IPF

[xc84]

You do not get it. The old adage that the customer is always right applies here as in all business. The university is trying to sell a product. Most fans(customers) do not owe them ANYTHING. You want people to buy your product, if they don't you go out of business.

As usual, there is truth to both sides. While there was nothing wrong with what Shaw said, he should not have said it. And those who were supposedly big SU fans that decided to boycott SU sports as a result over-reacted.

 

[SUbear]

As usual, there is truth to both sides. While there was nothing wrong with what Shaw said, he should not have said it. And those who were supposedly big SU fans that decided to boycott SU sports as a result over-reacted.

The administrations of this university have screwed up football twice in my lifetime, once at the end of Ben's tenure, and at the end of P's reign. Both times they underfunded the program and facilities. Those who think attendance is bad now should have been in Archbold during Maloney's years. The hard core was 15000 to 20000 during those years, usually toward the lower end.
It would have been much easier to sustain the program than to have to rebuild, but alas Shaw robbed Peter to pay Paul, and then compounded that by his public statements to the fans. SU then made a terrible hire as coach. Perfect storm scenario.
The question is will current admins fund adequately to rebuild or just coast. New fans must be attracted if the program is to be successful going forward. I liked Marrones efforts on the field, and I think Shafer will be a good coach. The ultimate success or failure of the program rests squarely with the current admin and B of T.
New fans were attracted after the Maloney years only after the dome was built, but more importantly after Mac started winning consistently.

 

[javadoc]

You do not get it. The old adage that the customer is always right applies here as in all business. The university is trying to sell a product. Most fans(customers) do not owe them ANYTHING. You want people to buy your product, if they don't you go out of business.

Except that it's not a business. It's a participation activity where the fans who go to the games can make a difference in the outcome.

And as I have said many times, that is why the factories are what they are, especially in the SEC. It's not a product down there, it's a calling.

 

[SUbear]

Except that it's not a business. It's a participation activity where the fans who go to the games can make a difference in the outcome.

And as I have said many times, that is why the factories are what they are, especially in the SEC. It's not a product down there, it's a calling.

Thinking it is not a business may be part of the problem SU seems to have attracting and keeping fans. If it is not a business why are they charging admission, and demanding donations for the best seats. SU tries very hard to make football and basketball profitable, ergo business.
Why all the complaining about low attendance, and don' t try to tell me it's about anything but them trying to be profitable? Nothing wrong with that but it is what it is.
We are not in the south and few in NY have that kind of allegiance to Syracuse. Syracuse does not have the numbers of alumni who are football fans to act like some SEC school.

 

[TexanMark]

remember last minute donations to SU for taxes...

 

[Orangepace]

I think your sarcasm is actually pretty close to what some expect. I mean are handwritten apologies by an administration thats been gone a decade too much to ask? Amazing that people still talk about this "Get a life" stuff.

Too much to ask?!? The quote wasn't that bad in context. Those "hurt" by this are likely also asking for more free handouts from the government. Don't worry, I'll keep working my a$$ off so they can continue on the social programs.

 

[texascpa]

Except that it's not a business. It's a participation activity where the fans who go to the games can make a difference in the outcome.

And as I have said many times, that is why the factories are what they are, especially in the SEC. It's not a product down there, it's a calling.

Sorry, can't agree with this. Entertainment is a product that the producers (SU Athletics) try to sell to the consumer (SU fans). Just like any product, if it doesn't deliver to expectations (wins, entertainment value) and provide good customer support (administration), then that business division (Syracuse University Athletic Department) will fail.

That said, management changes (Shaw and Jake are long gone) and customers need to account for that in their decision. Just because one company President manages his customer base poorly (Shaw) doesn't mean the current President (Cantor/Syverud) does. I've gone back to businesses after change of management before, and some have worked out well. Not sure why these 10 friends wouldn't give SU a chance under different management.

 

[TheCusian]

Thinking it is not a business may be part of the problem SU seems to have attracting and keeping fans. If it is not a business why are they charging admission, and demanding donations for the best seats. SU tries very hard to make football and basketball profitable, ergo business. Why all the complaining about low attendance, and don' t try to tell me it's about anything but them trying to be profitable? Nothing wrong with that but it is what it is. We are not in the south and few in NY have that kind of allegiance to Syracuse. Syracuse does not have the numbers of alumni who are football fans to act like some SEC school.

It's both. Businesses are there to make money, offering something of value to its customers. Fandom is more than that. It's a love for the program - not just I paid for x, I should get y.

The problem Syracuse has it has too many folks who think the value isn't there and that it's failed as a business. They are misunderstanding fandom. The other problem is that Syracuse does very little to develop true fans (a much harder mission than simply offering entertainment/value).

 

[SUbear]

It's both. Businesses are there to make money, offering something of value to its customers. Fandom is more than that. It's a love for the program - not just I paid for x, I should get y.

The problem Syracuse has it has too many folks who think the value isn't there and that it's failed as a business. They are misunderstanding fandom. The other problem is that Syracuse does very little to develop true fans (a much harder mission than simply offering entertainment/value).

Really that was my whole point, Syracuse built up fans(became emotionally invested) but then tells them they should get a life(not be emotionally invested). Contradictory and bad for Syracuse football.
You want people to become invested in Syracuse sports whether they have any other connection to SU or not. Syracuse sports(football) can not survive at a high level of competition without CNY people who become SU sports fans. Driving any of them away was stupid(whether some think they were idiots or overreacting or whatever) . Just not good for keeping and building fan base and thus attendance.