A thought - Do Coaches or Players Read Patsfans Forum?

[Ian]

There was a rumor that Tom Curran had an account here back in the day. @Ian could probably speak to the OP's question. I have seen posts here become talking points in the media a day or two later, so I do think there's media folks that at least read here. Players and coaches? I highly doubt it. Some low level staff working for the Krafts might skim it, but in my mind, that's a reach too.

I obviously can't get into who is/was registered on here, but I'll confirm that was indeed the case (media guys keeping an eye on the forum). I talk to some of those guys occasionally, but I think most of them now lurk outside more so than post on here.

They're all sort of focused on building their brand on X, Instagram, etc. - and rightfully so - because of the fiasco that is the current state of the internet. They have to have some way to try and promote their content due to the drastic change in people's habits. It's not quite like it was, where people used to go to the various news outlets or sites and get information. Now people get it as they're scrolling through whatever platform they're on, along with a good percentage of people who get their news from videos on TikTok.

This approach is a little scary because I noticed there are now accounts popping up posting bogus news as real articles, which is a new and frustrating development. I've seen them more and more lately, and they're coming out in rapid-fire, which adds another very irritating wrinkle to an already messed-up landscape.

 

[Steve102]

I obviously can't get into who is/was registered on here, but I'll confirm that was indeed the case (media guys keeping an eye on the forum). I talk to some of those guys occasionally, but I think most of them now lurk outside more so than post on here.

They're all sort of focused on building their brand on X, Instagram, etc. - and rightfully so - because of the fiasco that is the current state of the internet. They have to have some way to try and promote their content due to the drastic change in people's habits. It's not quite like it was, where people used to go to the various news outlets or sites and get information. Now people get it as they're scrolling through whatever platform they're on, along with a good percentage of people who get their news from videos on TikTok.

This approach is a little scary because I noticed there are now accounts popping up posting bogus news as real articles, which is a new and frustrating development. I've seen them more and more lately, and they're coming out in rapid-fire, which adds another very irritating wrinkle to an already messed-up landscape.

I don't trust any of the "fake news" I see on TikTok/Youtube/IG or other, especially if it uses that AI generated male voiceover that we all are familiar with. I will go direct to the source, like Phil Perry, Tom Curran or Evan Lazar. Perry certainly seems to be the most telegenic of the three, and I think it's just a matter of tik tocks, pun intended, before he's drawn into the national scene. Well spoken, well informed, well coiffed, not stiff on camera.

 

[n1997y]

Can’t say about this board, but I posted a reply on a thread in the team FB page that got likes from Chism, Campbell, and Gonzo. Comment I replied to got a like from Drake Maye. I wondered whether it was players themselves or their publicity minions stirring the pot.

 

[Ross12]

I don't trust any of the "fake news" I see on TikTok/Youtube/IG or other, especially if it uses that AI generated male voiceover that we all are familiar with. I will go direct to the source, like Phil Perry, Tom Curran or Evan Lazar. Perry certainly seems to be the most telegenic of the three, and I think it's just a matter of tik tocks, pun intended, before he's drawn into the national scene. Well spoken, well informed, well coiffed, not stiff on camera.

I'm very surprised Phil is still on the local beat. As you said, he checks all the boxes. It might be because he hasn't built up enough national connections yet.

 

[Ian]

I'm very surprised Phil is still on the local beat. As you said, he checks all the boxes. It might be because he hasn't built up enough national connections yet.

There's been some shrinkage there as of late, with Giardi obviously experiencing it, having been cut by NFL Media, and now obviously he's with Greg at BSJ. The ESPN merger probably won't help things, given all the cuts they've been making.

But Perry deserves a bigger platform. He and Curran have a good thing going, yet I agree, probably not long before someone else notices him. He really is terrific, and his podcast is always interesting, as is the one he does with Curran. Although one thing I will say is that when Belichick was here, it didn't feel like he was overly fond of him for some strange reason. Used to really give him a hard time. No idea what that was about.

 

[n1997y]

There's been some shrinkage there as of late, with Giardi obviously experiencing it, having been cut by NFL Media, and now obviously he's with Greg at BSJ. The ESPN merger probably won't help things, given all the cuts they've been making.

But Perry deserves a bigger platform. He and Curran have a good thing going, yet I agree, probably not long before someone else notices him. He really is terrific, and his podcast is always interesting, as is the one he does with Curran. Although one thing I will say is that when Belichick was here, it didn't feel like he was overly fond of him for some strange reason. Used to really give him a hard time. No idea what that was about.

I got the impression Bill was hardest on those he thought best of. Iron sharpens iron. It’s what he does. Do you think that could have been it?

 

[Ian]

I got the impression Bill was hardest on those he thought best of. Iron sharpens iron. It’s what he does. Do you think that could have been it?

It's possible. One of those things where he was testing him just to see how he would react, and Phil never blinked. Always handled it well and he's never been one to create sensationalized scenarios, any criticism is always thoughtful and never over the top, etc. I'm assuming that kind of thing is something they keep an eye on, at least knowing how they monitor it.

 

[fnordcircle]

I have it on good authority that James White gets personal notifications every time @fnordcircle posts here. Beyond that, I couldn't tell you.

I lost all respect for him. He retired.

I'm still out here on that post grind.

 

[n1997y]

I lost all respect for him. He retired.

I'm still out here on that post grind.

Haven’t seen you much recently though. Missed you. Glad to see you. Makes the place more fun. Hope all is well.

 

[fnordcircle]

I have no doubt back in the 2000s some players checked it out. Especially the kids who were mid/late teens in the mid 2000s when discussion boards were the primary form of this sort of back and forth dialogue. Possibly some coaches too. There were rumors, of course, back in the day.

Now, though, I doubt it. These kids grew up with facebook being passe let alone discussion boards. We're not quite the old Bosco Patriots mailing list or the .nepatriots whatever newsgroup in terms of being dinosaurs - but we're close.

 

[Kdo5]

Are low level players or coaches reading social media or even message boards? Definitely. They’re human too and inclined to read about themselves or people’s opinions of them.

Do I think Pats Fans is a high traffic site for players to visit? No but I’d assume there have been lurkers in the past. Tom Brady? No. Some OL bench warmer? Probably.

 

[Ross12]

I have no doubt back in the 2000s some players checked it out. Especially the kids who were mid/late teens in the mid 2000s when discussion boards were the primary form of this sort of back and forth dialogue. Possibly some coaches too. There were rumors, of course, back in the day.

Now, though, I doubt it. These kids grew up with facebook being passe let alone discussion boards. We're not quite the old Bosco Patriots mailing list or the .nepatriots whatever newsgroup in terms of being dinosaurs - but we're close.

Yeah, a forum like this is definitely something most would consider "old school" by now. I think the average age of our members probably reflects that. But IMO it's much better. So much you'll get from social media is designed specifically to generate clicks/upvotes/etc, whereas here it's just plain discussion - there's no financial incentive for you to post here or to have a "hot" post.

 

[Ian]

I have no doubt back in the 2000s some players checked it out. Especially the kids who were mid/late teens in the mid 2000s when discussion boards were the primary form of this sort of back and forth dialogue. Possibly some coaches too. There were rumors, of course, back in the day.

Now, though, I doubt it. These kids grew up with facebook being passe let alone discussion boards. We're not quite the old Bosco Patriots mailing list or the .nepatriots whatever newsgroup in terms of being dinosaurs - but we're close.

Exactly. I've gone around and looked for some of the old sites from that era, and they're gone, and there haven't been any new ones that have come around to replace them. People just start FB groups, go on X, etc. There are still a few of us (FinHeaven, twobillsdrive, 49erswebzone, seahawks(dot)net, etc.), but not many. Like you said, those days are gone, and those of us who are still here are lucky to be here, given how much everything has changed.

 

[Ian]

Yeah, a forum like this is definitely something most would consider "old school" by now. I think the average age of our members probably reflects that. But IMO it's much better. So much you'll get from social media is designed specifically to generate clicks/upvotes/etc, whereas here it's just plain discussion - there's no financial incentive for you to post here or to have a "hot" post.

I've tried to modernize ours, and I think that's the only reason why we're still a little relevant. But it feels like everytime I go looking for one, it's gone. I think "Go Titans" was one that I was surprised to have seen disappear. I haven't talked to Jeff in years and he didn't respond to my email and the rumor is something might have happeend to him. We're all getting older, man...it's crazy.

The guy who originally helped me start a new forum when I moved off of Rivals (I was on his platform from late 2000 until he needed me to move to my own server in 2005 due to how busy this one became and tied up his resources) passed away back in 2018. He was the OG who originally helped start fansinblack, which is also now gone (they actually used to have a nice tribute to him). ... It's sad.

 

[Grogan1980]

I've tried to modernize ours, and I think that's the only reason why we're still a little relevant. But it feels like everytime I go looking for one, it's gone. I think "Go Titans" was one that I was surprised to have seen disappear. I haven't talked to Jeff in years and he didn't respond to my email and the rumor is something might have happeend to him. We're all getting older, man...it's crazy.

The guy who originally helped me start a new forum when I moved off of Rivals (I was on his platform from late 2000 until he needed me to move to my own server in 2005 due to how busy this one became and tied up his resources) passed away back in 2018. He was the OG who originally helped start fansinblack, which is also now gone (they actually used to have a nice tribute to him). ... It's sad.

I love the format of this, this is kinda my Patriots family (well, I have family family Patriots family, and friends family Patriots family, but this is my online family Patriots family )
Anyway, even though I work in the IT field (or maybe because of it), I have zero "Social Media" presence, and rarely if ever even browse FB, X, etc ... Actually, majority of the time I browse those are links is on here. May also have just a little to do with being an early Usenet user and fond memories of that
But my favorite part about this forum is just hearing the opinions, comments, insights, etc. of a bunch of passionate Pat's fans (versus the Social Media links) ... Kinda reminds of the back & forth I'd have with buddies in the dorm (years & years & years ago ) And just like then, I listen more than I "speak"
All said - THANKS to the guys that keep it all going & make it work!

 

[TheRainMaker]

I think the media lurked here and probably still does. Many times they gotten their talking points from this site.

I don't think current players know about this site.

 

[patfanken]

Probably they are all going away because you actually have to READ the content. We are becoming too lazy to do even that anymore.

We are very quickly losing our democracy simply because we seem to like being told what we think (wherever that lines up on the pendulum). We know longer have the patience to look at both sides and determine the good AND bad and come to an INDEPENDENT conclusion.

We do more of that here than they do in DC. Now we run our government like a crime family. We accept alms from people who can benefit us and expect them to bend a knee We bully and intimidate all those who are against us. There is no loyal opposition, just "us" and "them". Law enforcement is not long to follow the law, but to protect one side's position. And the most scary to me is the establishment of a private army who is loyal to only one faction. Today they can come in the name of immigration, masked, and without cause and take you immediately to another state without a hearing or chance to defend yourself and keep you there or just whisk you out of the country. Tomorrow that same masked gang might knock on your door for another perceived reason, and it's YOU that winds up in some concentration camp. Criticize your government in the media and maybe your license isn't renewed, or your merger doesn't go through.

BTW- I don't blame Trump for this. This ISN'T his fault. He is only doing what humans have been doing to each other for eons. But this fragile flower of democracy is dying like it usually does in history for the reason Ben Franklin told us it will. Ben told us (to paraphrase) "No one will TAKE our democracy, in the end, we will GIVE it away."

Sorry about this little outburst, but this seemed like kind of an inside thread for oldtimers and would be unlikely to cause a stir, AND allow me to get just a bit of my outrage out in the air. And if everything outside of the first short paragraph ends up disappearing into cyberspace, I will just feel a lot better even even just the editor reads it.

 

[The Gr8est]

Probably they are all going away because you actually have to READ the content. We are becoming too lazy to do even that anymore.

We are very quickly losing our democracy simply because we seem to like being told what we think (wherever that lines up on the pendulum). We know longer have the patience to look at both sides and determine the good AND bad and come to an INDEPENDENT conclusion.

We do more of that here than they do in DC. Now we run our government like a crime family. We accept alms from people who can benefit us and expect them to bend a knee We bully and intimidate all those who are against us. There is no loyal opposition, just "us" and "them". Law enforcement is not long to follow the law, but to protect one side's position. And the most scary to me is the establishment of a private army who is loyal to only one faction. Today they can come in the name of immigration, masked, and without cause and take you immediately to another state without a hearing or chance to defend yourself and keep you there or just whisk you out of the country. Tomorrow that same masked gang might knock on your door for another perceived reason, and it's YOU that winds up in some concentration camp. Criticize your government in the media and maybe your license isn't renewed, or your merger doesn't go through.

BTW- I don't blame Trump for this. This ISN'T his fault. He is only doing what humans have been doing to each other for eons. But this fragile flower of democracy is dying like it usually does in history for the reason Ben Franklin told us it will. Ben told us (to paraphrase) "No one will TAKE our democracy, in the end, we will GIVE it away."

Sorry about this little outburst, but this seemed like kind of an inside thread for oldtimers and would be unlikely to cause a stir, AND allow me to get just a bit of my outrage out in the air. And if everything outside of the first short paragraph ends up disappearing into cyberspace, I will just feel a lot better even even just the editor reads it.

We won’t lose our democracy anyway, we have a constitutional republic.

Ben Franklin called it that too.

“What type of government have you given us Mr Franklin”?

“A republic madam, if you can keep it.”

 

[Ian]

I think the media lurked here and probably still does. Many times they gotten their talking points from this site.

I don't think current players know about this site.

Used to get parents of players that would register here, which was kind of cool and got a few PMs here and there, but that doesn't happen as much anymore.

 

[n1997y]

I've tried to modernize ours, and I think that's the only reason why we're still a little relevant. But it feels like everytime I go looking for one, it's gone. I think "Go Titans" was one that I was surprised to have seen disappear. I haven't talked to Jeff in years and he didn't respond to my email and the rumor is something might have happeend to him. We're all getting older, man...it's crazy.

The guy who originally helped me start a new forum when I moved off of Rivals (I was on his platform from late 2000 until he needed me to move to my own server in 2005 due to how busy this one became and tied up his resources) passed away back in 2018. He was the OG who originally helped start fansinblack, which is also now gone (they actually used to have a nice tribute to him). ... It's sad.

I think that’s a big part of it.

The survivors as successful sites are passion projects as much as they are commercial ventures. So they’re even more dependent on some heroic champion (that’s you, Ian! And all your moderators as well, of course) to keep them going. That means they’re vulnerable to disruption by the inevitable life changing events that eventually afflict us all. Succession strategies are never easy, and this is such a speciality niche. Plus I’m not sure if there is ever an easy exit strategy available for lifestyle entrepreneurs. Hmmm, I need to think on that one a bit…