So for the first time since 1989...

[The_Philster]

Re: So for the first time since 1989...

Then where do you get the idea that by not going to games (showing the team you don't care) that things will change for the better because games aren't selling out? Unless you're trying to say they aren't trying, what will it accomplish? Losing ticket sales and fan interest isn't going to make something magical happen if that's what you think.
The only thing that losing fan interest will do is send the next owners a message that we don't care enough to keep the team here.

[raphael120]

Re: So for the first time since 1989...

Well enough people go to the games, I'm sure they're still making a killing at profits, but still...its saying that it's getting old. That they're losing a fan base, and that if they DON'T do something about it, then they'll lose money. Maybe they'll do MORE? Maybe be a little bit more liberal in spending, knowing that it's getting more urgent and they just can't "wing it" anymore and if it fails, oh well, the fans will still come and pay for a losing team. There's a lot to say about teams who feel pressure from the fans. Look at what happened last season. TD was fired, and Mularkey left. They felt pressure from fans. You know why? Because they would lose money. And Op's right, they do have the fans by the nuts. But i sure as hell won't pay for a plane ticket, a hotel room, and a football ticket to see the bills lose. Last time i did that i saw the Steelers scrubs beat the snot out of our team, killing the playoff hope. Lucky I won my money back in canada but still. haha

[The_Philster]

Re: So for the first time since 1989...

Maybe they'll do MORE?

what more do you expect them to do? You claim you aren't saying that they aren't trying...what are you saying?

Maybe be a little bit more liberal in spending, knowing that it's getting more urgent

You DO realize they have to stay within the salary cap, right?

TD was fired

TD was fired after proving that Cowher was behind Pissburgh's success, not TD...and also after trying to make rules that Wilson was against (no derogatory signs, for example)

[SABURZFAN]

Re: So for the first time since 1989...

[Night Train]

Re: So for the first time since 1989...

It's pathetic fans like me have been going to Bills games since the 1960's. I didn't even know this franchise was bad the last few years. Thanks for filling me in.

I'm what's all wrong with the world, let alone this franchise.

[Typ0]

Re: So for the first time since 1989...

Then where do you get the idea that by not going to games (showing the team you don't care) that things will change for the better because games aren't selling out? Unless you're trying to say they aren't trying, what will it accomplish? Losing ticket sales and fan interest isn't going to make something magical happen if that's what you think.
The only thing that losing fan interest will do is send the next owners a message that we don't care enough to keep the team here.

who wants a team if they are going to be crap? We know how those LA people come out in droves to see a crappy team play.

[The_Philster]

Re: So for the first time since 1989...

LA not showing up to support the teams they had isn't the point. The NFL doesn't have a team in the 2nd largest TV market in the country. Any new owner would jump to that if they had an excuse...and a team that can't sell out its games...is a prime moving possibility.
I hate it as much as anyone...but let's face facts...we don't support the team, we lose them

[G. Host]

Re: So for the first time since 1989...

The Bills/Miami game will not be sold out. You think the fans are finally fed up with crap they put out on the field at the Ralph??? I, for one, am glad this is happenning. It's pathetic the Bills sold out so many home games and the Bills **** the bed in every one of them. Let this be a message to Ralph that Bills fans are fed up, and we'll take our business elsewhere (Sabres) if they don't put a competitive team on that field.

Really? The demolishing of the Patriots 31-0 at home was crapping the bed? Yeah seasons have not been great but you exagrate extremely. I think you would be happier wearing a different teams jersey every year. Better attach player name and number via velcro as well.

[Meathead]

Re: So for the first time since 1989...

i have no problem with people deciding to spend their entertainment dollars elsewhere. its a choice and if they only want to pay to see a winner thats up to them

personally i see value in going to the games even when the team blows chunks. plus theres also the longer term perspective of wanting to keep the team here as a quality of life issue. so i go to at least two and usually more every year regardless. so you decide whats important to you and spend money accordingly - even if its five bucks on a scalper and ten bucks for two beers inside like me

as far as the product goes i personally think ralph has been good owner the last twenty years and has been doing his best to put a good product on the field

the entire donahoe era should be viewed as one of his strongest moves yet to try to get back to elite status because at the time donahoe was the hottest gm available. then he went farther than i ever thought he would and gave donahoe more power than anyone in the history of the franchise as president of the entire operation

thats actually a terrific move at the time it was made. the fact that it didnt work out doesnt negate the boldness and mastery of the move one iota. it sucks that donawhore imploded but hey ralph gave it his best shot

then he hired a hall of fame ivy leaguer to become the next gm. i realize the jury is still out on the marv but i think it was a terrific move and have a lot of confidence he will get the team on track. thats a big for ralph imo

last but not least, he deftly maneuvered the entire collective bargaining agreement scenario to his and the citys advantage. we now have the bills on the key committee for defining those revenue sharing rules going forward and very high ranking politicians lobbying on our behalf. ralphie baby

i know one thing, if the bills ever leave im probably one foot out the door myself. the bills are such a cultural institution here it would change the city and my experience of it. but being entertainment it also has a commercial aspect to it that cant be ignored

i just think its a reality now that if you want to keep a team you have to keep the stadium full or close to it. and seeing ralph give it his best shot im willing to keep supporting the team with my choices regardless of record

as much as i hate it if the blackouts keep the team here by driving people to the stadium then so be it. its better than the alternative

ugh get me some soap

[LtFinFan66]

Re: So for the first time since 1989...

[gr8slayer]

Re: So for the first time since 1989...

Wow. Bills fans are always bragging about how we have the best fans in the league, now people are wanting to give up because the team is in a slump just like every other team in the league goes through every 3,4,5,6 years.

You all make me sick.

[BAM]

Re: So for the first time since 1989...

Wow. Bills fans are always bragging about how we have the best fans in the league, now people are wanting to give up because the team is in a slump just like every other team in the league goes through every 3,4,5,6 years.

You all make me sick.

Same here. If I lived up there, I'd have seasons no doubt.

Actually... I live about 7 hours away, but as soon as I can afford to do it (both time and money), I'll have seasons from down here. Fairweather is a word that escapes me.

[raphael120]

Re: So for the first time since 1989...

Really? The demolishing of the Patriots 31-0 at home was crapping the bed? Yeah seasons have not been great but you exagrate extremely. I think you would be happier wearing a different teams jersey every year. Better attach player name and number via velcro as well.

no but putting up only 7 points that the DEFENSE SCORED two games after that one versus the Dolphins WAS crapping the bed. and it was downhill after that. every blind squirrle finds a nut. and just because im a fan doesnt mean i have to like the direction the team is going. for ****s sake, dont try to paint me as not being a fan. ive never once jumped off the bills fan base, and i wont. so dont you dare tell me to find another team, you can find someone else to patronize.

[raphael120]

Re: So for the first time since 1989...

dont point the finger at me, point them at the 7,000 people that arent sitting in those seats that are usually full. ive gone to the bar every week to watch them play, ive bought the jerseys, the merchandise. doesnt mean a fan HAS to show up to go see the bills every single home game. but what does it tell you that we now have black outs. this whole thread was started to ask, gee, i wonder why that is. and you all jump down my throat. face the facts, somethings changed and thousands of people are NOT going to see the bills play. discuss that fact, and don't blame me for "not being a fan" or "jumping bandwagons"

[Novacane]

Re: So for the first time since 1989...

Just blow it off Raph. To many on this board love to throw around that "you're not a real fan" crap if you don't see things the way they do. It used to piss me off to but now I don't give a crap. I know I'm a "real fan" and thats all that matters to me.