Your thoughts on this one?

B, and we won!!!!!

 

The Rules knows of what he speaks. I read several of the pieces, and they were quite good, and made it clear up front that they kept their objectivity, which is also good.
Maybe it did affect perception. I don't know. I'm not there, and I didn't deal with any behind-the-scenes pressure they might have dealt with.

 

Consider whether doing this puts those writers in a compromising position.

Example A: Photo of you in team gear shows up on the opponents' fans' web site every time you write anything they don't like.

Example B: Team you cover's coach thinks you "owe" him something for making you an honorary coach and "allowing you" to stand on the sideline (After all, you're working for him in the honorary coach scenario). He reminds you of how good he was to you, and how he gave you team gear, when you write something bad about him or ask him tough questions.

Answer: You're taking a big risk by wearing the gear even if you're doing it as a lark.

 

Amen x 2 there, bro.

rb

 

I would decline if offered. I'm not the story, whether columnist or beat writer. I'm tired of first-person pieces where "I" begins every third sentence. Egotists too in love with themselves do it.

Then again, do we know if they were pressured by the higher ups because it panders to the market? Wouldn't surprise me either, as I've been encouraged just with high school coverage to homer for the readership.

It IS all about the bottom line, you know.

 

You all realize you're talking about a freakin' spring football GAME, right?

Do it, don't do it -- who gives a shit? They toss you a shirt, put it on, don't put it on -- who gives a shit?

Son of a bitch. You're standing on the sidelines for the spring game. You're having a little FUN with your job. Write a goofy column about it, talk about the inside info you got from the experience.

We bitch and moan constantly about parents, players and coaches taking these games too seriously. And here we are doing the same thing.

 

Wait, so we shouldn't do something because a photo may turn up on a fan web site?
Really?
And you don't keep the team gear or you donate it to a charity for one of those auctions.
If the coach thinks he owes you something, tell him you don't.
Lordy, the navel gazing is in full effect.

 

I would rather stand on the sidelines for the spring game to report. I refuse to wear clothes of the school/team that I cover, no exceptions.

 

I'm going to disagree.

There are two types of people who read our stuff: The absolute nutcases who will be pissed one way or the other no matter what we do and the people who are smart enough to figure out why you're wearing what you're wearing, especially if you tell them.

I refuse to allow the first group dictate how I act. Luckily, there are far more people in the second group. They'll be the ones who pick up a paper, read your story/column on "coaching" in the spring game, smile and go on about their day.

 

I've never heard of such a thing, and I tried imagining this happening on my beat and about died from laughter. Wherever this happened, it's nowhere near my paper.

I'd say no to everything, and ain't no way I'm wearing school apparel. Fuck that.

 

Let me ask you this, Dog. And I'm not being an asshole asking it, it's sincere.
Do you think that those in the second group -- especially at this particular school -- might expect more favorable coverage because of this? that subconsciously you've established yourself as a team A man and negative commentary (even deserved) would be turning against your team. Could that be a perception?

 

I think a better idea would be to use my contacts to get free tickets to a hockey game, then take my kid and use my contacts again to get into the locker room so my kid could get free stuff and autographs then write a column about what a thrill it was for him and me.