Lots of thoughts on this one.
Firstly I've been thinking about handing over the reigns to someone else on PRE in the next year or two. Sometimes I crave being able to just read and post without the workload and abuse and attention on other sites etc and I can't be an admin forever. (I'm not ready to kick the admin bucket just yet though ;D )
What really concerns me is finding the right person to take over. I'm really proud of the overall feeling of belonging we have on PRE. It's a real family community. Although we all have our ups and downs the majority respect the values. The fact the site has grown so big reflects that.
I'd want to have faith the person who takes over would respect the things that's made PRE so resteemed not only by Tiger fans but by the media and opposition supporters as well.
It's extremely important to me for this site to remain independent of the club. I've discussed that with people at the club in the past. They understood that while they really appreciate PRE as a valuable tool to keep them in touch with how supporters are thinking everyone needs to feel free to express their opinions without the club coming down on them.
They certainly don't like everything they read but they've never tried to change the way PRE operates and have only contacted me to clarify things or ask for favours if it's necessary.
As to Phantom's suggestion of a link well I'd love that but don't expect it to happen.
The reason I'd like it is simply to advise people who are unaware that such a great place exists to talk about our club. A site where scoops often beat the media and the latest news and gossip is always available, along with some very expert opinions and knowledge.
The thing I really think needs looking into is the contact between PRE and the club. Way too many e-mails go unanswered which is a bit disappointing, especially when I don't contact them for my personal benefit. It's always something for the club or other people.
Sometimes I feel like an unofficial secretary to the club and the hours can be pretty long at times. I'm always getting e-mails asking me to contact the club to point things out or make requests etc. Sometimes I suggest a person for them to contact themselves because I'm not confident of getting a reply. They often don't get one either.
The fact is websites are a new kind of media. Club's might prefer forums go away but I don't think that's going to happen. With a thousand visitors some days and a million hits here a month there are plenty of people reading what's said.
The media read it too so I feel a certain responsibility for information to be as accurate as possible and am concerned sometimes when I think mis-information could be damaging to the club.
I think it's in the club's best interests to embrace the concept to help improve communication for supporters. There are a lot of people I know who've bought memberships simply as a result of the passion and encouragement on PRE.
Having said all of that I think PRE has a very good relationship with the club and I do understand they're very busy people there.
The PRE story might just make a very good rags to riches article early next year.
So many stories to tell. Mark Latham eat ya heart out. ;D
