Of course you doThe Jackal wrote: ↑Wed Aug 14, 2019 9:35 pmOh, I still think what Mercer was doing a few years ago was ridiculous and differs starkly from what Furman does.FUBeAR wrote: ↑Wed Aug 14, 2019 5:51 pmI agree with everything you said here.The Jackal wrote: ↑Wed Aug 14, 2019 7:33 amWe are coming out of a dark period in this program's history. I think Furman football lost a lot of fans over the last 10 years and really never connected with an entire generation of young graduates.
It was almost three years ago, October 1, 2016, that just about did me in with Furman football. At half time against Kennesaw State Furman was losing 49-14 at home (and, frankly, we were lucky it was even that close). That was the nadir of years of uninspired play, weak recruiting, our facilities were to the point of being condemned, rivals leaving the conference, and staring at a very bleak future.
What exactly was the draw of Furman football beyond allegiance to the alma mater?
Perhaps this new era will bring folks back. Small programs have inherent challenges with generating fans - access being paramount. We aren't Monday Night Football.
We are doing a much better job of fan engagement. The product is better. Putting interviews and videos on the web are critical to keeping loyal fans to a small program engaged with what is happening on the ground. Those fans stay invested, they come to the games, they support the Paladin Club.
In my opinion, Furman seemed to operate for a long time like name recognition alone was going to amount to relevance. It won't. College football is saturated with programs. There are peer-like institutions now in the conference were 15-20 years ago, there really weren't any. You've got to have something to sell, and sell it hard.
Seem to remember though, a few years back, when a start-up program came out of the gate selling & marketing hard with videos on the web & efforts at fan engagement, you found it ‘somewhat undignified.’
I’m glad to see you (and Furman Football / Athletics) have updated your (their) thinking on the topic.
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers,
For he today who sheds his blood with me shall be my brother
For he today who sheds his blood with me shall be my brother