I was reading the Daily Telegraph the other day in relation to the hoo ha over Tigers players expressing their views on Twitter and couldn't help thinking that this was one topic that will be sure to bring on some hard fought debate.
It got me thinking about the role that social networking sites play in relation to our sporting clubs. There is no doubt that they have a huge benefit in promoting sports and are sometimes used unashamedly by some stars to promote other entrepreneurial endeavours they may have. A couple of examples of this are of course Shane Warne with his "Spinners" line of underwear and Russel Crowe with the announcement of the Rabbitohs Star City Casino sponsorship.
Sites like Twitter and Facebook create the perfect medium for our sports codes and for that matter any organisation to engage their audience head on. If conducted in the right way they are able to give themselves a free plug at zero cost. This type of promotion can be invaluable for organisations that wish to raise money for charity, we seen this all too recently with the news of devastating Queensland floods. Social network sites enabled users to discuss the event , share photos and create links so that people could donate money. Personally my first footage of the tragedy was through a link on Twitter.
Not only are these sites free, but they offer users an interactive relationship with their sporting heroes. I've never had the pleasure to meet Wendel Sailor, but I can easily grab my HTC and write him a message and if he's kind enough then he will send me a message back. It's this type of networking that benefits both the clubs and their fans and perhaps that could explain the massive increase in club memberships for the past couple of years.
Going beyond this, Footy Social a product of the social networking universe, allows ordinary people to learn more about their stars and get a glimpse into their private lives.Players offer their photos, what they like to eat, videos on events they have been to and much more. The site also enables players to promote their own wares and all through the use of interactive networks.
This type of technology is changing the way that people interact with one another and it is even spreading to mainstream television. Foxtel offer viewers full HD viewing, T.V. now can be Internet enabled and we can view the state of origin in 3D. We can even view the games from our mobile phone, just in case your out fishing on lake Jindabyne and don't want to miss Billy Slater score a winning try.
As stated in earlier articles the confusion starts when celebrities don't like what is written about them. Don't get me wrong, I'm in no way endorsing the spreading of rumours, especially when it involves family members of the said celebrity, but if you invite people into your lives then you have to unfortunately deal with the not so kind ones that come with it.
Like it or not there is always going to be someone that disagrees with the way that you play the game or how you behave in public. I think in this instance the Tigers need to be careful how they approach this situation, the fans that they condemn on these sites today, could be the same one's that they need to fuel a special event in the future. Although not everyone is engaged with these sites the users of the sites will often talk about what they read around the office or with friends and family.
Maybe before some high profile people write messages, they should think about what they have written before they push send.
Tell us what you think.
Are social network sites a great thing for our sports?
Twitter to me is a way of connecting to people from all walks of life all over the World.Its a Dome that never sleeps.With all types of characters political,sporting,writers,larrikins to name but a few.In the WTs case,apart from from the ubsubstantiated rumour its a storm in a teacup.So what if they muck around abit on there,is having fun a crime these days?Crikeys Im the Ghost of a dead Pollie.In my experience the majority of the people on Twitter like to have a laugh,get their point across and just converse.
ReplyDeleteWhenever a forum such as Twitter is operating they'll always be pros and cons.I think the latter is in the minority.
Yours in spirit @GhostofSirJoh
I agree Sir Joh. I too love social network sites because at the end of the day they are great fun. Being able to connect with people all over the world to discuss our favourite topics is nothing short of amazing.
ReplyDeleteJust think if not for Twitter we wouldn't be able to chat with great people such as yourself.
It would be great to get a couple of celebs on here to tell us how social networking has been beneficial to them.
Troy Young