Our Follow-Up On the Puck Daddy Story About Credentials From the Rangers
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Aug 27, 2010 10:08 AM EDT
in Bantering Around
Email
Print
By now I think you have all heard about or read the story on yesterday's Puck Daddy, a great story by Greg regarding the policies that some teams, including our
I reached out to the Rangers last year to look into the possibility of being credentialed for certain things, maybe a few practices, preseason games, and possibly a few games during the season. No more than fifteen or twenty minutes after I sent them this email, I received a four word email reply, essentially telling me that Ranger policy is not to credential websites/
I reached out to them a few more times, tried to explain and show them (although I am sure they already know, because they ARE reading us every day, I know this for a fact), that we are more than just a website, that we have unparalleled fan interaction, a weekly radio show devoted to the
After that, the Rangers started their own internet radio show, and quite frankly communication with the
When we heard about the "Fire Sather Rally" taking place last season, we decided to cover it. We talked about it here on the site, talked to the organizers on the radio show, and did a live remote the day of the rally.
Quite simply, we covered the rally because it was newsworthy. Ranger fans were talking about it, and if it's something Ranger fans are talking about, we aren't going to ignore it. We aren't here to sugarcoat anything, we don't give you the homogenized look at the
The Rangers decided to punish us at the time for covering the rally by cutting us off the press release list. It was no great loss, although we did have to find the news that Matt Zaba was sent to Hartford and Chad Johnson was recalled and vice-versa elsewhere.
The Rangers are completely paranoid about controlling information. In their mind it seems that if no one talks about their problems, it's like they don't exist.
After careful consideration, we've come to the conclusion we're better off being on the "outside" when it comes to the Rangers. Being inside just means you get to ask Chris Drury about his Little League days, and what flavor ice cream Michael Del Zotto likes.
In further reading the article that Puck Daddy did yesterday, the Rangers are under the impression that we, Blueshirt Banter, were the organizers of the rally. This is false. It is all on record on this website, and in the podcasts of our radio show, that the rally was organized by a group of season ticket holders who have simply had enough. All we did was cover what we felt was a newsworthy event.
The Rangers feel that we "crossed over into irresponsible fan behavior." If discussing and covering something the fans are upset about when it comes to the Rangers constitutes "irresponsible fan behavior", then so be it. I can live with that, instead of just ignoring a problem and hoping nobody notices, which is the current M.O. for MSG. It's the same reason why I no longer care if we are ever credentialed, because I wouldn't want to be put into a position where I couldn't say what was on my mind for fear of retribution.
As you know, thanks to the power of this fantastic network we are a part of, for the second straight year, I was credentialed by the NHL for the 2010 Draft. I can assure you that both years I was in attendance at the Draft, both myself and the other members of the SBNation Hockey group acted with the utmost professionalism.
But that doesn't seem to matter to the Rangers. They didn't take too kindly to the NHL allowing me to attend the draft, because of our coverage of the rally.
As a result, the Rangers have asked the NHL to review their policy on credentials and give the
I am hoping that the NHL doesn't buckle to the Rangers demands, not just because I would love to cover another draft for Blueshirt Banter, but because I think it sets a bad precedent in a time where the media and information is moving forward, and because of the Rangers undying need to control information, keeping members of the "new media" out would be a huge step backward. The NHL is at the forefront of this brave new world we are a part of, it would be a huge disappointment to see them revert back to the old ways.
Just one last thing, when longtime Rangers PR man John Halligan passed away in January, we already had a radio show scheduled that night. I reached out to the Rangers to see if anyone from the organization would come on and say a few words and I received no response. So instead we were able to get one of John's co-authors from "100 Ranger Greats" to come on and speak about John, who never treated anyone the way this current front office treats people. We interviewed John last November, and he treated us as equals, not as fans, not as bloggers, just people. It should be noted that John passed away before the rally took place.
For us, it is all about being honest and ethical, and trying to maintain our integrity. We are committed to all three, and we won't waver from this, not even for the Rangers. What we will do is what we have always tried to do: bring you unbiased statistical breakdowns, insightful (we hope) commentary, and honest analysis.
95 comments
|
4 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Guys,
I would just like to say on behalf of myself and all the other readers out there, keep up the good work. Without your blog, this would have been a miserable off season left in the dark by two and three week old posts on the “official New Your Rangers website” or some made up, far fetched rumors on Es%N RumorCentral. I read your posts everyday and have turned numerous friends onto your site as well. I think you guys provide us with a great window into the organization and the followers provide many good posts worthy of response. Sooner or later you are going to have to get some respect from MSG and it will be well deserved. If only some of the players read the site, maybe they would take it to heart and put a little more passion into their on ice play. Maybe if Wade Reddone has been reading he could take a page out of Marcus Naslunds book and take a hike on his own accord. Maybe drury would approach the front office and say, "Look, i’m making twice what I deserve, I want to be a team guy, a captain, and restructure my deal to bring in enough talent to make “My” team as captain a contender. We can all dream can’t we.
Anyway, thanks again, heads up on your hard work and dedication to bring us the news we want to hear. If there is anyway I could ever do anything to become more involved or be of some use to you guys, the heart and soul of the bulletin, please let me know.
Heres to a playoff birth and to an informative, insightful blog. Cheers fellas. Lets Go Rangers
by l.whit7873 on Aug 27, 2010 9:34 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
+1
Power to the people, err, bloggers.
"Mes que un club"
"You're a pro or you're a noob. That's life"
by Scratch and Snif on Aug 27, 2010 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
This is NOT directed at you, Jim...
…but as long as posts continue to be published with multiple spelling mistakes and grammatical errors the site still looks like a bunch of kids & fans spewing off their thoughts… just like any other site. It’s clear that majority of the articles & opinions that appear on the main page are not submitted by ‘writers’ or by anyone with a journalism degree. And that doesn’t mean they aren’t great fans with smart opinions… but it comes off as very commonplace sports bar chat sometimes. Don’t get me wrong, I love the site & visit every day, but as someone who works in TV production and with on-air talent on a regular basis, I totally understand why the team would be hesitant to allow fans to obtain credentials. One bad seed can ruin it for everyone, and perhaps they had a bad experience and want to cover themselves. No amount of good behavior or integrity will change the business end of things. WE as an online fan community, are still just that when it comes down to it.
"Prucha has tons of heart, plays hard every shift, and is a fan favorite. Betts is one of the best penalty killers & shot blockers in the league, and he costs close to nothing. Orr destroys people and has greatly improved his skating ability. Let's get rid of all three. Brashear looks good." - Glen Sather
by MartyEqualsPansy on Aug 27, 2010 9:41 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Meh
No one’s perfect. It’s not like newspapers don’t have spelling mistakes and grammatical errors too.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
Or try to convince people that Jose Bautista is on steroids
Money don't make my world go round...i'm reaching out to a higher ground
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Aug 27, 2010 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Nah, I goofed, and I am usually the first one to bust the guys balls on keeping things tight.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Aug 27, 2010 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
I hate to break it to you Marty, but a journalism degree doesn’t magically make you a better writer. I’ve seen many people skate through j-school with mediocre writing abilities. The best written work is the result of a writer with a staff of editors behind him, which bloggers don’t have. As a result, you need to go into the blogging experience with reasonable expectations. Will the grammar and punctuation be perfect? No. Will there be a dialogue inspired by what is written? Yes, because that’s the nature of blogging.
What makes Blueshirt Banter stand out is its ability to allow fans to respond to the stories being covered. At heart this is why the Rangers organization is reluctant to credential bloggers. They want to control the information fans receive and how they respond to it. Bloggers are unpredictable. Who knows what question one will ask when their name is called in the press room—a name pulled off a predetermined list that is designed to favor journalists with predictable, “easy” questions. It’s unethical, but even the President of the United States does it.
Ultimately the blogging craze is a push for greater transparency when it comes to the information fans have access to. Things are changing because as more and more people turn to the internet to get their news many newspapers are struggling to survive. Enter the blogger.
Keep up the great work Banter! While it can’t be said of all blogs, you guys strive for a purer form of sports reporting, and it shows. If you’re having trouble reading it, you’re probably Glen Sather.
by PowerForward on Aug 27, 2010 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I Agree 100%...
I’m not gonna argue any of your points, because I agree. But like I said, we’re still ‘just’ a community blog in the eyes of outsiders. And there’s hundreds of sites just like it. Sure, they’re not nearly as good, but in the greater scheme of things, if you allow in one blogger, why not another? If BSB has access, other sites will too. And where do you draw the line? You have to see things from the other perspective. If you let one in, you open the flood gates, and that’s exactly what they don’t want. It’s a sport to all of us, but it’s a business too, and they need to run it as such, whether we like it or not. I’ve seen similar situations where I work, and the result is always exactly the same.
"Prucha has tons of heart, plays hard every shift, and is a fan favorite. Betts is one of the best penalty killers & shot blockers in the league, and he costs close to nothing. Orr destroys people and has greatly improved his skating ability. Let's get rid of all three. Brashear looks good." - Glen Sather
by MartyEqualsPansy on Aug 27, 2010 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Yep, so you need a policy. They have that already for print journalists – minimum circulation, minimum publication frequency.
Seriously, you could figure out the site’s volume – registered users; page views. You could ask for references. Just because the question seems daunting doesn’t mean that it’s going to turn out to be a disaster if you try to answer it.
Exactly. The Rangers could invite more of an argument for access. Right now their process, like much of the organization seems to be out-dated. They have failed to consider non-traditional outlets. Hopefully, that will change.
Circulation alone isn’t necessarily the right formula. BSB’s history might be too short for the Ranger organization to trust. And allowing newer, relatively un-vetted outlets to have access would obviously expose the team to some risk. That being said, maybe the onus should be on the team to do a full, open and fair evaluation.
Perhaps a public challenge/petition is in order here…
They don’t HAVE to open the floodgates of course. They could just pick one or a handful and do it logically.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
I corrected the mistake. Was up at 5 AM trying to post this in the dark. My bad.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Aug 27, 2010 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
You mean that it doesn’t look as good as the stuff these journalism degrees have produced?
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
exactly like that
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Aug 27, 2010 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Wow man, you must have never read a blog written by a “true newspaperman.” Typos galore. It’s nice having 26 copy editors on staff for the print edition.
by Hawerchuk on Aug 27, 2010 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
+1000
I’m all for blogs being treated fairly and equally. But it’s a two-way street and that equal footing must be earned. Site traffic might be one way of measuring the worthiness of a blog to be credentialed, but there are other components as M.E.P. points out.
OK!!!
Couldn’t resist.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Aug 27, 2010 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Sad but true. It’s hard to come across as serious if your paper is riddled with punctuation that even 4th graders think are elementary.
"Mes que un club"
"You're a pro or you're a noob. That's life"
by Scratch and Snif on Aug 27, 2010 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
You say "just that" as if we're inferior
Online fan communities are the key in sports today. There’s no reason we need to hide the fact that we’re fan communities, and writing with a fan bias doesn’t preclude us from writing fair, balanced, insightful content—oftentimes, more fair, more balanced, and more insightful than the mainstream media holds itself to be.
Typos may look unprofessional, but good content shines despite them. And as PPP said, typos aren’t solely in the realm of fan communities and blogs; there are enough of them in the mainstream media, even though they have thorough copy-edit chains.
by Peter Raaymakers on Aug 27, 2010 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions
After careful consideration, we’ve come to the conclusion we’re better off being on the “outside” when it comes to the Rangers. Being inside just means you get to ask Chris Drury about his Little League days, and what flavor ice cream Michael Del Zotto likes.
Again – THIS.
You guys put out plenty of good information, regardless of whether you have NYR “credentials” or not. The NYR can try to control information all they want, and they will learn, like every other secretive controlling entity in the world ever, that they cannot. Its all too easy to rely on “access” and put out useless information. The people that I find more interesting to read are the ones who have to work that extra bit harder to get information – they are more motivated and more willing to speak honestly.
Glen Sather is a Hockey Genius.
http://twitter.com/ThGeneralissimo
http://twitter.com/poplosertwit
I agree that an across the board policy against access and credentials for bloggers is the wrong direction for the NHL and its teams to take. That said, I strongly believe that any private company has the right to determine who gets access to their spokespeople.
As someone who often handles media requests from the corporate side (and also blogs), I’m more than happy to work with bloggers to try to get them access. Unfortunately, the majority of requests that I get from bloggers are usually unprofessional, unfocused, and involve too big of an “ask.” It’s all to easy to say “no” to these requests – but more importantly – the volume and poor quality of these requests can easily give a media relations department a bad impression about blogs and bloggers.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
Great point. Whats ultimately sad about this whole issue isnt that its bad for corporations to want to control their message – its that theres so many people who just accept those messages as final truth. But that’s a whole other issue.
Glen Sather is a Hockey Genius.
http://twitter.com/ThGeneralissimo
http://twitter.com/poplosertwit
Well said.
“Branding” is an art – and a science.
The newfound “Social Media” has taken this to extreme new levels. Feedback and reaction can be analyzed and judged in milliseconds instead of hours or days.
As in any industry – there are leaders and there are ostriches. Surprisingly, the frequently backwards NHL (Gary Bettman) is more out in front of this new wave than some of the nearby teams are. As mentioned in the original article on Yahoo by Greg, the Caps are also leaders in this area – in a “media rich environment” of the nation’s capitol.
In most businesses, the ostriches would starve and eventually die (or be acquired). In the “sports franchise” industry, that’s less likely to happen. And with a franchise that manages to fill the building regardless of what’s happening on the playing surface, it’s beyond unlikely into the realm of impossible.
What’s particularly saddening is that there has been a slow and steady degradation in how the team deals with all media in the last 10 years – which coincides with some other events that have been beaten to death.
Basically – we should not expect any change.
Fair point mf37. But consider these two things from yesterday’s PD story:
1. If the Rangers tell the NHL who they do and don’t want credentialed, it means that not only does access to their draft picks get controlled, but the Rangers are basically saying "We don’t want you here covering our picks, or anyone else’s for that matter"
2. The Rangers also want to control access in buildings they don’t own. They want to tell the Washington Capitals and Vancouver Canucks who can and can’t have access when the Rangers are in town.
At a time where there is more information available to us than ever, the Rangers are doing absolutely everything they possibly can to make sure there is less.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Aug 27, 2010 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
I want to be really clear here: I don’t support any measure that would reduce access across the board.
The Rangers have every right to determine who gets access to their spokespeople. If they don’t want bloggers talking to their draft picks, coaches or players they can certainly make that demand. But they have no right to determine who gets access to NHL or individual team personnel.
The downside of this approach should be readily apparent: the NYR are missing out on a core part of their audience, they aren’t optimizing their reach and they aren’t using all of the communication tools and vehicles at their disposal.
Bitter Leaf Fan: because sometimes there's no option but to be bitter...
On point 2: I agree that they shouldn’t be limiting access to their players, but they have the right to. The Rangers are, for lack of a better term, their product, players and staff included. Disallowing access to them isn’t infringing on the rights of the Caps and the Nucks, it’s just keeping their product private. In that case though, they should have to hire their own personnel to make sure no one talks to players.
"Mes que un club"
"You're a pro or you're a noob. That's life"
by Scratch and Snif on Aug 27, 2010 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions
The interwebs already have enough stale, boring “10 Reasons [X} Is a Great Leader” columns. If Al-Rangezeera requires you to fit that mold in order to get access, I applaud your decision to stay on the outside.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Al-Rangezeera just made me spit water all over my screen. Thanks.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
You guys and Scotty...
…are where I go to get news about the Rangers. I rarely, if ever, look for news from the official sites, as that’s going to be mostly sugarcoated (although the Caps main web write, Mike Vogel, though a Caps employee is quite honest when it comes to news about the Caps… if they play badly, he says so, right on the website or on his blog…)
Keep the faith… eventually they will come around…they’ll have to.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
thats been the motto for awhile now
lol
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Aug 27, 2010 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Uh, they don’t really have to. No matter how popular the Banter gets, the Rangers could ignore us if they choose to. Unfortunately this business is not a democracy, which explains why Dolan and Sather are still on top.
"Mes que un club"
"You're a pro or you're a noob. That's life"
by Scratch and Snif on Aug 27, 2010 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions
See my comments above. Not only do they not have to change – there is absolutely no impetus or triggering event that would cause them to even consider it – unless the NHL were to take a stand (AHAHAHAHAHAA!!!!!! Yeah right!)
we said that about the Kovalchuk contract too
:)
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Aug 27, 2010 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
db, this will never, ever change under the current regime. Never.
I am 100% convinced that if the NHL had a mandated policy to allow blogger access, the Rangers would take the league to court.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Aug 27, 2010 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Clearly I agree on all counts.
Given the lawsuit about the website a couple years ago, you’re probably correct.
Unfortunately, Joe M. Amarangerfan will still buy season’s tickets. And so, just like the “aim for 7th place to make the playoffs” attitude, this won’t change. It’s the old “mushroom school of management” -
“Keep ’em in the dark and feed ’em shit”
Oh my God I wish we could make that the Banter tagline!
“Keep ’em in the dark and feed ’em shit”
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Aug 27, 2010 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
You could clean it up a little….
use “bovine post-digestive material”
Problem is all the journalists wouldn’t know what it is……. ;-)
(No offense to my buddy Joe Fortunato)
or substitiute the politically correct “crap”
No offense to me?
why is it dark in here? Heloooooo?
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Aug 27, 2010 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
uhh guys this food doesn't taste very good
kinda like crap? Can I get some tasty cakes?
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Aug 27, 2010 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
no
I’d rather the shit
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Aug 27, 2010 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
That's what I'm here for
some hard hitting analysis and enough humor to make you try to forget about your hockey woes. I’m like alcohol
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Aug 27, 2010 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
If the Rangers won't hear your case
maybe you should find a way to ply your argument in a medium they trust. What newspaper writers are in that SB Nation address book?
We have a good relationship with Andrew Gross, and I am working on developing one with new Daily News writer Jessie Spector (he reads the Banter!), but I would never want to put them in that position. This is our fight, not theirs. They have enough to deal with on a daily basis at the Kremlin, I am sure.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Aug 27, 2010 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Please don't back down
Just covering news can make you a target if the person reported on wants to hide the story. AhmedinaDolan has a problem with his issues. I bet the guy who called him “an incompetent meddler” during the Lebron fiasco isn’t getting credentials either. Don’t make excuses for covering the Dump Sather rally. Wear the badge of honor proudly.
The message is simply be cheerleaders and we’ll give you the perks. We (the Rangers) don’t need any more “bad” (i.e. honest) coverage. But, if the people who look here for Ranger news thought you guys were just cheerleaders, do you think as many would log on every day?
All of a sudden I feel bad for Sam and Michelleti and I miss Howard Cosell.
by It may HAVE to Last a Lifetime on Aug 27, 2010 10:28 AM EDT reply actions
It’s not about “backing down” per se. The Rangers have their position, they are entitled to it. We just work around it, and do the best we can to cover the Rangers, get you guys involved in the conversation, and have some laughs, because after all, it is a game, its supposed to be fun, despite the on-ice product.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Aug 27, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
+1000000000000000
For “AhmedinaDolan”.
by blueshirts1623 on Aug 27, 2010 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Excellent article.
Very well written.
It pisses me off, because as an organization the Rangers have always dealt this site a kick in the dick.
Their passive agreesive nature and cry-baby attitude are not appealing either.
by Jen Schmiedeberg on Aug 27, 2010 11:05 AM EDT reply actions
Mrs. Schmiedeberg??
Jim, should I know about this?
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Aug 27, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Shotgun wedding Joe, she got me pregnant, despite all your warnings
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Aug 27, 2010 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
how could you do this to us?
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Aug 27, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
book a plane ticket to Connecticut
it’s Jerry Springer time!
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Aug 27, 2010 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
This is so hot.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
A ton of people do
:)
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Aug 27, 2010 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions
heh, you guys have your ladies on here. That’s awesome.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
Thanks Jim...
Let me just say that without this site I am totally in the dark concerning the Rangers. Where do I go? I live in New Jersey and the Newark Star Ledger does not cover the Rangers!! OK, so i could get the NY papers, the only NY paper I ever read is the Times, and you don’t buy the Times to read the sports page. I don’t comment very much, but I read every post and a lot of the comments. So Thanks to you, Joe and everyone who takes the time to post on this great site.
Amen.
I’ve been in DC for the last 4 years. For the first two years, there was no Banter and I got almost no news about the Rangers other than watching games online. After the Banter, I feel like I know this team so much better. And it’s all because of Jim, Joe, and the rest of the BSB crew. You all do an amazing job.
Even if the organization doesn’t appreciate it, we do. And we’ll be around the club a lot longer than they will because (unlike them) we ARE the New York Rangers.
They'll have to come around eventually
Eventually they’ll hire someone in Marketing who has been to business school in the last 5 years who will tell them flat out what this site is: an asset, NOT a liability. This behavior simply alienates fans and makes us far less likely to cut them any slack in other areas. This what’s so fatal for this franchise under this ownership and this management team: social media is about cultivating relationships with fans and the public, something that they are TERRIBLE at doing.
The fact is, no one on this site gets paid and everyone here does a better job of keeping up with NHL and Rangers news than anything from the club. They’ll realize that we are a better resource than paying guys like Jim Cerny to do mediocre work.
One thing people are forgetting is that the NY Rangers beat writers blog as well (at least 4 that I can think of). I really enjoy BSB, but I also frequent Andrew Gross’s blog everyday during the season as well. Gross does not just walk the company line in his blog either; he will question decisions and say a negative thing or two about the Rangers.
Now, the Rangers organization could argue that these newspaper blogs, which have credentials are enough and that other blogs are redundant. I don’t think it’s a strong argument. However, I think some of the comments arguing that if BSB didn’t exist they wouldn’t be able to get information is quite misleading. Now, if they all go behind a paywall like Newsday, the situation will changes and you couldn’t argue that the information is freely available. Until that happens though, the Rangers could argue they have 3 bloggers on their payroll.
With that being said, the Ranger organization’s ideas about controlling teams on road trips is extremely short-sighted. I doubt many NHL teams not in a large media market have so many options as Ranger fans. Blogs like those on SBNation may very well be the best source for up-to-date information. If the NHL is serious about growing the sport in the non-traditional markets, then I would think exposure would be the number 1 goal.
Honest, insightful reporting
“For us, it is all about being honest and ethical, and trying to maintain our integrity. We are committed to all three, and we won’t waver from this, not even for the Rangers. What we will do is what we have always tried to do: bring you unbiased statistical breakdowns, insightful (we hope) commentary, and honest analysis.”
And that’s why we’re all here reading every day — I believe Drury’s Little League accomplishments, though stellar, have been thoroughly reviewed by now. :) Keep up the good work lads.
having been on the other side of this argument, here’s a couple of thoughts…
1) This isn’t about professionalism, that is just the ammo that is used as an excuse to shut you guys out. This is about branding. The Rangers are a brand and like any other brand or product they want to control the message and the communication. There is nothing wrong with this per se, but the problem is they often go overboard.
They don’t like negative press, no one does, but where they create problems is by shutting people out completely. Ex) Dolan still won’t do interviews with the press because he knows so many of them have slammed him. It’s immature and stubborn, but it is what it is.
Even if members of the Rangers staff would like to open the doors of communication (which I know a lot of them do), Dolan would just kill it anyway. He has the final say.
2) There are tons and tons of blogs covering the Rangers now. How do you decide who gets access and who doesn’t. You can’t let everyone who writes a blog get access to the team. The easy way is just not allow any of them instead of picking and choosing.
Not saying I agree with this, but that’s what your dealing with.
http://thehockeysuit.blogspot.com/
Keep It Up
It is really hard to separate oneself from the constantly fluctuating universe that is “blogs”. Once your title is directly reflective of the universe, you are essentially forever associated with it. With the amount of “credible” sources at a minimum, to say, in this universe, it is very difficult to pick out and separate the ones credible enough to be credentialed. The blog-o-sphere is one body, and therefore one is viewed in the same way as the other occupants.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t separate yourself. In this case, doing nothing is the worst thing. Constantly attempting to break out of this universe is the only way to gain a following. That said, I think you guys and the fellas here at SBNation are doing a wonderful job in attempting to separate yourselves from all the other blogs and bloggers out there. Keep up the hard work. The goal of any form of media is to bring all the news in a respectable, professional manner, and to keep all it’s readers up to date with informative material. As long as you all continue to do what you do, and keep reaching out of the “bubble” so to speak, you’ll gain all the credentials you desire in time.
"Jaromir Jagr.... it's a POWER PLAY GOAL!"
- Sam Rosen
"Let me ask you, would you want to play for the Edmonton Oilers...? (laughter)"
-Evgeni Nabokov
One thing being left out of the discussion here
Jim,
I fully believe you when you say “for us, it is all about being honest and ethical, and trying to maintain our integrity.” And I’m all for that. I usually lack an internal censor myself. However, that does not mean that writers on this site are unbiased. And, whether it is true or not, traditional outlets claim to dock any personal feelings and agendas at the door. When purportedly objective pieces stray too far from that realm, we call their authors out on them.
This is a forum of fans, by fans and for fans. While traditional outlets base their product on what is supposed to be a fair account, blogs do not. The product here is different and the writers here are not held accountable for objectivity. Some of your writers openly flaunt their fanaticism and biases. Allowing those fans unfettered access to the team could seem very dangerous to the powers that be. It may be that the best course of action is to continue developing as an outlet. In doing so, BSB could earn the respect of the organization. It might not be the NY Times, but one day, BSB should be held in higher esteem than tabloids like the Post.
I don't think that the writers here "flaunt their fanaticism and biases" openly
I’m pretty sure that I have both ripped into and commended Sather on this blog, and I know of others writers who have as well.
I would say that we do a heck of a job of trying to be objective, and that we also try to bring you guys analysis on situations daily. Analysis generally leaves room for opinion, which is what I think makes us better than what you read in the paper.
But I don’t think that we would get into the Rangers locker room and start asking for autographs. I would hope that people thought more of us than that.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Aug 27, 2010 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Really?
Someone recently said, "The best part of all this? Just when critics start talking crap, saying that Avery is a punk who has no hockey sense, he bangs home two and adds an assist. "
Is that what they taught you qualifies as unbiased analysis in JRN 160? I would guess no.
I didn’t say you’d go into the locker room and ask for autographs. But you might call someone names at some point in your writing. And that might not be the kind of image they want to risk.
There are plenty of people who say
That Avery is a punk who has no hockey sense. And Avery is the type of guy who at any point and time can can bang home two and add an assist.
That story for Avery was one in which I added a personal experience, which many different people who do have credentials do all the time.
If you would take more from that article I also said that Avery went through long streaks where he was invisible, and I also questioned his relationship with Torotrella and the rest of the NHL. I said that the Rangers needed the Avery of old and they didn’t get that Avery for large parts of last year.
Two sides of the coin in the same article. The good and the bad, that’s what an analysis piece sometimes is, and that is the entire purpose of the X factors series.
But you might call someone names at some point in your writing
I don’t understand that either. Larry Brooks called Redden “Wade Golden Gloves Redden.” Regardless I had hoped that my worked on this site had proven that I was more professional than that as well.
You are, of course entitled to your opinion, I’m not going to hold it against you because it’s not favorable towards me. Tough skin, thats what they do teach in JRN 160.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Aug 27, 2010 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
“The best part of all this? Just when critics start talking crap” itself is not a phrase that rings of professionalism or objectivity. It just does not.
I didn’t say that you were not objective in your analysis of Avery. You did indeed include points in and against him. The language you use is not always objective, however.
Larry Brooks and the NY Post in general is a really low bar. I would hope that no one uses that as a measure of oneself.
The ‘names’ thing is just an example. Some Rangers figures are openly mocked on this site. Why would the Rangers want to support that when there’s no accountability?
dar i agree with you there
But. If the Rangers gave us credentials wouldn’t taking them away fromus be a way to hold us accountable?
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers the only NHL team with three home arenas.
"We can trade Lisin for a gun, then hold it to Drury’s head and make him waive the no-movement clause" - XLII
by Joe Fortunato on Aug 27, 2010 5:48 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
OLD TIME HOCKEY
As one of the elder statesman of the chatroom and a fan of Blueshirt Banter I just want to say what everyone else has been saying….Your knowledge of hockey and the NY Rangers in general is outstanding and you should be proud of that.i have been following hockey for a very long time where i read Hugh Delano and Walt MacPeek religiously everyday.But over the years the hockey coverage has suffered and all we are left with is Larry Brooks.I just want you guys to know that the Blueshirt Banter is the FIRST PLACE I go to when I need my hockey fix (everyday)….Its tough to compete with the so called big boys,but Jim and Eddie,you two and the rest of your crew who contribute do an amazing job and we the fans say….THANK YOU
Jim the first game I go to this season I fully plan on bringing a sign saying “Credential Jim Schmiedeberg”
Sir, you get your picture taken in the Garden holding up that sign, and it will run here on the Banter for a week.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Aug 27, 2010 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Of course, the picture will include the security guards escorting him out.
by It may HAVE to Last a Lifetime on Aug 27, 2010 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Wait...
So ill never find out michael del zottos favorite ice cream?! noooooo!
by louielounz1 on Aug 27, 2010 5:07 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Thank you guys!
This is a great site. Grammar is not really the issue. As all, or mostly all, postings come from fans…NY FANS…, there is usually a little bit of emotion in the response. This is a probable cause for error. Anyway, I enjoy reading news here on virtually a daily basis. Unfortunately our official site is… well, nevermind. I just wanted to say thank you for the honesty and insider(as much as is “alllowed”) information as well as a good laugh when necessary.
During last year’s Sather rally, I was not suprised by the MSG employee’s comment but I was annoyed with the response from someone I consider to be a fairly straightforward commentator. Obviously, from the top, this organization cares little for the fans and will certainly continue to do so. All we can hope for is some good hockey on occasion and the possibility of a new regime. Thanks again for the site and to all those who respond, I hope to find the time to join the fray this season!
Where would we be?
if we didnt have BB to come to?, the same old answers every time from Drury,it doesnt matter what question is asked. We as fans get ZERO information from the team we are so loyal to,its sad.
Coming to the Banter we get a large mix of experienced opinions and information that we’d never get any other way. I cruise prolly 6 different NYR blogs and try as they might aside from the Banter the others are worthless.Heck its 110 deg where i live and I’m still knee deep in NYR goings on,prior to this it used to be just several months of no hockey.
Blueshirt Banter is to Ranger fans what deep fried twinkies are to Broduer…..a necessity.
gratzi BB dudes,keep on keeping on.
Si Vis Pacum Parabellum
I don't do much posting
But i read the site every day, and i just wanted to drop by and say that i have learned more about hockey and Rangers Hockey from my short time at BB than the NYR official website, hockey magazines, NHL network television, and Al Trautwig, and Sam Rosen combined (even though i think they are great announcers… it gives me goosebumps when Rosen screams GOAL!!!).
You are all doing a magnificent job with the site, and don’t let those nay-sayers discourage you. Hockey has a crazy distinguishable online journalism community compared to other sports. I say if they can’t warm up to that, it’s their loss.
Keep it up Jim/Joe/other writers.
Great post. And not sure if it’s been said above (sure it has been) but problem with old media vs new, they don’t put in nearly the time and effort to actually do any research or analysis. They are just pumping out news, it takes a real fan to dig down deeper to provide real analysis of why a team is or isn’t doing well.
Some may argue that, but why else flock to sites such as SBN if they aren’t providing you content you can get elsewheres? (don’t say it’s for the witty chatter) … :)
Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality?
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" -- Benjamin Franklin
I understand what Jim & Joe are coming from
I am a blogger as well. Not in hockey but for Soccer and the NFL. I have been credentialed by the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer for the last three years and just started this year I’m covering the New York Jets. At least thankfully these two professional sports teams allow bloggers and as long as you show some respect or professionalisium, things will be fine.
Sadly the New York Rangers slapped Jim & Joe in the face first. All they wanted to do was to become a respected part of the sports media and sadly they got jipped. The sad thing is this, the majority of the NHL teams don’t want apart of the new media and they keep thinking the newspaper reporters are the only respectable ones. What they fail to understand is that the newspaper business is slowly dying.
By now I’m assuming that a good percentage of newspaper companies are slowly cutting staff. Look at the ESPN City websites like NY, CHI, PIT, LA, BOS, DAL. Not only can you listen to the local ESPN Sports Radio shows thru the internet, but the top writers from the local papers have a job now thru this website.
The clubs within the NHL want to remain helping the dinosaurs while the NHL is trying to move ahead and stay with the times. The Rangers sadly are doing a dis-service to their loyal and dedicated fans. They want us to think everything is fine, when we all know it’s not. You have to take the bad just as you want people to see your doing good. The Rangers decided to smile at Jim & Joe when they faced them, but once their backs were turned the knives were plungged into their backs. It’s disgraceful and terrible.
I hope Dolan will sell the Garden and the new owner can fire Sather and have a change of heart. Throw an olive branch to both Jim & Joe. I know they work very hard to cover our favorite hockey team. That’s how it all starts. We are fans of our favorite NY Sports teams and if we can’t play for them, then we want to write about them. The technology and the way these teams & leagues are covered has changed. Get with the program, or let the NHL order you to do so.
by NYR #35 Richter on Aug 28, 2010 3:44 AM EDT reply actions
Tie it all together.
Several of us have talked about this being a purely “control” issue.
Timing is everything – everyone should wander over to the fanpost DC RANGER put up (nice find DC!).
http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/2010/8/27/1653946/great-bill-simmons-article-that
We bash the hell out of Sather – and maybe he deserves it. But some of his moves have always made me wonder if he were schizophrenic. Perhaps if Sather were left alone to do his job it would work out better…..
We’ll never know – but the article – when tied together with this one – puts things in a very interesting light.
Flyers fan here
I’m honestly shocked at this whole situation and had to come over and express my sympathy. This is an ridiculously short sighted move by the Rangers. There are so may facets to blogging that can enhance your sports experience to try and bar access to the blogs. Not the least of the merits (for the team and the individual) is you feel more involved as a fan. You get to express what you feel with other fans who are going through the same experience. Honestly, it amazes me that the Rangers don’t recognize the power of blogs where it’s not all lollypops and gumdrops. When things are going bad, you have a place to go where everyone is hurting as much as you are. You don’t abandon it, you fight for it. And that can only make the fan base stronger and feel closer and it feels as though it matter more, and that change is thoroughly discussed before the results are seen during the season. I know it’s not the same as going on to the official site and just hearing the spin that they try and reel out. It’s false, one way and easy to disregard, leaving the reader with no feeling of ownership over what happens with the team. Not saying it’s like that for everyone, but when times are lean, the more who have a vested interest in talking about the team will stay closer to it. I won’t ever root for the Rangers, but I appreciate what you guys are doing.
It turns out I overestimated my apathy, but not enough to matter.
Isles fan Here
(I guess you could have been able to tell from the sig.)
Anyway, just letting you know that this is a very good response. MSG is about 15, 20 years behind the times. They think that a big bad “website” has to organize a rally like that? “Its gotta be one of those ‘web sites’, you know, the ones with the ‘e-mail’ and all that fancy stuff!” Jeez. Dont they know anything about social media? They need to get the **** with the times. The saddest thing (for the fans, anyway) is that, In their archaic and ultimately misguided quest to find ‘the one’ on which bestow blame, they have completely lost sight of what it is they are actually even looking at. And they are underestimating and insulting the very fanbase that is the justification and reason for their very existence.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
Atlantic Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New York Rangers
|
49 | 32 | 12 | 5 | 69 |
|
Philadelphia
|
50 | 30 | 14 | 6 | 66 |
|
Pittsburgh
|
51 | 29 | 18 | 4 | 62 |
|
New Jersey
|
50 | 28 | 19 | 3 | 59 |
|
New York Islanders
|
50 | 21 | 22 | 7 | 49 |
(updated 2.4.2012 at 3:36 AM EST)
Rangers Schedule
Next 5 Games
|
Philadelphia
|
Sun 02/05 | 1:00 PM EST |
|
New Jersey
|
Tue 02/07 | 7:00 PM EST |
|
Tampa Bay
|
Thu 02/09 | 7:00 PM EST |
|
@
Philadelphia
|
Sat 02/11 | 1:00 PM EST |
|
Washington
|
Sun 02/12 | 12:30 PM EST |
Last 5 Games
|
@
Buffalo
|
Wed 02/01 | SO - W 1 - 0 |
|
@
New Jersey
|
Tue 01/31 | SO - L 3 - 4 |
|
Winnipeg
|
Tue 01/24 | W 3 - 0 |
|
@
Boston
|
Sat 01/21 | SO - W 3 - 2 |
|
Pittsburgh
|
Thu 01/19 | L 1 - 4 |
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Friday’s Three Stars: Brassard wins it for Blue Jackets in overtime; Halak blanks Kings
- Puck Previews: Blues host Kings in first game after break; Blackhawks’ road struggles
- Best barometer of the St. Louis Blues’ success? Gifts from political lobbyists
- ‘Scott Gomez Can’t Put Anything In’: The ‘Hey Jude’ of Scott Gomez protest songs (Video)
- Puck Headlines: Jimmy Howard’s injury; top 50 players; drinking beer out of hockey skate (yuck)
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- WHL Roundup: A look at Friday's games
- Gabriel and Leipsic two goals each as the Winterhawks defeat the Silvertips 7-3
- Feser solidifies Americans win with two empty-net goals against the Thunderbirds
- Holberg scores winner in shootout as the Chiefs beat the Royals 6-5
- Brown makes 26 saves to lead the Rockets over the Cougars 2-1
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
