If you believe the sales pitch the Big Ten is spreading, there isn't a person walking the planet who doesn't want the Big Ten Network. And if you believe the spin the recently created site Putting Fans First is putting on the network, then the Big Ten is out to reach into every consumer's wallet.While there is a stitch of truth to each argument, we have to ask: Who is behind Putting Fans First? A close look shows that the site acknowledges receiving corporate support from Comcast, which has been involved in a heated dispute with the league over the network. In other words, Putting Fans First appears to be the work of cable companies.
Regardless, this is where we stand at the moment: The Big Ten continues to pressure cable companies (through die-hard and numerous idiot fans and the lapdog press) to carry its network on the basic level of service. This would result in all customers being charged for the network, even those who don't give a hoot about the Big Ten. It would create a money gravy train for the league because every consumer gets charged. Evil stuff, but thankfully, this plan has failed.
Nonetheless, there are fans who want the network, and here is what should be done to make everybody happy in this 11th hour: Put the network on a premium level, allowing those fans who wish to subscribe to the network to shoulder the financial burden. This way, even if your neighbor doesn't want the channel, you can still get it by paying a few extra bucks. Sounds fair enough, doesn't it?
OK, boys, now is the time to get this settled. If you really want to put fans first, you'll do the right thing. It's that easy.
Thanks to the Midwest Correspondent.
5 comments:
Note that puttingfansfirst.org has admitted that "we currently receive corporate support from Comcast." The site was registered on 06/27/07 and has their information hidden by a registrar proxy service. Given the appearance of the site and the admission of corporate support from Comcast - I hypothesize that it is indeed run by Comcast or at least a cable company interest group.
Given that, I do not completely disagree with what they are trying to get across despite the fact that I am a Big Ten school alumni and fan. I want to be able to watch the games (I have Comcast) so I just want a deal done - but the squabbling from both sides (neither of which are in the right) prevent me from even having a choice to purchase it.
If its run by Comcast, someone needs to realize that there is no "University of Ohio" rather it is "Ohio University".
Ridiculous.
"Put the network on a premium level, allowing those fans who wish to subscribe to the network to shoulder the financial burden."
Every cable customer in America is paying for channels they don't want or watch. Why is this any different?
The war heats up between BTN and Comast. For the 2nd week in a row now BTN is keeping Northwestern, Michigan and Indiana football games on it's own network and away from Comcast subscribers in Chicago. Fans in Chicago are the true loosers in this battle. Initially I blamed Comcast for not wanting to pay for the programming but now I side 100% with Comcast and blame the greed of the Big Ten.
I have been paying Comcast for over 20 Spanish channels as part of my basic package - and I don't speak or understand Spanish. I would assume that Comcast has the technology to let individual subscribers choose their own packages. However, they won't even consider doing that. Doesn't seem fair that I can pay for Spanish and not get sports. But, the, I guess life's not fair.
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