Re: Live streaming Workington : Sun Apr 08, 2018 12:21 am  

I_Pitty_Stevo wrote:

No I don’t think it is unconnected, and would I have started the poll? Probably not.

However, Workingtons stance does raise legitimate questions as to whether people think the exposure generated by proper sport is valuable, and as the polls are currently about 80% in favour it suggests people believe it is.

There is very little money in this league, which is suggest is in no small part responsible for there being some very weak teams, as you rightly point out. But how do we remedy this? Surely shunning free exposure, and potential sponsors on the back of it, is not the way forward.

I would suggest the poll results aren't entirely accurate as it's likely to be mainly voted on by Bulls fans backing the club in their current argument.

The argument itself is absolutely valid and is a very legitimate one to question, I totally agree with you. It's just a shame it couldn't have been brought up at a time when the people asking those questions aren't just doing it to try and score points over the people they're arguing with.

Re: Live streaming Workington : Sun Apr 08, 2018 5:52 am  

Just for anyone who's missed Workington's response to Andrew Chalmers

Workington Town wrote:

Club statement regarding Bradford Bulls.



The Workington Town board are surprised and very disappointed to see the statement issued by the Bradford Bulls Chairman this afternoon as it is inaccurate and inflammatory.

We agree that our great sport should be seen by a wider audience so have found it strange over the last couple of weeks that the Bradford club have made very little effort to promote the game, particularly on social media. Two people from the Bradford media team turned up at Derwent Park after a brief telephone discussion with a club volunteer a couple of weeks ago to scope out for filming.. However, since then, we have had no formal written request to allow filming at Derwent Park as per RFL rules. Mid this week we were in contact with Bradford and agreed that there would be no filming. We believe that live streaming for free could have an adverse effect on the attendance and that the request to stream afterwards at 6PM could have a similar effect.

We do not see Bradford Bulls as a cash cow as some Bradford fans are accusing us. Our top price ticket is £15 and we allowed a discount for Bradford fans who purchased ahead of the match. We feel this is a suitable admission price for League 1 rugby. We understand our fans will pay quite a bit more at Odsal. Furthermore, to incite ‘sports fans to express their views openly’ has resulted in many offensive messages to the club on twitter and Facebook which is unnecessary and falls short of the standards we should uphold in our great game

We have been genuinely surprised at the arrogance that some Bradford staff have shown us this week. We were threatened with a bill for the film crew and that Bradford would withhold money from pre match ticket sales. We will not be intimidated by any club and we will not bow to pressure because of a decision that we, as custodians of our club have made in the best interests of our club. Although some Bradford staff were unprofessional we had a frank and friendly conversation with a senior staff member on Friday who understood our decision and we finished the conversation amicably.

We have kept silent until Mr Chalmers' statement this afternoon because we are a club that tries to be professional and dignified at all times. We feel we must now reply to set matters straight as it is apparent that not everyone shares those values. To be called amateurish and selfish is a slur on the many people who give time, effort and financial input to our club.

We look forward to welcoming everyone from Bradford Bulls to our great club tomorrow.

Workington Town

So, basically we're not a cash cow, but live streaming might affect the crowd and Bradford haven't done anything to promote the game against Workington.

Re: Live streaming Workington : Sun Apr 08, 2018 6:18 am  

Why can't the game be shown after 18.00 what is the issue with that

Re: Live streaming Workington : Sun Apr 08, 2018 6:24 am  

I'm with Chalmers all the way on this one.His response is a reaction to how Workington delivered their ban on streaming live and not even allowing a recording.I don't see an argument against the streaming.At cost to the Bulls/Proper Sport,they are trying to give the game a greater exposure and were succeeding,that's got to be a good thing for the game as a whole.One side is trying to expand the watching of Rugby League,the other is trying to stop it.Shame on Workington and their short sighted stance.

Re: Live streaming Workington : Sun Apr 08, 2018 7:14 am  

madasmcmadammcmad2 wrote:

I'm with Chalmers all the way on this one.His response is a reaction to how Workington delivered their ban on streaming live and not even allowing a recording.I don't see an argument against the streaming.At cost to the Bulls/Proper Sport,they are trying to give the game a greater exposure and were succeeding,that's got to be a good thing for the game as a whole.One side is trying to expand the watching of Rugby League,the other is trying to stop it.Shame on Workington and their short sighted stance.

It's that backwards mindset of parochial rugby league clubs and that's why the game is falling behind other sports in this country.

There's no TV deal for teams in this division so any additional exposure for the teams and sport at this level should be encouraged.

Re: Live streaming Workington : Sun Apr 08, 2018 7:55 am  

I can’t see it altering the attendance that much by screening it live, I’m guessing Workington must be in a very poor state if they believe otherwise

Re: Live streaming Workington : Sun Apr 08, 2018 8:30 am  

HamsterChops wrote:

You surely don't think that it was coincidence and it wasn't related to the argument? Those polls came across as quite petty when I saw them.

I'm sure many would feel that the division should be televised/streamed, although personally when I see results like the West Wales Raiders ones, I'm not so sure. I don't think L1 has enough quality outside the top 3 or 4 teams to justify regular TV. But that poll from the Bulls was nothing to do with drumming up support for the division or sport, or sparking debate. It was another little jibe at Workington.

Not at all, the fact its the Bulls is irrelevant. As others have said, the sports in a mess and backwards penny pinching decision like this hold the sport back.

The poll was the most ridiculous thing I've seen. I don't think we've got it right on the statements. Chalmers was clearly angry and maybe should have uses a more "disappointment" tone than anger whereas Workingtons completely fed the "bulls bullying us argument" with social media lapping it up. Many were on our side including nearly every RL journo, but it got lost in the "bulls bullying Workington" social media meltdown lad by mainly Fac fans amd others who missed the point like "it's their stadium they can do what they like" The fact no ones made anything of the fact Workington think we should market THEIR home game says everything.

Re: Live streaming Workington : Sun Apr 08, 2018 8:45 am  

Just a quick question, hope Im not speaking out of turn, but will the match be able to be seen on the Utube in midweek? Still..

Re: Live streaming Workington : Sun Apr 08, 2018 8:48 am  

Maybe we should try and do something when they come to our place, I know it’s probably not going to happen, but try and make it so that they finish up losing money out of there trip to us, say charge the home fans pittance to watch the game, that way rugby league wins by giving some of our fans something back for staying loyal and also broadening the audience of our home support

Re: Live streaming Workington : Sun Apr 08, 2018 8:57 am  

jbyck wrote:

If your real supporters go to the game, Worky are right to say no,.

Its their right to say no and I don't agree with their decision! I also think Chalmers hasn't thought it through and its Bad publicity for the Bulls just when we were "whispering it quietly"

One or two will use it as an excuse not to go but I expect plenty of Bulls fans to be there!