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This week, a little something different for you (since – if I had to write about the games this week – my focus would be on my crappy loss thanks to a
BS ACL injury)
I have thoroughly enjoyed the ongoing debate, via the message board, of the JV League and have held off my comments so as to not influence the
conversation. It has been real interesting to see the thought process of the league members and the passion that this conversation has elicited.
Before I go further, I want to say a word about Jarrett’s post (#136). While painful to read (seriously, this doesn't look great for the Staten Island
school system), Jarrett made some incredible suggestions. I will admit that I initially shot the idea of the league down in my head, but it was Jarrett’s
post that really made me reevaluate that decision. Jarrett has clearly given the idea some thought and, as a once outsider now inside, he has
valuable perspective that allows him to view this suggestion as a "non-league member" would. It is a unique perspective and one that proves
invaluable in this discussion.
So now I am ready to comment on the idea of the JV League:
I love it.
But we’re not doing it.
The idea is brilliant: Two leagues, separated but connected. It’s an incredible idea in the fact that it would allow a core group of 14 to expand to 28,
42, 56…. and so on. It would give other people a chance to participate in what we love so much. It would give us a chance to expand this wonderful
thing beyond the core and show our friends - nay the world - what we can do.
I agree with everyone’s comments that what we have built here is special. And what Devon, VA, and $36 billion in lost wages proves is that there is a
desire by the American people to make Fantasy Football so much more than just football. People want to be GM’s. They want to own a team, take
control, find frienemies in the league, build rivalries, connect with a draft book (THEIR draft book), stat tracker, website, create logo's and mascots and
more. There is passion among the people and we need to take advantage of that. We need to harness that in. We need to take 10% of that $36
billion.
A few weeks ago, I went to a local bar for a drink. As we sat at the counter drinking our beers, my lady friend kept looking over my shoulder a group of
guys huddled around a plate of wings, cheese fingers and nachos. With papers in hand and pitchers of beers being poured, these guys sat around
the table picking players… for hours. When I asked the waitress what these guys were doing, she said, “I don’t know. Fantasy football or some crap
like that. Looks like a sausage fest to me.” (She was young and hot, so the offense was forgivable) She also went on to say that there had been
several groups in the bar throughout the week doing this. This bar was living my dream: Making money off a fantasy game.
There is opportunity to take these 12 guy’s money – and every other group of 12 guy’s money. When the guys were done I asked them how they knew
each other. A few were work friends and some others were friends by association. Those simply “associated” left when the draft was over (“they had
to catch a train,” said one, “their wives are waiting for them”). Those who started and ran the league stayed in the bar, had a few drinks, and
discussed who they drafted. It was our Saturday night. These guys were the ones who will spend the money and time discussing and living fantasy,
and these are the guys we should be targeting.
I know I’m just talking here. But there is opportunity and we are masters of this. Let us not let this slip by. Sure there will be no JV or sister ROFF
league. We shall not be connected to anyone else for we are the Retired Orangemen – an elite group of 14 guys. What we have SPECIFICALLY
cannot be duplicated and should not be tampered with. It is too special, too important. But why can’t Devon and VA still have experiences like ours?
Why can’t we sell them the ROFF package and let them create their own elite groups? We can and we will. We just need to figure out how. And this, I
know for a fact, we shall do.
And now to STILL do a recap, some quick hits from this weekend:
Best of luck to everyone this week.
Swami, back in the plus column with a 4-3 showing, will be have predictions entered by the Saturday night
BS ACL injury)
I have thoroughly enjoyed the ongoing debate, via the message board, of the JV League and have held off my comments so as to not influence the
conversation. It has been real interesting to see the thought process of the league members and the passion that this conversation has elicited.
Before I go further, I want to say a word about Jarrett’s post (#136). While painful to read (seriously, this doesn't look great for the Staten Island
school system), Jarrett made some incredible suggestions. I will admit that I initially shot the idea of the league down in my head, but it was Jarrett’s
post that really made me reevaluate that decision. Jarrett has clearly given the idea some thought and, as a once outsider now inside, he has
valuable perspective that allows him to view this suggestion as a "non-league member" would. It is a unique perspective and one that proves
invaluable in this discussion.
So now I am ready to comment on the idea of the JV League:
I love it.
But we’re not doing it.
The idea is brilliant: Two leagues, separated but connected. It’s an incredible idea in the fact that it would allow a core group of 14 to expand to 28,
42, 56…. and so on. It would give other people a chance to participate in what we love so much. It would give us a chance to expand this wonderful
thing beyond the core and show our friends - nay the world - what we can do.
I agree with everyone’s comments that what we have built here is special. And what Devon, VA, and $36 billion in lost wages proves is that there is a
desire by the American people to make Fantasy Football so much more than just football. People want to be GM’s. They want to own a team, take
control, find frienemies in the league, build rivalries, connect with a draft book (THEIR draft book), stat tracker, website, create logo's and mascots and
more. There is passion among the people and we need to take advantage of that. We need to harness that in. We need to take 10% of that $36
billion.
A few weeks ago, I went to a local bar for a drink. As we sat at the counter drinking our beers, my lady friend kept looking over my shoulder a group of
guys huddled around a plate of wings, cheese fingers and nachos. With papers in hand and pitchers of beers being poured, these guys sat around
the table picking players… for hours. When I asked the waitress what these guys were doing, she said, “I don’t know. Fantasy football or some crap
like that. Looks like a sausage fest to me.” (She was young and hot, so the offense was forgivable) She also went on to say that there had been
several groups in the bar throughout the week doing this. This bar was living my dream: Making money off a fantasy game.
There is opportunity to take these 12 guy’s money – and every other group of 12 guy’s money. When the guys were done I asked them how they knew
each other. A few were work friends and some others were friends by association. Those simply “associated” left when the draft was over (“they had
to catch a train,” said one, “their wives are waiting for them”). Those who started and ran the league stayed in the bar, had a few drinks, and
discussed who they drafted. It was our Saturday night. These guys were the ones who will spend the money and time discussing and living fantasy,
and these are the guys we should be targeting.
I know I’m just talking here. But there is opportunity and we are masters of this. Let us not let this slip by. Sure there will be no JV or sister ROFF
league. We shall not be connected to anyone else for we are the Retired Orangemen – an elite group of 14 guys. What we have SPECIFICALLY
cannot be duplicated and should not be tampered with. It is too special, too important. But why can’t Devon and VA still have experiences like ours?
Why can’t we sell them the ROFF package and let them create their own elite groups? We can and we will. We just need to figure out how. And this, I
know for a fact, we shall do.
And now to STILL do a recap, some quick hits from this weekend:
- I was impressed that my team put up 100+ before Deuce hit the field, but disappointed that Deuce couldn’t hold the ACL injury till AFTER he got
in the end zone. - Not to harp on my woes, but how great is it that I don’t have to face Josh’s Bush this weekend since he’s on a bye? This would be his first
weekend as the premiere back. - What a day by Kevin Curtis! 43.73 points sitting on Gregg’s bench would have CERTAINLY gotten him the W. 221 yards and 3 TD’s in those
"girl scout" uniforms!? DAMNNN! - McNabb and Barber had HUGE days for Dave and he STILL only pulled off a 6 point win. Props to Josh for hanging in there.
- Congrats to Jason Sherman and Nick Serrano on their first wins of the season. Brian is going to have a tough time popping his cherry this week
against Parker. - Bye weeks start this week. Could change the course of a lot of teams
- What a game between Random and Five: Both break 140 and Cantor takes it by just 2 points. For Brian: Ronnie looked good this week –
Maybe he might live up to his potential. As a Phins fan, I hope so. For Cantor: No HUGE player, just some solid performances from Hasselbeck,
Driver, Jordan and the Philly D. Keep getting solid days like this, and you could be pulling a Navid (back-to-back). - Portis looks like a better pick than Deuce. Scott - You better get a good defense or you’re in trouble my friend.
- Where have you gone Shaun Alexander? Rich: He picks up and you have yourself a true contender. After all, you can’t live off of Romo and TJ
forever… can you? - The Horses look good. Addai is solid and if Westbrook can stay healthy, then I am feeling really good about the Horses this year.
Best of luck to everyone this week.
Swami, back in the plus column with a 4-3 showing, will be have predictions entered by the Saturday night