest health charity in the United States, UCP is always looking for new ways to raise funds," said Charles H. Moses III, Esquire, UCP National Volunteer President. "We believe that myMusicCard and myPhotoCard products will provide tremendous value throughout the UCP family, and will enable us to raise millions to benefit people with disabilities. We look forward to a vigorous partnership with TSIG." (emphasis added)
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IMHO, this is the largest and most powerful alliance I have seen TSIG put together in all the years I have been a shareholder. I think many are overlooking the vertical marketing capability through UCP's other sponsors (via kiosks in stores and inserts in monthly customer bills). Yes, they need additional funding and I believe they will get it as the potential for the company is now, again IMO, much too huge. But there is no point in constantly rehashing the same old mistakes they made in the past. All startup companies make mistakes and TSIG is no exception. First the baby crawls, then he stands-up, then he walks and then he runs... but along the path of growth, they trip and they fall and they get bruised. That's part of the learning process and eventually they grow to maturity and hopefully success. JMO, but I believe TSIG is walking and ready to "run", i.e: start showing some significant revenue. I prefer to look forward and not backward and will continue to do my DD and make my own decisions. I strongly suggest everyone else do the same... do your own DD and make your own decisions. I am, IMO, being right and holding tight. But, everyone must do their own thinking and decision making as I am a long-term investor and not a trader. I personally will not be selling for many a year... if ever. Hopefully this company's stock will send my five grandchildren to the college and graduate school of their choice and leave them plenty left over as a cushion to start their adult lives.
Best always,
Marty |
