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Woodsy · 08-31-2006, 08:51 AM

I wasn't going to chime in, but its getting a little skewed here....

There are ALOT of factors at play here.

The media is a definitely factor, but I think its a very small factor. The entire Winnfabs argument for a speed limit was based on fear mongering and how Lake Winnipesaukee is not safe. Statistically they were proven wrong, but they told (and continue to tell) whomever would listen how unsafe they thought the lake was/is. The battle was followed closely nationwide by advocates on both sides. They got alot of local press and even some national press. I am pretty sure there was an article in the Wall St. Journal. There were more than a few articles in the Boston Globe.

I think the primary reason we are seeing a downturn is the price of gas. Most people are on a tight budget and the exponential rise in the price of gas is having a serious impact on thier bottom line. Lake Winnipesaukee has traditionally had a "blue collar" or "middle class" demographic. These are the people hit hardest by the price of gas. Its not that coming up to the lake costs an extra $100 or $200. The issue is that commuting to work costs an extra $200+ per month and that money has to come from somewhere, usually the fun budget. This eliminates alot of the daytrippers with the smaller boats. I am sure the hotel business is also suffering also. Where a family would stay at a hotel/motel for a week, they now stay for 3-4 days over a weekend.

Woodsy

08-31-2006, 08:51 AM	#17
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,967 Thanks: 80 Thanked 980 Times in 440 Posts	I wasn't going to chime in, but its getting a little skewed here.... There are ALOT of factors at play here. The media is a definitely factor, but I think its a very small factor. The entire Winnfabs argument for a speed limit was based on fear mongering and how Lake Winnipesaukee is not safe. Statistically they were proven wrong, but they told (and continue to tell) whomever would listen how unsafe they thought the lake was/is. The battle was followed closely nationwide by advocates on both sides. They got alot of local press and even some national press. I am pretty sure there was an article in the Wall St. Journal. There were more than a few articles in the Boston Globe. I think the primary reason we are seeing a downturn is the price of gas. Most people are on a tight budget and the exponential rise in the price of gas is having a serious impact on thier bottom line. Lake Winnipesaukee has traditionally had a "blue collar" or "middle class" demographic. These are the people hit hardest by the price of gas. Its not that coming up to the lake costs an extra $100 or $200. The issue is that commuting to work costs an extra $200+ per month and that money has to come from somewhere, usually the fun budget. This eliminates alot of the daytrippers with the smaller boats. I am sure the hotel business is also suffering also. Where a family would stay at a hotel/motel for a week, they now stay for 3-4 days over a weekend. Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.