While the WPS mulls over the idea of requiring players to twitter while at games this season, they are definitley saying it will happen on its March 29 inaugural game.
I have always been the biggest advocate for WPS but this decision is wrong.
I really hope, for the league's sake, Twitter stays off the field after March 29.
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Dear Flynn:
ReplyDeleteRead your latest blog post re: Twitter and it merits comment. I can't imagine ANY scenario that there would be a WPS REQUIREMENT that players twitter. Ridiculous. The game must be respected, and players' attention to it. Day of game doesn't necessarily mean from the field and people shouldn't jump to that conclusion right away.
But what about pregame/halftime/postgame? That could be very interesting, and certainly less invasive. Let's also consider which players would possibly be doing this (albeit voluntarily) For the home team, there will be players on the bench who can't be subbed in since a team can only designate 18 players as eligible to play. So if a team has, say, an injured player on the bench or a developmental player on the bench (something that coaches probably want), a team could (voluntarily) designate such a player to tweet on behalf of the team. That's entirely doable and at the same time non-invasive to the technical aspects of the game.
I think the League is simply recognizing that Twitter is something that fans love, and it is definitely worth exploring how to include fans in the WPS experience in a meaningful way. I imagine.
Keep up the great coverage!
Anonymous- Thanks for reading!
ReplyDeleteFirst let me say (after taking my foot out of my mouth)'required' was not the word I should have used. WPS would never demand its players to do anything.
I do agree that Twitter is a great thing, and something fans (including myself) love. Just today Boston was twittering about its Florida scrimmage. Loved it! Sending realtime scores and stats is something every team should do. Twitter is a great tool and I applaud WPS for exploring its uses. As I've mentioned, I think they've done incredibly well in setting the standard for pro sports and social media.
As far as jumping to conclusions - Here is the WPS tweets from yesterday regarding the matter.
"Thanks 4 responses. We're discussing parameters re players tweeting. Agreed integrity of the game needs to be respected. Stay tuned."
11:48 AM Mar 20th from web
"WPS is considering having some players tweet during games this season from the sidelines...under discussion at the league level. Thoughts?"
11:40 PM Mar 19th from web
I at no point thought, or said, the starters would have a phone attached to their hands as they ran around the field. However, I did take what WPS said literally and presented my opinion on that proposed experience (players tweeting during games from the sideline).
I think whether you're a starter, a sub or a developmental player once the whistle blows you focus on the game and the game alone. Because of injury, I've spent my fair share of time on the sideline, and even on crutches my coaches demanded 100% focus on the game and the team. (as they should)
I have no problem with an online Twitter correspondent being present pregame or at halftime to tweet a players thoughts (somewhat like a halftime interview), but honestly the image of any rostered player with a cell in their hand during gametime really rubs me the wrong way.
As for postgame - I think that's a great time (if not the perfect time) for players to talk to their fans. And for the record postgame to me, is not what most would think when they read, "during games..from the sideline"
I know WPS will protect and respect the game. It is the greatest league around, and one I will always back. However, in wanting the league to succeed, I feel obligated (as a mktg professional and a fan) to praise them on its successes and give my opinion when I think a misstep is being made.
In closing I leave you with this quote: "Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should."
Thanks for your comments. I love hearing what readers have to say, and really appreciate you giving me your two-sense.