There is a desire in our society for alternatives to sterile technology, and a nostalgic return to the satisifaction of simpler achievements. Control Line should be able to capitalize on that, and bring the younger generation into the sport.

As far as old age and the death of the sport, yo-yo's (don't laugh) suggest an alternative. In their community, the typical yo-yoist complains of the fad - those periods where the toy becomes hugely popular, then almost disappears for a decade. Yet, each fad period creates a new generation with a lasting memory. That helps encourage the next generation during their fad period.

In our own sport, we complain that young people get involved, then quickly lose interest. I don't believe that's necessarily a bad thing. It plants a seed that may produce a return to the sport in the future. Done right, this might perpetuate a lasting hobby. We may be seeing the effects now, as those youths involved in previous decades have matured and returned.

I submit that it will always be important to attract younger members to the sport.