Yep it's a business. And as such you have to be worried about what the consumers are saying. Anyone who has been involved in dealing with consumers has to know the basic rule.
For every person that does raise a concern, how many people have been turned off and walked away without letting you know they were concerned in the first place?
I do find it interesting tho, those that are saying season ticket holder should just put up and shut up seem only able to attack the character of those making the concerns (ie "they're a season ticket holder for all the wrong reasons", "spoiled", "immature", amongst others). There does not seem to be any real basis for a defence of their position.
I'm sorry, I feel I have been a loyal Lions fan for many years and I also hope to be one for many more. I have not allowed distance to hinder that passion and have found ways to "make it work". I don't believe I am a "season ticket holder for all the wrong reasons", as I enjoy the entertainment value of the Lions and have for many years. There is a reason my rec room is covered in Lions memorabilia, I have loved the Lions and the CFL. And because of that passion, I get concerned when I see things starting to go in what I feel is the wrong direction. And because I care about this team, I feel it is important to speak up rather than just quit and leave the team not knowing why.
And from posts on here, I see I am not alone.
That, by itself, should raise a concern to anyone who truly cares for this team.
Much like some people on here criticize the Lions print and video ads, what they offer to season ticket holders has no less impact on their marketting campaign. I find it quite interesting that it is alright to raise concerns over the print ads, but not on how there has been a rise (compared to when I was first a season ticket holder) and then a reduction, but with increased costs, on how season ticket holders are treated.
In both circumstances, we are stating these concerns, complaints or whatever you want to call them, because we care. And because we care, no one is a "season ticket holder for all the wrong reasons". We all want the same thing. The Team to flourish and prosper and bring home Grey Cups. It's just, that because of our differences as individuals, there are different things that hit us differently.
The Lions are in a VERY competitive market for the entertainment dollar. Keep in mind it is the ENTERTAINMENT dollar. For people to spend money on it they have to feel they are getting FULL VALUE for their dollar. Here is an example:
We have a theatre in town here that is older, and has not had any updates. The screen is small so that many of the big blockbuster films actually get cutoff because they don't fit on the screen (Imagine at a movie theater and seeing the line "This film has been modified to fit this screen"). In addition, the movie house has very old speakers and an outdated sound system. They charge the same amount of $$ for a movie shown on it's screen as the big screen theater up the road a bit which has bigger screens, better speakers etc (not newer, just that they chose to update). Now the older theater is quaint and a nice place to watch a flick, but if I am going to spend my $10 on a film I want the full experience. I feel I am not getting the same value for my money as I am getting at the other theater. With the same movie showing, which theater are you going to? Now if no one complains to the theater owner, and everyone just starts going to the other theater, the owner will never know why he went under. Those that want to see the theater remain an option, will complain or voice their concerns to the owner so the owner can see about making the changes to win back, or keep, the customers he has and hopefully even grow the business bigger.
It's great for businesses to know when things are good, but IMHO, it is better for businesses to know what things people are concerned about so they can do something about it. We have seen that the Lions are listening with the "Be a Fan not a Fool" campaign, attempts at shortening lineups at concession (even when that is not their area), they have taken notice of the tailgates as evidenced by them sending people over to it from the Beatty street block party, the link to Lionbackers.com on the website, amongst a host of other things.
Just look at what complaints and concerns have done with regards to the Lions website. I'm sure we can all agree that since posters on here have raised concerns over the state of the website we have seen some pretty drastic and positive results. Also, it was partly because of concerns over the Lions discussion forum that D saw a need for a little project called Lionbackers.com. And that I think we can all say was also a good thing!
Trust me, Bobby and co. like the pat on the back for good things, but Bobby works hard at finding out where the deficiencies are, that's why he's been successful.
Anyhow, I have voiced my concerns. I have noted that there are several others who have the same concerns. The Lions know about it, they have concerns too. I am done with it and will take a wait and see attitude until next year (or rather December). For now I am moving on and getting ready to enjoy some football. Something which I think we can all agree to complain about - the offseason is FAR too long!!
Bring on some football!!