First, I will say that because of the 'jo', we were able to establish at least a moderatly recognizable name for ourselves.  And that again, this is not against anyone that has supported us in the past, especially F.K...

But, as I read the invites for the Dojo team challenge, I thought to myself, what does a team need to do in order to get noticed and recognized in the MTG community?  Since it has only been 2 months since WOTC sanctioning of team play, how could any team really make a true name for themselves in that amount of time?  It goes back to the old argument of what makes for a successful team?  Is it a collection of pros that are singles players trying to have fun in a different format?  Or is it a new collection of players, uniquely skilled at the art of team competition?

I paraphrase from an article that I wrote 8 weeks ago that seemed to get lost in the shuffle:
 

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Much has been made of team play over the past 2 months.  One look at the sites such as the Dojo and this becomes clearly evident.  But where does all the hype leave a team like ours?  Sure, professional players are aligning themselves with other big money pros to form seemingly unbeatible powerhouses... but what about the little guys?  The teams that want to break out on the scene AS a team.  Does a collection of individual greats make for a successful team?  Players can amass as much money as they want as individuals, but in team play their totals are zero.  Teams such as ours have been waiting for our chance to "come out" and believe me, we won't disappoint.  A lot will depend on what the format will be for sanctioned team play.  But as in individual competition, I think it would be wise if the DCI and WOTC would open up the team aspect to those who have been formed and waiting for their chance to make a name for themselves in this type of organized play format... such as Team TOOL.  Who wants to see regurgated Pros just have another way  to make more money?  No one does. Magic needs new stars to emerge, and these stars are the Teams.... the future... not the "already ares". No, none of our players have won a single dollar on the Pro-Tour.  But does that make us a bad team?  Not one of us has appeared in any issue of the Duelist.  Does that mean we should not have an official sponsor (Which we now do btw... props Dugout!)  We have functioned as a team longer than the DCI has been in existance.  I ask those around the game to browse through our site.  A year of postings and updates... From the logo, to the organization, to the advice and tips...  all of these things show the  dedication of the five of us.  5 people that truly have waited to embrace the introduction of team competition.  5 people that have done so much as a team, yet have remained anonomous within the professional Magic community at large. And we are not alone.  There are many more like us that have been sitting idley by, watching as individuals have their time in the sun and dominate the pages of sites and magazines all across the world scene.

Yet all of this is about to change... I do say this:  Develop a functional, competitive format for team play, and we will challange all comers.  Tongo, Deadguy, whomever.  Throw all of your individual awards right out of the window.  It is time that the once little guys begin to shine. We would like to encourage the DCI to consider premiering sanctioned Team competition at Origins 98.  So that the teams such as ours finally can have their chance. And be ready Ohio.  Because it will be T:T that finally stakes their claim in the Professional ranks.
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As I read this, I see a team that is excited and eager to participate and compete... but how can that happen now?  I ask those teams with the 'money' players to think about the future of team play.  The little teams like ourselves can think all we want, but it is you that can make a difference.

...such is life.

Team TOOL
//teamtool.hypermart.net

Thanks Dojo.