Oklahoma update

[Darth_VadEER]

You think too lowly of yourself and others. Don't kid yourself, social media is used to influence people all the time:

Schools and probably conferences have hired people to get on message boards and influence thought.

excerpt:
Maryland hired a PR team to spin positive feelings about its B1G move
Last November, when the University of Maryland announced it was jumping from the ACC to the B1G in a move that left us all baffled, the higher ups at the university correctly predicted that decision would not go over well. After 60 years in the ACC, you're bailing on Duke to play Northwestern in basketball? WHAT?


They went as far as to hire a PR firm to leave comments on blogs, newspapers, and message boards to shape a more positive narrative about Maryland's move to the Big Ten. Via the Baltimore Sun:

Texas just caught an A&M fan getting on social media pretending to be a Texas fan and spreading hate messages to UT recruits to chase them off:

User On University Of Texas Online Forum, ShaggyTexas, Exposes Texas A&M Fan For Making Multiple Racist Twitter Accounts Posing As "Texas Fans" And Then Tweeting At Recruits


Maryland's president and ND's AD have commented on this sort of thing--from the Big Ten going ahead more quickly to add the Terrapins to ND backing off publicly that it was joining the BIG 12--

excerpt:
from Washington Post Nov. 26, 2012
U-Md. president: Big Ten move deliberate
Loh said neither he nor the Big Ten ever imposed a deadline, but as information began to leak out about a possible deal in mid-November, he and Big Ten officials decided it was best to forge ahead quickly.


“I believe this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” Loh said. “If we don’t join now, I don’t think Maryland will ever join in my lifetime.”

and this:
Notre Dame shoots down Big 12 rumor

But, no, the Irish will not shift allegiance of other sports to the Big 12 soon, as a report contended could occur by the end of summer.

"I saw that and I thought (Bob) Bowlsby and I should hold hands up there," Swarbrick joked, alluding to the incoming Big 12 commissioner. "I have no idea what prompted that. It is not based on any discussion, any meeting we have done."


So no, I'm not crazy, I'm not thinking too much of myself or any of the other bunk people try to say about me. I come and see people badmouthing WVU or the BIG 12 with lies and I discuss it. I present facts and articles for discussion. That is what message boards are for. You should ask yourself however. If people really believe that what I'm saying has no impact--why do so many hate me, spew vitriol nonstop when I present information that is verifiable, and try to keep everyone from talking with me or reading anything I say? Why is something that has no influence so threatening to these posters--who you do not know and also don't know why they are here?

Also, ask yourself why there are people flooding every BIG 12 board they can get on--from other schools, some pretending to be from BIG 12 schools, and all they do 24/7 is talk trash about the BIG 12, its schools, leaders, schools that want to join, etc. Why would they do that if THEY didn't think they had influence?

I'm not going to apologize or back down from what is right because some want to silence me. If what I say gets to the president of WVU or OU or the commissioner of the BIG 12 great! But that has nothing to do with me--and it doesn't mean I'm going to let others come to boards for the school I support or the conference I support, trash it day and night, try to break it up day and night and not correct the lies and misinformation, or have discussions about these things with rational people not out to flood the board with negativity and lies. If you want to sit back and watch people trash WVU and try to tear up the conference that's on you--don't worry about me.

Silence you from doing what, exactly?

All the articles you post are written by someone else and are publicly available. You're not a person working on the inside of this situation leaking unknown information, so stop pretending you're anything other than a person with too much time on his hands and an unhealthy obsession for a single topic.

 

[Buckaineer]

Anybody reading this ridiculously stupid exchange take note if you will.

Posters-who knows who these people really are-are derailing this thread (amongst the numerous others they've derailed) discussing topics important to the future of WVU athletics-- in order to get you to believe that I (buckaineer) am crazy because I post messages on message boards. Of particular concern to them is that they want to make sure no one thinks these messages have any influence on anyone. I've not said they do, btw.

I ask you to ask yourselves. If my messages on a message board have no influence (and I haven't claimed that I've tried to influence anyone other than those I'm conversing with-they have) then why in the h#!! are these people so intent on derailing threads, and making sure none of you converse with me or read any of what I say?

Think about it.

 

[skygusty]

I thought about it. I think you should keep posting. Eventually people will understand.

 

[Darth_VadEER]

Anybody reading this ridiculously stupid exchange take note if you will.

Posters-who knows who these people really are-are derailing this thread (amongst the numerous others they've derailed) discussing topics important to the future of WVU athletics-- in order to get you to believe that I (buckaineer) am crazy because I post messages on message boards. Of particular concern to them is that they want to make sure no one thinks these messages have any influence on anyone. I've not said they do, btw.

I ask you to ask yourselves. If my messages on a message board have no influence (and I haven't claimed that I've tried to influence anyone other than those I'm conversing with-they have) then why in the h#!! are these people so intent on derailing threads, and making sure none of you converse with me or read any of what I say?

Think about it.

Because you annoy the bejesus (sp?) out of people. It's no more sinister than that.

 

[Boomboom521]

You think too lowly of yourself and others. Don't kid yourself, social media is used to influence people all the time:

Schools and probably conferences have hired people to get on message boards and influence thought.

excerpt:
Maryland hired a PR team to spin positive feelings about its B1G move
Last November, when the University of Maryland announced it was jumping from the ACC to the B1G in a move that left us all baffled, the higher ups at the university correctly predicted that decision would not go over well. After 60 years in the ACC, you're bailing on Duke to play Northwestern in basketball? WHAT?


They went as far as to hire a PR firm to leave comments on blogs, newspapers, and message boards to shape a more positive narrative about Maryland's move to the Big Ten. Via the Baltimore Sun:

Texas just caught an A&M fan getting on social media pretending to be a Texas fan and spreading hate messages to UT recruits to chase them off:

User On University Of Texas Online Forum, ShaggyTexas, Exposes Texas A&M Fan For Making Multiple Racist Twitter Accounts Posing As "Texas Fans" And Then Tweeting At Recruits


Maryland's president and ND's AD have commented on this sort of thing--from the Big Ten going ahead more quickly to add the Terrapins to ND backing off publicly that it was joining the BIG 12--

excerpt:
from Washington Post Nov. 26, 2012
U-Md. president: Big Ten move deliberate
Loh said neither he nor the Big Ten ever imposed a deadline, but as information began to leak out about a possible deal in mid-November, he and Big Ten officials decided it was best to forge ahead quickly.


“I believe this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” Loh said. “If we don’t join now, I don’t think Maryland will ever join in my lifetime.”

and this:
Notre Dame shoots down Big 12 rumor

But, no, the Irish will not shift allegiance of other sports to the Big 12 soon, as a report contended could occur by the end of summer.

"I saw that and I thought (Bob) Bowlsby and I should hold hands up there," Swarbrick joked, alluding to the incoming Big 12 commissioner. "I have no idea what prompted that. It is not based on any discussion, any meeting we have done."


So no, I'm not crazy, I'm not thinking too much of myself or any of the other bunk people try to say about me. I come and see people badmouthing WVU or the BIG 12 with lies and I discuss it. I present facts and articles for discussion. That is what message boards are for. You should ask yourself however. If people really believe that what I'm saying has no impact--why do so many hate me, spew vitriol nonstop when I present information that is verifiable, and try to keep everyone from talking with me or reading anything I say? Why is something that has no influence so threatening to these posters--who you do not know and also don't know why they are here?

Also, ask yourself why there are people flooding every BIG 12 board they can get on--from other schools, some pretending to be from BIG 12 schools, and all they do 24/7 is talk trash about the BIG 12, its schools, leaders, schools that want to join, etc. Why would they do that if THEY didn't think they had influence?

I'm not going to apologize or back down from what is right because some want to silence me. If what I say gets to the president of WVU or OU or the commissioner of the BIG 12 great! But that has nothing to do with me--and it doesn't mean I'm going to let others come to boards for the school I support or the conference I support, trash it day and night, try to break it up day and night and not correct the lies and misinformation, or have discussions about these things with rational people not out to flood the board with negativity and lies. If you want to sit back and watch people trash WVU and try to tear up the conference that's on you--don't worry about me.

I think you are a very special kind of crazy. Has the Russian government infiltrated your thoughts yet, in order to determine the best approach to derail the top intellectual minds in America? Don't sleep too heavy brother....you're surely a target

 

[topdecktiger]

Anybody reading this ridiculously stupid exchange take note if you will.

Posters-who knows who these people really are-are derailing this thread (amongst the numerous others they've derailed) discussing topics important to the future of WVU athletics-- in order to get you to believe that I (buckaineer) am crazy because I post messages on message boards. Of particular concern to them is that they want to make sure no one thinks these messages have any influence on anyone. I've not said they do, btw.

I ask you to ask yourselves. If my messages on a message board have no influence (and I haven't claimed that I've tried to influence anyone other than those I'm conversing with-they have) then why in the h#!! are these people so intent on derailing threads, and making sure none of you converse with me or read any of what I say?

Think about it.

Nobody is trying to derail you. This is basically what is happening:

Buckanieer: "The Big 12 needs to expand and make bazillions of dollars with Cincinnati and UConn!"

Other Posters: "I don't think those teams will bring that much benefit to the conference."

Buckanieer: "You shut up! You're just attacking me because you want the Big 12 to fail!! You're trying to control the board and stop anyone from having a discussion..........You stop posting!!!!

 

[MikeRafone]

There's a fella on the interweb who sells special mylar and aluminum lined sheets, blankets, and nightcaps to prepper types to keep govt. types from reading your thoughts while you're sleeping.

Sports board posters could be a huge new market for the guy. Wait until his drone detectors come out. John Swofford won't be able to peek in your windows then, by Gawd!

It makes me long for the days when you could spot ACC spies by their Clemson caps, bib overalls, and Junior Samples physiques.

 

[SteelHeadEer]

There's a fella on the interweb who sells special mylar and aluminum lined sheets, blankets, and nightcaps to prepper types to keep govt. types from reading your thoughts while you're sleeping.

Sports board posters could be a huge new market for the guy. Wait until his drone detectors come out. John Swofford won't be able to peek in your windows then, by Gawd!

It makes me long for the days when you could spot ACC spies by their Clemson caps, bib overalls, and Junior Samples physiques.

You.............. are on a sports board posting. Think about that a second.

I have always been amused that people will post on a thread bitching about people that post in threads on a message board.

The derision is really self loathing, right?

PS. You're not the only one being ironical in this thread.

 

[MikeRafone]

Yeah, but I'm way better lookin' than the rest of you guys. Just ask my Mom.

 

[Cuyahoga Falls Eers]

Next topic? Make it about WVU and not a pissing match between posters, please.

I can't wait for the Missouri opener. Please help us get through the summer when there's nothing except some WVU baseball.

 

[Rootmaster]

Buck and I have had our disagreements and he is on crusade so to speak...however he is right that there is nothing remotely close to importance to WVU athletics than Big 12 expansion or non expansion. It is not just about getting to play OK every year or feel good about being one of the current "chosen ones." It is about the future level that WVU will play at. Expansion means more stability while staying at ten means the conference is one, or two, defections from becoming the latest version of the Big East leaving WVU in a very difficult position. Expansion is in WVU's self interest period...nothing else comes close.

 

[topdecktiger]

Buck and I have had our disagreements and he is on crusade so to speak...however he is right that there is nothing remotely close to importance to WVU athletics than Big 12 expansion or non expansion. It is not just about getting to play OK every year or feel good about being one of the current "chosen ones." It is about the future level that WVU will play at. Expansion means more stability while staying at ten means the conference is one, or two, defections from becoming the latest version of the Big East leaving WVU in a very difficult position. Expansion is in WVU's self interest period...nothing else comes close.

I have a question about this though. Even if the Big 12 (or any conference) expands, aren't they still just one or two defections from becoming the next Big East? I just don't see how teams like Houston or Memphis are going to convince other teams to say, if other teams are inclined to leave. I just don't see Texas thinking, "Well, we were getting ready to leave, but since you're adding Houston and Memphis, that's different!" In reality, teams like Houston, Memphis, Cincinnati are the type of teams that get picked up by a conference when it's replacing defections.

 

[Orlaco]

I have a question about this though. Even if the Big 12 (or any conference) expands, aren't they still just one or two defections from becoming the next Big East? I just don't see how teams like Houston or Memphis are going to convince other teams to say, if other teams are inclined to leave. I just don't see Texas thinking, "Well, we were getting ready to leave, but since you're adding Houston and Memphis, that's different!" In reality, teams like Houston, Memphis, Cincinnati are the type of teams that get picked up by a conference when it's replacing defections.

Well...the Big 12 would (still) be replacing teams. Twelve was no accident...right?

The real argument is if adding those teams eventually increase revenue for a team like Texas.... ....and if the rest of the conference can 'hold the rope' (thx RRod for that phrase) if it's not good enough for them.

I get your points but I think you're skewing them toward your opinions.

 

[Boomboom521]

Well...the Big 12 would (still) be replacing teams. Twelve was no accident...right?

The real argument is if adding those teams eventually increase revenue for a team like Texas.... ....and if the rest of the conference can 'hold the rope' (thx RRod for that phrase) if it's not good enough for them.

I get your points but I think you're skewing them toward your opinions.

Questions that keep popping up in my mind is: doesn't Texas stand to make more money from a successful Big 12 network? And doesn't the LHN stand to lose significant revenue if the other "bigs" like OU and Baylor (or KU in BBall) leave for other conferences and therefore don't play UT annually?

I guess UT is thinking, well if the LHN starts dropping revenue do to a lack of regional competition for yearly....we will just sign with the SEC or Big 10. But that type of thinking is dangerous for even Texas. If programs in the Big 12 start thinking that leaving the conference is better for them than supporting the all powerful LHN (which is likely down the road), there will be openings for them. I doubt Texas would be left without a chair if it did happen, buttheyhave to realize it's best to control the landscape now while in a position of power. Larger share of revenue from Big 12 network, etc...

 

[Buckaineer]

To say isn't the BIG 12 just one or two teams from.... is just like saying isn't the ACC just one or two teams leaving from..... If FSU left, the ACC wouldn't last a week without other defections. Its not as though the BIG 12 is in some perilous position other conferences are not.

The LHN and the conference network are going to be interesting to see how they all play out. Is Texas agreeable to merge that into a conference network? Is there some other way to work it out so that UT doesn't immediately lose that, a more gradual merge happens while at the same time the rest of the conference is able to begin a BIG 12 network (just a hypothetical, maybe there could be two channels instead of just one and one continues the LHN for awhile, while the other has content from the other schools--the BTN initially had more than one channel and the Pac nets have several now I believe. We will have to wait and see.

 

[skygusty]

It is really just the BIG12 and the ACC that are vulnerable. I believe that the PAC12 is pretty safe because they are on an island, and we know we aren't talking about the SEC or the BIG10 being threatened. I really don't think FSU or Clemson have realistic options in the SEC or the Big10 and certainly not the PAC12. It will be other teams from the ACC that may be targeted by the SEC and the Big10. Texas and Oklahoma arguably have options in just about any of the other 4 P5 conferences. However, I do believe it is in the best interest of both Texas and Oklahoma to stay right where they are and work things out. I really don't know what they think or what they will do. If they can get on the same page and commit to the Big12 a lot of uncertainty would go away and this conference would be just fine. As long as they are feuding and unable to compromise they will keep the pot stirred up and sportswriters stoking the fire.

 

[topdecktiger]

Well...the Big 12 would (still) be replacing teams. Twelve was no accident...right?

The real argument is if adding those teams eventually increase revenue for a team like Texas.... ....and if the rest of the conference can 'hold the rope' (thx RRod for that phrase) if it's not good enough for them.

I get your points but I think you're skewing them toward your opinions.

I disagree that I'm skewing this toward my opinion. The revenue is my point. I don't see the teams being discussed adding significant revenue. Based on what? Nobody else picked them up. These teams were replacements after other schools left for P5 conferences. I just don't think it's realistic that these schools being named bring the kind of revenue to accomplish the goals being mentioned.

Questions that keep popping up in my mind is: doesn't Texas stand to make more money from a successful Big 12 network? And doesn't the LHN stand to lose significant revenue if the other "bigs" like OU and Baylor (or KU in BBall) leave for other conferences and therefore don't play UT annually?

I guess UT is thinking, well if the LHN starts dropping revenue do to a lack of regional competition for yearly....we will just sign with the SEC or Big 10. But that type of thinking is dangerous for even Texas. If programs in the Big 12 start thinking that leaving the conference is better for them than supporting the all powerful LHN (which is likely down the road), there will be openings for them. I doubt Texas would be left without a chair if it did happen, buttheyhave to realize it's best to control the landscape now while in a position of power. Larger share of revenue from Big 12 network, etc...

I don't think Texas stands to make more money from a Big 12 network. My reason is, Texas currently makes $15 million per year (average) from the LHN. By comparison, the SEC teams make $5 million each from their network, and the Big Ten schools make $8 million each from their network. I don't think it's realistic that a Big 12 network would double (or triple) those figures. Even with expansion, the Big 12 would have a smaller footprint that the Big Ten, and the SEC has the highest ratings in college football. I just don't see what would make the Big 12 get past those figures, which would leave Texas well behind what they now get from the LHN.