I'm not anti but admit to a whole load of cynicism! For me the big difference isn't hearing it's the seeing ... if he follows through then all credit to the bloke and I'll eat a bit of humble pie. If this is just an extended PR exercise then it doesn't tick my box!!
Bi-monthly open-to-all fans' forum with Paul Barber in Dick's bar - good idea or not?
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I'm not anti but admit to a whole load of cynicism! For me the big difference isn't hearing it's the seeing ... if he follows through then all credit to the bloke and I'll eat a bit of humble pie. If this is just an extended PR exercise then it doesn't tick my box!!
Isn't that the whole point of making it regular... you can then follow up on progress / promises etc...
Having said that, I doubt that many would go, as most things seem to be working pretty well and the club seem to be well aware of the challenges and opportunities.
blockhseagull
Well-known member
In theory it's a good idea, however you've only got to listen to some of the questions that get rolled out at the pre season fans forum to realise it isn't worth Barbers time to answer some of the pointless questions he is likely to get.
Would a better suggestion not be for Barber to have a regular Q&A with someone who can actually ask sensible questions that have been asked by the fans, rather like the email interviews @waltjabsco did
Would a better suggestion not be for Barber to have a regular Q&A with someone who can actually ask sensible questions that have been asked by the fans, rather like the email interviews @waltjabsco did
Mackenzie
Old Brightonian
Good idea....BUT he's only allowed to answer any question with a YES or NO.
That'll **** him right up.
Edit: oh and a FFP swear tin, lets say a tenner in the pot every time he mentions it.
That'll **** him right up.
Edit: oh and a FFP swear tin, lets say a tenner in the pot every time he mentions it.
Beach Hut
Brighton Bhuna Boy
Not really a good idea as all it will be is about FFP and the usual rubbish about not enough pie sales etc therefore you will not get better players.
Not sure what is the right way to be honest as previously there was just drip fed drivel to the chosen few to spread the word.
Not sure what is the right way to be honest as previously there was just drip fed drivel to the chosen few to spread the word.
Tricky Dicky
New member
I'm all for questioning the club and holding them to account for their actions - nobody should just accept everything verbatim, but this is an opportunty to do just that. I agree with others that some questions people would want to put are simply ridiculous, but you have to ttake the rough with the smooth or else someone is moderating the interaction.
hoveboyslim
Well-known member
I'm interested to know exactly what you mean by this? There is a level of accountability in the fact he is open to regular forum meetings, other than that how exactly is he to be made accountable? Additionally I'm not sure how you can have an agreed set of outcomes when you don't know what the questions/requests/demands are.
The Wizard
Well-known member
- Jul 2, 2009
- 18,401
Good idea. Am I the only one who doesn't understand the stick Barber gets? Yes he had made a few changes people don't like but at the end of the day(cliche I know) he is paid to do a job, it's not his fault that he has to make changes that the fans don't like. Never understood the animosity towards him. Paul Barber was basically hired by Tony Bloom to take the stick for the changes that Bloom probably knew had to be made for us to be successful in the long run. Not a criticism of Bloom but that's why he hired Barber.
SeagullSongs
And it's all gone quiet..
Blue Valkyrie
Not seen such Bravery!
Some Canadian wrote an article criticising Barber's time at Vancouver. Coupled with the axing of Gully's girls, and the anti Barber agenda was born.
As TD says there will be a whole lot of unreasonable requests/demands which just need to be batted bat and I think PB does a pretty good job of that. Then again there will be (I'd hope) some useful stuff coming out that could/would improve the experience for all of us without negatively impacting on the financial objectives of the club.
So PB can reject a number of ideas but those he says he'll take forward is something he should then do, and keep the meeting updated on progress. I'd even go as far as having someone taking a few notes!! It's regularly used in business, an organisation meets with "customers" gets their feedback and takes that input to improve products and service, as well as dismissing loads because it's not commercially viable.
My point is, that if this is just to be an audience with PB, air a few grievances and all go home then it's been an opportunity missed. Unfortunately I think that's where it might go but I hope it goes ahead and I'm proven wrong
The more I think about it, the more this seems like a vanity project.
One which PB can hardly say 'stick it up your arse', should he be approached.
Collating what's been said, we have access to PB through:-
- Programme notes, free on NSC.
- The media, Seagull Player, Argus etc.
- All the supporters groups meetings from London down, independently reported on.
- His email address, which to my knowledge has never failed to gain a response, of some kind.
Is one more meeting actually needed?
There'll come a time when PB is being moaned at for not doing any work, because he's stuck in a bloody meeting.
One which PB can hardly say 'stick it up your arse', should he be approached.
Collating what's been said, we have access to PB through:-
- Programme notes, free on NSC.
- The media, Seagull Player, Argus etc.
- All the supporters groups meetings from London down, independently reported on.
- His email address, which to my knowledge has never failed to gain a response, of some kind.
Is one more meeting actually needed?
There'll come a time when PB is being moaned at for not doing any work, because he's stuck in a bloody meeting.
Billy the Fish
Technocrat
Good idea in principle but it's got potential to do more harm than good, I think any questions need to be policed properly so you don't get one of two situations happening - 1st is the usual sycophantic arse kissers that you get at fans forums.
2nd are the terminal whingers on here who will keep bleating about trivial things or their own personal greviences that the MD of a company shouldn't be concerned with.
2nd are the terminal whingers on here who will keep bleating about trivial things or their own personal greviences that the MD of a company shouldn't be concerned with.
Mellor 3 Ward 4
Well-known member
I maintain its an excellent idea.
Why would anyone not want to question and query the guy who is of all intents and purposes running OUR club?
Why would anyone not want to question and query the guy who is of all intents and purposes running OUR club?