Zip Watcher Posted February 10, 2012 Report Share Posted February 10, 2012 George Thomas has reached out to see if Zips fans would take him up on the offer to get together and discuss the ABJ coverage, what we like, what we'd like to see, and the coverage in general. This isn't an invitation to attack the ABJ, but a chance to have an open, constructive dialog with the new beat writer. I've been on the road this week with crummy data connections, so I'm slow in posting this. If there's sufficient interest, we can set a time and place to meet with George prior to one of the hoops games. I reitierate that the hope here is for a constructive dialog, not a ranting session. Post here if you're interested. Go Zips! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g-mann17 Posted February 10, 2012 Report Share Posted February 10, 2012 George Thomas has reached out to see if Zips fans would take him up on the offer to get together and discuss the ABJ coverage, what we like, what we'd like to see, and the coverage in general. This isn't an invitation to attack the ABJ, but a chance to have an open, constructive dialog with the new beat writer. I've been on the road this week with crummy data connections, so I'm slow in posting this. If there's sufficient interest, we can set a time and place to meet with George prior to one of the hoops games. I reitierate that the hope here is for a constructive dialog, not a ranting session. Post here if you're interested. Go Zips! Absolutely interested. Just his effort to care what fans want his effort to get information out as fast as possible has changed my original opinion of him being our beat guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MRasor0200 Posted February 10, 2012 Report Share Posted February 10, 2012 I'll be happy to attend and listen, as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue & Gold Posted February 10, 2012 Report Share Posted February 10, 2012 I'd also be interested. I'd like to take the opportunity to shake his hand and thank him for thr good job he's done thus far. (And I'm with you, g-mann, in being less than thrilled when he was named Zips beat writer. But GT, I'm happy to say, has definitely proven me wrong!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Zip Posted February 10, 2012 Report Share Posted February 10, 2012 I would be very interested in being a part of that discussion. As stated above I was leary when he was named the beat writer and it was directly connected comments he's made in the past in other writing capacities. I' have been happy with his coverage of the Zips and look forward to listening and having a dialogue with him about Zips Athletics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave in Green Posted February 10, 2012 Report Share Posted February 10, 2012 Outstanding. I'd like to be there. Maybe George could start the discussion by briefly explaining some of the ABJ rules he has to comply with, i.e.how much space he's given, whether he's directed to write for the average reader vs. sports fanatics, how much his editors make changes in the stories he submits, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Z Posted February 10, 2012 Report Share Posted February 10, 2012 Better late, then never. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zip Watcher Posted February 11, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 11, 2012 Seems like good interest. Next two games are Saturday vs. NIU & Wed vs Miami. What does everyone think about meeting at 5:30 or 6 tomorrow before the NIU game? Next choice would be 5:30 before the Miami game. Fire away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue & Gold Posted February 11, 2012 Report Share Posted February 11, 2012 Due to my youth basketball league, I cannot make the NIU game. But please don't plan around me. If it's before the Miami game I could make it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave in Green Posted February 11, 2012 Report Share Posted February 11, 2012 Saturday would be better for me. But do what's best for the most. Sharing the highlights here afterwards will fill us all in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Zip Posted February 11, 2012 Report Share Posted February 11, 2012 Miami would be better for me as we will be out for the NIU game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GP1 Posted February 11, 2012 Report Share Posted February 11, 2012 This is very unique and interesting. I think I like the idea. Covering a good team has to be much more fulfilling for a journalist than a poor team. He probably thinks to himself, "Holy crap, I get to cover one of the only good sports teams in NE Ohio." A story on KD2.0's philosophy heading down the stretch and into the MAC tournament would be interesting. We already know a lot about the players. I'm not interested in personal stories as much as the direction of the team, success on the court and how they intend to do that. The reason for the "down the stretch" story is it allows the journalist to provide some analysis of a portion of the season in addition to the coverage of each individual game. He can then go to the coach at the end of the season and ask questions about how his plan did or didn't come together (even though we all know it is going to come together)...Did it come together the way you would have thought? What would you do the same? What would you do differently?....That sort of thing. Given the success of the Zips and likely trip to the NCAA tournament again, I would bet this writer has been given some additional space to fill up in the sports section. Interesting stories sell newspapers. Selling newspapers is a good thing when the reason for the sales is the performance of the basketball team for the local University. More than anything, I don't want the local media to be expected to be a cheerleader for the local teams. I want them to do their job and provide good, informative, analytical writing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave in Green Posted February 11, 2012 Report Share Posted February 11, 2012 I don't see a lot of response yet to this thread. Might be better to plan it at least a few days in advance rather than trying to do it today with only a couple of people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GP1 Posted February 11, 2012 Report Share Posted February 11, 2012 It's 2012. We don't need a meeting with a reporter. If he is interested in interacting with the fans, he could register on the site and start a thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zip Watcher Posted February 11, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 11, 2012 Due to weather & the responses. We will do this on Wednesday before the Miami the game. Time confirmation and location details to follow. Go Zips! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Hip Zip Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 Very nice coverage in Sundays Beacon with large headline, color photos and leading story. Good job George !! Buckeyes on page 5 where they belong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue & Gold Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 Very nice coverage in Sundays Beacon with large headline, color photos and leading story. Good job George !! Buckeyes on page 5 where they belong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Zip Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 The Sunday ABJ was exactly what we've all been hoping to see. The hometown paper covering the hometown team in a manner fitting the hometown team. We know they can't cover us the way the Buckeyes get covered by the Dispatch (more writers assigned and not professional sports in town), but they can cover the Zips like a Division 1 college program deserves to be covered. I expect GT to be critical of Akron when it applies and I expect the accolades when it matters too. Gaffney's coverage of iCoach towards the end was great to read...critical and fair. Rasor was still reporting on iCoach like he hadn't lost the team and was quickly losing the fans. We need more of what Gaffney was doing. By the way loved the article on the baseball coach and happy to see something that goes beyond the major sports. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue & Gold Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 The Sunday ABJ was exactly what we've all been hoping to see. The hometown paper covering the hometown team in a manner fitting the hometown team. We know they can't cover us the way the Buckeyes get covered by the Dispatch (more writers assigned and not professional sports in town), but they can cover the Zips like a Division 1 college program deserves to be covered. I expect GT to be critical of Akron when it applies and I expect the accolades when it matters too. Gaffney's coverage of iCoach towards the end was great to read...critical and fair. Rasor was still reporting on iCoach like he hadn't lost the team and was quickly losing the fans. We need more of what Gaffney was doing. By the way loved the article on the baseball coach and happy to see something that goes beyond the major sports. Except for the Aeros, we don't have professional sports in town either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Zip Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 You are welcome to consider Akron not part of NE Ohio the real world still does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue & Gold Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 You are welcome to consider Akron not part of NE Ohio the real world still does. "Northeast Ohio" is not "in town." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxpayer Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 A gameday itinerary/journal might be interesting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgeThomasABJ Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 It's 2012. We don't need a meeting with a reporter. If he is interested in interacting with the fans, he could register on the site and start a thread. That's your choice GP1. I sinerely hope to see a decent amount of people come and express their concerns. As you can see, I am on the board and I have been since December or early January if I'm not mistaken. But despite the fact that it's 2012, if I"m going to listen and open a dialogue with fans, I prefer it to be face-to-face. You cannot hear tone on a message board post, nor can you judge sincerity. In short, I'll be happy to answer questions and interact with those who are interested in doing so in a courteous, non-confrontational way. If you won't be there, I'll consider it a loss. George Thomas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zippy5 Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 GP1 is from South Carolina now, I believe that's why he suggested that, not to be rude. Or maybe both Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDZip Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 That's your choice GP1. I sinerely hope to see a decent amount of people come and express their concerns. As you can see, I am on the board and I have been since December or early January if I'm not mistaken. But despite the fact that it's 2012, if I"m going to listen and open a dialogue with fans, I prefer it to be face-to-face. You cannot hear tone on a message board post, nor can you judge sincerity. In short, I'll be happy to answer questions and interact with those who are interested in doing so in a courteous, non-confrontational way. If you won't be there, I'll consider it a loss. George Thomas C'mon George, he said he wanted you to start a thread. I think it's great to have interaction with fans, after all that's your audience. I'm sure you've seen that some people were not thrilled when you got the job, but I hope you also see that people have been very pleased with what you have done lately. Welcome and I wish I did not live 300 miles away so I could attend as well. I hope it's a great session. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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