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Forum News and Suggestions => Old Advertisers => Admin Board => It's Just Cricket => Topic started by: ItsJustCricket on February 05, 2016, 10:43:28 AM

Title: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: ItsJustCricket on February 05, 2016, 10:43:28 AM
Hello all,

As many of you may know, I'm a particularly passionate fan of Phantom Cricket, and to that extent Paul has asked me to write my first ever blog post, on exactly that topic.

The title for the blog is "Who are Phantom cricket and why do we like them so much?" , and it features much of what I have previously written on the subject, along with some more up to date and interesting material. I think it would be fair to say I was offended by some allegations that Phantom is a stickering brand, and that definitely inspired me to pitch this blog to Paul.

The blog should be up tonight, just making the final tweaks now, but in the meantime, check out the other blog posts we have done here - www.itsjustcricket.news (http://www.itsjustcricket.news) - remember, every blog has a unique discount code inside, so its worth your while to look through them, and distract yourself until the weekend!

Happy reading!

Chris
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: ridhuan on February 05, 2016, 10:59:52 AM
Will visit the blog, it would be interesting if Amos the yorkmen does video on the phantom bat!
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: RoCo Da Pixie on February 05, 2016, 11:12:42 AM
Hope the blog works out for you. Personally I am not sure if I will read it as your view point on Phantom is not one of a neutral.
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: ItsJustCricket on February 05, 2016, 11:26:38 AM
Hope the blog works out for you. Personally I am not sure if I will read it as your view point on Phantom is not one of a neutral.

Absolutely correct it isn't! But it is a viewpoint of someone very informed of the industry - I have dealt with plenty of small and large brands, and would think that this knowledge allows me to talk with something approaching authority. If I say positive things about Phantom, or defend them from uninformed rumours on here, it is because I truly believe in them - nothing else!
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: RoCo Da Pixie on February 05, 2016, 11:33:16 AM
Absolutely correct it isn't! But it is a viewpoint of someone very informed of the industry - I have dealt with plenty of small and large brands, and would think that this knowledge allows me to talk with something approaching authority. If I say positive things about Phantom, or defend them from uninformed rumours on here, it is because I truly believe in them - nothing else!

Well informed? from what point of view? a retail perspective?

Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: billyb on February 05, 2016, 11:37:15 AM
I remember when this forum was full of banter, and people applauding the efforts of people doing productive things about the trade.

Nowadays it seems belligerence and sarcasm are the order of the day, and that is sad. I used to really enjoy being a small, infrequently-posting part of this community.

I look forward to your blog Paul. 'Haters gonna hate' mate.
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: ItsJustCricket on February 05, 2016, 11:43:35 AM
Well informed? from what point of view? a retail perspective?

Yes! From the point of view that I'm working in the industry, and therefore I'm more informed about it than some other people who share their views. I don't see how the "well-informed" part of that can be questioned?

CBD

@billyb Thank you for the kind words - some people on here are still great, it's just a small but vocal minority who spoil it. It's actually Chris here, Paul's colleague. I now post on behalf of IJC, because Paul got so tired of the behaviour you mentioned that he had to leave the forum. A real shame I know.
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: RoCo Da Pixie on February 05, 2016, 11:47:44 AM
@billyb I have purchased my last two bats from IJC and have no hard feelings about them as both bats are good.

I think I am getting to the point of why write a blog about a topic you're heavily involved in and have a biased point of view.

I asked the question of how Chris is well informed. From who's view point and what perspective? I can say I am well informed because I know where the vast majority of bats are made. I even knew M&H were Indian made before IJC came out with their mission statement and USP of stocking bats where they know the origin etc.
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: ItsJustCricket on February 05, 2016, 11:51:08 AM
Without getting too technical - I am well informed because I have a close relationship with Aftab, I even helped him design some of the tweaks that I mention in the blog post (see more later). So I have the unique perspective of being well informed from a manufacturing point of view, from a retail point of view, and from a customer point of view (I've purchased a pair of the Phantom pads for this season!).

The reason for the blog was to explain why we all love the brand so much - I don't think sharing our opinion on why we love a brand is biased per se - just explaining some of the details about what makes Phantom a great brand!

Hopefully that makes sense!

CBD
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: uknsaunders on February 05, 2016, 11:53:09 AM
Let's all go easy on Chris. It's his first blog post and isn't everyone allowed to write a blog? Whether you believe IJC are well informed, biased, or neither, they can still write a blog can't they? Most blogs are a form of marketing anyway, so I really wouldn't get to hung up on neutrality.
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: ItsJustCricket on February 05, 2016, 11:54:49 AM
I would add in addition to this, Paul has specified that it isn't too markety - it will have some insider information and aim to be educative as well. Maybe not for those in the know like on this forum, but the wider audience is the general public, who perhaps aren't as knowledgeable as us here!
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: No.4 on February 05, 2016, 01:20:41 PM
I can't actually see the blog when I click on the link. Am I missing something? I can see the older ones.
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: Kulli on February 05, 2016, 01:27:35 PM

The blog should be up tonight, just making the final tweaks now, but in the meantime, check out the other blog posts we have done here - [url=http://www.itsjustcricket.news]www.itsjustcricket.news[/url] ([url]http://www.itsjustcricket.news[/url]) - remember, every blog has a unique discount code inside, so its worth your while to look through them, and distract yourself until the weekend!

Happy reading!

Chris
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: Ridenmarke on February 05, 2016, 01:52:53 PM
Looking forward to some informative reading  :)
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on February 05, 2016, 02:05:07 PM
I can't wait to find out who the very informed in the industry shadow writer is!  :D ;)
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on February 05, 2016, 02:25:05 PM
And following on from that last post by me.

As everyone takes everything literally on here, that was a (very poor attempt at a) joke!
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: bostoncricketer on February 05, 2016, 03:33:55 PM
I find the layout of the website a little confusing. What's the difference between "news" and "trends"? 
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: ItsJustCricket on February 05, 2016, 03:34:57 PM
I can't answer that - it was the format put into place by our web designers! If you just scroll down on the homepage it will come up with icons for all 10 of the current blogs, which may be easier!

CBD
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: Northern monkey on February 05, 2016, 04:29:06 PM
What's a blog?
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on February 05, 2016, 04:43:41 PM
What's a blog?

Another name for something you deposit in trap 2 I think
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: FattusCattus on February 05, 2016, 05:14:27 PM
I hope no-one will be 'flogging their blog'
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: ItsJustCricket on February 05, 2016, 06:35:37 PM
Hello all,

Getting back to the matter at hand - the blog is now live!

See what you all think!

http://www.itsjustcricket.news/who-are-phantom-cricket-and-why-do-i-like-them-so-much/ (http://www.itsjustcricket.news/who-are-phantom-cricket-and-why-do-i-like-them-so-much/)

CBD
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: dannyhall04 on February 05, 2016, 06:58:29 PM
Decent read that, mate. Well written.
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: Beachcricket on February 05, 2016, 08:58:29 PM
Am I the only person who sees a similarity between Phantom Cricket's branding and that of another company?
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: dcullen8 on February 05, 2016, 09:02:07 PM
Am I the only person who sees a similarity between Phantom Cricket's branding and that of another company?
I think thats the point. Using the same supplier as other brands whilst tweaking the items to further improve them, atleast thats what i took from it all.

Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on February 05, 2016, 09:14:30 PM
Am I the only person who sees a similarity between Phantom Cricket's branding and that of another company?

There are only so many shapes
Only so many types of stickers
Only a few softs manufacturers

All in all, stuff will be the same and it'll mainly come down to which colour scheme you prefer or if you want to give a certain ceo/bat maker your cash
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: Beachcricket on February 05, 2016, 09:20:16 PM
I'm not talking about the shapes. I agree that there's only so much you can do with a cleft of Willow. I also agree about soft manufacturers to an extent, but they will make something different if you ask.

I'm referring specifically to the branding and labels.

The branding is basically one of the few opportunities to express individualism, creativity and originality not just "take inspiration" from someone else.
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: Northern monkey on February 05, 2016, 09:35:30 PM
'Nail on head Mr Beachcricket'
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: Number4 on February 05, 2016, 10:15:26 PM
I'm not talking about the shapes. I agree that there's only so much you can do with a cleft of Willow. I also agree about soft manufacturers to an extent, but they will make something different if you ask.

I'm referring specifically to the branding and labels.

The branding is basically one of the few opportunities to express individualism, creativity and originality not just "take inspiration" from someone else.

Not to mention some of the names of the bats... Bulldog already had a bat called Spirit T20 and GM had a HERO which I believe is what Phantom call one of their junior bats... Originality?
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on February 05, 2016, 10:19:41 PM
Am I the only person who sees a similarity between Phantom Cricket's branding and that of another company?

What you have to remember is that the printers don't have an Affinity to any particular brand. If you pay them they'll print your stickers, even if they are virtually identical to others they may produce for a different company.
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: Batbuddy99 on February 05, 2016, 10:20:43 PM

What you have to remember is that the printers don't have an Affinity to any particular brand. If you pay them they'll print your stickers, even if they are virtually identical to others they may produce for a different company.
another one for the master decoder there Cam!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on February 05, 2016, 10:25:36 PM
"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."

Charles Caleb Colton
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: ItsJustCricket on February 05, 2016, 10:27:26 PM
All I will say is - unlike other brands mentioned, at least Phantom are honest about the Affinity of their bats!

CBD
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on February 05, 2016, 10:30:32 PM
All I will say is - unlike other brands mentioned, at least Phantom are honest about the Affinity of their bats!

CBD

That made no sense! Unless you're implying pantom sticker up affinities  ;)
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: edge on February 05, 2016, 10:35:02 PM
All I will say is - unlike other brands mentioned, at least Phantom are honest about the Affinity of their bats!

CBD
Hmm... three other brands mentioned in this thread. Which ones of them are dishonest about their bats? ;)
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: brokenbat on February 05, 2016, 10:43:15 PM
I think we're being unfair on IJC again. They don't own phantom - they just like the brand. Agree to disagree, gents!
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on February 05, 2016, 10:47:17 PM
Just read the blog.
If you didn't like it the first time have 3 pints in quick succession and re-read it!
Thoroughly good read, Chris.

I will also recommend old mout cider in kiwi & lime flavour. It tastes so good you wouldn't even know it was alcoholic until it was too late!
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: ItsJustCricket on February 05, 2016, 11:23:23 PM
Must admit I'm a huge fan old Old Mount! My uni drink of choice!

Cheers
Title: Re: Brand New Phantom Cricket Blog Post!
Post by: Andythomo21 on February 05, 2016, 11:35:09 PM
Can't beat an old mount! ;). An old mout isn't bad either!!