On Friday the Mets Sandy Alderson held a blogger only conference call and today they held a webcast to answer fans queries with the promise of more of these events to come.
This is a continued effort of reaching out to the blogosphere that started a few years back when the Mets made Matt Cerrone’s Mets Blog the official blog of the New York Mets and has grown to having bloggers invited to on field events and functions at Citi Fields.
Today Andy Martino in a post had this to say regarding the Mets efforts to reach out to the blogosphere.
“The Mets are wise to cultivate new communication strategies. The team is clearly aware of the same PR trends that have led President Obama to post YouTube videos and speak directly to the public, rather than always do so through the news media.”
I have to agree with him on this. The Mets would be smart to take advantage of social media tools and speak directly to the public. It is what Martino says next that is of interest. He says,
“Fine. But you, the intelligent consumers of Mets information, know the difference between this and real news.” and “…The Mets should be forward-thinking in the use of their official website. We’re just saying that it is what it is.”
“Real news”? “It is what it is”? So if Alderson tells a blogger his views as he heads into the A.S.B. it is not real news? Also “it is” what exactly? Forgive me if this looks like nothing more than a man looking over his shoulder worried that maybe the internet which has already cut into the newspaper business continues to carve into it by possibly one day cutting the middle man out and allowing MLB teams to more directly speak to it’s fanbase.
Then to add to this to suggest that the bloggers phone conf will force bloggers to question their ethics he admits that media types like himself suffer with what and how they report things is affected due to being ethically challenged at losing access depending on what they criticize.
“By dialing into that call, bloggers stepped into the same ethically murky conflict of access vs. the ability to criticize that we MSM types face every minute.”
Which in the end begs the question. If he already says its not news and it is what it is (whatever it means) regarding the Mets reaching out to the blogosphere why is it even relevant to bring up that bloggers will have to question their ethics?
Sounds to me more like Andy Martino needs to reexamine what really led to him making his comments.
62 comments
Ceetar
12/13/2010-2:53pm at 2:53 pm (UTC -4)
Hey, at least he’s examining them! (he wrote a followup where he answered some of my response to him btw)
Some guys are standing on the train tracks of social media and don’t hear the train honking at them.
Mr North Jersey
12/13/2010-2:55pm at 2:55 pm (UTC -4)
Yea I just was reading that also Ceetar. Nice lil plug for you congrats dude. =)
Ceetar
12/13/2010-2:54pm at 2:54 pm (UTC -4)
Also, disappointed that i can’t get to Flushing tomorrow for the christmas party. It’ll actually be the first event that the bloggers and media guys are right there together. I wonder if it’s gonna be likea HS dance with bloggers on one side and newspaper folk on the other?
rustyjr
12/13/2010-3:02pm at 3:02 pm (UTC -4)
Same here- but it seems like we are being embraced by the pr dept
Mr North Jersey
12/13/2010-2:54pm at 2:54 pm (UTC -4)
Ceetar gets a plug.
“Michael Donato, who runs ceetar.com and participated in the Alderson conference call, later sent these thoughts (excerpted from a longer email):
Some of the blogs represented have had some very nasty things to say about the Mets in the past, and even recently, yet were still represented. I imagine there is a line that can be crossed, but that’s true of roughly every profession or situation. If a blogger/reporter can’t present their case, negative or positive, with fair and reasoned arguments I’m not sure they have much business writing, never mind having increased access.
The biggest difference is that we’re going to remain fans. Maybe one or two ultimately dream of covering sports in some format, but being passionate is what led me to blog in the first place, and I can’t imagine ever wanting to silently sit in the press box for instance, instead of being in the stands screaming and yelling. Certainly not for the off-chance of getting to ask Chris Carter a question. And given how many of you traditional media guys are out there, there isn’t really much to ask that hasn’t already been, or will be, covered.
I think the biggest thing here, as you pointed out, is from the Mets standpoint. We’ve had examples of where they’re bringing up points and ideas that have been mentioned in blogs without prompting, suggesting they’re reading what’s out there and more than just the dozen or so of us they’ve contacted. It’s that connection, the understanding what we’re really thinking about and talking about, and what we really want out of the experience of following the Mets, that’s really benefiting. And it’s something that maybe the beat writers should take note of. (not saying you don’t) What are we reading and writing about that maybe you’re not aware of?”
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/mets/2010/12/the-mailbag-you-respond-on-met.html
metsfan4decades
12/13/2010-3:23pm at 3:23 pm (UTC -4)
Nice…
wannybackstra
12/13/2010-2:59pm at 2:59 pm (UTC -4)
I didn’t get the sense that Martino said what you think he said.
But in any event, it seems to me blogs generally re-report or comment on reported news. Most are just discussions or avenues for speculation.
I’m not aware of any Mets related blog that actually breaks news and certainly none that has any rules, regulations or protocols for fact checking, sourcing and reliability (let alone the actual sources) to really report news.
I certainly don’t view this site as a news source.
Ceetar
12/13/2010-3:04pm at 3:04 pm (UTC -4)
It’s more than ‘breaking’ news though. It’s discussing the merits of what’s being done, and strategy and players. There was more worth reading in blogs about the Rule 5 guys, including here, than in most of the papers/media.
wannybackstra
12/13/2010-3:06pm at 3:06 pm (UTC -4)
That’s a matter of opinion.
But that’s not news. That’s discussion.
Ceetar
12/13/2010-3:07pm at 3:07 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t think Martino, or Rubin, or whoever, view their job as some sort of Mets news ticker though. Maybe guys like Heyman view themselves mainly as ‘reporters’ ferretting out leaks and news, but the ‘writers’ value the analysis of it.
wannybackstra
12/13/2010-3:16pm at 3:16 pm (UTC -4)
And they follow a controlled process in performing their analyses. Processes that are sup[posed to achieve reliability and credibility. Blogs have no such ethical requirements. Plus, they utilize sources that most, if not all, bloggers have no access to.
I hardly define anything I see on this site, while it may be interesting, as news. It’s commentary. Analysis. And it is certainly not put through the rigors of a true editorial process. Most of it would not be published if it was.
wannybackstra
12/13/2010-3:12pm at 3:12 pm (UTC -4)
In any event, I think Martino was saying that the Mets control over the content of these events is what is not “newsworthy.”
Mr North Jersey
12/13/2010-3:18pm at 3:18 pm (UTC -4)
the Mets have the same control over those events as they do with the beat guys so I guess that means when the Mets hold a press conf to announce something that is not newsworthy either.
The Mets don’t have to answer any questions they choose not to that is the same in the blogger conf as in with the media that someone sees the mets as somehow having more control in one than the other is what is amusing to me.
wannybackstra
12/13/2010-3:21pm at 3:21 pm (UTC -4)
They don;t have to answer the questions. But the press operate in a forum where they can ask whatever they want.
Contrary, the fans forum produced only approved questions.
Mr North Jersey
12/13/2010-3:39pm at 3:39 pm (UTC -4)
on the phone? wrong
Mr North Jersey
12/13/2010-3:41pm at 3:41 pm (UTC -4)
the fans were free to ask whatever they anted on the phone conf and as far as the webcast I cant say for that since that was open to anyone at all.
wannybackstra
12/13/2010-3:59pm at 3:59 pm (UTC -4)
“The questions in the video chat were obviously selected by people who work for the Mets, which is quite different from a session with journalists.”
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/mets/2010/12/coaches-and-also-social-media.html#ixzz181m1WT7v
Anyway, do you really think a blog should qualify as a news source merely because they had an opportunity to ask someone a question?
Again, news is about a process.
Mr North Jersey
12/13/2010-4:07pm at 4:07 pm (UTC -4)
OK well it’s clear we disagree on what we perceive as news.
If after what has been said you feel the way you do then I will agree to disagree rather than continue a discussion that will accomplish nothing.
For the record like i said i cant speak to the webcast my focus was on the Mets attempts to reach out to the blogosphere specifically the past few years.
Ceetar
12/13/2010-3:06pm at 3:06 pm (UTC -4)
The thing being that some people do read Metsblog or this site or other sites more than maybe they read the Daily News. In general, the way information is dessiminated is changing.
If the Mets sign Chris Young, or when it was reported anyway, did you go to one of the mainstream sites to read up on it? Or did you go to a blog, or a stats site, to discuss it and debate what the merits of it are?
kingman 26
12/13/2010-4:27pm at 4:27 pm (UTC -4)
I NEVER read the Post, the Daily News, Newsday, etc, and almost never listen to WFAN, and very rarely watch network news.
I get my Mets “news” from Metsblog, the Ledger, and here, in that order, with a little MLBTR and ESPN thrown in.
Mr North Jersey
12/13/2010-3:09pm at 3:09 pm (UTC -4)
??? ok wanny i officially have no idea what made you think i was suggesting anything to the contrary regarding what you said above.
If it helps I agree with everything you said.
wannybackstra
12/13/2010-3:19pm at 3:19 pm (UTC -4)
I guess I misinterpreted. I thought you were implying that Martino said blogs are not news and then took issue with that statement.
Mr North Jersey
12/13/2010-3:27pm at 3:27 pm (UTC -4)
i did take exception that he said that was said to bloggers is not newsworthy or in his word is not “real news”.
What the hell is real news? something that a paid reporter says?
The fact that Alderson answered what fans asked him is news. What a blogger can’t ask a more relevant question than a media guy? Please..
His comment was a slight at the blogosphere with his it’s not real news and it is what it is stuff.
You may disagree which it seems you do but as far as I am concerned it sounded like a defensive attempt to diminish what is told to us as not much.
wannybackstra
12/13/2010-3:29pm at 3:29 pm (UTC -4)
Having no idea what occurred at this event, what would you have declared as newsworthy from its content?
metsfan4decades
12/13/2010-3:33pm at 3:33 pm (UTC -4)
Reading that transcript (available over on AA), an answer on a question concerning the coaching staff was the first I’ve heard of it there. Sandy said they did have it set and wanted to announce by Fri, but due to administrative issues wasn’t going to be announced until Monday (today).
I would think that was a ‘scoop’ since I hadn’t seen that anywhere else.
wannybackstra
12/13/2010-3:56pm at 3:56 pm (UTC -4)
If it’s news that an announcement of news would be made some other time then so be it.
Congrats to the blogger world for breaking news.
Mr North Jersey
12/13/2010-3:57pm at 3:57 pm (UTC -4)
wow!
Mr North Jersey
12/13/2010-3:36pm at 3:36 pm (UTC -4)
The same thing that I got from watching Kevin B ask him what his plans in the winter meetings were.
Anything that further explains his approach in any Met related decisions is newsworthy.
Maybe you should read what was said instead.
http://www.amazinavenue.com/2010/12/10/1869167/transcript-of-sandy-aldersons-conference-call-with-bloggers
Like everything else you may find these questions non newsworthy the same way you may find something Rubin reports non newsworthy. The point is that while you may not gain anything from these responses someone else may.
kingman 26
12/13/2010-3:10pm at 3:10 pm (UTC -4)
I totally agree Wanny.
The Ledger and Metsblog are where I go for news.
This site is for opinions, speculation, debates, and venting.
rustyjr
12/13/2010-3:18pm at 3:18 pm (UTC -4)
Btw Mack is linking the Paulino story in his am post tomorrow
metsfan4decades
12/13/2010-3:31pm at 3:31 pm (UTC -4)
Read the Martino post and I’m still not sure what he’s trying to say there.
If it was a criticism concerning that blogger phone con the other night, I’m not sure what the criticism is….
Was a rep from TRDMB invited? If yes, who? I didn’t see any questions from this blog on the transcript.
Prismo
12/13/2010-4:15pm at 4:15 pm (UTC -4)
Rusty was invited, couldn’t make it.
metsfan4decades
12/13/2010-4:51pm at 4:51 pm (UTC -4)
Aw…..well maybe next time.
Would be quite a feather in TRDMB’s cap if this site was included in one of the more ‘recognized’ Met blogs as far as that forum is concerned.
rustyjr
12/13/2010-5:17pm at 5:17 pm (UTC -4)
Unfortuately I was mandated at the last minute @ work
kingman 26
12/13/2010-4:54pm at 4:54 pm (UTC -4)
Well, after reading the article, I do largely agree with the sentiment expressed.
On the one hand, yes, I am an example of someone who gets his news largely from Metsblog instead of TV, radio, and newspapers….
I love this site, but it is not news; not ever. It is debate, opinion, and re-reporting news we see elsewhere.
As for the overall quality of blogs, Mr N, I am not going to call out a sister blog, but the site we were at with Stick yesterday is a joke—the “authors” there posted and said things yesterday that were junior high nonsense. I am sure this is also what Martino is referring to.
I love the fact that we don’t publish posts here suggesting the Wilpons step down, criticizing Alderson when he has barely gotten settled in his job, calling us small-market, talking about how clutch Orlando Hudson is, etc. It’s drivel. And makes all blogs look weaker.
The more I check out sister blogs, the more I realize that Cerrone DOES do a great job.
Ceetar
12/13/2010-4:58pm at 4:58 pm (UTC -4)
There are some bad sites there. As I told Martino, there are some authors represented in the “blogger circle” that i think are full of hate and nastiness. But they’re still represented. At least one of which was a more recent addition (and comes weeks after he laments not being included. Which is just one of the ways I’ve noticed the Mets subtly noting waht’s going on beyond even the expanded borders. Interesting tosee if this itsmetsforme guy gets an invite)
kingman 26
12/13/2010-5:02pm at 5:02 pm (UTC -4)
In all seriousness, after checking out some other blogs lately, I feel that this comment community here is unbelievable—no one here EVER calls the Mets small market, goes for the moronic Latino stuff, etc.
I think TRDMB’s commenters are better than many other blogs I have checked out.
metsfan4decades
12/13/2010-5:14pm at 5:14 pm (UTC -4)
Do you know why I like the debates here more than anywhere else?
It’s for the simple reason that you can express an opinion without someone calling you an idiot, taking cheap shots at your family, accusing you of living in your Mom’s basement, or telling you that you’re not ‘a real fan’.
The other that bothers me is over on a site-that-will-not-be-named, where god forbid you express an opinion that’s not based in fact checking first (as in ‘my eyes tell me), or use ellipses to end a sentence………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
kingman 26
12/13/2010-4:59pm at 4:59 pm (UTC -4)
But on the other hand, many “news” sources are simply reporting what comes off the news wire—newspapers all over the country report what the AP has first reported.
So there is a fine line I suppose, as the NY Times certainly has reporters who “break” stories, but its pages also carry AP stories…and newspapers all over the country carry stories which the AP and the NY Times “break.”
So in that regard, Metsblog and TRDMB are certainly “news” sources.
metsfan4decades
12/13/2010-5:00pm at 5:00 pm (UTC -4)
I’ve been reading over all the comments in this post and find it comically ironic that no one names ‘mets.com’ as a place they frequent for Met news – LOL.
I come here first, then routinely check out MLBTR, metsblog for any ‘breaking news’. Then it’s whatever post catches my eye over on sportspyder. I routinely check out AA’s ‘Applesauce’ post of the day too.
Over on metsblog anymore, his posts are almost like SportSpyder itself as he links to everyone and their brother.
Lately, I’m been going to Mets Merized, just for ‘off the wall’ type posts and heated debates going on over there lately. It’s my comic entertainment.
I sporadically check out the Ledger (used to fight with my Dad back in the day over who got to read the sports section of the Star Ledger during baseball season).
I’ll read Rubin’s columns with some regularity too as he does a good job of reporting the facts. It’s his opinions that annoy me.
I also read all of Ted Berg’s sport posts – although they’re mixed in with a variety of subjects (such as his ongoing report on best sandwiches. how does that guy stay in shape eating all those big sandwiches anyway?)
metsfan4decades
12/13/2010-5:05pm at 5:05 pm (UTC -4)
On that note, I see this post of Rusty’s got a link over on metsblog. Very nice.
I have to admit, Cerrone’s new format of linking to all Met stories out there was genius – as far as generating hits at his site goes. If he links to everything, he’s probably thinking there’s no reason for anyone to go directly to any other blog.
metsfan4decades
12/13/2010-5:17pm at 5:17 pm (UTC -4)
I didn’t catch Francesa’s interview with Alderson at 4pm, but am reading some comments on that now.
Did you all see this? Apparently, Murphy told Sandy:
‘Murphy has told him he will make the team, ‘come hell or high water.’
You go, Murph! If determination and enthusiasm translated to talent, Murph would be an MVP.
Mr North Jersey
12/13/2010-5:20pm at 5:20 pm (UTC -4)
Its funny I am listening to alderson say many of the things he said when asked by bloggers but when they asked it was not news now that alderson is saying it to francesa i guess its officially news.
wannybackstra
12/13/2010-5:26pm at 5:26 pm (UTC -4)
Every utterance, blurt, comment or fart is not necessarily news.
Mr North Jersey
12/13/2010-5:28pm at 5:28 pm (UTC -4)
LoL, 2 points for using fart in a sentence.
wannybackstra
12/13/2010-5:32pm at 5:32 pm (UTC -4)
If that fart is released in the White House by the President during a press conference, while shaking hands with Dilma Rousseff — THAT would be a newsworthy fart.
kingman 26
12/13/2010-5:54pm at 5:54 pm (UTC -4)
But would it be equally noteworthy if it happened while shaking hands with Bashir al-Assad?
wannybackstra
12/13/2010-6:11pm at 6:11 pm (UTC -4)
If it occurred in Syria, it would be considered a crime punishable by manual excision of the sphincter muscles followed by stoning.
kingman 26
12/13/2010-7:12pm at 7:12 pm (UTC -4)
Excellent answer!
wannybackstra
12/13/2010-5:29pm at 5:29 pm (UTC -4)
If you want this site to be considered a news organization then you should subject the postings/articles to the same rigors and process that a credentialed news organization is required to undertake.
While a post analyzing statistical trends or historical events or speculative player movement is interesting — and on this site it is often well written — it isn’t necessarily news and i am having trouble figuring out what your anger is toward Martino/me.
Mr North Jersey
12/13/2010-5:34pm at 5:34 pm (UTC -4)
Fair enough wanny I appreciate your thoughts. You already know where I stand so I won’t bore you with repeating myself.
metsfan4decades
12/13/2010-7:41pm at 7:41 pm (UTC -4)
JoseCanseco: Sandy alderson please give me a chance to play first base, even just a tryout.
***************
hahahaha….
rustyjr
12/13/2010-7:47pm at 7:47 pm (UTC -4)
shoot that wasnt a metsblog bump it was a explosion lol
njstuckintx
12/13/2010-9:42pm at 9:42 pm (UTC -4)
I have to say, the polish is starting to wear thin with Mikey McFatty. Actually got to hear the interview today. I buy into what Alderson is selling, but between Fat’s just needling him on the same stuff again and again, and then listening to the callers who got to ask Sandy questions… It’s lucky he’s paid well, cause that was just painful.
Prismo
12/13/2010-10:09pm at 10:09 pm (UTC -4)
Rumors on twitter that Lee is leaning toward the Phillies. Not sure if I believe it, but it’s out there.
oleosmirf
12/13/2010-10:32pm at 10:32 pm (UTC -4)
i dont believe it personally but you never know.
stickguy
12/13/2010-10:38pm at 10:38 pm (UTC -4)
was reading stuff over at MLBTR, and if there is a mystery team, it is probably them. Based on the concept of it being a place he really likes, that would seem to leave out the Angels.
of course, the same reports said they were offering less years, so that is probably a non starter.
Well, the phils have gone win now already, so they might as well push the rest of the chips into the center, down the road be damned!
the wheels are coming off that bus at some point, and a couple of 2009 vintage injuries (met vintage) to the wrong guys, and they could be totally buried for years.
TRS86
12/13/2010-10:49pm at 10:49 pm (UTC -4)
I thought Lee’s comments last year showed he did not leave on great terms?
stickguy
12/13/2010-11:09pm at 11:09 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, there was some back and forth about the phils not making an offer after he said he planned to test FA. But seems he might have gotten over it.
I still don’t expect it to happen, but what the hell, who thought Werth was going to the nats?
stickguy
12/13/2010-11:33pm at 11:33 pm (UTC -4)
in poker terms, the phils are “pot committed” That is, they have so much bet already, that they almost have to throw the last bit into the pot.
they saw howard declining before his extension even kicked in, Utley aging in dog years, and halladay no spring chicken (neither is Oswalt).
they are also depending on selling out every game and generating playoff revenue to turn a profit, since they have pretty well maxed out revenues.
So, with a pretty short window, they could just be trying for one more run before the house of cards collapses.
that, and they don’t expect the offense to be what it used to be either.
stickguy
12/14/2010-12:25am at 12:25 am (UTC -4)
well, looks like we get to find out now.
The karma (injury?) gods have to catch up with the Phils at some point. this would be a good year for them.
and at least if all the debbie downers are right, and the mets are not legit contenders in 2011, it doesn’t make that much of a difference!
stickguy
12/14/2010-12:40am at 12:40 am (UTC -4)
will add something tomorrow, but I am getting embarrassed to be associated this the A holes that seem to be overtaking every Mets related site now. It was bad already, but now that the Phils took out a 2nd mortgage to get lee, the level of moronicness (yes, I know that is not a word) is going through the roof.
it isn’t even fun to be an “out of the closet” Met fan anymore. Just too freaking tiring.
I think I will just go on an internet boycott. I already had enough of MMO and refuse to go there.
At least if I stop spending so much time on mets stuff, I can actually get some of the important tasks I keep putting off done!
Oh, and the Mets are still making the playoffs in 2011. Always figured the WC was a more likely option anyway!
what the hell. Maybe I will just switch and become a fan of my local team, since everyone knows now that they are about to go (at worst) 150-12, a record pace.