In a piece at Puck Daddy, Greg Wyshynski talks about the always interesting "should bloggers be credentialed by teams?" argument and here is what he reported on the Rangers feelings regarding giving bloggers access to the team...
"According to multiple sources speaking on background, a New York Rangers blogger affiliated with SB Nation was credentialed by the NHL for the 2010 Draft in Los Angeles. The Rangers were reportedly upset at his presence because the blogger was associated with a "Fire Sather" rally in March that targeted the Rangers' beleaguered general manager. The Rangers, and other teams, viewed this as a writer "crossing over" into "irresponsible" fan behavior.
It was someone the Rangers do not credential, but the NHL did; so the Rangers, and like-minded teams, suggested a change in policy that would offer them more control over access to their personnel away from MSG."
...this may shock some of you, but I agree with the Rangers here. They don't have to allow access to anyone. Why should they be forced to give access to a group of bloggers they may not be comfortable with?
...it is a very difficult situation, because anyone can start a blog (look at me). How do you define the parameters of who is credentialed? Traffic? Quality of posts? Schooling? Just because a blog gets 5,000 hits a day doesn't mean the writer won't act in an unprofessional manner when around the athletes.
...and in the case of the Rangers and the above said blogger, why in the world would Sather give access to someone involved with setting up a rally calling for his firing?
...having said all that, despite the Rangers stepping up their social media game this summer, they are woefully behind the times with bloggers. Wyshyski reports that the Islanders have a "Blog Box" where credentialed bloggers have limited access to the team. That's actually pretty cool. I'd like to see the Rangers possibly set something like that up for some of the serious bloggers (again don't know what the parameters would be).
...at the end of the day I don't care either way. I don't want to sit in the press box or want access to the team. I'd much rather be in the crowd with the Garden Faithful or at home listening to Rosen while cheering on my beloved Blueshirts then pull out my computer and pass along my thoughts to the readers.
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12 comments:
Ha! And in the comments at PD I pointed out that you would be one of the more deserving as you break news here, rather than spew venom...
I agree with what you said...bloggers are huge fans and with that comes a lot of strong opinions which might not reflect well on the organization.
I think they should hire someone in their PR department to run a blog though, it can be overseen by the club, but still be fan friendly...but that's just me.
I'm w/ you Kevin. I have my own blog but I certainly don't expect to get credentials to get into MSG because of it. Granted, there are much better quality blogs out there than mine, bloggers who actually have journalism degrees and know what they are doing -- unlike me :)
But still, I agree with you that if the NYR wants to limit who gets into the arena on a credential then that is 100% up to them.
If Larry Brooks goes into MSG tomorrow and has a confrontation with Tortorella -- whoops bad example. But, anyway...for the most part a blogger is accountable to no one but himself. Whereas, the MSM are accountable. If the writer is unprofessional then he will likely lose his job. If I go into MSG on opening night, go into the Rangers lockerroom and start pointing at Wade Redden telling him how much he blows what will happen to me? I'll get escorted out of the Garden and have my story on Puck Daddy for all to see :)
Thanks for the shoutout Scotty!!!!
Well put, Kevin. That last paragraph was perfect. I completely agree with you on that one.
Kevin LoveFest going on right now...
ha i agree too
Anonymous I'd send the love right back to you but you didn't use a name.
I tend to agree with what is written, I have no idea of what liability insurances are required to be carried by corporations to protect themselves from questions in ethics, libelous and slanderous remarks which in and of themselves can lead top legal actions. Not to mention having lawyers on retainage for just those purposes. Whether a blogger should carry those same qualified insurance policies is open for debate but probably advisable when one considers the legal attitude of todays society.
To me there is just so many avenues for a blogger to overcome and that a freedom of speech blanket just can't cover all aspects. To bloggers I say just stay within the confines of print and not subject yourselves to questions of what can be reported and what cannot be stated. Once you cross the line of bloggers and open yourselves to the reality of professional journalism, the distiction between the two become clouded and with not the veil of a corporation between you and your accuser, you stand alone in court.
I'd love get credentials to visit with the NY Rangers after the game, but that's it-after the game. I'd rather be in the stands cheering, screaming, etc. than in press box.
But I'd love access to ask Hank questions that no one asks such as does he use a new stick every game, what's his pre game song list, how does he decide what stick he likes better, etc. You know, those tough journalistic questions.
i think the guys at blueshirt banter - part of that sb nation do their best with getting interviews with old players and mgt types. really good stuff.
BUT the jim guy especially is a tough listen when he talks about the current team using derogatory nicknames for certain players.
so i think they should not get access but they should do what they do best which is the history of the rangers and getting those guys on the internet radio.
The Rangers don't care about their fans! They never do any charity work. They don't even have the decency to high five the kids in the tunnel at the garden, they just walk right past them! Opposed to my Islanders who do more for charity than any other team in the league, and make themselves available for several signings at our team stores on Long Island. In addition, the Isles high five all the kids at games, showing the fans their appreciation. Your team is scum. Get over it.
the isles best charitable donations are 2 pts to their opponent each game. also teams have a bit better chance to make 2nd rd since 1 team clearly has no idea on how to win a playoff series
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