Date:	Thu, 3 Feb 1994 05:20:47 -1000
From:	hanson@kyoss1.enet.dec.com
Message-Id: <2irmdn$6cj@e2big.mko.dec.com>
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Subject: A Letter from Steve Behr

I've been asked by several people to post the following letter from Steve 
Behr to rec.kites.  Mr. Behr would like to see this letter receive as wide
a distribution as possible, so naturally he considered this forum.

The letter is posted in its entirety, with no editing.

Please do not send mail regarding this.  If you have questions or comments,
you can post them here or get in touch with the principles mentioned in the
letter.

/bh/2/3/94

--- Begin Text ---
           				1-9-94

In the last issue of "Kiting", Daniel Prentice of "American Kite
Magazine" stated that he created his AKM Circuit to promote the AKA
and fliers. This is categorically untrue.

In 1993 our company with some support from UP Sports Int. contributed
to no less than 11 circuit events. We sponsored 3 teams and two
individual Master class flyers on the curcuit, organized a nationally
ranked event with five thousand in price money! UP Sports Int also
sponsored the World Cup IV with t-shirts, sweat shirts, and a
production crew (including lodging)

Last week, we were informed that, because of $700 owed to World Cup
and other past due advertising, our Event would not be recognized by
the circuit. Members of the so-called AKM Circuit Advisory Committee
who said the circuit should be kept separate from magazine adverising
issues were told by Prenice that [he] owned the circuit and could
exercise veto control over any decisions the committee made.

Early last year, I was told by Prentice that our flyers would receive
more magazine coverage if they switched to Shanti flying line which
Prentice manufactures.

The fact is that both the AKM Circuit and World Cup are directly tied
to supporting the business of American Kite Magazine and Shanti Kite
Spools. Fliers, event organizers, and the public are being
manipulated.

ONE man, Daniel Prentice, should not be in a position to exercise
unlimited control over the sport.

	   Is this Fair?
	   Steve Behr

--- End Text ---


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