General The Board & Senior Management

[Sarge]

I'm not quite sure what you're seeing as contradictory—maybe it's just that my level of education isn't where it could be. I can assure you, I'm not trying to speak on your behalf or anyone else's. I think I'll go for a swim and then come back to see if I can express my thoughts more clearly.

As for what name people choose to post under, I really don't care and don't have an opinion on it.

merely pointing out my view that your comment(s) could, and indeed have been, perceived as contradictory- due to the use of we , in reference to (all) OUFC fans, to me that implies and infers you are not speaking just for yourself, instead that you are voicing an opinion on behalf of others.

fair enough re forum names

Enjoy your swim

 

[witney50]

That's rather contradictory, - your comment implies, by the use of the word we instead of I ,that you believe that all OUFC fans should be supporting the new initiative (FAB) because you do. You are of course entitled to hold and voice your own views, without a mandate to speak for all, you do not speak for all OUFC fans though, and in my opinion shouldn't infer that you do.- which you then appear to contradict by saying you're not 'imposing that on me or anyone else. Yet you clearly have done exactly that by using the word we, instead of I,

And, on the subject of Forum name's, I am known as and answer to the name Sarge by everyone who knows me, and I have been for well over 60 years.I don't post under a pseudonym, although many on YF choose to as is their right. Anything I post on YF I have no problem in saying face to face to anyone.

I have googled my structuring of the statement and asked if it was contradictory ... I believe that "we" as OUFC fans should get behind the new intiative...thats my view, im not imposing that on you or anyone else... Apart from spelling and comma missing I got a tick ... got worried then that I wasnt listening in english class...

This was googles answer.
In short:
Stating a belief is not the same as imposing it.

You're saying "this is what I think," and then adding "but you're free to disagree."

So, you're being clear and non-confrontational. If anything, it's a thoughtful way to express an opinion.

 

[Sarge]

I have googled my structuring of the statement and asked if it was contradictory ... I believe that "we" as OUFC fans should get behind the new intiative...thats my view, im not imposing that on you or anyone else... Apart from spelling and comma missing I got a tick ... got worried then that I wasnt listening in english class...

This was googles answer.
In short:
Stating a belief is not the same as imposing it.

You're saying "this is what I think," and then adding "but you're free to disagree."

So, you're being clear and non-confrontational. If anything, it's a thoughtful way to express an opinion.

The thing is the written word can be, and often is, misinterpreted from what the writer intended ( take YF for example!)- if five people read, and enjoy, the same book,its highly likely to be five differing opinions, none identical, regarding how each of them perceives said book.

Correct grammatical application can be subjective, certainly with the creeping Americanisations being applied to the English language, especially via the internet.

 

[Stranger]

I post under my real name, and most people on here know who I am, and can vouch for that.

To be fair, your surname isn't actually B is it

 

[Colin B]

To be fair, your surname isn't actually B is it

Part of it is! But there’s enough there that everyone knows who I am, or can find out who I am.

I suspect nether your Christian nor surname is Stranger either……

 

[christenedinjericho]

Part of it is! But there’s enough there that everyone knows who I am, or can find out who I am.

I suspect nether your Christian nor surname is Stranger either……

When I mentioned Colin B to one of my younger family members she jumped up and down and said I want that book. As she is only 4 years old but extremely intelligent she kept chanting 'there's only one Roger Hargreaves'. I then without losing face quickly googled Roger Hargreaves and found out that he was the author of the Mr Men books!

Mr Colin B. A great book without too many words. Suits me Colin.

COYY'S.

 

[Chippy]

When I mentioned Colin B to one of my younger family members she jumped up and down and said I want that book. As she is only 4 years old but extremely intelligent she kept chanting 'there's only one Roger Hargreaves'. I then without losing face quickly googled Roger Hargreaves and found out that he was the author of the Mr Men books!

Mr Colin B. A great book without too many words. Suits me Colin.

COYY'S.

Have you been on the beer early?

 

[christenedinjericho]

Have you been on the beer early?

No not yet, still tracing round a very large bee.

I'm just trying to cheer the yellow forum posse up a bit before the avalanche of June signings arrive, and everyone saying 'f*cking brilliant signing' and then 4 months into the season people forgetting that they actually endorsed it lol.

COYY'S.

 

[bazzer9461]

when were you elected to speak on behalf of all OUFC fans? You dont speak for me

Nor me

 

[bazzer9461]

Where have I said that I am speaking for you...I havent, is the answer to that question...what I am saying is that I believe that "we" as OUFC fans should get behind the new intiative...thats my view, im not imposing that on you or anyone else.

You believe? Let’s have a FF and discuss it properly.

 

[chuckbert]

You believe? Let’s have a FF and discuss it properly.

It kind of raises the question: what’s to stop the fans having a fans forum? The club could be invited.

 

[Stranger]

I suspect nether your Christian nor surname is Stranger either……

I can neither confirm nor deny...

 

[RyanioBirdio]

Not sure it’s fair to say that Fans’ Forums are generally poorly attended. The one at the stadium last year was so packed that people were standing, and in some cases having to sit on the floor.

The one in December 2022 was a washout because they announced it about four days in advance, and held it down the Abingdon Road during rush hour, when most people were still leaving work. I believe it was held at 6pm or something (intentionally) unhelpful. It was a stitch-up designed to “prove” that they weren’t worth doing.

Fans’ Forums are as successful as the club chooses to make them. Plan them properly and engage with people sufficiently and they can be both well attended and genuinely constructive.

 

[Eric Blair]

I have googled my structuring of the statement and asked if it was contradictory ... I believe that "we" as OUFC fans should get behind the new intiative...thats my view, im not imposing that on you or anyone else... Apart from spelling and comma missing I got a tick ... got worried then that I wasnt listening in english class...

This was googles answer.
In short:
Stating a belief is not the same as imposing it.

You're saying "this is what I think," and then adding "but you're free to disagree."

So, you're being clear and non-confrontational. If anything, it's a thoughtful way to express an opinion.

This discussion reminds me a bit of a philosophy seminar I went to at Uni where we discussed the meaning of meaning. I think my head exploded after two minutes.

 

[Eric Blair]

everyone saying 'f*cking brilliant signing' and then 4 months into the season people forgetting that they actually endorsed it lol.

Known locally as the "Will Vaulks paradigm"

 

[Orkney Islands Yellow]

 

[Sarge]

Not sure it’s fair to say that Fans’ Forums are generally poorly attended. The one at the stadium last year was so packed that people were standing, and in some cases having to sit on the floor.

The one in December 2022 was a washout because they announced it about four days in advance, and held it down the Abingdon Road during rush hour, when most people were still leaving work. I believe it was held at 6pm or something (intentionally) unhelpful. It was a stitch-up designed to “prove” that they weren’t worth doing.

Fans’ Forums are as successful as the club chooses to make them. Plan them properly and engage with people sufficiently and they can be both well attended and genuinely constructive.

that was held at a hotel in Iffley village ( not Abingdon Rd) wasnt it? - there was also a very limited in numbers invited to attend in person FF at the training ground ( Chaired by Jerome Sale) a while before that one ( I think) - if memory serves at both of those, (and others since) @OUSP (Replaced by FAB) and @OxVox set up live streaming with comments for those unable to get to them in person to be able to watch, and interact

 

[RyanioBirdio]

that was held at a hotel in Iffley village ( not Abingdon Rd) wasnt it? - there was also a very limited in numbers invited to attend in person FF at the training ground ( Chaired by Jerome Sale) a while before that one ( I think) - if memory serves at both of those, (and others since) @OUSP (Replaced by FAB) and @OxVox set up live streaming with comments for those unable to get to them in person to be able to watch, and interact

Well, you can get to the Hawkwell House Hotel easily from the Abingdon Road, it’s just over Donnington Bridge and along a bit, but the point is that it was chucked together with a few days’ notice, on a Monday night in December, in an area that gets badly clogged up with traffic and is a nightmare to navigate in the rush hour, and then people wondered why only 30 or so fans showed up.

By contrast, hundreds turned up to the one at the stadium last March, because it was announced several weeks in advance and was held at a proper venue, and people were given proper notice via all manner of channels, from local media to supporters’ groups. So it just goes to show that forums can be whatever the club wants them to be. They can be pointless washouts thrown together to tick a box, or they can be thriving and busy events used to communicate with supporters in a useful and constructive manner. The club determines the value and success of them; I don’t think it was accurate of some on this thread to state that nobody can ever be bothered showing up to them. That’s provably untrue.

 

[Eric Blair]

Well, you can get to the Hawkwell House Hotel easily from the Abingdon Road, it’s just over Donnington Bridge and along a bit, but the point is that it was chucked together with a few days’ notice, on a Monday night in December, in an area that gets badly clogged up with traffic and is a nightmare to navigate in the rush hour, and then people wondered why only 30 or so fans showed up.

By contrast, hundreds turned up to the one at the stadium last March, because it was announced several weeks in advance and was held at a proper venue, and people were given proper notice via all manner of channels, from local media to supporters’ groups. So it just goes to show that forums can be whatever the club wants them to be. They can be pointless washouts thrown together to tick a box, or they can be thriving and busy events used to communicate with supporters in a useful and constructive manner. The club determines the value and success of them; I don’t think it was accurate of some on this thread to state that nobody can ever be bothered showing up to them. That’s provably untrue.

My memory is hazy but I seem to remember the last FF creating a bit of momentum and togetherness which actually helped with the final run in to the playoffs. I might be putting 2 + 2 together and coming up with 5 but it felt at the time that it had a real galvanising impact on the club and brought fans and management together for the final push.

 

[Manorlounger]

Well, you can get to the Hawkwell House Hotel easily from the Abingdon Road, it’s just over Donnington Bridge and along a bit, but the point is that it was chucked together with a few days’ notice, on a Monday night in December, in an area that gets badly clogged up with traffic and is a nightmare to navigate in the rush hour, and then people wondered why only 30 or so fans showed up.

By contrast, hundreds turned up to the one at the stadium last March, because it was announced several weeks in advance and was held at a proper venue, and people were given proper notice via all manner of channels, from local media to supporters’ groups. So it just goes to show that forums can be whatever the club wants them to be. They can be pointless washouts thrown together to tick a box, or they can be thriving and busy events used to communicate with supporters in a useful and constructive manner. The club determines the value and success of them; I don’t think it was accurate of some on this thread to state that nobody can ever be bothered showing up to them. That’s provably untrue.

Hawkwell House is in Iffley Village and very easy to get to. I attended that Forum, I thought the attendance was quite reasonable. However, the forums held at the stadium with reasonable advance notice, do attract a higher attendance. I cannot see how anyone could criticize the numbers attending nor is that any grounds to dismiss the importance of the Fans Forums. Sadly, it is a fact that the club has decided, for whatever reason, that they no longer wish to support the concept. I hesitate to surmise that a certain CEO has developed a strong phobia to meeting fans/supporters in person but, it would explain recent actions.
In any case, the new format of forum with a distinct lack of enthusiasm from the club, is not going to encourage longevity or attendance. A huge error, in my opinion.

 

[Maurice Earp]

Not sure it’s fair to say that Fans’ Forums are generally poorly attended. The one at the stadium last year was so packed that people were standing, and in some cases having to sit on the floor.

The one in December 2022 was a washout because they announced it about four days in advance, and held it down the Abingdon Road during rush hour, when most people were still leaving work. I believe it was held at 6pm or something (intentionally) unhelpful. It was a stitch-up designed to “prove” that they weren’t worth doing.

Fans’ Forums are as successful as the club chooses to make them. Plan them properly and engage with people sufficiently and they can be both well attended and genuinely constructive.

Reference the one in bold above, wasn't that the one where there was a standing ovation for Michael North for raising over £50,00.00 for the club and there was one person in the audience/forum speakers that didn't applaud this being our esteemed Head of the Commercial Department???

 

[Mojofilter]

This discussion reminds me a bit of a philosophy seminar I went to at Uni where we discussed the meaning of meaning. I think my head exploded after two minutes.

 

[RyanioBirdio]

Reference the one in bold above, wasn't that the one where there was a standing ovation for Michael North for raising over £50,00.00 for the club and there was one person in the audience/forum speakers that didn't applaud this being our esteemed Head of the Commercial Department???

As an aside: do you know if the community coaches still get provided with club branded training gear?

 

[Colin B]

My memory is hazy but I seem to remember the last FF creating a bit of momentum and togetherness which actually helped with the final run in to the playoffs. I might be putting 2 + 2 together and coming up with 5 but it felt at the time that it had a real galvanising impact on the club and brought fans and management together for the final push.

That is broadly true.

However there was a certain person who asked a specific, and pointed, question of the CEO, that was met with a very wishy washy and evasive answer, which led to quite a heated exchange. I suspect this may have something to do with the CEO not wanting to put himself in front of the great unwashed again......................

They say actions speak louder than words, and in TW's case all we have is inaction.

 

[Eric Blair]

That is broadly true.

However there was a certain person who asked a specific, and pointed, question of the CEO, that was met with a very wishy washy and evasive answer, which led to quite a heated exchange. I suspect this may have something to do with the CEO not wanting to put himself in front of the great unwashed again......................

They say actions speak louder than words, and in TW's case all we have is inaction.

It’s all so strange. If I was in Tim’s position I’d love meeting the fans. There will always be disagreement and sometimes vehement disagreement but that is fine. As long as you are as honest as possible and not bullshiting then it is a brilliant thing. Ultimately you’re talking football to a bunch of knowledgeable fans who all want success. There’s nothing to fear there. If he is declining to do a fan forum because he doesn’t like tough questions then that is shocking.

If it was me I’d set one up so I could have a chat to @Sarge and a beer with @Scotchegg

 

[bazzer9461]

That is broadly true.

However there was a certain person who asked a specific, and pointed, question of the CEO, that was met with a very wishy washy and evasive answer, which led to quite a heated exchange. I suspect this may have something to do with the CEO not wanting to put himself in front of the great unwashed again......................

They say actions speak louder than words, and in TW's case all we have is inaction.

Ie I wonder who that was?

 

[LeftSideLarry]

I was at the last FF.

I thought it to be largely positive for all there and it’s that which I find most strange. Nothing occurred on the night, including the exchange between TW and Colin, that could possibly lead to the Executive Leadership of OUFC to conclude that it was anything other than a useful event for all.

TW, for instance, looked nervous before it started but seemed to relax completely during it. I don’t get why he/they are so reluctant to engage. It makes no sense.

 

[werthersoriginal]

I was at the last FF.

I thought it to be largely positive for all there and it’s that which I find most strange. Nothing occurred on the night, including the exchange between TW and Colin, that could possibly lead to the Executive Leadership of OUFC to conclude that it was anything other than a useful event for all.

TW, for instance, looked nervous before it started but seemed to relax completely during it. I don’t get why he/they are so reluctant to engage. It makes no sense.

Do we know what similar sized clubs do these days about fan engagement, like Plymouth or Charlton? Are fans forums generally a thing?

 

[Eric Blair]

I was at the last FF.

I thought it to be largely positive for all there and it’s that which I find most strange. Nothing occurred on the night, including the exchange between TW and Colin, that could possibly lead to the Executive Leadership of OUFC to conclude that it was anything other than a useful event for all.

TW, for instance, looked nervous before it started but seemed to relax completely during it. I don’t get why he/they are so reluctant to engage. It makes no sense.

Exactly- that’s the point I’m trying to make. The best way to engage with genuine sceptics is to speak with them and listen. Nine times out of ten it will be productive

 

[Yellowmania]

Exactly- that’s the point I’m trying to make. The best way to engage with genuine sceptics is to speak with them and listen. Nine times out of ten it will be productive

Wise words, so that Philosophy seminar was invaluable after all