At least the home page seems to be. Why can't we get a media rep at the practices and the games like the traditional media outlets. Clutch, what about working on getting a reporter for this website? Is there any creative way of presenting something to the Rockets? Have any other fan websites tried to get some to cover the team as a media rep? I bet if ESPN sent a reporter for the web site they would get media credentials. Anyone like the idea of getting a Clutchfans reporter for the Rockets? Anyway to do something legit? This website has established itself as a viable media outlet.
Giving ClutchFans media credentials would then further show how much better this site is than Rockets.com. I dont think they want that. The only value added Rockets.com has is their inside track to the team. Give ClutchFans that inside track via media credentials and then Rockets.com looks worse than it is.
I think Rockets.com has a much broader scope than a fan site. I do believe getting more coverage here would be a win-win If we had a reporter to interact with we would salivate. The thing that Del Harris did for Trader Dan was so cool. Why not have a person who understood the fans here on the BBS and could properly represent David (clutch) attend practice and games. We don't get enough local coverage through the Chron, Radio 610 and the TV.
Damn straight! I want to know Yao's favorite cereal... Juwon Howard's fondest Christmas memory... What Charlie Ward uses to polish his Heisman! Seriously, how much more coverage can we get? You can't stick a blurb on the Rockets anywhere in the world without it popping up on this bbs within hours. Just this summer we had articles from China and Slovenia... and that was during the offseason! I'd say the Rockets giving full access to a fan-run website are slim to none, no matter how well produced and liked it is. They already HAVE a website; if they want improved net coverage they could just make their site better. Covering a sports franchise is also a full-time job. I doubt anyone around here would be able to do it for free unless they're still living in their parents' basement, and I doubt Clutch is ready to shell out a salary.
Clutch used to go to training camp when it was here in Austin, I think he still lives here so being that camp is in Galveston, and Clutch also has a full time job, it may be difficult for him to attend. DD
GREAT IDEA and it never hurts to investigate...ill wait for official word before i give up hope. moderators?
I actually wonder if this would do more harm than good to the "scoop factor" on the site. If Clutch had sanctioned access to the team, wouldn't he be subject to their rules (i.e. no breaking of news before they're ready)? He would be suspected of leaking anything posted on here, even if it was from someone else. seems like being an outside entity allows him to be a little more independent. plus I think we get enough coverage as-is.
Clutch and I own a business together. It is more than full time work and he does not have the time to make it to games. He barely has time to write recaps. Try to realize that journalists get paid full time wages just to cover teams. This site breaks even so Clutch doesn't have the time to dedicate to it the way a typical media outlet does. Second, the NBA does not support fan sites. This isn't to say the Rockets aren't ok with ClutchFans.net. They are. But, the NBA does not recognize fan sites as legitimate media outlets. This site is unique and that has afforded Clutch greater luxuries with going to training camp, etc., but they have cut back more and more on what fan sites are allowed to do because they worry that it will compete with Rockets.com. For example, they do not allow any fan sites, assuming you can get credentials, to take photos or video. Sometimes I wonder if you guys realize how much time it takes just to manage this website. Clutch dedicates hundreds of hours every year to managing, updating and moderating it. Alone, it is more than a full time job. Even with help, it is often too much to handle. Considering that it is provided ad-free and the costs associated with keeping it running are extreme (the Tip Jar basically allows it to break even), it is a testament to Clutch's undying dedication that the site still exists.
How about something this simple- Clutch finds someone who he authorizes to represent the site at a media member- That person is recognized by the team- Gets access to practice/games/press release Same as other media outlets Doesn't have to go to a game or practice, just gets the recognition and the media pass. It's just a thought, it allows the Rockets to feed the beast. (fanatical fans) It allows the site to have more information. The designated reported can just send the reports to Clutch for approval and upload to the site.
I know a few guys that get press passes for Rockets games that run VERY small basketball websites that honestly are of very little benefit marketing wise to the team. I don't want to call them out but I see no reason for Clutchfans not to be able to have access as these other media outlets as you said above. Great idea if Clutch and his crew are interested in really focusing in on stuff like that. But I am sure with how connected Clutch, Jeff, etc. already are into the Rockets organization, that they have not already been offered stuff like this.
Jeff, thanks for the insight. After hearing that, how about getting you guys some help. I live south of Houston, so I guess its just time to make another contribution. Its too bad we couldn't get some press access. Since Clutch has provided us the best venue for Rocket info in the sports world. I don't know of a better site period when it comes to your teams sports coverage. I for one would love to open the website and get a daily training camp update and periodic updates during the season. I know the Astros and Texans are hot right now. I'm a fan. But I love Rockets info. Just can't get enough. Thanks again, hope the tip jar will help make this site possible. I realize it is a labor of love. And a big thanks to Clutch. This is the best place for Rocket fans.
You might be missing the point. Clutch does this on his own because he wants to. He doesn't want this to be a media outlet. It is a fan site first and foremost. Turning it into a media outlet, in many ways, would ruin what is here. Keeping the distance the site has makes it easier to say things the media would NEVER say. Guys in the media know that players and teams read what they write. If they rip a player or a coach, they can expect that player or coach may treat them like crap. Imagine if that kind of objectivity was lost for this site. Part of what is great is the ability to say things are great or that they suck - to have a FAN perspective. Besides, what information could we possibly obtain at a practice or game that isn't already posted on this BBS? Journalists from media outlets around the country and the world visit this site to get their information. The bottom line is that Clutch doesn't want to be a media outlet and none of you guys want that either. The occassional fan "angle" at games or training camp is great when time permits, but that is really all that is realistic. What you think you will get in access you will very likely lose in credibility and objectivity.
Did you not read Jeff's post? The NBA doesn't consider a fan site, which Cluthfans.net it, as a legit media operation. It ain't gonna happen. As much as we all love it and realize how great this site is that isn't going to change the NBA's decision. Can you imagine how many more fan sites would crop up if they knew they could get media credentials and access to the games?
