There’s Nothing Like League

[Archie Gordon]

There are some things within IMG's sphere of influence that will take 6-12 months to happen, others 2-3 years, and still others 5-10 years. But the launch of SL 2023 is right now. And I'm afraid that we have a not very well received video that shows us: a ball spinning on a finger, some of those fire thingies used at the GF, a diving try in the corner, a moody looking player in the dark. The tagline could be: "There's nothing new about League". I really had expected something different.

 

[fighting irish]

50 minutes ago, RugbyLeagueGeek said:

Are we talking about the same photo? This one?

What a bizarre thing to post. Revenge?? The fact that came in to your head says far more about you than it does about me.

Only to people who are already rugby league fans. You can't even see the posts properly. There's no action on the pitch. The uninitiated wouldn't even know it was rugby, let alone rugby league. Without knowing the context, it's just a photo of a kid looking at a football stadium. 

Lots of things come into my head RLG, bizarre and otherwise, I have a great imagination.

Let me remind you that I did qualify my comment by opening with '' I don't know if ...... but ...''

Please explain, just what you think my comment says about me? Here's what I think it says about me (and you).

I'm sure you are aware that there are many incidences of trolling on this and other sites, so the fact that I might suspect you of being motivated to troll is not that odd, let alone bizarre.

For the record, I think the strength of your reaction to Oxford posting this picture (in the first place) was heavy handed. It seemed to me that your heavy handedness was indicative of some, let's say, less than wholesome, motivation.

Is liking this picture, and the positive connotations for Rugby League so offensive to you that it demanded your abrupt and patently negative response?

Lastly, did you imagine even for a moment, that we (Oxford and I) were advocating the distribution of this image in complete isolation? Without any additional commentary, or soundtrack or other associated imagery (which would make it plain) to the uninitiated, that this is RL and that it's enjoyed by young and old alike?

[Dave T]

36 minutes ago, Archie Gordon said:

There are some things within IMG's sphere of influence that will take 6-12 months to happen, others 2-3 years, and still others 5-10 years. But the launch of SL 2023 is right now. And I'm afraid that we have a not very well received video that shows us: a ball spinning on a finger, some of those fire thingies used at the GF, a diving try in the corner, a moody looking player in the dark. The tagline could be: "There's nothing new about League". I really had expected something different.

 

I do have some issues with the use of League for the name of the sport, but accept that's a personal thing. But I think it was HKB that raised the point that it isn't really about the creative as such. That isn't going to make a huge difference here. The important thing is implementation. How this vid, tagline and associated content is going to be used. The videos of previous years have been decent - but tbh, they come and go in a flash, they are probably a little bit of a vanity project. 

It'll be interesting to see what they do with this, how it is shared, whether a consistent theme runs through the season and so on.

[gingerjon]

14 minutes ago, fighting irish said:

that this is RL and that it's enjoyed by young and old alike?

It's an empty pitch and there's nobody there.

[Oxford]

5 minutes ago, gingerjon said:

It's an empty pitch and there's nobody there.

Perhaps all the people who see no hope fro RL stayed at home in case things got too positive.

 

21 minutes ago, fighting irish said:

Lastly, did you imagine even for a moment, that we (Oxford and I) were advocating the distribution of this image in complete isolation? Without any additional commentary, or soundtrack or other associated imagery (which would make it plain) to the uninitiated, that this is RL and that it's enjoyed by young and old alike?

Hello FI sometimes it's hard to see the wood for the trees, isn't it?

 

[fighting irish]

1 minute ago, gingerjon said:

It's an empty pitch and there's nobody there.

Oh my goodness!

Are you sure I haven't upset you sometime in the past, and you are poised waiting for any opportunity for revenge?

If you had read my last post you would see that I asked RLG whether he thought we were suggesting the image be used in isolation?

Or were you so eager to bite back that you were blinded to the meaning of it?

I accept that on it's own, it might not shout RUGBY LEAGUE to the uninitiated but in conjunction with other imagery, and a suitable commentary and/or soundtrack, it would I believe, send a very positive message about our game to all and sundry.

 

[gingerjon]

Just now, fighting irish said:

Oh my goodness!

Are you sure I haven't upset you sometime in the past, and you are poised waiting for any opportunity for revenge?

If you had read my last post you would see that I asked RLG whether he thought we were suggesting the image be used in isolation?

Or were you so eager to bite back that you were blinded to the meaning of it?

I accept that on it's own, it might not shout RUGBY LEAGUE to the uninitiated but in conjunction with other imagery, and a suitable commentary and/or soundtrack, it would I believe, send a very positive message about our game to all and sundry.

 

Firstly, you need to calm down a bit.

Secondly, it's a lovely story but it's really not a great image with universal appeal no matter what you do to it. I'd point that out to anyone, not least because pointing such things out and then finding other ways of getting the same story across is a major part of what I do for a living.

So I just think you're wrong on this. No dark side or ulterior motive on my part - but wrong enough that I will respond to it.

[Oxford]

3 minutes ago, fighting irish said:

Oh my goodness!

Are you sure I haven't upset you sometime in the past, and you are poised waiting for any opportunity for revenge?

If you had read my last post you would see that I asked RLG whether he thought we were suggesting the image be used in isolation?

Or were you so eager to bite back that you were blinded to the meaning of it?

I accept that on it's own, it might not shout RUGBY LEAGUE to the uninitiated but in conjunction with other imagery, and a suitable commentary and/or soundtrack, it would I believe, send a very positive message about our game to all and sundry.

 

For some it seems the parable part where some of the seeds fell on stoney ground fell on stoney ground.

[HawkMan]

33 minutes ago, Oxford said:

Perhaps all the people who see no hope for RL stayed at home in case things got too positive.

 

 

 

Positivity lad ? Only thing you get from positivity is depression.

Edited February 3, 2023 by HawkMan

[Damien]

1 hour ago, gingerjon said:

Firstly, you need to calm down a bit.

Secondly, it's a lovely story but it's really not a great image with universal appeal no matter what you do to it. I'd point that out to anyone, not least because pointing such things out and then finding other ways of getting the same story across is a major part of what I do for a living.

So I just think you're wrong on this. No dark side or ulterior motive on my part - but wrong enough that I will respond to it.

Yeah I'm not getting this at all either and I'm not sure why it's a hill to die on. That photo does not scream Rugby League at all to me. At first glance, because of the look of Spurs ground, it looks very NFL to me. The only real giveaway is the Betfred logos on closer inspection and association with a gambling company shouldnt be the prime thing that links a photo to the sport. Then as you say its an empty stadium at a Football ground.

[fighting irish]

1 hour ago, gingerjon said:

Firstly, you need to calm down a bit.

Secondly, it's a lovely story but it's really not a great image with universal appeal no matter what you do to it. I'd point that out to anyone, not least because pointing such things out and then finding other ways of getting the same story across is a major part of what I do for a living.

So I just think you're wrong on this. No dark side or ulterior motive on my part - but wrong enough that I will respond to it.

Thank you for your advice Ging'.

You needn't have worried, I can assure you that my inner candle flame is not flickering.

May I ask for clarification on your comments?

Did you mean that it is your opinion that ''it's not a great image'', (because you didn't say that) or are you claiming that you know objectively, beyond any possibility of error that ''it's not a great image''?

Are you claiming that your opinion is above and beyond criticism and that alternative points of view are simply unworthy of others consideration?

Or even, the slightly less arrogant position, that your opinion carries more weight than someone else's?

Anyway, it doesn't matter, not a jot.

But for the avoidance of doubt my little pumpkin, I think you are wrong too, no matter what you do for a living. 

[gingerjon]

9 minutes ago, fighting irish said:

Thank you for your advice Ging'.

You needn't have worried, I can assure you that my inner candle flame is not flickering.

May I ask for clarification on your comments?

Did you mean that it is your opinion that ''it's not a great image'', (because you didn't say that) or are you claiming that you know objectively, beyond any possibility of error that ''it's not a great image''?

Are you claiming that your opinion is above and beyond criticism and that alternative points of view are simply unworthy of others consideration?

Or even, the slightly less arrogant position, that your opinion carries more weight than someone else's?

Anyway, it doesn't matter, not a jot.

But for the avoidance of doubt my little pumpkin, I think you are wrong too, no matter what you do for a living. 

It's a perfectly fine family snap. Bound to get a few hearts on Facebook

It doesn't do or so anything about rugby league.

Therefore, in the context of what we're talking about, it's not a great image.

[Oxford]

1 hour ago, fighting irish said:

Did you mean that it is your opinion that ''it's not a great image'',

I think FI that an opinion would be fine and people are welcome to believe whatever conclusion they come to.

Assuming that to sell RL you need only things that scream RL is at the root of this clash of points of view.

I do try to respond even when the poster involved seems to as certain as God and sometimes, now and again, rarely it's worthwhile.

My idea originally was that RL needs to step completely out of what it's been up to if it's serious about widening its fanbase and growing its market footprint.

It is interesting that people who seem very pro IMG don't seem to mind the geological speed they seem to be moving at though I'm sure many of the same posters wanted the RFL to have done it yesterday.

As for showing me the cover of "When Push Comes to Shove" it's nice to know the game has moved on at least three inches since Bill Fallowfield!

 

 

 

[RugbyLeagueGeek]

6 minutes ago, Oxford said:

As for showing me the cover of "When Push Comes to Shove" it's nice to know the game has moved on at least three inches since Bill Fallowfield!

 

 

 

Have you read it? It's a very good book, albeit of its time.

[Oxford]

5 minutes ago, RugbyLeagueGeek said:

Have you read it? It's a very good book, albeit of its time.

Yes more than once RLG, and the other one in the series and far too many others to mention in my RL library.

And while you're here I don't expect agreement in any RL discussion and as TE Lawrence said when asked about TGG "That's exactly why it will always remain small!"

 

[RugbyLeagueGeek]

1 minute ago, Oxford said:

Yes more than once RLG, and the other one in the series and far too many others to mention in my RL library.

And while you're here I don't expect agreement in any RL discussion and as TE Lawrence said when asked about TGG "That's exactly why it will always remain small!"

 

I don't have any issue with disagreement. But I don't really see the relevance of that TE Lawrence quote in relation to this thread. Just because some of us have disagreed with your opinion about the suitability of that photo for selling RL, as you put it, doesn't mean that we're flat cap luddites who don't want to develop the game. It's just that we didn't think your idea was very good.

[fighting irish]

15 minutes ago, RugbyLeagueGeek said:

I don't have any issue with disagreement. But I don't really see the relevance of that TE Lawrence quote in relation to this thread. Just because some of us have disagreed with your opinion about the suitability of that photo for selling RL, as you put it, doesn't mean that we're flat cap luddites who don't want to develop the game. It's just that we didn't think your idea was very good.

I think it might be relevant on the basis that ..............

If you insist on saying tomayto and I (insist) on saying tomahto then the tendency is to ''call the whole thing off'' which would also tend to limit our growth (potential). 

I think there's some merit in seeking (kind) ways to form a consensus rather than seeking (aggressive, nitpicking) ways to divide us.  

[Oxford]

2 hours ago, RugbyLeagueGeek said:

doesn't mean that we're flat cap luddites who don't want to develop the game. It's just that we didn't think your idea was very good.

I don't think you're  a luddite although i know the Luddites were a bunch of reasonable people behaving sensibly so maybe I'm not getting things right there.

2 hours ago, RugbyLeagueGeek said:

TE Lawrence quote in relation to this thread

He said that the Arabs would always be a small nation because they couldn't agree on anything.

[RugbyLeagueGeek]

1 hour ago, Oxford said:

I don't think you're  a luddite although i know the Luddites were a bunch of reasonable people behaving sensibly so maybe I'm not getting things right there.

No need for the cheap dig. If you don't like people saying your idea isn't very good, then maybe don't post it on an internet discussion forum. 

[welshmagpie]

7 hours ago, RugbyLeagueGeek said:

Have you read it? It's a very good book, albeit of its time.

Based my dissertation on parts of this brilliant book and others. I’m sure I’ve still got them around the house somewhere. 

[EastLondonMike]

Have to admit I’ve completely switched off from RL since the end of last season (World Cup aside), and with very little of interest happening in the off season it’s been worryingly easy to do.

I’ve noticed this new tagline (nothing like league) appearing I’m my Instagram feed recently but have to admit I haven’t been that bothered to check it out. And it never really grabbed me as campaign tag line, so honestly thought it was just something unofficial.

watching that brief clip certainly hasn’t got me excited for the start of the season. The only thing it really has done is remind me the start of SL is imminent. Visually It’s an average attempt at replicating what the NRL have done very well for the last 3-4 years, or longer. With the neon strip lights and players trying to look animated etc. 

I’m not really sure what they think fans of the game will get out of this. Or what they are hoping to achieve with it.

Edited February 4, 2023 by EastLondonMike

[Dunbar]

What an interesting conversation and amazing that the discussion about the use of a photo in the promotion of Rugby League can bring out such emotion.

For what it's worth, my view is that it is not a good image to use for the promotion of our game.

(Before I say anything else, when the context of the photo is known, it is a wonderful image for all those involved in our sport... brought a lump to my throat when I saw it in the original thread).

But, as an image to promote the game.

1. There is actually nothing happening on the pitch. Surely that is box number 1 to tick if we are going for the 'young child in awe of the sport' look.

2. The stadium is pretty much empty.  Yes, we obsess too much about attendances and empty seats but if we are in a position to actually choose promotional images then we would go with a packed stadium wouldn't we?

3. Nobody would even know what sport it is.  No posts are visible and sorry, but the idea of people identifying it as Rugby League by the pitch markings is bizzare.  One, aren't we trying to attract new fans, not those who know what an empty Rugby League pitch looks like. And two, I would suggest with the 10m lines, most people would guess NFL.

But apart from all that, a really nice picture. 

[Oxford]

14 hours ago, RugbyLeagueGeek said:

No need for the cheap dig. If you don't like people saying your idea isn't very good, then maybe don't post it on an internet discussion forum. 

Well, there you go!

 

[Oxford]

1 hour ago, Dunbar said:

But apart from all that, a really nice picture. 

I don't know why this should be so difficult and argument causing Dunbar.

The image of a child looking out through that screen at one of our events could provide a really good focal point for selling our game.

You'd think it would provide thought provoking ideas on how to best use it as a stimulus but no, it brings on a string of 98% negatives.

I can only say I'm pleased as punch posters don't work in the promotion, marketing and selling unit of TGG.

[Dunbar]

5 minutes ago, Oxford said:

I don't know why this should be so difficult and argument causing Dunbar.

The image of a child looking out through that screen at one of our events could provide a really good focal point for selling our game.

You'd think it would provide thought provoking ideas on how to best use it as a stimulus but no, it brings on a string of 98% negatives.

I can only say I'm pleased as punch posters don't work in the promotion, marketing and selling unit of TGG.

Do you work in a marketing and promotional role?