Online chat with Don Garber - Wed 7/27, 2:30pm ET -- Soccernet

[Bootsy Collins]

http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=8775

Have courteous but hardball questions about MLS refereeing, allocation money we didn't get for Earnie and Nellie's departures, bizarre early-season/reserve match scheduling during the CCC, etc. at the ready.

[Sundevil9]

Think they'll answer this?

When are you going to relegate or contract the Metrostars?

[Bootsy Collins]

Think they'll answer this?
Perhaps if you phrased it a little differently. Something like:

Over the years, the MLS offices have facilitated some spectacular deals, such as the deal that sent Ruiz to Dallas and Donovan to the Galaxy. Any chance another deal like that can be worked out, sending the Metrostars to the A-League in exchange for Rochester or Portland?

[fatbastard]

You are a born politician, Bootsy.


Wait, I meant for this post to compliment you, sorry ;)

[CHICO13]

Dear Don, can you tell your advertisers that the screen in screen advertising they do is actually DETRIMENTAL to their product?

People were actually booing Budweiser at the State Theater. (not that it's unexpected, but you get my drift ;) )

[Bootsy Collins]

You are a born politician, Bootsy.


Wait, I meant for this post to compliment you, sorry ;)
For some reason that makes me think of . . .

When I called you a bite in the ass, sir, I meant it in the best possible way . . .

[fatbastard]

Dear Don, can you tell your advertisers that the screen in screen advertising they do is actually DETRIMENTAL to their product?
People were actually booing Budweiser at the State Theater. (not that it's unexpected, but you get my drift )
I don't mind the twin pictures, and please don't tell the advertisers it makes you boo the product or you will lose half of that screen - and I bet I know which half it will be, the one with the game in it.
They seemed to wait mostly (not always, grrr) for stoppages, and if they do that well, I'm cool with making more sponsors willing to advertise like that instead of interrupting 3:30 of the game. I'd rather hear Bud shilled than listen to announcers try to fill time while a goalie writhes around on the turf like he's stepped on a mine ;)

[CHICO13]

I don't mind the twin pictures, and please don't tell the advertisers it makes you boo the product or you will lose half of that screen - and I bet I know which half it will be, the one with the game in it.

I don't understand why they can't do it like the MFL games on Telemundo or Univison do it. They're creative, un-obstructive and gone before you know it. And more importantly they get their message across instead of pissing off their target audience. It seems to me that some 7 figure a year geek on Madison Ave. would've got the memo by now.

[Pints]

Dear Donny,

Hope all is well. I was wondering, as you know times are tough and money is short. Is it possible for the league to pitch in some money for another trophy case? Ours is really chock full and we honestly can't fit anymore.
Perhaps you could just give us the one in New York, it never gets used.
Thanks,
Pints

[fatbastard]

I don't understand why they can't do it like the MFL games on Telemundo or Univison do it. They're creative, un-obstructive and gone before you know it. And more importantly they get their message across instead of pissing off their target audience. It seems to me that some 7 figure a year geek on Madison Ave. would've got the memo by now.I agree, but apparently that stuff will not fly with "American language" advertising geeks. But how Honda and Bud (who do it on mexican tv) can refuse to do it on Amercan tv always surprises me. I guess it is what each market is used to.

I like the side-by-side for racing. I am sick and tired of missing everything network TV misses to put commercials on during live sporting events. I mean crap, NASCAR is basically a commercial with 43 different advertisers anyway, I don't see the need for me to miss a green flag restart to see info on a fourth beer company :)

[CHICO13]

I agree, but apparently that stuff will not fly with "American language" advertising geeks.
Isn't the consumer the ones it's supposed to fly with? And who's watching these games anyway? Maybe hardcore soccer fans who don't want their game ****ed with? That's all I'm saying, maybe Garber should pass the word.

[spidergoose]

Eh, what do they do with the Mexican games? I don't get either of those channels.

[CHICO13]

Eh, what do they do with the Mexican games? I don't get either of those channels.
One of the things they do is have a bunch of beer bottles do the "wave" at the bottom of the screen, then they flash the name of the beer. Or a VW goes driving across the screen kicking up some dust. The spots last 15 to 20 seconds and you remember them. And they never once leave the game.

[Sundevil9]

I don't understand why they can't do it like the MFL games on Telemundo or Univison do it. They're creative, un-obstructive and gone before you know it. And more importantly they get their message across instead of pissing off their target audience. It seems to me that some 7 figure a year geek on Madison Ave. would've got the memo by now.

I remember that that's how they did it for WC '94 (damn, that was 11 years ago). But I don't remember them transferring that technology to MLS. Maybe the first couple of seasons, but I can't remember.

Honda used to do a lot more with the league. Remember when they'd drive a car out and somebody had one shot to get the ball into the sunroof in order to win it. I always wanted to give that a try......especially if they never specifically mentioned that it had to go through the sunroof. I always figured on blasting it through the window to get the ball inside. Paying for one window is more expensive than free, but it's still a lot less than the car. :)