tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8333008483292170352024-02-08T02:12:12.456-08:00Boycott the RevsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781425537912732430noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833300848329217035.post-84832856226006676042013-02-25T20:00:00.000-08:002013-02-25T20:14:23.264-08:00I can't believe I'm writing this...<br />
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18.35pt;">Three weeks ago, a previously undiagnosed cardiac abnormality
nearly killed me. I needed emergency room doctors at Winchester Hospital
to shock my heart back into a normal rhythm, or I wouldn't be typing this
message today, and my wife and daughters would be without a husband and father.
While I'm better now and slowly starting to deal with my condition, I
don't think I'd be human if I didn't come away from that experience a little
shaken.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">If those doctors hadn't saved my life, I would have been remembered
in part as the guy who tried to convince people not to go to Revolution games.
I’m not sure I like that. If I'm
truly honest with myself, some of the greatest moments of my life have happened
in Section 143. I've made some great friends because I became a fan of
this team. At halftime of a game against D.C. United, I got a call from
the Massachusetts Department of Social Services that informed me they were
placing a 7-month baby girl in the custody of my wife and I - a girl we ended
up adopting a year later. To this day, that same little girl still talks
about getting a high five from Slyde at the Seattle game last year.
Revs fans I only know from the internet sent unsolicited donations to the Scholarship Fund
set up to honor my two brothers after they were killed in a car accident six
and a half years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">While there hadn’t
been much going on publicly with the boycott, behind the scenes, I had actually
pretty busy with “Boycott the Revs” duties. I had saved up to purchase Photoshop and some
web site design software to help create a more professional look and feel (…a
perfectly valid criticism, by the way), and was teaching myself how to use those
tools. I was probably 80% of the way
towards launching a new, revamped, much-improved site with a goal of getting
things up and running before the home opener.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">But after leaving the
hospital, I discovered I didn’t have the appetite for it any more. In fact, I don’t really have the appetite to
boycott at all. It’s a lesson I should
have learned six and a half years ago.
Nothing is guaranteed in life.
Apparently, it took something to happen to me to drive the point
home. Or maybe I just forgot for a while.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I’ve decided to live
my life for myself and my family first.
And part of what I find enjoyable about my life is going to Revolution
games with friends and family. Could I have
boycotted for a few years?
Probably. But when your doctor
says your risk of a severe stroke over the next ten years is roughly ten times
greater than that of the average person, who’s to say you’ve got a few years? A few months ago, a boycott sounded and felt
like the right idea. Now? Well, now I think I’d rather spend my time
and energy creating more memories and friendships than making a point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I’d like to thank all
of those who joined the effort and also offer my sincere apologies. I know how this makes me look. In all honesty, this is not how I envisioned my
involvement ending, and I’m more than a little embarrassed by my somewhat
sudden change of direction. I had the
best of intentions when I started, and whatever problems there were getting
more people to go through with this is completely my fault. I am truly sorry.</span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781425537912732430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833300848329217035.post-14584119130813973152012-11-26T18:10:00.001-08:002012-11-26T18:10:05.659-08:00What can I do to help?First things first... yes, the boycott is officially on.<br />
<br />
Next, my apologies for not updating the site more frequently. Work and my personal life keeps getting in the way. The good news is that I've had something of a revelation in that regard.<br />
<br />
I can't do this by myself. Maybe at the beginning, I thought that I could, but as the last few weeks prove, this can't be a one-man show. I need help - your help.<br />
<br />
What can you do? Let's keep this simple. I'm looking for three things:<br />
<br />
<b>1. Graphic Design help</b>: As the folks at The Drug Is Football pointed out, it's harder to take the concept of a boycott seriously when the website does not appear to have a great deal of time or effort put into it. It's not for lack of effort - trust me. I'm just not real good at graphic design.<br />
<br />
On the bright side, I should be able to move things to http://www.revsboycott.com pretty soon. <br />
<br />
<b>2. "Why I'm boycotting":</b> This week, I'm going to start a special on the site called "Why I'm boycotting". The idea is simple - you're the best boycott advocates I can find. All I can do is tell people why I'm boycotting, but my reasons may not be the same as yours. So, let's let the world know the Revs have lost our business.<br />
<br />
It can be one paragraph, one sentence, or a 3,000-word missive. Doesn't matter to me. I'll put it on the site.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Spread the word:</b> Talk to your friends and tell them why you won't be gong to Revs games any longer. I'll have more about this later in the week with some suggestions on how to bring this up, how to talk to people about the boycott, and how to overcome objections.<br />
<br />
There you go - three simple ways you can help. Please send me an e-mail at revsboycott@gmail.com if you wish to contribute or if you have your own ideas for ways to help.<br />
<br />
Thanks.<br />
<br />
- MikeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781425537912732430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833300848329217035.post-50363223262601643622012-10-14T17:35:00.000-07:002012-10-15T19:09:15.532-07:00Press Release: Frustrated Revolution Fans Set to Boycott Their Own Team<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Contact:
Mike Marshall</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Email:
<a href="mailto:revsboycott@gmail.com">revsboycott@gmail.com</a></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Website:
<a href="http://revsboycott.blogspot.com/">http://revsboycott.blogspot.com</a></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" dir="RTL" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>FRUSTRATED
REVOLUTION FANS SET TO BOYCOTT THEIR OWN TEAM</b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Organization
Urged to Make Changes to Improve On and Off the Pitch</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">BOSTON,
October 14, 2012 / - Boycott the Revs, a fan advocacy group created
with the goal to enact positive changes within the New England
Revolution organization, today announced the launch of a formal
boycott of all Revolution tickets, merchandise and concessions
effective at the end of the 2012 MLS Regular Season in response to
the club’s poor performance in recent years both on and off the
pitch.</span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />The
group is calling on the Revolution organization to enact specific
changes it believes will improve both the on field product and the
overall fan experience. A list of boycott demands were sent to owner
Jonathan Kraft and Team President Brian Bilello last week, and
participants have pledged to end the boycott when all demands have
been satisfied.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Boycott
demands range from the removal of General Manager Michael Burns to
minor changes to Gillette Stadium in order to make the facility more
soccer friendly. A full list of demands can be found at the group’s
web site, <a href="http://revsboycott.blogspot.com/">http://revsboycott.blogspot.com</a>.<br /><br />“I’m
heartbroken that it’s gotten to this point, but we can no longer
financially validate the way the organization conducts its business,”
said Boycott the Revs organizer Mike Marshall. “In the past few
years, the Revolution have been passed by nearly every other club in
MLS both on and off the field. If the Krafts won’t demand
fundamental changes in the way the franchise is run, then we will.”</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The
team currently sits tied for 17<sup>th</sup> place in the 19-team
league, and owns the worst aggregate record in MLS over the past
three seasons. Likewise, the Revs rank 17<sup>th</sup> in MLS in
average attendance.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Boycott
the Revs is a fan advocacy group created in 2012 with the goal to
enact positive changes within the New England Revolution
organization. For more information, visit
<a href="http://revsboycott.blogspot.com/">http://revsboycott.blogspot.com</a>,
follow on Twitter at @revsboycott, or like them on Facebook.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">#
# #</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781425537912732430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833300848329217035.post-59569317610783291492012-10-08T20:28:00.003-07:002012-10-08T20:28:28.204-07:00Help Needed!The most common question I've been asked so far is, "What can I do to help?" I didn't have much of an answer until now.<br />
<br />
This weekend, I'll be sending out a press release to any members of the media that might be interested. To me, that pretty much covers all of the New England Sports Media as well as the national soccer media.<br />
<br />
That's a <i>lot </i>of e-mail addresses. I don't have enough time to gather those e-mail addresses <b>and </b>write the press release. That's where you come in.<br />
<br />
Over the next few days, I'd like to ask anyone who's interested in contributing to spend 15 minutes gathering e-mail addresses for members of the media you think might be interested in spreading the word about the boycott. Post them here, on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boycott-the-Revs/471248372915979" target="_blank">our Facebook page</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/RevsBoycott" target="_blank">on Twitter</a>, or send an e-mail to <a href="mailto:revsboycott@gmail.com">revsboycott@gmail.com</a>.<br />
<br />
This weekend, we'll compile the e-mail addresses, and send out the Press Release.<br />
<br />
Thank you in advance for your assistance and your support.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781425537912732430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833300848329217035.post-60817695269464769052012-10-07T18:29:00.001-07:002012-10-07T18:29:16.581-07:00Letter to Jonathan KraftText of the letter I mailed off to Jonathan Kraft this weekend. Copies of the letter were also sent to Don Garber and Brian Bilello:<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Mr.
Jonathan Kraft</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">1
Patriot Place</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Foxborough,
MA 02035</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">October 6, 2012</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Mr.
Kraft,</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I
represent a group of fans and supporters of the New England
Revolution who are very concerned about the long-term future of the
franchise.<br /><br />Since acquiring the New England Patriots in 1994,
you, your family and the Patriots' management team have committed the
time, effort, resources and passion necessary to build the franchise
into a benchmark, best-practices organization - across all aspects of
operation - in the National Football League... indeed, in all of
major professional sports.<br /><br />After nearly 17 years of Kraft
family stewardship, would you honestly contend that the New England
Revolution franchise represents a benchmark, best-practices
organization - across all aspects of operation - in Major League
Soccer? Can you honestly claim that you, your family and the
Revolution management team have committed the time, effort, resources
and passion necessary to build the organization to such a level?<br /><br />We
believe the answer to all of those questions is a definitive “no”. </span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"></span></i></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">With that in mind, our group feels that we can no long economically
validate the way in which the organization is conducting its
business. It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that <b>at the
end of the 2012 Regular Season, we will no longer purchase any
Revolution tickets, merchandise, concessions, or any other ancillary
goods or services.</b></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Our
boycott will end at such time as the organization takes specific
steps to demonstrate it’s commitment to being one of Major League
Soccer’s premier franchises. To that end, we have outlined several
areas where we feel the organization needs to show marked
improvement:</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-left: 0.58in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Demand
#1: Replace Michael Burns as the club’s General Manager.</b><br />Mr.
Burns is responsible for player acquisition, youth development, and
scouting – all of which are arguably organizational shortcomings.
Since becoming Vice President of Player Personnel in 2008, the club
has compiled a record of 44-68-42, and over the past three seasons,
the team has the worst aggregate record in all of Major League
Soccer. Burns’ tenure has been marked by high profile signings
that didn’t last an entire season, unused roster spots, and a poor
draft record. In short, he has had a major role in the slow decline
of the on-field product.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-left: 0.58in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<ul>
<li><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">We demand that the
Revolution relieve General Manager Michael Burns of his duties
immediately. </span></i>
<br />
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-left: 0.58in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>Demand
#2: Enhance the Quality of Communication Between Ownership and
Fans.</b>Revolution fans have spent much time and energy over the
course of many years trying to resolve issues with the Front Office,
and little ever seems to come of it. We need ownership to demonstrate
that they are engaged and that they care about the club and its
future.</span></i></div>
<ul>
<li><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">We demand that the club
host a forum with fans where a member of ownership discusses the
future of the club and agrees to answer questions from fans. In
addition, we demand that ownership commit to communicate with fans
electronically at least three times per season. </span></i>
<br />
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-left: 0.58in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>Demand
#3: Take steps to make Gillette Stadium more Soccer Friendly.</b>There
is little that is more frustrating to Revolution fans than feeling
like a guest in our own home stadium. We concede that the New England
Patriots are the primary tenant, but that’s no reason to ignore the
existence of the Revolution. If the organization can not provide a
suitable home for the Revolution, they should at least provide a
first-class playing surface. This demand will be dropped should the
organization announce an agreement to build a new stadium.</span></i></div>
<ul>
<li><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">We demand the
installation of box nets and video ad boards such as those found at
numerous other venues around the league. We also demand permanent
Revolution signage inside the stadium that can not be removed or
covered over during other stadium events, and that there be no
visible football lines on the pitch from the beginning of the MLS
Regular Season until the first Patriots preseason home game. </span></i>
<br />
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-left: 0.58in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br />Demand
#4: Improve the relationship between Revolution fans and stadium
security.</b>It is our belief that the the actions of TeamOps
personnel has led to the loss of numerous Revolution fans over the
course of the last eleven seasons. Ownership needs to acknowledge
that Revolution fans have been held to a far stricter standard than
other soccer fans who attend matches at Gillette Stadium, and take
steps to address the inequities.</span></i></div>
<ul>
<li><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">We demand that the club
establish a way in which fans can electronically submit and review
both positive and negative feedback regarding specific TeamOps
personnel. We also demand an explanation from TeamOps executives on
how they conduct employee performance reviews. In addition, TeamOps
executives must disclose any specific training given to employees in
regards to soccer crowds and agree to allow Supporters Groups to
provide feedback on that training. </span></i>
<br />
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-left: 0.58in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.58in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Demand
#5: Enact long standing requests from Revolution supporters.</b><br />Many
Revolution fans feel that our concerns and suggestions fall on deaf
ears. The organization as a whole needs to demonstrate that it is
not taking its loyal fans for granted.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.58in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="page-break-before: always;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">We
demand the club operate a shuttle bus service from an MBTA Commuter
Rail stop to the stadium for every home game for a period of one
year. The service should be advertised on the team’s web site and
on Revolution telecasts. After one year, the team will be free to
make any decision they wish regarding the future of the service.</span></i></div>
</li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">We demand that the
organization work with the club’s Supporters Groups on at least
one large “tifo” display per season.</span></i><br />
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">This
action is forced not out of hatred, but out of love for a club that
has been bypassed by the rest of the league both on and off the
pitch. Your family owns a number of successful enterprises. It’s
hard to believe that you would allow any of those other businesses to
deteriorate to the point where they become a laughing stock
throughout the industry without taking decisive actions.</span></i></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Thank
you in advance for your time and attention. We look forward to not
only hearing your candid and detailed response, but also seeing
concrete evidence of an increased commitment of time, effort,
resources and passion on the part of you, your family and the
Revolution management team.</span> </span></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">If
yourself or anyone from your staff wishes to discuss these issues
with me, please feel free to call me at XXX-XXX-XXXX or e-mail me at
<a href="mailto:revsboycott@gmail.com">revsboycott@gmail.com</a>.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 3.79in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Sincerely,</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 3.79in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 3.79in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 3.79in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 3.79in;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 3.79in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Michael
T. Marshall</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 3.79in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Boycott
the Revs</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 3.79in;">
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781425537912732430noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833300848329217035.post-35118419475091464172012-10-01T05:54:00.004-07:002012-10-01T05:54:47.442-07:00Sign the Petition!<a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/boycott-the-new-england-revolution/" target="_blank">Our petition is now live</a>! <br />
<br />
Be sure to sign it if you plan on joining the boycott. This does little to no good if the organization things this is just me and a couple of my buddies because they won't take us seriously.<br />
<br />
A couple of guidelines before you sign, however.<br />
<br />
<b>1. Do NOT sign the petition if you do not plan on boycotting.</b> We won't be taken seriously if we aren't willing to miss games.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Use your real, full name.</b> Any idiot can add a bunch of fake names to an internet petition to make
it look like there's more people who care than there actually are.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781425537912732430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833300848329217035.post-16921076472209295512012-09-30T19:01:00.003-07:002012-09-30T19:01:33.033-07:00Our PlanIn recent years, Revolution fans have tried to voice our displeasure in numerous ways. We've tried chants. We've sent e-mails. We've worn paper bags on our heads. We've had meetings with the front office. Hell, last year things got so bad, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIcXyZl46AY" target="_blank">we simply walked out on our own team</a>.<br />
<br />
All of that was met with the same general response from the organization: "We feel your pain. We're going to work hard to get things headed in the right direction... you're still coming next week, right?"<br />
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That's the only thing we really haven't tried -- not coming back next week. Or the week after that, or the week after that. We haven't tried not giving them any money until they can prove that they "get it".<br />
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So, that's our plan. Effective at the conclusion of the 2012 season, anyone who wishes to join the boycott will no longer purchase Revolution tickets, merchandise, or concessions until such time as <a href="http://revsboycott.blogspot.com/2012/09/our-demands.html">our demands</a> are met. Simple. To the point. And highly effective if done by enough people.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Beyond that? Well, this is what we've tentatively got planned at the moment:<br />
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<b>October 3rd - </b>We'll be sending a certified letter with our list of demands to the Krafts. We're not sure they'll read it, so we'll also be sending copies directly to Brian Bilello and Don Garber.<br />
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<b>October 10th -</b> "Loud" launch of the boycott. We'll be sending press releases to local media outlets and national soccer media.<br />
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<b>October 20th -</b> Project Green Razor. We're asking anyone who joins the boycott to wear green to the final home game of the season in order to give ownership an idea of the money they'll be losing by not giving in to our demands. More on this to come.<br />
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<b>October 28th -</b> Official beginning of the boycott. Set for the day after the team's final game of the season.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781425537912732430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833300848329217035.post-89661915395310331362012-09-30T18:31:00.001-07:002012-09-30T18:36:53.501-07:00Our Demands<b>Demand #1: Replace Michael Burns as the club’s General Manager.</b><br />
Mr. Burns is responsible for player acquisition, youth development, and scouting – all of which are arguably organizational shortcomings. Since becoming Vice President of Player Personnel in 2008, the club has compiled a record of 44-68-42, and over the past three seasons, the team has the worst aggregate record in all of Major League Soccer. Burns’ tenure has been marked by high profile signings that didn’t last an entire season, unused roster spots, and a poor draft record. In short, he has had a major role in the slow decline of the on-field product.<br />
<ul>
<li>We demand that the Revolution relieve General Manager Michael Burns of his duties immediately. </li>
</ul>
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<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<b>Demand #2: Enhance the Quality of Communication Between Ownership and Fans.</b><br />
Revolution fans have spent much time and energy over the course of many years trying to resolve issues with the Front Office, and little ever seems to come of it. We need ownership to demonstrate that they are engaged and that they care about the club and its future. <br />
<ul>
<li>We demand that the club host a forum with fans where a member of ownership discusses the future of the club and agrees to answer questions from fans. In addition, we demand that ownership commit to communicate with fans electronically at least three times per season. </li>
</ul>
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<b>Demand #3: Take steps to make Gillette Stadium more Soccer Friendly.</b><br />
There is little that is more frustrating to Revolution fans than feeling like a guest in our own home stadium. We concede that the New England Patriots are the primary tenant, but that’s no reason to ignore the existence of the Revolution. If the organization can not provide a suitable home for the Revolution, they should at least provide a first-class playing surface. This demand will be dropped should the organization announce an agreement to build a new stadium. <br />
<ul>
<li>We demand the installation of box nets and video ad boards such as those found at numerous other venues around the league. We also demand permanent Revolution signage inside the stadium that can not be removed or covered over during other stadium events, and that there be no visible football lines on the pitch from the beginning of the MLS Regular Season until the first Patriots preseason home game. </li>
</ul>
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<b>Demand #4: Improve the relationship between Revolution fans and stadium security.</b><br />
It is our belief that the the actions of TeamOps personnel has led to the loss of numerous Revolution fans over the course of the last eleven seasons. Ownership needs to acknowledge that Revolution fans have been held to a far stricter standard than other soccer fans who attend matches at Gillette Stadium, and take steps to address the inequities. <br />
<ul>
<li>We demand that the club establish a way in which fans can electronically submit and review both positive and negative feedback regarding specific TeamOps personnel. We also demand an explanation from TeamOps executives on how they conduct employee performance reviews. In addition, TeamOps executives must disclose any specific training given to employees in regards to soccer crowds and agree to allow Supporters Groups to provide feedback on that training. </li>
</ul>
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<b>Demand #5: Enact several long-term requests from Revolution supporters.</b><br />
Many Revolution fans feel that our concerns and suggestions fall on deaf ears. The organization as a whole needs to demonstrate that it is not taking its loyal fans for granted. <br />
<ul>
<li>We demand the club operate a shuttle bus service from an MBTA Commuter Rail stop to the stadium for every home game for a period of one year. The service should be advertised on the team’s web site and on Revolution telecasts. After one year, the team will be free to make any decision they wish regarding the future of the service. </li>
<li>We demand that the organization work with the club’s Supporters Groups on at least one large “tifo” display per season. </li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781425537912732430noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-833300848329217035.post-76267586448011459762012-08-31T20:18:00.000-07:002012-09-30T18:22:32.263-07:00Why Boycott the Revs?<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I told my wife the other day that I was
thinking about starting a boycott of the Revolution.</div>
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“What? I thought you liked the
Revs,” she replied.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“I don’t like the Revs,” I said.
“I love the Revs. And that’s why I’m boycotting them.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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I think you might have to be a parent
to truly understand that sort of twisted logic. My four-year old
used to scream and cry for attention all the time. Whenever she did
this, I would always run right over to find out what was wrong and to
comfort her. Most of the time, nothing was wrong. She just wanted
attention. As much as I love my daughter, it got old after a while.
I couldn’t even take out the trash or cut the grass without
reducing her to tears.</div>
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<br /></div>
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One day, it finally hit me. I had
unwittingly taught her that if she wants my attention, all she had to
do was cry, and dad would come running over and hug her and take care
of her.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So I stopped doing it. At first, it
was awful. She cried even harder and longer. She yelled and
screamed and told me she hated me. But after a while, she stopped
crying so much. She learned that there were other ways to get mom
and dad’s attention that didn’t involve crying.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Over the past 17 years, what have
Revolution fans taught the organization?<br />
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<a name='more'></a> </div>
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I’d suggest that we’ve taught them
that no matter how far behind the curve they are, no matter how often
we’re mistreated or abused, no matter how little they respect us,
we’ll keep buying tickets and merchandise.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s time to put a stop to it. It’s
time to show ownership that we deserve respect and attention. It's time for ownership to start treating this team as seriously as they treat their other business endeavors.</div>
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But more importantly, it's time for us to let ownership know that the way things are in Foxboro is not acceptable. It's time to stop being an enabler. It's time to stop giving them your money, because frankly, they haven't earned it.</div>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781425537912732430noreply@blogger.com1