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[Washington]

If you cant get those who you pay to use how it, how do you expect ordinary folk to pay to use it?

It doesn't make sense, you seem to be about a radical break through in the design of a cricket bat, but now its just another normal company who pay pro's to sticker their bats with your stickers, or im I missing something?

I find it hard to believe Matthew Hayden has ever suffered from low confidence, when he made his career out of standing there chest puffed out and smashing it to all parts.

[Tom]

Let's see what Hayden does with it, you're all assuming he won't use it at all at the moment. The bats biggest market is club cricketers, where the pitches are slower, lower and bowlers not as quick. I'd think we've now sold a few thousand of these and many club cricketers are getting on brilliantly with them.

We're not about paying pros to sticker bats. Which is why I said just a minute ago I take it rather personally and am constantly working on improvements.

It's easy for you all to stand there and say these things, but the reality is I'm attempting to change consumer and the cricketing worlds attitude to the game and bats. It's incredibly difficult, a huge challenge and takes time.

[Talisman]

I guessed you would be paying Hayden, in which case that would be the reason he is using it? Correct me if he is doing this free of charge.

The more I look the more I see people using the real thing and I do love a conspiracy theory myself.

I do applaud your efforts Tom, but it is what you are paid to do and you need to keep working hard.

[Washington]

But isn't every bats biggest market the club cricketer? Are you worried that the MMi might only be seen as a novelty bat and will only be bought once and there will be no repeat business and early sales numbers wont be a true reflection of how things will actually go for your company?

[Tom]

As Matty has said in the interview they're keen for it to become a partnership between The Hayden Way and Mongoose. Read into that as you wish Mike.

Course I'm paid to do it, but I could be doing something a hell of a lot easier and less stressful (70hr week last week, latest night finished at 6am the following morning). It would be much easier restickering a few standard bats, selling a couple and slagging off a few brands on the forum. But I'd much rather take on a huge challenge with a product I believe in. I may well finish up looking a complete berk, but at least I had the (No Swearing Please) and gave it a shot.

Having already seen repeat orders from clubs and players I'm not too bothered about it being a novelty. Once you adjust to it and have that 20% more power it would hope it will be difficult to switch back. The biggest challenge is changing consumer trends not maintaining them.

[Talisman]

I'll have to send mine back to you then as it is less powerful than my match bat...

I used to do 70 hours a week and then the cricket bats on top of that so a little hard work shouldn't stress you too much Tom, you don't have a young family to support so won't know too much about real stress until you're a little older and wiser. You started the forum as a place to debate all things cricket so should be last person to get offended by an opinion unless it is a little too close to the knuckle. Your problem is you are poacher turned gamekeeper, if you enjoy reading praise you must also accept criticism too, cannot have a one sided debate.

I do love it when you get all chewy and try to have a sly dig at me, it makes me smile and that's a good thing.

[Tom]

Come on, we're trying to do something different. It may not take off in the long run or be fantastic in your opinion, but at least appreciate that?

P.S Why did you copy the bats if you don't rate them?

[Talisman]

Hand on heart I do think you do a fantastic job and I do really like the idea of the Mongoose, but the truth is that I feel the need to pour a little cold water on some of the over the top claims. The reasons for that Tom are that I have 20 extra years on you and have made many mistakes and know I'll make more, but I try to learn, at every opportunity. Marketing is just that, and I understand the background of Marcus and he does a great job, number one in the industry. I feel that there is something of real value in Mongoose, that is why I have been talking to people Marcus approached for financial support about you guys. I think Mongoose could have a future in the cricket world, but with a tweak, I may be proved right, I may be proved wrong, who knows what the outcome will be?

I'd also like to say that I'd give you a job tomorrow in case people think our banter is personal. I know how hard and well you work and would gladly get you onboard my little venture without a moments thought.

[Talisman]

I've never copied them, mine are much better, they are still sat here untouched if you want to see why, you are more than welcome to have them anytime to test.

[Watsontotty]

Lets have a look at your version then Mike as i don't remember seeing them.

[Talisman]

They were made for consideration by Mongoose and I did put them up by accident one night and took them back down again.

[Watsontotty]

Lets see then bud.

[Talisman]

They are not for public viewing, I'd like Tom to broaden his knowledge base and have a look at them, he wants people to stop being traditional so hopefully he will be as good at his word and open his mind to them.

[Watsontotty]

Not for public viewing ? ok what ever.

[seedy]

there just same as a mongoose but with the splice in the handle iirc.