Big Ten Network

[OH10]

Originally Posted by matcar

Those evil corporations...they're....they're....well DAMN them, they're out to make MONEY! WTF is THAT all about...I thought they were supposed to be there to give me my MTV.

Honestly, every network and every entertainment venue, including our beloved Buckeyes, are out to make a buck... A LOT of them. I wonder if your employer thinks the same way about you when you get a paycheck. Damn him....he's just takin' our money...what a bastard!

Is Ruth's Chris scamming you because you have to buy the potato with the steak? Is itunes scamming you because you have to pay by the song?

That's ridiculous. Are you saying that no consumer should ever get upset when they are unhappy with the price of a product or service? If I start cash-grabbing my clients, I'd expect them to walk and find a better service. Unfortunately, Ohio State, in association with the Big Ten conference, have a monopoly on its product, so it's not as if consumers are going to walk away easily.

So it's going to get more and more jacked up. As I said before, Big Network 2 and ESPNU 2 are just around the corner - not because they are necessary, but because they know they can control the dissemination of the product. They can hold the cable companies hostage, who will cave eventually, and then pass off the cost onto the consumer. And then when the next cash-grab works, it's be Big Ten Network 3, and ESPNU 7. And if we're real lucky, all 12 Ohio States games a year will be on a different station that your cable company has to pick up. And you'll pay for it.

Pardon me if I walk at some point.

[matcar]

Originally Posted by StadiumDorm

That's ridiculous. Are you saying that no consumer should ever get upset when they are unhappy with the price of a product or service? If I start cash-grabbing my clients, I'd expect them to walk and find a better service. Unfortunately, Ohio State, in association with the Big Ten conference, have a monopoly on its product, so it's not as if consumers are going to walk away easily.

So it's going to get more and more jacked up. As I said before, Big Network 2 and ESPNU 2 are just around the corner - not because they are necessary, but because they know they can control the dissemination of the product. They can hold the cable companies hostage, who will cave eventually, and then pass off the cost onto the consumer. And then when the next cash-grab works, it's be Big Ten Network 3, and ESPNU 7. And if we're real lucky, all 12 Ohio States games a year will be on a different station that your cable company has to pick up. And you'll pay for it.

Pardon me if I walk at some point.

No, what's ridiculous is that every time someone FEELS entitled to something and it changes, they are outraged. None of these channels are necessary, hell they could just put them all on ABC locally for free. But they don't and if you choose to walk, then be my guest, but it's silly to suggest that these companies are gouging when they're just trying to find more ways to offer more products and yes, get more money. That was the point all along, you just missed it.

The fact is that all this stuff costs money to produce, and they are producing a heck of a lot more of it. And the interest/demand is extremely high, so they are capitalizing on it. If you walk and millions like you do the same, then that'll change the paradigm. Until then, that's life. I have often thought about whether I would be willing to pay for all of this, but even if I decide I'm not willing to pay for it, I'm not about to portray some silly outrage because it's misplaced. Why SHOULD we get all these for free? Or for $100? Or for $200? Why?

[OH10]

Originally Posted by matcar

No, what's ridiculous is that every time someone FEELS entitled to something and it changes, they are outraged. None of these channels are necessary, hell they could just put them all on ABC locally for free. But they don't and if you choose to walk, then be my guest, but it's silly to suggest that these companies are gouging when they're just trying to find more ways to offer more products and yes, get more money. That was the point all along, you just missed it.

Didn't miss it buddy. Saw it, and don't like having to pay more money. Perfectly legitimate.

The fact is that all this stuff costs money to produce, and they are producing a heck of a lot more of it. And the interest/demand is extremely high, so they are capitalizing on it. If you walk and millions like you do the same, then that'll change the paradigm. Until then, that's life. I have often thought about whether I would be willing to pay for all of this, but even if I decide I'm not willing to pay for it, I'm not about to portray some silly outrage because it's misplaced. Why SHOULD we get all these for free? Or for $100? Or for $200? Why?

I never suggested I "should or should not" get something for free. However, I'm entitled to convey my displeasure with the current situation. You apparently think I "should" shut up. I don't. I'm not. Live with it.

[matcar]

Originally Posted by StadiumDorm

Didn't miss it buddy. Saw it, and don't like having to pay more money. Perfectly legitimate.



I never suggested I "should or should not" get something for free. However, I'm entitled to convey my displeasure with the current situation. You apparently think I "should" shut up. I don't. I'm not. Live with it.

You're displeasure with the situation is that you aren't getting sumthin' for nuttin'....you suggested that they are in a money grab...not me. You're incorrect though, I don't think you should shut up, I think you should re-evaluate your opinion. It's perfectly sensible to be unhappy with paying more and choose not to. It's another thing entirely to suggest that these companies are in a money-grab. That's just nonsense....and that's where the problem lies with this pervasive mentality.

[OH10]

Originally Posted by matcar

You're displeasure with the situation is that you aren't getting sumthin' for nuttin'....you suggested that they are in a money grab...not me. You're incorrect though, I don't think you should shut up, I think you should re-evaluate your opinion. It's perfectly sensible to be unhappy with paying more and choose not to. It's another thing entirely to suggest that these companies are in a money-grab. That's just nonsense....and that's where the problem lies with this pervasive mentality.

Your problem appears to be the negative connotation attached to my phrase "money-grab." It is what it is - an unnecessary expansion designed to make more money. You put the positive spin on it, because it doesn't bother you to pay more money and you think that's it's simply good business to take advantage of the devotion of Big Ten fans. Perfectly reasonable position, and I'm not going to talk you down from that.

I take the position that the good-will of alumni such as my self is being taken for granted. And eventually, I would like to think that there are limits to how far we, as fans, are willing to go to view our favorite college sports team.

[OSU SPORTS]

Here is another little blurb about the Big Ten Network. Looks like Coach Matta was there to promote it. IF Directv gets this new sat up this year, there will be a lot of HD programs to view


http://buyinghdtv.blogspot.com/2007/...ut-its-hd.html

[matcar]

Originally Posted by StadiumDorm

Your problem appears to be the negative connotation attached to my phrase "money-grab." It is what it is - an unnecessary expansion designed to make more money. You put the positive spin on it, because it doesn't bother you to pay more money and you think that's it's simply good business to take advantage of the devotion of Big Ten fans. Perfectly reasonable position, and I'm not going to talk you down from that.

I take the position that the good-will of alumni such as my self is being taken for granted. And eventually, I would like to think that there are limits to how far we, as fans, are willing to go to view our favorite college sports team.

I've got no problem with anyone (alumni or otherwise) setting limits on what they spend to watch a freakin' game. I have limits, which is why I don't travel over 1000 miles each Saturday to watch them in person every single week. You have limits too obviously. I just don't have a problem with entertainment venues creating new avenues (which is ultimately what the B10 Network is) and charging for it. The market will bear what it will bear. When it is too onerous, something will change. I don't feel that I was guaranteed the ability to view every Buckeye game for a price. I grew up in a time when I could only see 1-2 games a year other than those I attended. So my background suggests little is guaranteed and I "expect" very little. I also believe that I get quite a bit for what little entertainment $ I spend.

On a somewhat related note, it's absurd to me that NBA games cost over $100 to watch, and hence I haven't been to one in over 10 years. But I'm not bothered that they choose to charge it...I just don't go. So yes, in the end I'm troubled by the term money grab, which to me suggests that these companies are doing something below-board.

[OSU SPORTS]

The Big 12 is watching to see how this all works out.


http://blogs.cjonline.com/index.php?entry=3187

[OSU SPORTS]

Iowa media and the Big Ten Network


http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=8&p=2&c=641440