Horn Sports Vision, Update

[Dieselprime]

I don't see what any explanation will do to change where this site is going. Other than satisfying poster curiosity, there is really not a valid reason that I can see for anyone on the staff to answer the how's/whys outside of their original post. As my dad used to say, "because I said so, and that's the only explanation you need."

There's a lot to gain from giving a clear explanation. Number one would be to retain the subscribers this site has gained from the inclusion of Crossfire. Your dad may have given you that line but none of us are children here, we are all hard working adults who have chosen to contribute to a site only to find out the one service that many of us paid to get has been discontinued without any explanation and only confirmed after days of complaining about it. The site is putting out many new columns. What if I find another one that's very successful, is it just going to get pulled again with no explanation as to why. If Burger King pulls the Whopper of the menu tomorrow with no explanation and refuses to explain why their customers are going to find other places to go. If Horn Sports chooses to discontinue their "Whopper" with no explanation to its members that's fine but just don't be disappointed when your replacement "cheeseburgers" aren't bringing in the crowds.

 

[BudreauReye]

you want the truth? you can't HANDLE the truth. you weep for McPhaul and curse Hornsports. you have that luxury....

you know how the rest goes. clearly a code red was ordered.

I do not weep for McPhaul!  And, I do not curse HornsSports!  Not much, anyway.  I am just pissed off because I can't have the virtual popcorn concession ... and we don't even have a proper popcorn winky smiley!  Oh!  The Humanity!!!  Ninjas will JUST NOT DO!!!

 

[echeese]

you want the truth? you can't HANDLE the truth. you weep for McPhaul and curse Hornsports. you have that luxury....

you know how the rest goes. clearly a code red was ordered.

 

[joeywa]

As you're undoubtedly aware, there are quite a few things going on behind the scenes of the site. Rather than focus on the intricacies of how to get there, we would like to share some plans on the direction of Horn Sports.

To start the discussion, it's helpful to take a high level view of the online reporting industry (Please forgive the too broad of brushstrokes...this is intended only as a macro view of the market):

Site A: A message board driven site that has a distinct personality

Site B: A site that is known first, second and third for the insider post

Site C: The opposite of Site B. They provide solid coverage of UT but have little/no community

Site D: A newer site that appears to be placing a priority on being the ones to break news

Newspapers: Solid coverage, but even with their websites, it's a poor delivery model

All of those sites are very good at what they do. HornSports doesn’t need to be the "next" anything. It can be the "first" and only site in the market that takes a new approach....what is that approach?  Good question!

LHN and AM 1300 The Zone each do an excellent job of providing in-depth coverage of UT without being total homers. Long story short, there is a significant market for a similar style of coverage in the online industry.

HornSports was recently awarded media credentials by UT. That is a significant victory for the site and it represents a vote of confidence from the university in the direction our site is heading.

To be successful in creating a new niche in the online market, HornSports can't be known as "Crossfire". It simply can't. If the site is going to achieve what it can achieve (and we will), HornSports must earn its own reputation instead of having a reputation built around a weekly article.

Over the past 2 months, the staff has made major efforts to begin shaping the site to head in this new direction. In addition to credentials and the associated reporting, HornSports is delivering loads of new content including: Chalk Talk, the Q&A, a recruiting Top 50 list, in-depth opponent previews, etc. Along with those articles, it is easy to estimate that recruiting coverage is 3-4 times more than it was 90 days ago. We have reached out to a few guys that are well respected in the recruiting arena and they will be providing content moving forward.  We've also released plenty of features like a photo gallery, the social wall, the Wire, and the Ticker, not to mention a player database.

There has been a lot of beneficial discussion pinned at the top of the board. Much of it has focused on the lack of content from HornSports. If you look at the article archives for July 2014 and compare them to December 2013, HornSports delivered more and better content in July without question. That means that the site is not doing a good job of making the content known and discussed (it is there). That's a problem that we can and will address.

Reality is that an online audience expects some inside information. We are not at all opposed to an inside scoop report every week. Have no doubt that there will be an insider report every week. It may not be called Crossfire, but this site will continue to deliver insider information. Period.

We are sharing this with all of you because your input matters. If you have thoughts on any of these subjects, please share them by posting a response. And please be candid. HornSports has been around for over three years and we are legitimately interested in taking the site to a new level.

Many of you have asked about McPhaul.  As far as Darrell is concerned, he will still be posting here at Horn Sports – he is still part of the HornSports family.

Thanks again for your membership with us.

-Horn Sports Staff

  

That is a very specious argument.  Nobody has to explain anything ... they just have to deal with the repercussions if they choose not to do so.

Posters on this forum naturally assume a sense of "ownership" of this forum in direct proportion to the effort that they put into it with their participation.  If management does not "get" that, they are missing a big part of what will determine how the future of this forum transpires.

  

There's a lot to gain from giving a clear explanation. Number one would be to retain the subscribers this site has gained from the inclusion of Crossfire. Your dad may have given you that line but none of us are children here, we are all hard working adults who have chosen to contribute to a site only to find out the one service that many of us paid to get has been discontinued without any explanation and only confirmed after days of complaining about it. The site is putting out many new columns. What if I find another one that's very successful, is it just going to get pulled again with no explanation as to why. If Burger King pulls the Whopper of the menu tomorrow with no explanation and refuses to explain why their customers are going to find other places to go. If Horn Sports chooses to discontinue their "Whopper" with no explanation to its members that's fine but just don't be disappointed when your replacement "cheeseburgers" aren't bringing in the crowds.

The answers to your questions are contained in the OP, other than specific conversations between Darrell and the staff and exact reasons for the change.

Inside info will continue to be reported, just in a different format than Crossfire.

Content continues to increase in frequency and depth.

Some of these new pieces may become Premium content.

Nobody pulled your whopper and replaced it with a ham sammy, at least not from my perspective. They have pulled the whopper and are rebuilding it, maybe putting double meat and sharp cheddar in it.

I do not dispute that the pulling of the piece is a head scratcher, but the ownership/staff felt this was a move that allows them to reach the next level, (also discussed in the OP.) Perhaps they want to cast a wider net for new members? I don't know. I do know that they have loaded up with some talented writers, attained media credentials from the University, and affiliate status with USA Today. All these things tell me that maybe they are aspiring to something far greater than Crossfire and FOB. Darrell has said he's remaining here and will contribute to the discussions, so I say give it a chance to see if you like it.

 

[joeywa]

I do not weep for McPhaul! And, I do not curse HornsSports! Not much, anyway. I am just pissed off because I can't have the virtual popcorn concession ... and we don't even have a proper popcorn winky smiley! Oh! The Humanity!!! Ninjas will JUST NOT DO!!!

Can we all just blame Patterson, lump this in with lack of beers at DKR, grab our pitchforks and torch the whole damn town? Seems to be the best course of action at this point.

 

[BudreauReye]

Nobody pulled your whopper and replaced it with a ham sammy, at least not from my perspective. They have pulled the whopper and are rebuilding it, maybe putting double meat and sharp cheddar in it.

I do not dispute that the pulling of the piece is a head scratcher, but the ownership/staff felt this was a move that allows them to reach the next level, (also discussed in the OP.) Perhaps they want to cast a wider net for new members? I don't know. I do know that they have loaded up with some talented writers, attained media credentials from the University, and affiliate status with USA Today. All these things tell me that maybe they are aspiring to something far greater than Crossfire and FOB. Darrell has said he's remaining here and will contribute to the discussions, so I say give it a chance to see if you like it.

Comments such as this are nothing more than very aggressive, disparaging, misdirection, and NOT the answers to not only my questions, but the answers to the questions apparently of many posters.  I re-iterate, these posts are nothing more than "vaguespeak".  Pay attention to what people are saying, or not ... it does not matter to me.  I am not leaving.  I WILL see if I like it.  I will also be around to call "Bull Shit" when I see it.  Maybe you want to instigate a system where you can pre-approve the content of people's posts ... so you won't be so  ... uncomfortable?  I find it interesting that you responded to my post with such vehemence.  Most people here tend to just ignore posts that they deem to be nonsense.

 

[texasdobbs]

"Reality is that an online audience expects some inside information. We are not at all opposed to an inside scoop report every week. Have no doubt that there will be an insider report every week. It may not be called Crossfire, but this site will continue to deliver insider information."

I guess my problem with this is that if you say your going to do something than do it... Crossfire was a weekly thing and then every two weeks and then gone with no explanation. What will be the insider information that you speak of and when will it start?...

The other question is if some insider information is expected on online sites then why the change?

 

[BudreauReye]

"Reality is that an online audience expects some inside information. We are not at all opposed to an inside scoop report every week. Have no doubt that there will be an insider report every week. It may not be called Crossfire, but this site will continue to deliver insider information."

I guess my problem with this is that if you say your going to do something than do it... Crossfire was a weekly thing and then every two weeks and then gone with no explanation. What will be the insider information that you speak of and when will it start?...

The other question is if some insider information is expected on online sites then why the change?

Here!  Here!  No one can require transparency of HornsSports, but it would be nice to not be fed obliqueness obtuseness.  And before you get your panties in a wad, please be very sure that I am not referring to obtuse angles.  OK, in the heat of the moment, I must admit that I really meant "obliqueness", but I must admit that I really do like the high insult factor of "oblique obtuseness".  There is just something so satisfying about it.

 

[doc longhorn]

Maybe I misunderstood you... but Crossfire was a premium and not free....

I agree with you that this is a great site and great people here and I enjoy many aspects of the site besides crossfire. But I think we can all agree that there is different things on the site that we all like and somethings were not that interested in? But there were a lot of paying members that liked it and are voicing that we don't like that is gone. Is it the end of the world¿ probably not but I can respect the people that enjoyed it are upset about it....

My understanding was Crossfire was free before this became a pay site.  Was I wrong?

 

[joeywa]

Comments such as this are nothing more than very aggressive, disparaging, misdirection, and NOT the answers to not only my questions, but the answers to the questions apparently of many posters. I re-iterate, these posts are nothing more than "vaguespeak". Pay attention to what people are saying, or not ... it does not matter to me. I am not leaving. I WILL see if I like it. I will also be around to call "Bull Shit" when I see it. Maybe you want to instigate a system where you can pre-approve the content of people's posts ... so you won't be so ... uncomfortable? I find it interesting that you responded to my post with such vehemence. Most people here tend to just ignore posts that they deem to be nonsense.

Ok Bud, you need to step back and reread my post. The bolded comment you highlighted was not at all in reference to you or your post. Your accusations of my post, demeanor and attitude are quite laughable, and somewhat ironic, aka pot meet kettle.

I'm not uncomfortable at all, (aside from sitting in a coach seat on my current flight,) nor am I being aggressive, disparaging, or misdirected. I think my comments and take on this situation is pretty much laid back and

If you'll take a look back, read my comments, comprehend how they relate to the three, (3,) quoted posts in my reply and how they bring your questions, as well as diehard's, all together, I think you will see that I'm not the one jumping the gun. I'll be certain to be more rudimentary next time and quote merely one post so I don't get you so confused.

Please, carry on with your speeches on how I need to post. You may want to get a better grip on your thesaurus when you go into attack mode again, and mix in some valid descriptors.

Also, if you want direct answers, I offered up what was given by the staff. Anything else needs to be taken up with Aaron and Darrell.

Glad to hear you're staying, as I believe many of us are.

I'll hang up and listen.

 

[BudreauReye]

If you'll take a look back, read my comments, comprehend how they relate to the three, (3,) quoted posts in my reply and how they bring your questions, as well as diehard's, all together, I think you will see that I'm not the one jumping the gun. I'll be certain to be more rudimentary next time and quote merely one post so I don't get you so confused.

Please, carry on with your speeches on how I need to post. You may want to get a better grip on your thesaurus when you go into attack mode again, and mix in some valid descriptors.

Also, if you want direct answers, I offered up what was given by the staff. Anything else needs to be taken up with Aaron and Darrell.

This is just a continuation of the same ... insults and hostility.  My comments that I made that I quote below in response to your long quoting post stand, as far as I am concerned, no matter who you were responding to.

joeywa, on 13 Aug 2014 - 5:10 PM, said:

Nobody pulled your whopper and replaced it with a ham sammy, at least not from my perspective. They have pulled the whopper and are rebuilding it, maybe putting double meat and sharp cheddar in it.

I do not dispute that the pulling of the piece is a head scratcher, but the ownership/staff felt this was a move that allows them to reach the next level, (also discussed in the OP.) Perhaps they want to cast a wider net for new members? I don't know. I do know that they have loaded up with some talented writers, attained media credentials from the University, and affiliate status with USA Today. All these things tell me that maybe they are aspiring to something far greater than Crossfire and FOB. Darrell has said he's remaining here and will contribute to the discussions, so I say give it a chance to see if you like it.

Comments such as this are nothing more than very aggressive, disparaging, misdirection, and NOT the answers to not only my questions, but the answers to the questions apparently of many posters.  I re-iterate, these posts are nothing more than "vaguespeak".  Pay attention to what people are saying, or not ... it does not matter to me.  I am not leaving.  I WILL see if I like it.  I will also be around to call "Bull Shit" when I see it.  Maybe you want to instigate a system where you can pre-approve the content of people's posts ... so you won't be so  ... uncomfortable?  I find it interesting that you responded to my post with such vehemence.  Most people here tend to just ignore posts that they deem to be nonsense.

 

[joeywa]

Keep posting Bud. You are sounding a lot like "I'm right, you're wrong, and I'm telling Mom you're being mean." You could not be more off base on your assessment of my comments.

 

[DougNTexas]

It does not take a rocket scientist to understand that some kind of deal was made with Bellmont in exchange for press credentials. Bellmont has always tried to control the message. So I am betting we traded DD for our new esteemed new AD and he is as big of a control message freak as Dodds ever was. I just wish ya'll had told us 18 days ago.

 

[BudreauReye]

Keep posting Bud. You are sounding a lot like "I'm right, you're wrong, and I'm telling Mom you're being mean." You could not be more off base on your assessment of my comments.

I'll tell you what, I will keep on posting, and you be sure and continue being insulting ... Deal?

Oh!  Oh!  And CONDESCENDING!  Please keep up with the condescending!  That works well for you!

 

[HornSports Staff]

It does not take a rocket scientist to understand that some kind of deal was made with Bellmont in exchange for press credentials. Bellmont has always tried to control the message. So I am betting we traded DD for our new esteemed new AD and he is as big of a control message freak as Dodds ever was. I just wish ya'll had told us 18 days ago.

We enjoy a good conspiracy theory as much as the next guy, but this one needs to be stopped before it gets legs.

1. At no time did the University of Texas demand that the site terminate any employees or articles in exchange for being awarded credentials.

2. Media credentials are several levels below Steve Patterson and DeLoss Dodds. They have competent people in charge of the process.

3. None of the strategic vision that has been communicated is related to UT's change at Athletics Director.

 

[BudreauReye]

We enjoy a good conspiracy theory as much as the next guy, but this one needs to be stopped before it gets legs.

1. At no time did the University of Texas demand that the site terminate any employees or articles in exchange for being awarded credentials.

2. Media credentials are several levels below Steve Patterson and DeLoss Dodds. They have competent people in charge of the process.

3. None of the strategic vision that has been communicated is related to UT's change at Athletics Director.

Who are you Horn Sports Administrator!!!  We would like to get to know ya!!!  Sorry, don't answer!  I just could not help myself! 

 

[streettopeschel]

It does not take a rocket scientist to understand that some kind of deal was made with Bellmont in exchange for press credentials. Bellmont has always tried to control the message. So I am betting we traded DD for our new esteemed new AD and he is as big of a control message freak as Dodds ever was. I just wish ya'll had told us 18 days ago.

so you think bellmont was so worried about this website, which typically has less than 100 people on-line, and McPhaul, who's most infamous insider info was wrong, that they insisted he be thrown overboard in exchange for press credentials?