Comments on: Property Rights, Meet Marketing in China

By: Paul

Paul — Mon, 28 May 2007 02:34:01 +0000

To be honest, LIU Xiang would be more famous, for he was the first one in 110M Olympic in the world as a Chinese, at the same time Yao Ming maybe the one who are well know in US as an NBA player after many fathers’ efforts.

By: Chris Carr

Chris Carr — Fri, 25 May 2007 18:39:11 +0000

Good comment, Felipe.

Yes, they are commodities, but only at Notre Dame …

Kidding, of course!

By: Felipe

Felipe — Fri, 25 May 2007 18:02:44 +0000

Are athletes simply commodities?

This is still a question commonly asked in the US. In fact, these issues seem very similar to those faced by US athletes in the early 20th century - there was no free agency, contracts were long-term and could not be renegotiated, and teams even asserted influence over the personal lives of players. Paradoxically, ‘purists’ will go on ad nauseam about how this was when professional sports were at there best. Indeed, in terms of ‘real’ numbers - fan attendance, league profits, and fan loyalty were extremely high when compared to today’s standards. However, players got a very raw deal. It’s why many of the great players from that era died as paupers while owners reaped all of the benefits.

While I agree with Kerry in that the government (or any investor) should get a fair return on their investment, special consideration must be applied when dealing with people. Some of these obligations seem to tip toward indentured servitude or even slavery, which is clearly wrong. There should be clear and established limits on the rights that the government can impose upon players and there should be a time limit on these rights.

By: Chris Carr

Chris Carr — Fri, 25 May 2007 16:44:54 +0000

Paul,

The primary, but not the sole, purpose of this blog is to allow an online learning format for our MBA China trip.

Having said that, we welcome the other purposes this blog serves and welcome involvement and comment from all across the world; although I did ban one fellow from the blog as his agenda really had nothing to do with how reasonable people use, access and participate in blogs.

Also, who do you think is more famous and loved IN China — Liu Xiang or Yao Ming?

By: Chris Carr

Chris Carr — Fri, 25 May 2007 16:38:27 +0000

Good analogy.

By: Kerry Huang

Kerry Huang — Fri, 25 May 2007 09:40:16 +0000

Since the state trained these athletes since they were children, it is expected that the state receives a portion of earnings. This similar to a venture capitalist seeking a return on investment. I think that the athletes should have creative control over who to advertise with and be able to negotiate compensation (with the full knowledge that a portion goes to the state). The athletes need the ability to make extra money through endorsements since according to the article, the government does not always fulfill its promise to financially support the athlete.

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 25 May 2007 03:46:03 +0000

Yes, you are correct they are famous in the world,

and both of them are from Shanghai.

by the way, may i know what kind of this web is?
just for the trip in China?

By: Chris Carr

Chris Carr — Thu, 24 May 2007 16:22:32 +0000

Paul,

Thanks for checking in.

Who is more famous or like a “god” in China:

Liu Xiang or Yao Ming?

I have sensed from friends in China that Liu Xiang easily wins out in China over Yao Ming on this issue. Do you agree?

By: Paul

Paul — Thu, 24 May 2007 02:21:20 +0000

Diving Star Tian Liang had left the National Olympic Team, on one knows why expect the Olympics Diving Golden medal owner himself.