Fan Forums and Media Credentials

[TexasTerror]

ClutchFans.net, known as the Rockets #1 fan web site out on the 'Net is complaining as they were rejected for Media Day passes and game passes this year. I've been hearing the discussion on KILT-AM here in Houston this afternoon on Mark and Rich's afternoon drivetime show about fan sites getting media passes.

I know the folks in San Marcos (Texas St-San Marcos) got in an uproar when Brent of the BobcatFans.com web site/web forums was not given press credentials. So, what's the general consensus on this one? Does your fan site get press credentials for sporting events? I'm asking professional, but also keeping a focus on I-AA as well.

Ralph, perhaps you can provide some insight on this one from your standpoint...

From ClutchFans...
http://www.clutchfans.net/news.cfm?NewsID=1247

[chattanoogamocs]

I have never had any problems getting credentials for mocfans.com

I have access for all sports at UC
I have always had access for the IAA game (of course, it helps that UC runs the press box)
I have had access for every SoCon championship tournament I have asked for
I have had access to the NCAA men's and women's basketball championships
I have had access to road basketball games for the SEC (men and women) and the WNIT

What it really comes down to is having a good relationship with the schools SID...I do some volunteer work (like at the NC game...if I am not "working it", I always volunteer to help out...I helped work the media room the last two years) and offer any of my materials to the school (for instance, I do a good photo gallery of the new turf at Finley and it was used throughout this years media guide).

After 4 years of slowly working my way in, here are some things I think helps...

1) I make sure mocfans is a positive for the school (not that I don't allow dissent, or "cover anything up", I just work very hard to keep it civil and pro-Mocs). If someone has an accusation, they better be able to back it up, or it gets pulled (or many times, I will verify it myself...and then publicly confirm or deny)

2) I do write a number of legit new articles throughout the season (so it is not like I am just hanging out on press row getting a great seat and free food...though that is a perk :LOL)

3) as I mentioned before, anything that I have on the site is available to the SID staff...most IAA schools are understaffed and overworked, so I always try to help out when I can with photos, etc. I have also done stats or worked with the PA if someone doesn't show up or is late.

4) I don't "act a fool" on press row...I take it very seriously...and you always have to stay neutral (sometimes I literally sit on my hands to make sure I don't clap, or fist pump, on a good play) :)

and finally 5) I try to stay out of the way of people who are "doing it for a living". Like in the press conferences, I usually don't ask many questions (they all get asked sooner or later...mom always said you learn more when you listen anyway) unless I have something I feel is important that no one else has picked up on.

I get along well with the Times-Free Press writers and the 3 network stations that cover the team...I think they appreciate the fact that I know they have to get their story in on deadline, so I do not get in the way by asking goofy questions.

The worst thing you can do is annoy the traditional press...if they complain to the SID or AD, you can see your credentials get yanked pretty quickly. I try to be a compliment to the T-FP, not a competitor. I have things that I know about and will sit on because they will be in paper the next day...and sometimes I will get something first and I always make sure to give a friend at the TFP the "heads up"...because of this, the T-FP also shares stuff with me and the sports editor lets me reprint all their stories on mocfans (which is cool because the full edition of the T-FP is a pay site). Honestly, the reporters like seeing the stuff on their to see what kind of feedback they get.

oh, and 6) I ALWAYS make sure to write a heartfelt thank note to the SID staff at the end of each season, I know they don't have to include me, so I make sure they know it is appreciated.