Famine City

Social media or Tagliabue's exit: Which impacted the NFL more?

Has social media changed the NFL image? Absolutely.The image of the NFL and the players have certainly taken a rash of negative feedback in the press in the past few years. Every missed step, misdemeanor and speeding ticket will end up being reported by news outlets everywhere, including social media. The Washington Post has a database dedicated to tracking such violations. However, I noticed a serious increase in these reports starting in late 2006. Was it the rise of citizen jounalism accompanied by social accountability? I do not believe these are not the only catalysts. The exit of former commissioner Paul Tagliabue had as much to do with the negative impact as the rise of citizen journalism. When Paul Tagliabue left the league, he took with it the last standing fortress of the "old boy network". Tags left Goodell with the responsibility of being socially accountable and figuring out how to handle the new world of journalism. Tags' exit took the last of the NFL relationship domination with major news outlets and networks, which had as much impact as the changing world of journalism powered by technology.

Before I get into specifics about this piece, let me be the first to say: "I don't live in a glasshouse." I feel for the men in the NFL. I have personally known a couple NFL players, ex-players now. Their lives aren't peachy-keen. Wealth is not everything. These men live under a microscope. People prey upon them, from their life-long friends to the person at the local bar. Their lives are difficult. We can sit, on our couches, and think they have it easy. However these guys are the ultimate specialists. They focus on the same task, day after day. I admire anyone that works that hard at a singular goal. This piece isn't about demonizing players, it's about how Tags' relationships protected the NFL. When he left, Goodell had the incumbent responsibility of dealing with those exiting relationships and the rise of citizen journalism.

In 2003, Paul Tagliabue had an ESPN program canned. It was called Playmakers. It was about boys behaving badly. Phil Taylor of SI described some of the plotlines, err headlines, better than anyone in his 2003 article, NFL should worry about the real-life misdeeds that spawned Playmakers. He wrote, "One of the star players gives a false report to police after a murder outside a nightclub. Ray Lewis, anyone?

A running back gets in legal trouble for allegedly assaulting his wife. Tampa Bay running back Michael Pittman is living that one in real life.

A player gets pulled over by the cops while driving with drugs in his car. Funny, the same thing happened to William Green of the Cleveland Browns two weeks ago.

Steroid-using players start to sweat when it appears they might get caught. The four Oakland Raiders who reportedly tested positive for THG, Bill Romanowski, Barret Robbins, Dana Stubblefield and Chris Cooper, can probably relate to that one."

A USA Today piece describes Tags' handling of the incident rather succinctly. "...Over the years, he's shown he can play smash-mouth football. Tagliabue thought ESPN's risqué dramatic series Playmakers gave NFL players a bad rap in 2003. So he went over the head of the network to its corporate parent Disney and confronted ex-CEO Michael Eisner. ESPN canceled the series after 11 episodes."

In other acts of relationship power, Tags accomplished the following (excerpt from Wikipedia):

• No players' strikes or lockouts during Tagliabue's term, an accomplishment unmatched by any of the other current commissioners. He made it a priority to develop a strong relationship with the players' union and its head, Gene Upshaw, from the start of his tenure. Furthermore, in 2006, Tagliabue ended his tenure as commissioner by negotiating a new agreement with the NFL players' union that averted an uncapped year and potential labor stoppage. The agreement ensures labor peace for a few years but it remains for his successor to flesh out and build upon it in order to ensure labor peace in the long term. NFL owners have since voted to terminate the agreement after the 2010 season.
• He took a stand against the State of Arizona for refusing to establish a state holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr., like other states had done. In 1993, the Super Bowl was to be held for the first time in Arizona, but after an election, Arizona rejected establishment of a Martin Luther King state holiday. Subsequently, Tagliabue moved the Super Bowl to Pasadena.

All of these acts were relationship and money pressure directly from top of the NFL offices. While easily some of these are viewed as accomplishments, Tags exercised his relationships for the benefit of the league. In some cases, protecting the image of the brand. Something that has definitely changed on Goodell's tenure. Goodell has great power, from money and weight of the NFL, but the relationships are not like those of his predecessor. Tags had great relationships from old NFL money, like the Mara and Rooney family, to the new money, Kraft and Jones. Tags knew how to wave his influence around, but it was changing in the 2000-era. Perhaps Tags saw that the network and empire of influence the NFL had was crumbling and it was becoming bigger than him? While I don't know how he would answer that question, I would say that he saw the writing on the wall and handed over a pretty tough situation to Goodell. 

You could argue that it was Tags that started reigning things back in in the early 2000's, dubbing the league the "No Fun League". I would agree only with part of that. The rise of citizen journalism forced starting forcing the NFL to be socially accountable for its actions more so than in the past. However, there is absolutely no way the NFL would get away with controlling the media today as it once did.

In one example, what would happen today with the Leonard Little case? To jog the memory (thanks Wikipedia), "after leaving a birthday party in 1998, Little crashed into and killed Susan Gutweiler in St. Louis, Missouri. When tested, his blood alcohol level measured 0.19 percent, a level in excess of the statutory level of intoxication (0.08) in the state of Missouri. Little received 90 days in jail, four years probation and 1,000 hours of community service. From the NFL, he was suspended for 8 games."

Let's compare this to Donte Stallworth, "on the morning of March 14, 2009, a 2005 Bentley coupe driven by Stallworth struck and killed a pedestrian in Miami Beach, Florida. Stallworth was headed toward the beach when he hit Mario Reyes, 59." I don't want to demean the lives of any of the victims, but these were eerily similar crimes. In comparison, Stallworth was suspended for the 2009 season. Quite a different sentence from the league for very similar crimes.

Lastly, I'll only say that if the Ray Lewis incident occurred today, things would be different. That is not an indictment of guilt or othewise. The NFL has been forced to deal with negative publicity in an entirely new way.

Why the difference? Transparency, citizen journalism and social accountability. This is the wave of the future of society and the NFL. In fact, I would say perhaps one of the greatest moves that Tags made was his stage left. My estimation is that he acutely observed that the management style that he used to control the networks and league were on their way out. He saw that the networks of few became networks of thousands through Twitter, social media and real-time reporting.The informal relationship networks that previously helped manage the message were no longer as valuable. In today's model there is no way to control the message, to manage the image of the league. It's too much information, too fast and from too many parties. With that, he handed the baton over to Goodell.

Today, Goodell has to abide by new rules. He has done so, by mandate of the public. Credit him, he's a very smart man. The exit of Tags' relationships simply hastened the adoption of the new rules. My suggestion is that the league look at people like Chad Ochocinco and figure out how to clone him. They could grow loyalty, allowing co-creation that is part information, part technology. The future of the league isn't just about expanding the fanbase to new markets, getting more games through the NFLPA or more content on the NFL Network. It is about connecting to the fanbase in new, creative and 1:1 ways. Goodell would be well-served to figure out how to exploit the connectedness the new mediums offer. Otherwise, he's simply going to just be living by the new rules, not exploiting them. The rules certainly have changed because of technology, but they also changed when Tags took his "ol boy network" with him.

follow me on twitter @marty_b

Mobile phone etiquette on the potty, best practices while you go

You may say there is not a need for this guide, but you know there is a need for this guide. Believe it or not, I actually wish there wasn't a need for this guide, but according to a Wired article "75 percent had no objections to anyone using laptops, netbooks and cell phones in the bathroom." Though I fall to the 25 other percent, I thought I'd give some best practices if for mobile usage "while you go".

1. Hit the silent button on the keyboard/ringer. We know what you're doing. We pretend that we don't know. So help us out, keep the keyboard beeps to a minimum por favor. We don't need to know that you're banging out a master treatise while taking your constitutional.
2. If you are surfing the web reading textsfromlastnight.com or failblog.org, keep giggling to a minimum.
3. May as well cover the talking thing. I consider talking while in a public restroom tantamount to going with the door open. I did this when I was in the military, no real duty to do this today. I prefer that you did not, but if you do talk:
   1. Carrying a conversation into the bathroom is more favored than striking up a new conversation or calling out. See point 3e below.
   2. Answering a call is also more forgiven than starting a new call. See point 3e below.
   3. You may not take calls, in or out, if people are waiting. House rules. See point 3e below.
   4. New outgoing calls are seriously frowned upon. See point 3e below.
   5. In any event, should you encounter other people during any of your bathroom journey; we ask that you hold your phone by tilting your head to your shoulder type thing. We all know what just went on, but we don't want to believe that your dirty nubs were all over your phone.
   6. You cannot tell the other party of your presence in bathroom. It's like peeing the lake when boating, everyone might do it. We just don't want to know about it.
4. It can be awkward for a courtesy flush while talking, we all understand. Therefore, you must mute, hit pause or hold or call them back momentarily. It's really a benefit to everyone, immediate company included.
5. Beyond simply the courtesy flush, you are still required to flush. No exceptions. Uno y dos, you're still required to flush. If you follow the Brocode, you know what rule that you'll also need to follow.
6. Commit to a hand. You can't swap hands for swiping, wiping and/or aiming purposes while you are midstream or otherwise.
7. If you are wearing headphones into the bathroom, co-workers I have seen this, you may not touch them or your mobile device within the site of others. I consider this confusing and disorienting to other people in the facilities.
8. You must still wash your hands. Don't do the running water over the hands like I'm the cleanest thing in the bathroom routine either. Soap, hot water and towels must be used, by you.
9. When exiting the restroom, you must quietly let your other party know that you need just a moment. Then you must do the following. Though I could describe it, there's a much better line in The Godfather that Clemeza said to Michael Corleone. "Just let your hand drop to your side and the gun slip out. Everyone will still think you've got it. They're gonna be staring at your face, Mike. So walk out of the place real fast, but you don't run. Don't look nobody directly in the eye, hut don't look away either." In this case, it's not a gun, but rather your mobile device.
10. If you drop your phone in urine water, you are permitted to retrieve it. Though you must tell friends about said incident. If you drop in any other situation, you must buy a new phone. Flush it away, away. That's the risk you take. No exceptions. If you need to repair your phone from the urine incident, see this site.
11. It's OK to wipe off your phone with a towel, though people may think that is weird. When you return to your desk or other safe environment, it's required to add some sanitizer to the mix.

Like I said earlier, I wish these did not need to be stated. Yet, they do. Have a horror story about this? Be sure to share in the comments below.

Follow me on twitter @marty_b

More stories on the subject:

Stats: http://www.virtualpressoffice.com/publicsiteContentFileAccess/112095/112095.html/?fileContentId=112095&fileName=112095.html&fromOtherPageToDisableHistory=Y

http://www.websavey.com/viewpost.cfm/1/43734/ (pretty foul)

http://randomactsofunkindness.blogspot.com/2007/08/cell-phone-and-public-bathroom.html

TiVo rocks my television world

  

Apparently the world of television viewing continues to rise according to Nielsen above. While I might buy into that a bit, I'm going to call BS on the actual watching of television. I think the time that people actually watch has probably declined, but the time spent in front of the television has gone up. Why? It's directly proportionate to the terrible navigation, use and functionality that is provided by the terrible boxes connected to their televisions pushed upon you by your local cable company. I rebuke thee. I hate those dysfunctional boxes. In fact, I hated them so much that I've watched less than probably a week of programming (outside of professional football) for the entire year. I have a feeling that is all going to change soon. The return of the living room is back. It's lead by the return of my second bestest friend, TiVo. In case you are wondering, my first bestest technoid friend is Robbie the Roomba.

I decided to purchase the new TiVo Series 3 HD box and I think my television enjoyment may just return with this purchase. TiVo has improved the television experience. It's proof positive that great technology integration can improve a completely old experience.

What is so great about the TiVo experience?

- The user setup/basic use is simple with TiVo. From set up, remote, to hooking it up, it was extremely easy. I discovered a hundred channels that I did not even know that we subscribed to previously. The hardest part was getting the cable decoder card from the cable provider up and running properly (we had a bad decoder card). That's not the fault of TiVo.

- The powerful part of the TiVo is when you hook it up to a network. I hooked it up to the wireless network here at home and it was immediately more valuable. We were able to add Netflix content to our instant queue and enjoy from the television. You can watch or share content from your desktop devices to your television or even enjoy some Drunken History on it via YouTube. Want to rent movies? Bypass your local cable provider, get them from Amazon on Demand.

- Finding and recording programming on the TiVo is simpler than any other device we have used. The season pass feature was available on our previous system, but we could never figure out how to use it where it would actually work. TiVo is working like a dream.

- It's so easy to use that our son, four years old, has figured out how to use it. He knows how to navigate to Netflix to watch his instant queue that has Tom and Jerry. Jackpot for junior.

- Their web integration is beautiful. Login to the website to record items to your TiVo. Wait for it, it's not just their website. Add items from your iPhone, no problem or add instant queue to your Netflix from your iPhone and no need to leave the couch.

What TiVo has locked in on more than any other device is simple, user interface and feedback mechanisms. The TiVo has the little beeps that audibly confirm your action. Programming navigation and search works easily on the device. Usability is darn near perfect in my opinion. There is no need for the manual, though I admittedly read it. The interface is so simple, it's elegant.  

Outside of usability, TiVo has nailed integration. I cannot think of another device and/or service that allows integration so keenly. From my mobile allowing recording, to my desktop computer streaming content from the TiVo to integration with external services, Blockbuster, Amazon and Netflix. The integration with networked services is near flawless.

I can only hope that I feel the same way about the TiVo a year from now. I hopefully will regret the purchase as a big time succubus. If so, TiVo will continue to deliver on my needs. I was visiting a friend over the weekend and saw his menu system on his television device. I instantly felt repulsed and left thinking I can't go back. Ever. I want to enjoy television programming. I promise, I do. TiVo has returned the television to my life.

Again, TiVo is proof positive that integration and simplicity can improve an age old technology.

find me on twitter @marty_b

If social media connects the NFL, Chad Ochocinco is the poster boy

Before I start the point of this post, I have to admit, I’m a Bengals fan. I have been a Bengals fan for a long, long time. However, this post has nothing to do with the Bengals or with me as a fan. It has to do with one man’s plight to humanize the face of the NFL. Chad Ochocinco may be the future model of a player creating a link with their community. There is a lot we can learn from Mr. Ochocinco. 

I cannot say that Chad has such a benevolent goal, but all the same, he has humanized a once off limit side of the NFL, the personal side. There is not an NFL Films team to spin his story. There is no intermediary. It’s just one guy with a phone, camera, internet connection and social media at his disposal. He makes the most of connecting his life, thoughts and the in between to the game. The NFL should follow him, not to fine him, but to learn from him. In the face of a potential NFL labor dispute, aka cap free season, Chad’s actions could not be better for the game. He is providing fans a reason to connect to their team. 

The first thing you have to notice is Chad is posting a LOT of content. A ton of content. My first question is why is this Chad Ustreaming, Tweeting and posting more pics than anyone else that I know of today (star or not)? I cannot delve into the psyche of the player or person, I am simply not qualified to do that. I'll leave that for someone else. However, I can simply look at the content. If you look at the volume of what he produces, it is amazing. He is producing a lot of content. For those of you that post blogs, tweets or anything with regular frequency, it’s a job posting that much content. A real job. It takes technical proficiency, desire and dedication. If you follow him at all, I’m not sure that he sleeps. I genuinely admire his drive to post that much about his life. 

It's not just about his life that he has impacted. He has impacted his fans and the City of Cincinnati positively. Esteban has endeared himself to Cincinnati really well. He shares where he is eating, a quick pic with Jay Cutler at Morton’s the weekend before the Bengals played the Bears. Chad does Friday night movies in Northern Kentucky. He tells people that if they give him a ticket to the opening Monday Night game at Dallas, he’ll sit next to them. He’s amazingly personal. Want to know where he eats around town? Check Twitter. Watch his Ustream shows. He’s at the local movie theatre having a good time with the fans. While at the end of this, Chad certainly has an agenda and I would encourage anyone to not assume too much through his social media exploits, he still has done more than any other player to personalize the life of a star. Even though he is a star, we all know that we can eat there, go there and be part of the larger experience that is Chad Ochocinco. 

Chad may be the poster boy for using social media to connect to the community, but social media connects much of the NFL. Start running through Twitter and you’ll notice throngs of NFL players, both active and retired. It’s a brotherhood in the league. Obviously these guys all share a common experience, the “league”. They follow each other, link to one another and use it to promote their post-NFL efforts, ala John Thornton. I think the more important Tweets are those that are simply the personal side of their life, the trials, tribulations and sheer havoc that game plays on their life. If you began to put together all of the content in a book, it would be an interesting read. Steve Smith’s recent Tweet simply read, “gotta get better”.  On the upside of great game, Robert Smith sent Chris Johnson a Tweet, “@ChrisJohnson28 good shit yesterday homie!! Keep ballin!” Donte Stallworth, the suspended receiver, shows his love and passion for the game on his Twitter feed while watching last night’s game, “@davelilc yea but essentially it's still on the QB bc he threw it to where it could be tipped... nice play by Saints defense”. Active and retired NFL players are a brotherhood and social media helps connect them to each other, plus the fans.

Social media has transformed, even personalized, the face of a league that is all business on the outside. You get to see content, quips, pics and personalized experiences that in aggregate form some fairly interesting insights to a once off limit portion of the NFL, the personal side. Chad is using the medium at its best; connecting to fans, building the OCNN and endearing himself to the community. Just a year ago, Chad was trying to talk himself out of Cincinnati. Today he is the poster child for the NFL and social media. In the face of a potential cap-less season, the NFL better welcome Chad and those like him, because he is the link between the fans and the league.  

~marty follow me on twitter @marty_b