(UPDATE: Rockets change stance) Rockets block ClutchFans from training camp

Les is not on anymore. He left just before the break

 

Tell them the Chinese clutch fans are going to ask folks back in China not to visit your site as a protest.

 

can someone post the link to 610 so i can listen in?

 

http://www.radiomat.com/register.php?action=register&station=KILTAM

 

http://www.sportsradio610.com/

 

Just sent it.

 

Seriously. Are they just trying to ruin the offseason for us? Why would you do this to me Rockets management? This hurts almost as much as losing to Dallas last year!

 

Don't just email one, email them all if you can

Contact these local channels. The more emails and phone calls they get the more likely they are to do a story this evening. We know the Rockets don't like bad press so this may help. If we keep emailing the Rockets and only the Rockets they can just sweep it under the rug and not worry about the bad press.

Channel 2 NBC

If you would like to phone in a news tip, call (713) 222-NEWS (222-6397).
The general newsroom phone number is (713) 778-4910.
The newsroom fax number is (713) 771-4930.
If you have a story idea for the Local 2 Troubleshooters, call (713) 223-TIPS (223-8477).

If you want to email them (bottom of the page)
http://www.click2houston.com/contact/index.html

Randy McIlvoy - rmcilvoy@click2houston.com

Channel 11 CBS

E-mail: assignments@khou.com
Phone: 713-521-4398
FAX: 713-520-7763

Channel 13 ABC

(713) 666-0713
News Tip Line is (713) 669-1313
Sports Fax # is (713) 663-4591

If you want to email them (bottom of the page)
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=stationinfo&id=3270641

Fox26 KRIV

Office - (713) 479-2600
Tips - (713) 225-5369

Jonathan Feigen at the Houston Chronicle

jonathan.feigen@chron.com

Rockets

fanear@rocketball.com

 

thanks for the link wakkoman, and nWo34Life.

 

This isn't just a slap against cc.net - this is against every fan that's followed them for years. I've counted on this site to keep me plugged in and follow the Rockets even though I'm now 800 miles away. Without this site, I'd only be getting Vols/Braves updates - I hate them both.

Tad, you've not only alienated the Rockets #1 fan site - and it always will be long after you've been kicked to the curb - but you've alienated your most loyal fans. Did your marketing courses teach you that this was a good thing?

 

I urge all the lurkers, casual visitors, and infrequent posters to send in emails.

Here's my letter:

Dear Rockets organization:

I was extremely disappointed to learn that the Rockets organization has taken action against the ClutchFans.net website. The Rockets organization refused to allow media access for ClutchFans.net, citing unfair competition against the official site.

I am stunned that the organization would be so shortsighted, ignorant, and foolish to start the new NBA season by frustrating and angering a very loyal, supportive, and vocal fan contingent. The fans who frequent the site are a group of fans the organization should seek to cultivate. These are the fans who refused to allow the Rockets to leave Houston, supporting the bid for the new stadium. These are the fans who followed the team during the playoff drought after the Hakeem years. These are the fans who tell their family members, friends and co-workers to go see a Rocket; who take their family member, friends and co-workers to games, and in general provide a free word-of-mouth outlet for everything Rockets related.

There is no doubt that ClutchFans.net is one of the best, if not THE best, NBA fansites available. Instead of rewarding the creators and community of the site for a job well done, the team is punishing the site for simply doing nothing but supporting the Rockets.

There is enough room for Rockets.com and ClutchFans.net to exist. Quite simply, in the past Rockets.com has been a poor choice for news and information on the latest changes and events concerning the team. If Rockets.com is now going to be a more active site, that is great for the fans - the hardcore fans who frequent ClutchFans.net will now have another source of information. In addition, Rockets.com has always been and will continue to be the OFFICIAL site of the Rockets. Fans purposely seek fansites for a different viewpoint on the news and events happening to the team.

Regardless of the arguments for or against the coexistence of both sites, it is still amazing as to why the Rockets organization would take such hardline action against their fans. Ideally, the team should strive to create the most fan-friendly atmosphere in the league. The fans buy the tickets, buy the merchandise, and watch the games on TV. The revenue may not be as much as the corporate sponsorships and the corporate ticket-buyers. But for long-term public relations success, financial success, and, ultimately, success in the NBA and winning a championship, the team needs support of the fans. The die-hard fans who create, maintain, and frequent fansites such as ClutchFans.net are the most necessary and fundamental element of a strong fanbase.

If you win those fans over and continue to support them, they will be your biggest supporters, no matter the status of the team.

If you offend, frustrate, and treat those fans poorly, not only will you lose them but you will have a hell of a time winning them back and rebuilding a strong core fanbase.

I hope the Rockets organization seriously considers changing the decision to ban ClutchFans.net from media day, and if not outright supports ClutchFans.net, at least views the site in a positive manner and gives the fans of the site and the Rockets the respect they deserve.

 

Wow i am ready to rally up and boo anyone responsible for banning this site for joining media day or training camp. This site was responsible for the Rockets being in Houston and a large reason the Rockets have the Toyota Center. I live in New York now but I'm will to take a flight home to Houston to do a rally in front of Toyota Center if need be. There was one brewing up a couple years back when they were about to move away from the city of Houston. I'm ready to get one started again if need be. I'll bring food water whatever is needed. Talk about a stab in the back by the whole Rockets organization. These coaches and players better walk up to the front office and help us out. Clutch and Jeff have given their hearts and Time to help this organization with free publicity. They are now being told that they are either too good to be included in something such as Media Day and Training Camp. If anything the Rockets organization owes this site everything. It is truly appalling that an organization such as the Rockets would ever do such a thing. If it means war against Rockets.com so be it. If it means booing Les Alexander or anyone affiliated with Rockets PR or Media then so be it. I am definitely ready to stand up for this site.

 

Im trying to get on the air right now to talk to them.
Wish me luck, hope I dont sound too stupid.

 

Call this # for the Rockets organization to complain: 713-758-7301

 

This time of year was one of the few times when I do regularly visit the rockets.com website.

OOPS

Not going anymore.

This is beyond insulting to people who deserve far better. It is funny how the player/personnel side of the organization is always talked about as being classy. I still agree with that - the Rockets conduct business properly when dealing with on-the-court concerns. With regards to just about everything else, though, they appear ignorant and childlike.

 

the 610 guys are not going to take a stance against the Rockets on this since 610 is the home of the Rockets radio. i'd take a shot at calling 790 and charlie palillo if you really want your voice heard and some backing on this.

 

Good luck man... Speak from your heart and be true to yourself and you will do just fine.

 

Hell ya they are talking about it

 

HAHAHAHA...
I have cc.net on the laptop, 610 on the radio, and 790 streaming