Islanders "Blog Box"

As reported over at Off Wing Opinion, the Islanders have announced a new policy that will give bloggers access to the press box, sorta.  The team is setting up something it calls the NYI Blog Box.

We will provide you with a media pass for a few games next season and a seat in the NYI BLOG BOX. You will also receive your own set of Game Notes when you enter the Coliseum Press Gate. All you have to do is bring your note pad and/or voice recorder and cheer as loudly as you want. After the game you attend, we will set up an area where you can toss a few questions at a coach or players, based on your requests and their availability.

As a blogger I guess this is a good thing, but the Islanders have gone to great lengths to ensure that bloggers are kept as far as possible from "establishment" (PHWA) journalists.  Underlying the policy, is a concern that bloggers are a bunch of hometown-jersey-wearing, cheer-leading dweebs looking for a free ticket and a bellyful of press box hot dogs.  Reading the credentialed local scribes in Ottawa, it is apparent that the majority of them could be described as fans or at least supporters of the Senators.  I am sure the same is true in every other NHL town.  Presumably these writers curb their enthusiasm in the press box - bloggers obviously could and would do the same. 

The Isles deserve some credit for developing a novel approach to bloggers & it is reasonable to expect that new Islander blogs will spring up in response to the policy.  It appears, however, that the Isles are only interested in pure fan blogs.  The team says bloggers granted access to the Blog Box will be "in control" and only ask that they act respectfully and "keep all critiques in good taste."  This will be easier now that the Isles have parted ways with Alexei Yashin. 

It will be interesting to see what happens to the first inhabitant of the "Blog Box" who rips into GM Garth Snow. Will any criticism be deemed "bad taste?" 

Off Wing's Eric McErlain was given unfettered access to Caps games this season and the world did not end.  The Capitals clearly "get it" when it comes to bloggers and new media.  The Isles have at least opened the door a crack for bloggers, but most teams, and the league itself, continues to shut out bloggers and anyone else outside the exclusive club known as the PHWA. This is a flawed approach for a league that is struggling to generate media interest and coverage.

Comments

[CW]

So when are you going to ask the Sens to extend similar rights to Ottawa based bloggers - i better start one up...

[The Dark Ranger]

They are providing this unique service of offering tickets to bloggers because they have MANY tickets available. The arena has been half-full last season (and previous season) and they are taking a viral, more 'for the people' approach to marketing those empty seats.

You wouldn't see this at The garden...

tdr

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