Dear MLB,
First off, I want to thank you for the current lockout/attempt to
break the players union. I recognize the need for cost certainty going forward.
You are going to need it.
As a lifetime baseball fan, I have watched with horror as the
increased commodification of the sport has sucked the life, joy, and history
out of the game.
I’ve seen classic ball parks replaced by glorified shopping malls
where the actual game is the least interesting thing going on.
So, thank you. Thank you for reminding me, repeatedly, that I am
not a fan of a team but of a product, and a poor one at that.
Thank you for allowing sponsored gambling so the “product” I root
for is no longer my home “product.”
Weakening fan loyalty sounds like a winning move. Keep it up. I’m
sure it will increase revenue, even if there is no longer a reason to buy your
branded merchandise or attend a game. After all, I have many players on
different teams now.
Most importantly, thank you, because the lockout/attempt to turn
the regular season into a meaningless run to an “everybody makes the playoffs”
post season, has given me the time and disposable income to look at and enjoy
other entertainment products.
I am now a fan of hockey. I’m looking forward to March Madness. I
hear there’s going to be spring football as well.
As a consequence of the lockout/attempt to not share increased
revenue with the actual people that play the game, I am taking my entertainment
dollars and applying them elsewhere. So, I will,
- stop
attending games in person.
- stop
watching games on tv whether they are televised nationally or via the
local cable carriers.
- drop my
subscription to mlbtv.
- stop betting
through Draft Kings et al.
- stop going
to the MLB website.
In short, I pledge to stop caring about baseball since it is
clear that ownership cares much more about their profit margins than the game
itself, and most certainly not about the fans who are your customers.
I am no longer a customer.
One last thing, bite me.
(My name) Former 55-year fan of MLB and the New York Yankees
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Oh and thanks to the original writer who provided the list and pledge. It was so well written I realized I couldn't do better. - Doug
Brilliant, Doug!
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