We as snowboarders and consumers have the almighty power to build a brand or hurt one. It is our sole duty as such that allows us to drive the fate of this very industry that we are a part of in any direction we so dictate. It’s with this power and the voice of this website that I’m bringing an issue to you the readers. Everyone in snowboarding knows the impact that energy drinks are having on our culture and industry. They have infused millions of dollars in advertising, athlete sponsorship, and contests. At the end of televised contests the riders are seen sipping on their beverage of choice, further promoting it. Is there anything wrong with this? No as they’re trying to get paid and the company is trying to promote their product.
So what is the issue that needs to be brought to your attention? The issue at hands my fellow snowboarders is how Monster Energy Drink is strong arming a small Vermont based brewery. Rock Art Brewery of Morrisville Vt has been slapped with a cease and desist order from Monster because of one of their beers called Vermonster. The video below is the owner of Rock Art Brewery talking about the impending battle he has with this mega corporation that is a real Monster.
Snowboarding and beer drinking go hand in hand. It has been a part of our culture since day one and as our culture has grown and aged so too have our tastes. While PBR might still reign supreme as the beer of choice, there are those of us in this culture that appreciate a fine beer. So what can we do as both consumers and a culture? Well there are a few options that I will propose. The first is the simplest and that’s let your dollars speak and don’t support Monster. Let them feel the financial pinch of our dollars. The second option is to forward the video posted above and spread the word via Twitter, Facebook, blogs, and email. The final option is a bit more time inclusive but delivers a stronger message to the source and that is to send them a message via their website directly, here.
What is the Angrysnowboarder website going to do about this matter? Besides bringing this matter to your attention, we will be boycotting interviewing any athletes that are sponsored by this company. While the athletes are not at fault for having them as a sponsor, we feel that allowing Monster to gain any recognition or positive mention on this site after pulling a bull shit tactic like this would not be conducive to our message of supporting the little guy.
13 Comments
[…] our duty as a culture influenced by their product to express any concerns we might have. Here is my response to the video that was posted on youtube. __________________ http://www.angrysnowboarder.comknow […]
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by angrysnowboard and shredunion.com, Motive. Motive said: RT @angrysnowboard Fellow Snowboarders and Beer Drinkers look what Monster is doing to a small micro brew http://bit.ly/3G6jf3 […]
That made me feel sick to my stomach. I had stopped drinking RockStar because of the douche bags owners/founders and now I am going to have to stop drinking Monster. Looks like I’ll be writing a letter.
And wtf? Monster is owned by Hansen’s which has always been thought of as a hippy alternative to soda.
Bravo for bringing this to our attention. Gotta get me some of that Vermonster. 10% ABV and 100 IBU’s? That’s crazy hopped! Not that I ever drank the piss in a can product of Monster, but I certainly will let anyone who does (or supports in anyway the product) what a poor decision they have made.
davis
dont just “stop drinking monster” let em know why you are ….
http://www.monsterenergy.com/web/guest/contact
All energy drinks should die. They don’t give you any more energy and they don’t even taste good either. I hate energy drinks. They’re just trendy, shitty(for your health and tastewise) drinks.
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by angrysnowboard: Fellow Snowboarders and Beer Drinkers look what Monster is doing to a small micro brew http://bit.ly/3G6jf3 please RT this…
Hansen’s backed down. Rock Art is free to produce the Vermonster again.
Yeah saw that earlier today. Good fuck them and their douche bag tactics.
Good on ya for highlighting this.
[…] with different interpretations of Hansen’s actions, including how it sent a cease-and-desist order or how it filed a lawsuit. Everyone: Hansen merely sent a letter. It has to do […]
I don’t want to defend mega-corp Hansen, but do understand that they must monitor use – or suspected use – of their mark. Vermonster probably never really threatened Hansen’s trademark, but Hansen wasn’t completely wrong in flexing its muscle a little. I explain more here: http://www.galvanilegal.com/blog/vermonster-v-monster/
What are you some corporate lawyer that feels the little guy should be squashed by these huge mega corporations? You’re part of the fucking problem. Hansen got bitch slapped by the fact there are people like me that do care the little guy wins. Unless you’re a fucking moron which is questionable since you are a bottom feeder, there is no comparison of Monster and Vermonster, not one thing in common. Monster is a shitty energy drink that is leading to the decline of the health of our children. Vermonster is an alcoholic beverage that will have less detriment to ones health than drinking a can or two of Monster a day.