Q and A with Paul Truong

Q&A with Paul Truong – Questions by various USCF members

Q: How does it feel to win this very difficult election?

A: Nothing changed for me on a personal level. It is not about me winning a seat. It is about helping the USCF. I still do the same things everyday. Now I just have a chance to help the USCF much more. My #1 motivation has always been about U.S. chess. I love chess and I am absolutely confident that we can do much more for this federation. We need to improve instead of procrastinate.

I used to share my chess promotional ideas with some USCF board members. People said it would never work. They said that chess is not marketable. Fine! I am not a confrontational person. So rather than going back and forth with useless arguments, I implemented my promotional ideas through the SPF instead of the USCF.

Chess can be big if it is promoted properly. There is no reason why the USCF cannot expand its membership and revenues. I believe this board will be motivated to do it.

Q: Did you believe that your team can win the four seats?

A: I am not sure what you mean by team. Susan and I felt that the most qualified candidates that can help the USCF are Misha Korenman, Jim Berry and Randy Bauer. It does not mean that other candidates are not qualified. It just means that we believe that they can help the USCF the most at the moment. It may be different two years from now with different priorities. That was why we recommended them to the USCF members.

I wish that Misha had been elected too. But unfortunately there were only four spots. I have no doubt that Misha will work closely with this board. He is a great person and loves chess tremendously.

We had a clear strategy and our goals and mission were very straightforward. We constantly promoted our platform rather than relying on personal attacks. We pointed out the problems with the organization as a whole and we offered our solutions. When others relentlessly attacked and insulted us, we refused to get into the mud-slinging war. It does not do any good for chess to keep attacking each other. There are enough things to do to improve this federation.

Q: Someone said that you and Susan spent less than $50 for this election. Is this true?

A: Yes, it is true. Once again, this is what I have been saying all along. It is the same thing as chess marketing, PR and promotion. We do not have to spend tons of money to get good results. I learned throughout my life experience to make things work with what I have.

The USCF forgot or neglected the grassroots long ago. We did not. We met thousands of people in the past few years. People believe in Susan’s vision. And people campaigned hard on our behalf. They want to see positive changes and she offered the greatest prospect for this to happen.

It is also about the Internet. With today’s technology, there is no reason why we cannot update chess news very rapidly. If the two of us can do this, the USCF as an organization should be able to do many times more. I think we were very efficient using this technology to get our message out instead of using the print media. But we did not email people, as spamming people would have reversed the effect.

Q: Would you want any position for yourself on this board?

A: No. I want nothing for myself, not in this term. I am a behind-the-scenes guy and there is much work to be done. I don’t need or want any glory. I am happy when I can make magic happen. Still, I think all members of this board will play major roles in reforming the USCF.

Bill Goichberg has an incredible amount of experience. So does Randy Hough. I have known both of them for more than twenty-five years. Joel Channing is a great guy and he has many wonderful ideas. Jim Berry is fantastic and one of the biggest chess lovers I know. So is his twin brother Frank. I consider both of them friends. I have great respect for Randy Bauer, especially when it comes to finances and budgeting. Susan, of course, is a chess magnet. She has the special ability to energize and excite the members.

I think the USCF would benefit greatly with Susan as President. Imagine the kind of publicity the USCF can get with her as the face and voice of this federation. She ran her company for more than ten years. She also has plenty of experience in the non-profit field from being on the board of the SPF and Point Hope. She can do it all.

I think Randy Bauer is the most obvious choice as VP of Finance. He is very successful in this area. I think Bill or Joel could be the critical pieces to help move the USCF along as VP. Jim Berry or Randy Hough would be great as the USCF Secretary. I just want to be a part of the team and help with marketing, PR and promotion.

Q: What are some of your immediate goals for the USCF?

A: Reduce frivolous spending and increase revenues. We have to be fiscally responsible. I see a lot of waste that can be reduced and there are areas we need to spend more on. But we will go nowhere unless we can generate more revenue.

We need more positive, effective and inexpensive chess promotion. We need to work on increasing our membership. We need to build the right image for chess, etc. I intend to discuss all of these areas with my colleagues next week.

Here is my full column on http://www.chesscafe.com/ this month.