Petition to get FCS Games on ESPN

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

Everyone needs to add this group and get as many people to sign this as you can. Tell everyone, we can make this happen.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/293417437358338/

[coloradobison]

I saw a Tweet today to Chris Mortenson from someone begging for FCS playoffs to be on some format other than ESPN3 because the entire state of Montana can't get ESPN3. From the sounds of it, that goes for ND also.

[HerdBot]

I think a better way to approach this is to email espn.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?page=contact/index

this link is for programming
http://espn.go.com/espn/contact

[4mcruenomore]

I'll email Lee Timmerman, he always listens to me, maybe he can help....

[HerdBot]

Here is what I sent

Espn3 has the rights to the FCS playoffs. My team is the North Dakota State Bison. No provider in Fargo offers ESPN3 so that means nobody can watch. That sucks. Every Bison game has been on TV and thanks to ESPN3 we can't watch. Please sell the rights to a local channel or put it on ESPN2. Thank you

[aces1180]

Here is what I sent

Espn3 has the rights to the FCS playoffs. My team is the North Dakota State Bison. No provider in Fargo offers ESPN3 so that means nobody can watch. That sucks. Every Bison game has been on TV and thanks to ESPN3 we can't watch. Please sell the rights to a local channel or put it on ESPN2. Thank you

The EKU/JMU game is also on ESPNU, maybe that will happen with our game?

[4mcruenomore]

I like how you said "that sucks". Should have said "that sucks dick", sounds more educated.

[CaBisonFan]

Everyone needs to add this group and get as many people to sign this as you can. Tell everyone, we can make this happen.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/293417437358338/

ok...so what do I do when I get to the facebook page?

[aces1180]

I like how you said "that sucks". Should have said "that sucks dick", sounds more educated.

/Thread...Awesome

[ndsubison1]

if they put any 2nd round games on espnu we might have a good shot. filled dome vs. a likely CAA opponent. we would likely be the best 2nd round mstchup imo. although i could see them putting ODU-Georgia Southern on tv. plus, there wont be as many FBS games since most end their season this upcoming weekend

[bisonsupporter]

I have Idea One for ISP and emailed them about why they are not an approved carrier of ESPN3 and here is the response I got:

"We appreciate your input however, at this time we are not able to provide access to this site. Due to broadcasting fees which ESPN requires, it is not cost effective for us to offer this service. We are however, continuing to evaluate this product and we will certainly keep our customer updated."

[coloradobison]

I assume that is the reason of most ISPs who dont have ESPN3, it is a high demand product and the costs are high - just like the advertising $$'s that espn generates are enormous.

[HerdBot]

I like how you said "that sucks". Should have said "that sucks dick", sounds more educated.

The title of the email was going to be ESPN3 can suck my 10" cock but I decided to go with ESPN3 is not in North Dakota = no playoffs

[aces1180]

The title of the email was going to be ESPN3 can suck my 10" cock but I decided to go with ESPN3 is not in North Dakota = no playoffs

You do realize that you can get ESPN3 in lots of ND areas...including Bis-Man, Minot, Grand Forks, West Fargo, parts of Fargo, etc....

[HerdBot]

You do realize that you can get ESPN3 in lots of ND areas...including Bis-Man, Minot, Grand Forks, West Fargo, parts of Fargo, etc....

and your point is what? Its not available in 99% of Fargo. Would you prefer I write "since ESPN3 is available in parts of the state and not in Fargo, you guys are the shit!"

[SamsRams]

This idea will never work. The more you clamour for this product the more leverage ESPN has to force the cable providers to add it.

[aces1180]

and your point is what? Its not available in 99% of Fargo. Would you prefer I write "since ESPN3 is available in parts of the state and not in Fargo, you guys are the shit!"

You said ESPN3 is not in ND...That is blatantly wrong...If you are going to write, you might as well get the facts straight and not come off as an uninformed rube.

[HerdBot]

This idea will never work. The more you clamour for this product the more leverage ESPN has to force the cable providers to add it.

and the less you clamour, the less irrelevant FCS Football becomes. At least if they see demand, by getting a ton of emails, they will put the game on TV. The idea is to put the Bison on ESPN3. There is a chance we only see 1 game.

[TheBisonator]

I know 4mcrue is gonna give me crap for this again, but you guys know that anyone on the planet can get ESPN3 by using the workaround, right??

Gabe has no reason to bitch. I live in freakin Canada and I watch games on ESPN3.

[4mcruenomore]

I know 4mcrue is gonna give me crap for this again, but you guys know that anyone on the planet can get ESPN3 by using the workaround, right??

Gabe has no reason to bitch. I live in freakin Canada and I watch games on ESPN3.

Are you freakin' kidding me right now? This just happened, AGAIN?

[aces1180]

I know 4mcrue is gonna give me crap for this again, but you guys know that anyone on the planet can get ESPN3 by using the workaround, right??

Gabe has no reason to bitch. I live in freakin Canada and I watch games on ESPN3.

Agreed...If people want to watch the game, they will find a way...It's not like people are going to be channel surfing and find this game...They'll have to already know about it and seek it out.

[HerdBot]

You said ESPN3 is not in ND...That is blatantly wrong...If you are going to write, you might as well get the facts straight and not come off as an uninformed rube.

ESPN3 is not available in Fargo. The Bison play in Fargo. That's the point. I'm sure the guy reading the ESPN inbox isn't an anal DB over details that don't matter. I could give 2 shits if ESPN3 is ever in Fargo. I want the game on ESPN. Itsvgood for the program.

[UncleBuck]

Now I remember another reason I moved away from North Dakota.

Being in Minneapolis, I'm planning to watch all the first round games on ESPN3, on replay.

[56BISON73]

ESPN3 is not available in Fargo. The Bison play in Fargo. That's the point. I'm sure the guy reading the ESPN inbox isn't an anal DB over details that don't matter. I could give 2 shits if ESPN3 is ever in Fargo. I want the game on ESPN. Itsvgood for the program.

Have you contacted ESPN?

[aces1180]

ESPN3 is not available in Fargo. The Bison play in Fargo. That's the point. I'm sure the guy reading the ESPN inbox isn't an anal DB over details that don't matter. I could give 2 shits if ESPN3 is ever in Fargo. I want the game on ESPN. Itsvgood for the program.

See, you are wrong..It is available in Fargo, just not Cableone...20% of Fargo (south and western areas) gets Midcontinent Communications...The only way we are getting games constantly on ESPN is if we join the MAC and play on Tuesday nights...I guess if you want to piss in the wind, I shouldn't give a crap. Good luck.

[HerdBot]

Agreed...If people want to watch the game, they will find a way...It's not like people are going to be channel surfing and find this game...They'll have to already know about it and seek it out.

So your saying a nationally televised game on ESPN has no value?

[aces1180]

So your saying a nationally televised game on ESPN has no value?

It's not getting on ESPN...They don't care until the semifinals and then the finals...And unfortunately, those ratings aren't anything special anyway.

[HerdBot]

Have you contacted ESPN?

yes sir. Apparently aces thinks its more effective to send an email detailing the entire city of Fargo and what sections get it. Ill attach a map of the city with a pie chart.

[56BISON73]

yes sir. Apparently aces thinks its more effective to send an email detailing the entire city of Fargo and what sections get it. Ill attach a map of the city with a pie chart.

And what was ESPNs response?

[HerdBot]

See, you are wrong..It is available in Fargo, just not Cableone...20% of Fargo (south and western areas) gets Midcontinent Communications...The only way we are getting games constantly on ESPN is if we join the MAC and play on Tuesday nights...I guess if you want to piss in the wind, I shouldn't give a crap. Good luck.

I can tell by your over the top anal approach you must work in a field of extreme detail. Editor, accountant, etc... :(

[aces1180]

I can tell by your over the top anal approach you must work in a field of extreme detail. Editor, accountant, etc... :(

Marketing Communication Specialist...I deal with facts, not half-truths and e-mailing companies that their policies, "suck."

[HerdBot]

And what was ESPNs response?

I sent 2. 1 response was saying thanks but due to high volume we can't respond and another instructions how to access ESPN 3

[HerdBot]

Marketing Communication Specialist...I deal with facts, not half-truths and e-mailing companies that their policies, "suck."

so your the anal proof reader for advertisements. The guy who puts 3 paragraphs of fine print on the bottom of the ad. Important and a good job but that explains a ton!

[56BISON73]

I sent 2. 1 response was saying thanks but due to high volume we can't respond and another instructions how to access ESPN 3

So since you got stone walled what do you expect to happen when others try also????? Why are you encouraging others to beat there heads against the wall?

[aces1180]

so your the anal proof reader for advertisements. The guy who puts 3 paragraphs of fine print on the bottom of the ad. Important and a good job but that explains a ton!

I'm a bit more than a proof reader, thanks to my BA and MA from NDSU...Thanks for your interest. Good luck with your campaign.

[HerdBot]

So since you got stone walled what do you expect to happen when others try also????? Why are you encouraging others to beat there heads against the wall?

I don't. I just thought sending emails requesting they put the Bison game on ESPN3 is pretty simple and better than Alpha Grizzly putting together a Facebook page that's going to be 90% Montana fans. Honesty it said it will be forwarded to decision makers. Form letter standard. Need volume to be effective

[HerdBot]

I'm a bit more than a proof reader, thanks to my BA and MA from NDSU...Thanks for your interest. Good luck with your campaign.

its not my campaign. Its alpha griz. Im so happy you have a degree. I bet yo mama is so proud. I used to work for the man too.

And you said ``more than a proof reader so I assume that's the basis of your work. Legal proofreader = anal``

[aces1180]

its not my campaign. Its alpha griz. Im so happy you have a degree. I bet yo mama is so proud. I used to work for the man too.

And you said ``more than a proof reader so I assume that's the basis of your work. Legal proofreader = anal``

You know nothing about me or what I do for a living...Like I said, good luck.

[HerdBot]

You know nothing about me or what I do for a living...Like I said, good luck.

thanks. I will use your insightful suggestions to improve my email communications.

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

I don't. I just thought sending emails requesting they put the Bison game on ESPN3 is pretty simple and better than Alpha Grizzly putting together a Facebook page that's going to be 90% Montana fans. Honesty it said it will be forwarded to decision makers. Form letter standard. Need volume to be effective

If I only wanted Montana to have the games I would have just posted it on Montana sites, I was interested in any FCS fan having their games on. This was for all of us FCS fans.

[4mcruenomore]

I love it when people get into pissing matches, and I'm not involved.

[BISONBRI53]

Gabe start a thread and take a break! UFF-DA!!!

[HerdBot]

Some personalities just don't get along. I don't jive well with analytical personalities. I wasn't even trying to make fun of his job and I don't know anything about him... But I can tell by his responses that his job is over the top detail oriented and i was right. I had an image of the scientist dude on the big bang theory No hard feelings

[1998braves64]

Pretty much all of ND gets ESPN3 but Fargo (which makes no absolute sense imo) now that Midco carries it. Not sure if it was part of the raising the rate this past year but for the little that they raised it was worth getting ESPN3 for... and it's still cheaper and better than Cableone (Midco is cheaper than cableone was 6 years ago that is). Join Nators group and get the work around for now and keep beating your head against the wall doubt if it'll change. Remember the somewhat uproar over moving Monday night football to ESPN from ABC so that people had to have cable in order to watch it rather than just get it over the air? Didn't seem to bother that any.

[HerdBot]

Pretty much all of ND gets ESPN3 but Fargo (which makes no absolute sense imo) now that Midco carries it. Not sure if it was part of the raising the rate this past year but for the little that they raised it was worth getting ESPN3 for... and it's still cheaper and better than Cableone (Midco is cheaper than cableone was 6 years ago that is). Join Nators group and get the work around for now and keep beating your head against the wall doubt if it'll change. Remember the somewhat uproar over moving Monday night football to ESPN from ABC so that people had to have cable in order to watch it rather than just get it over the air? Didn't seem to bother that any.

Many in North Dakota but I woulntnt say most. That's only customers who have midco. Half the market is qwest and satellite

Monday night get yourv point but not the best analogy since ESPN is available on every cable or satellite provided

[ndsubison1]

im pretty sure the espn3 broadcasts were put on tv statewide last playoffs. i had ppl texting during the msu and ewu games saying they were watching it. i believe it was on nbc

[tojo70]

On to the topic at hand.....IT's not about if you have access to ESPN3 or not. It's that ESPN is not allowing any TV station to even bid on televising the game. I can understand it if ESPN would not make money on a bid to televise it, but the simple fact that they are not even allowing anyone to broadcast it by not allowing bidding is BS. It shouldn't matter if you have access to ESPN3 or not, this is about broadcasting and promoting FCS football.
I live in Montana. There are only a couple ISP's serving a relatively few Montanans that carry ESPN3. I know of workarounds that I will be able to watch the game, but I feel for the people that aren't able to do that. It doesn't take up much of my time and no financial burden to join the facebook page and to send invitations to my friends on facebook to get the word out about this. Will it help? Maybe. Will it hurt me? NO! So why the hell not??

[bisonmike2]

For those who don't get espn3 though your isp you can try this link. It doesn't appear to need any verification that your have charter for your isp.

http://charter.net/espn3/

[bisonsupporter]

im pretty sure the espn3 broadcasts were put on tv statewide last playoffs. i had ppl texting during the msu and ewu games saying they were watching it. i believe it was on nbc

Yes they were on local tv last year. I remember watching the killing at MSU and the horrible red field on tv.

[HerdBot]

Yes they were on local tv last year. I remember watching the killing at MSU and the horrible red field on tv.

Like the poster above stated... last year they allowed channels to bid on it. This years it's different. Dan Hammer reported this on KVLY a few nights ago. he said they put in a bid but were informed they are not accepting them. That means this game will nto be on TV. I'm sure the bars will figure out a way around it but the average joe who is a fairweather fan will not. Neither will our recruits who canno get ESPN3

[BisonTeacher]

I love it when people get into pissing matches, and I'm not involved.

Im just glad its not me this time.

[BisonTeacher]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but is it not on all access?

[LostGriz]

For those of you that think there are simple workarounds for this, you're going to be dissappointed. If you or your favorite sports bar doesn't have access to ESPN3, you're not watching the game. What the folks in MT are wanting is for ESPN to include the FCS games, or at least ones in areas with poor ESPN3 coverage, in GamePlan OR to allow local channels to bid on the broadcast. And the Facebook petition may seem ineffective, but it's getting coverage. Still the phone calls and emails to ESPN will help as well.

Contacts:
support@espncustomercare.com
Phone ESPN: 1-888-549-3776, EXT 3."

http://www.facebook.com/events/121290624649284/

Articles:

http://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/blogs/catgrizinsider/the-people-vs-espn/article_0abc3444-1564-11e1-b155-001cc4c002e0.html

http://missoulian.com/college/griz/politicians-fans-start-lobbying-to-get-griz-on-tv/article_4119ef66-158e-11e1-b092-001cc4c002e0.html

[tjbison]

For those of you that think there are simple workarounds for this, you're going to be dissappointed. If you or your favorite sports bar doesn't have access to ESPN3, you're not watching the game. What the folks in MT are wanting is for ESPN to include the FCS games, or at least ones in areas with poor ESPN3 coverage, in GamePlan OR to allow local channels to bid on the broadcast. And the Facebook petition may seem ineffective, but it's getting coverage. Still the phone calls and emails to ESPN will help as well.

Contacts:
support@espncustomercare.com
Phone ESPN: 1-888-549-3776, EXT 3."

http://www.facebook.com/events/121290624649284/

Articles:

http://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/blogs/catgrizinsider/the-people-vs-espn/article_0abc3444-1564-11e1-b155-001cc4c002e0.html

http://missoulian.com/college/griz/politicians-fans-start-lobbying-to-get-griz-on-tv/article_4119ef66-158e-11e1-b092-001cc4c002e0.html

ESPN 3 works for me:biggrin:

[bisoningrandforks]

espn3 works for me too!....

[HerdBot]

For those of you that think there are simple workarounds for this, you're going to be dissappointed. If you or your favorite sports bar doesn't have access to ESPN3, you're not watching the game. What the folks in MT are wanting is for ESPN to include the FCS games, or at least ones in areas with poor ESPN3 coverage, in GamePlan OR to allow local channels to bid on the broadcast. And the Facebook petition may seem ineffective, but it's getting coverage. Still the phone calls and emails to ESPN will help as well.

Contacts:
support@espncustomercare.com
Phone ESPN: 1-888-549-3776, EXT 3."

http://www.facebook.com/events/121290624649284/

Articles:

http://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/blogs/catgrizinsider/the-people-vs-espn/article_0abc3444-1564-11e1-b155-001cc4c002e0.html

http://missoulian.com/college/griz/politicians-fans-start-lobbying-to-get-griz-on-tv/article_4119ef66-158e-11e1-b092-001cc4c002e0.html

When you call that number, option 3 is for espn radio. Is that correct?

[HerdBot]

If I only wanted Montana to have the games I would have just posted it on Montana sites, I was interested in any FCS fan having their games on. This was for all of us FCS fans.

ill believe it when I see a Bison logo next to the Griz and Cats

[heffray]

I love it when people get into pissing matches, and I'm not involved.

^ Agree... however, oddly enough, makes me want to pick a side and get involved. too bad i agree with both of them.

[missingnumber7]

Strikes me that the people we should be complaining to is the NCAA. They sold the outright rights to ESPN.

[HerdBot]

We are all on the side of the Bison. Bottom line is it by getting the Bison on ESPN benefits the program on multiple levels such as exposure, perception, and recruiting. We can itch about petty things like how to word an email or we can be organized like Griz fans who are pushing 11000 accepted invites on Facebook and have the media behind them.

I don't want to hear anyone bItch when the game is sold out and they can't watch it while the Griz are getting exposure on ESPN. Why anyone would question this is beyond me.

Send an email to support@espncustomercare.com and tell them you cannot get ESPN 3 and you want to watch the game.

If it doesn't work your out 90 seconds of your time.

[THEsocalledfan]

This whole thread kind of makes me laugh as it is quite futile. Just put yourself in other folks shoes for a minute:

1. If you are ESPN, you love the up roar. What better way to strong arm cable companies like Cable Zero to pay for access? No one has any way to "retaliate" at ESPN short of dropping their TV. But, there is choice for TV internet in most markets; does Qwest have access? If so, man, I'd move to them in a heartbeat in Fargo as you can get TV from Dish or Direct.

2. If you are the NCAA, again, what are you going to be able to do to them? Punish a member like NDSU? Quit giving to teammakers? I am sure they sold it for much more than could have been made selling the rights to local TV.

So in other words, just admit you are screwed, get an ISP who has ESPN3, and buy a darn Xbox (not necessary, but the HD is awesome). The man has spoken and just bend over and take it.

[HerdBot]

This whole thread kind of makes me laugh as it is quite futile. Just put yourself in other folks shoes for a minute:

1. If you are ESPN, you love the up roar. What better way to strong arm cable companies like Cable Zero to pay for access? No one has any way to "retaliate" at ESPN short of dropping their TV. But, there is choice for TV internet in most markets; does Qwest have access? If so, man, I'd move to them in a heartbeat in Fargo as you can get TV from Dish or Direct.

2. If you are the NCAA, again, what are you going to be able to do to them? Punish a member like NDSU? Quit giving to teammakers? I am sure they sold it for much more than could have been made selling the rights to local TV.

So in other words, just admit you are screwed, get an ISP who has ESPN3, and buy a darn Xbox (not necessary, but the HD is awesome). The man has spoken and just bend over and take it.

I hear you but this isn't about ESPN 3. Its about getting the Bison game televised. Its about demand. If I'm an ESPN executive I would get the impression Griz Football is in high demand and nobody cares about the Bison so I would put the Montana game on Tv. Griz fans will enjoy it while were fighting about the economics of TV.

Remember when DirecTV lost CBS before March Madness started with the Bison and Kansas? after major complaints they miraculously came to an agreement the last minute.

[stevdock]

Remember when DirecTV lost CBS before March Madness started with the Bison and Kansas? after major complaints they miraculously came to an agreement the last minute.

The major complaints were well before that too. Those of us with DirecTV also lost all the AFC playoff games. Not as big of a show as March Madness, but still very big. Don't think for a second that this was just resolved ONLY because of the Bison basketball game even though it did help.

[TheBisonator]

For those of you that think there are simple workarounds for this, you're going to be dissappointed. If you or your favorite sports bar doesn't have access to ESPN3, you're not watching the game. What the folks in MT are wanting is for ESPN to include the FCS games, or at least ones in areas with poor ESPN3 coverage, in GamePlan OR to allow local channels to bid on the broadcast. And the Facebook petition may seem ineffective, but it's getting coverage. Still the phone calls and emails to ESPN will help as well.

Contacts:
support@espncustomercare.com
Phone ESPN: 1-888-549-3776, EXT 3."

http://www.facebook.com/events/121290624649284/

Articles:

http://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/blogs/catgrizinsider/the-people-vs-espn/article_0abc3444-1564-11e1-b155-001cc4c002e0.html

http://missoulian.com/college/griz/politicians-fans-start-lobbying-to-get-griz-on-tv/article_4119ef66-158e-11e1-b092-001cc4c002e0.html

I get ESPN3 in Toronto.

[bisoningrandforks]

espn2 probably has soccer on instead...uggh!......

[56BISON73]

I hear you but this isn't about ESPN 3. Its about getting the Bison game televised. Its about demand. If I'm an ESPN executive I would get the impression Griz Football is in high demand and nobody cares about the Bison so I would put the Montana game on Tv. Griz fans will enjoy it while were fighting about the economics of TV.

Remember when DirecTV lost CBS before March Madness started with the Bison and Kansas? after major complaints they miraculously came to an agreement the last minute.

I think cause and effect of the agreement didnt have anything to do with the Bison BB game.

[HerdBot]

I think cause and effect of the agreement didnt have anything to do with the Bison BB game.

they brought it back the day of the tournament and it only effected Fargo and Grand Forks. KVLY had some potential to lose advertising revenue since DirecTV holds a large market share. It may not have been the only reason but it certainly contributed. I cancelled my DirecTV but cancelled my cancellation when they came to an agreement. Others did too.

[THEsocalledfan]

I hear you but this isn't about ESPN 3.

How is it not about ESPN 3? Gabe, put yourself in ESPN's shoes. This is EXACTLY what they want; pent up frustration as to why folks can't watch it on TV. Your only hope in this is for them to put it on ESPN2, which I bet is not likely.

Why would they give it to local media when you are doing an excellent job in showing cable companies why they need to pick up ESPN3? ESPN generally operates on a fee per prescriber with access model, so advertising revenue is not important to them for a small potatoes game like this. (Only reason you could argue for over the air is better commercial sales.)

Gabe, if you have an Xbox, ESPN 3 is a full high def and kills a Hoak Media production. You would love it if CableZero would get their heads out of their ass. CableZero is the problem, and ESPN 3 knows it.

[aces1180]

Let's not forget, this weekend's JMU/EKU game is on ESPNU...This could also be the case with other FCS games in weeks 2 and 3.

[TransAmBison]

I get ESPN3 in Toronto.Since when have you been in Toronto????

[Answer Guy]

Since when have you been in Toronto????

Your birthday is making you funny or will this be a regular thing?

[TransAmBison]

Your birthday is making you funny or will this be a regular thing?It doesn't seem to matter if it is my birthday or not, you are still an a##. :)

[SDbison]

espn2 probably has soccer on instead...uggh!...... Soccer is THE most boring sport to watch.

[HerdBot]

How is it not about ESPN 3? Gabe, put yourself in ESPN's shoes. This is EXACTLY what they want; pent up frustration as to why folks can't watch it on TV. Your only hope in this is for them to put it on ESPN2, which I bet is not likely.

Why would they give it to local media when you are doing an excellent job in showing cable companies why they need to pick up ESPN3? ESPN generally operates on a fee per prescriber with access model, so advertising revenue is not important to them for a small potatoes game like this. (Only reason you could argue for over the air is better commercial sales.)

Gabe, if you have an Xbox, ESPN 3 is a full high def and kills a Hoak Media production. You would love it if CableZero would get their heads out of their ass. CableZero is the problem, and ESPN 3 knows it.

Dude I get your point. I really do. Its valid. But I don't give flying duck about the macroeconomics of greedy ass cable companies and internet providers and their billions of dollars. I'm not getting an xbox either. They are part of the problem and a big reason why much of the state can watch it.

All I care about is getting the game on TV. Real tv. Not some ghey ass internet channel nobody watches on a regular basis. Watching a game on a computer screen sucks dick People watch ESPN. They broadcast games based on demand. If we don't demand it they won't air it.

Maybe we should bitch to cable one and qwest too. Or we could cancel. That won't help.

[TheBisonator]

Soccer is THE most boring sport to watch.

No, that title is a three-way shared tie between baseball, NASCAR and golf.

[THEsocalledfan]

Dude I get your point. I really do. Its valid. But I don't give flying duck about the macroeconomics of greedy ass cable companies and internet providers and their billions of dollars. I'm not getting an xbox either. They are part of the problem and a big reason why much of the state can watch it.

All I care about is getting the game on TV. Real tv. Not some ghey ass internet channel nobody watches on a regular basis. Watching a game on a computer screen sucks dick People watch ESPN. They broadcast games based on demand. If we don't demand it they won't air it.

Maybe we should bitch to cable one and qwest too. Or we could cancel. That won't help.

Gabe, I think your only hope is to joing the Occupy Wall Street Movement on this one. You won't beat the system and you seem to know it. I'd focus your effort on trying to convince them to put it on ESPN pay per veiw, ESPNU, or ESPN2.

[Facts]

The Internet providers are the problem. Not ESPN.
If anyone wants to know how FSN HD on local cable was influenced, pm me.
Also, I'd love it if the bison were on ESPN or ESPN2 all season long, but FCS ain't the SEC, so welcome to reality.

[HerdBot]

Gabe, I think your only hope is to joing the Occupy Wall Street Movement on this one. You won't beat the system and you seem to know it. I'd focus your effort on trying to convince them to put it on ESPN pay per veiw, ESPNU, or ESPN2.


Really... this is from the Montana EGriz site. Sounds like they are making noise. Maybe we can fight the powers! We would rather spend hours debating pointless shit and the macroeconomics of this.

ESPN issued the following statement, "ESPN is making an unprecedented commitment to the NCAA Division I Football Championship with more coverage than ever before across our entities, including ESPN3. We are aware of the inquiries from the Montana congressmen and we will follow up with each of them."

[HerdBot]

The Internet providers are the problem. Not ESPN.
If anyone wants to know how FSN HD on local cable was influenced, pm me.
Also, I'd love it if the bison were on ESPN or ESPN2 all season long, but FCS ain't the SEC, so welcome to reality.

if cable one or qwest offered espn3 it would still not be televised. They won't sell the rights. People want to watch the game on a real tv channel. When the bars stream the games it looks like shit not enough broadband capacity. I couldn't even read the down markers at BWW. Watching on a buffering computer screen sucks

grizzly fans are getting the job done and they will be watching their game on espnu while we bitch about pointless shit.

[EmeraldCityBison]

Soccer is THE most boring sport to watch.

Boring? No way. One could argue that it's boring to watch 10 seconds of action followed by 45 seconds of inaction repeating for 3 hours.

Personally I appreciate both sports. I must say, though, that the athleticism and endurance required to play soccer at the highest levels is incredible.

"Mass genocide is the most exhausting activity one can engage in, next to soccer." - Loki

[Bisonguy]

The Internet providers are the problem. Not ESPN.
If anyone wants to know how FSN HD on local cable was influenced, pm me.
Also, I'd love it if the bison were on ESPN or ESPN2 all season long, but FCS ain't the SEC, so welcome to reality.

ESPN is not even slightly to blame, trying to collect a per customer fee from the ISP's? What's next, Youtube, Google, Facebook, Twitter all charging the ISP's? It's a crappy business model for the subscribers and hopefully won't catch on with other content providers.

[Tatanka]

ESPN is not even slightly to blame, trying to collect a per customer fee from the ISP's? What's next, Youtube, Google, Facebook, Twitter all charging the ISP's? It's a crappy business model for the subscribers and hopefully won't catch on with other content providers.

10000000000000000000000000000x this. In the end, the consumer loses with this arrangment.

[HerdBot]

ESPN is not even slightly to blame, trying to collect a per customer fee from the ISP's? What's next, Youtube, Google, Facebook, Twitter all charging the ISP's? It's a crappy business model for the subscribers and hopefully won't catch on with other content providers.

I don't understand your post. Are your saying its a bad model to charge the isp? Isn't that what espn3 is doing? therefore you think esp is to blame? Please clarify

[Tatanka]

I don't understand your post. Are your saying its a bad model to charge the isp? Isn't that what espn3 is doing? therefore you think esp is to blame? Please clarify

It's a terrible model for the consumer. Charge the consumer if you want to charge for your content. Content providers charging ISPs for delivering their content is a dangerous, slippery slope if more content providers get on board--it turns the internet into everything that's wrong with Cable TV. The Internet is what we have today because of the free distribution model--once you pay the ISP to get on the internet everything out there is available to you... yes some content providers ask you to pay a premium but that's your choice, NOT the ISP's choice. By supporting the ESPN3 model you're supporting having that decision to pay extra for premium content taken out of your hands entirely. Not something I'm willing to concede.

[HerdBot]

It's a terrible model for the consumer. Charge the consumer if you want to charge for your content. Content providers charging ISPs for delivering their content is a dangerous, slippery slope if more content providers get on board--it turns the internet into everything that's wrong with Cable TV. The Internet is what we have today because of the free distribution model--once you pay the ISP to get on the internet everything out there is available to you... yes some content providers ask you to pay a premium but that's your choice, NOT the ISP's choice. By supporting the ESPN3 model you're supporting having that decision to pay extra for premium content taken out of your hands entirely. Not something I'm willing to concede.I agree 100%. Great post! What sucks about this game is nobody who cares is watching! No non Bison fans will watch and all it does is jack the prices up for your isp. What's really stupid is the fact they don't run commercials!! That could fund half the deal. Instead you get to see a blank screen.

[Bisonguy]

It's a terrible model for the consumer. Charge the consumer if you want to charge for your content. Content providers charging ISPs for delivering their content is a dangerous, slippery slope if more content providers get on board--it turns the internet into everything that's wrong with Cable TV. The Internet is what we have today because of the free distribution model--once you pay the ISP to get on the internet everything out there is available to you... yes some content providers ask you to pay a premium but that's your choice, NOT the ISP's choice. By supporting the ESPN3 model you're supporting having that decision to pay extra for premium content taken out of your hands entirely. Not something I'm willing to concede.

Exactly. ISP's are service providers, not content providers. ESPN is just trying to force their cable TV model on the interwebs. It's a very, very slippery slope.

[Facts]

Exactly. ISP's are service providers, not content providers. ESPN is just trying to force their cable TV model on the interwebs. It's a very, very slippery slope.

I'd love everything to be free... but goods often have costs. If I want to watch ESPN, I have to pay for cable or dish. I really don't blame espn for asking a premium of their internet providers for a service that is ESPN3. I understand the can of worms that this opens, but goods and services cost money... right?

edit: if they want me to pay a fee for ESPN3 like ESPN Insider. that's probably the better way to maintain the freedom of teh interwebs.

[Bisonguy]

I'd love everything to be free... but goods often have costs. If I want to watch ESPN, I have to pay for cable or dish. I really don't blame espn for asking a premium of their internet providers for a service that is ESPN3. I understand the can of worms that this opens, but goods and services cost money... right?

Yes, and I'd gladly pay $5 or $10 for a monthly subscription, especially during the playoffs. What's next? Facebook charging ISP's $2 per subscriber or banning the ISP?

I'm not exactly standing up for the ISP's either, but it's not their responsibility to provide content. They provide access to the content. Users can then choose which content they want.

[THEsocalledfan]

It's a terrible model for the consumer. Charge the consumer if you want to charge for your content. Content providers charging ISPs for delivering their content is a dangerous, slippery slope if more content providers get on board--it turns the internet into everything that's wrong with Cable TV. The Internet is what we have today because of the free distribution model--once you pay the ISP to get on the internet everything out there is available to you... yes some content providers ask you to pay a premium but that's your choice, NOT the ISP's choice. By supporting the ESPN3 model you're supporting having that decision to pay extra for premium content taken out of your hands entirely. Not something I'm willing to concede.

Hey, no arguments from me on this. But, just a couple points to you and Gabe:

1. Seems like a very good model for ESPN. You seem to have missed that.
2. Gabe, the amount of money they can collect with this business model DWARFS anything you can get in ads, so why would they care?

Friends, this is capitalism. If you don't like it, move to China. Oh, wait a minute....Cuba.

On a policy note, you would have to pass legislation to stop this practice if worried about a slippery slope. I am not a big fan of telling businesses what to do unless you can show the market is not fair, and I admit ESPN is getting very, very close to that threshold for me (the old "you are so big, you are illegal").....

[Wally]

http://web1.ncaa.org/NCAATV/exec/query


You can search the ncaa broadcast info back 5 years here to see who broadcasted what games on what dates/time.

This is the first year where there is not even ESPN Gameplan/Syndication as an option. I don't get that. The mothership ESPN would still get your $$ if you had to go the pay per view route. Instead they go ESPN3 that many people do not get. Luckily it is just for the 1st/2nd round only.

Also, saw that only 2 of the 4 quarterfinals are in HD.

[HerdBot]

Hey, no arguments from me on this. But, just a couple points to you and Gabe:

1. Seems like a very good model for ESPN. You seem to have missed that.
2. Gabe, the amount of money they can collect with this business model DWARFS anything you can get in ads, so why would they care?

Friends, this is capitalism. If you don't like it, move to China. Oh, wait a minute....Cuba.

On a policy note, you would have to pass legislation to stop this practice if worried about a slippery slope. I am not a big fan of telling businesses what to do unless you can show the market is not fair, and I admit ESPN is getting very, very close to that threshold for me (the old "you are so big, you are illegal").....

Not liking a business model is not unamerican. I'm a big time proponent of capitalism. Owned many businesses over the years.. Businesses can legally fuck the public. Its their right. But its also my right to publicly call them out for being greedy. The government shouldnt regulate shit. It simply adds another layer of corruption. Case in point the department of Education and Energy. Since carter created them, our kids are dumber and energy is at an all time high..

[BlueBisonRock]

Not liking a business model is not unamerican. I'm a big time proponent of capitalism. Owned many businesses over the years.. Businesses can legally fuck the public. Its their right. But its also my right to publicly call them out for being greedy. The government shouldnt regulate shit. It simply adds another layer of corruption. Case in point the department of Education and Energy. Since carter created them, our kids are dumber and energy is at an all time high..

Your kids? Maybe. Not mine!

;)

[Bisonguy]

Hey, no arguments from me on this. But, just a couple points to you and Gabe:

1. Seems like a very good model for ESPN. You seem to have missed that.
2. Gabe, the amount of money they can collect with this business model DWARFS anything you can get in ads, so why would they care?

Friends, this is capitalism. If you don't like it, move to China. Oh, wait a minute....Cuba.

On a policy note, you would have to pass legislation to stop this practice if worried about a slippery slope. I am not a big fan of telling businesses what to do unless you can show the market is not fair, and I admit ESPN is getting very, very close to that threshold for me (the old "you are so big, you are illegal").....

It's an absolutely great business model for ESPN. For the consumers it sucks.

[HerdBot]

Your kids? Maybe. Not mine!

;)

In general, my kids generation is dumber than my generation. I'm a gen xer. And what's sad is my kids gen have instant access to information and the potential to be the most brilliant generation ever.

[BlueBisonRock]

In general, my kids generation is dumber than my generation. I'm a gen xer. And what's sad is my kids gen have instant access to information and the potential to be the most brilliant generation ever.

Dumber. What is the world coming to.....

That is what my parents generation stated about my generation and what my generation stated about yours. I worked with a lot of kids through youth coaching and scouts. I got to know my kid's friends. And guess what? This next generation is the one that has to live with the phobias and issues of both my and your generation. Consider the approach used by adults in your generation (and mine), then look in a mirror or tell me to my face that this generation is dumber.

They work different. They are motivated by different incentives. They are different. But the simple fact that they do not respond the same to the same data points as you does not make them dumb. Remember, it was the free love crowd that came up with the concept of zero tolerence in today's schools.

[HerdBot]

Dumber. What is the world coming to.....

That is what my parents generation stated about my generation and what my generation stated about yours. I worked with a lot of kids through youth coaching and scouts. I got to know my kid's friends. And guess what? This next generation is the one that has to live with the phobias and issues of both my and your generation. Consider the approach used by adults in your generation (and mine), then look in a mirror or tell me to my face that this generation is dumber.

They work different. They are motivated by different incentives. They are different. But the simple fact that they do not respond the same to the same data points as you does not make them dumb. Remember, it was the free love crowd that came up with the concept of zero tolerence in today's schools.

my point was the education system, due to government involvement, has gotten worse and the end result is uneducated kids that are unable to function in the real world without computers and instructions.

[HerdBot]

CNN just did a story on this
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-708563
All Griz - No Bison
Which game do you think they are going to televise?
Email espn

[fargocyclone]

CNN just did a story on this
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-708563
All Griz - No Bison
Which game do you think they are going to televise?
Email espn

That's not a CNN story, it's an iReport. It was probably written by a Montana fan...

[HerdBot]

That's not a CNN story, it's an iReport. It was probably written by a Montana fan...

can anyone do one? North Dakota is in the same boat

[fargocyclone]

can anyone do one? North Dakota is in the same boat
Probably, I've never tried.
I ain't so good at words...:)

Try signing up here (http://ireport.cnn.com/).

[iceberg]

Let's not forget, this weekend's JMU/EKU game is on ESPNU...This could also be the case with other FCS games in weeks 2 and 3.

per ESPN's contract they are forced to show 1 1st round game on ESPNU....nice article on why they chose this game

http://www.college-sports-journal.com/index.php/79-college-sports-journal/chuck-burton/107-was-it-espn-that-chose-eastern-kentucky-for-the-field

The idea of the Colonels hosting a home game in the playoffs makes no sense at all - until you take into account ESPN's potential interest in the game.

As a part of ESPN's contract to televise the FCS playoffs, ESPN is required to televise one first-round game.

As it turns out, the No. 2 basketball team in the country is playing at 7 p.m. in Lexington, KY. — only a half an hour away from Richmond, Kentucky, where the Colonels will be playing their first-round game.

That game is covered by an outfit called IMG, a global media company that supplies content to ESPN (through their online streaming solution ESPN3).
In addition, the SEC Network is also broadcasting a football game in the area as well: Tennessee vs. Kentucky, in Lexington.

The SEC Network is a regional TV package owned and operated by ESPN Regional television, and is owned and operated by ESPN.

With a noon start, the crews of IMG and this local, ESPN-owned affiliate will have a very busy day, but it certainly makes ESPN's job easier in terms of coverage, with many friendly or ESPN owned-and-operated hands already in place.

If a teams' entrance into the FCS playoffs is to be judged by broadcast television games, Eastern Kentucky won the lottery.