Team Websites are critical!

[Suns Fan]

I think the Rochester website is better than most minor league sites that I've come across. Perhaps the ABA is going in the right direction bringing in a group like this Rochester team.

[zeke41]

I think the ABA has a long way to go before they can be considered "going in the right direction!" I agree - The Rochester Fire's website is very nice. Jacksonville also has a nice site. It's crazy to me that these team owners haven't figured out that your best tool to market your team is the website. If the website isn't up-to-date and professional looking, people will not be impressed, and will be less inclined to attend a game (especially if you don't have a way of selling tickets online).

A team's website is virtually the face of that team - the first impression. How long before these owners realize that and invest in a decent, professional looking, "GRAMMAR" - checked website. Sometimes I just want to scream, "PUT WHAT YOU WANT TO WRITE ON A MICROSOFT WORD DOCUMENT...SPELL_CHECK IT...THEN PUBLISH IT. Come ON, Gwizzlies (and everyone else who can't spell!!!!

[Suns Fan]

I was going through some of the ABA team websites, and I noticed that the Orlando Aces have a new website - www.2acesbasketball.com. Then I found that there last year's site is still up. Why would they have 2 websites?

What's crazy is the new website looks far worse than the old one. Maybe they couldn't afford the old one any more. Anyone else find that odd?

Check these sites:

www.orlandoaces.com

www.2acesbasketball.com

Anyone know of any other teams that have more than one website, or have some enlightenment on why 2 websites would be needed?

It just goes to show you what kind of ownership the ABA has, I guess.

[zeke41]

Sometimes I just want to scream, "PUT WHAT YOU WANT TO WRITE ON A MICROSOFT WORD DOCUMENT...SPELL_CHECK IT...THEN PUBLISH IT. Come ON, Gwizzlies (and everyone else who can't spell!!!!

Look at me...maybe I should have done a spell check (SPELL_CHECK). HA HA HA!

[Strong Island Sound]

I think the ABA has a long way to go before they can be considered "going in the right direction!" I agree - The Rochester Fire's website is very nice. Jacksonville also has a nice site. It's crazy to me that these team owners haven't figured out that your best tool to market your team is the website. If the website isn't up-to-date and professional looking, people will not be impressed, and will be less inclined to attend a game (especially if you don't have a way of selling tickets online).

A team's website is virtually the face of that team - the first impression. How long before these owners realize that and invest in a decent, professional looking, "GRAMMAR" - checked website. Sometimes I just want to scream, "PUT WHAT YOU WANT TO WRITE ON A MICROSOFT WORD DOCUMENT...SPELL_CHECK IT...THEN PUBLISH IT. Come ON, Gwizzlies (and everyone else who can't spell!!!!
I couldn't agree with you more. Your website is your team. With the media ignoring leagues such as the ABA, your site, the league site, and message boards such as this one is the way to get the word out.

The teams that do not update their website, especially during the season, are missing the boat. Offseason updates should be made when something new has occurred. And if you have not done something to promote your team in the summer months, then why even bother putting a team on the court in November?

It should go without saying that all teams should be updating and getting their websites to look as professional as possible. It is not that hard and basically a low budget investment. Want to get a free web presence? Then create a MySpace page for your team. No charge, and the tools that are available right there are also free and make it barely any effort to put together a nice looking page. No excuses if you don't make the effort.

[one way]

Your web site is imporatnt - but what it comes down to is butts in the seats. At this point in the year your sponosorships and season ticket sales should be around 150,000. Some of these teams heave yet to sell a single ticket!!! The majority of these teams do not even have people working in the offices. At this point in time, they are doomed to fail wether they have a good web site or not

[Pounder]

First reaction to this: kind of along the lines of one way.

PROBLEM: I'm 41. I remember when there wasn't an internet. Of course, as a young adult, I was certainly the target of more than one sports team's interest.

The young are wired, they're the target audience, so it definitely matters.

OTOH, PROBLEM: Television and radio are piloted, to a large degree, by eyes in the sky, and user choice comes from choosing channels, but I'd say it's more sponsor-driven. While the internet is somewhat the same, there's a lot more freaking choices, to the point where I say it's user-driven. You have to know to go there in order to get there. I don't see how it will fly as mass marketing, which is still somewhat possible with TV and radio. THAT is probably why I don't envy minor league sports owners these days.

[panchess]

..are quite successful. Minor league baseball is having record attendance, and hockey is doing well too.

Even minor league soccer isn't quite as transient as in the past.

[TheStandard]

plain and simple if you do not market your product right. and guess what. your Website right now is the biggest tool for marketing on a daily basis, you will not get people in those seats. you have to market via internet, tv, print, radio, billboards. you don't do all of those you will get nothing

[OneBetter]

Want to get a free web presence? Then create a MySpace page for your team. No charge, and the tools that are available right there are also free and make it barely any effort to put together a nice looking page. No excuses if you don't make the effort.

I couldn't disagree more! The teams that only have myspace pages (i.e. Anderson Champions) show me, as a fan, that they are:

(1) WAY too cheap to do things right and put together a real website. I assume that this cheapness carries over to all other team areas such as arena (or gym or horse barn), team tallent, game day experience and professionalism, and here's the kicker that most teams don't get: TEAM AWARENESS.

(2) Extremely lazy. Why would I, as a fan, want to get my butt in the car, drive to a high school gym, and give some lazy guy $5-15 for a game? My decision making process right there took more effort than what most of these myspace teams are putting into their seasons.


Listen good ABA teams: A myspace page is NOT an acceptable webpage format.

[Suns Fan]

So do we give Orlando kudos because they have...not one...but two websites? And I checked myspace...they have a myspace page, too, which, if I might add, looks really good (although it looks like it needs to be updated - www.myspace.com/orlandoaba

[one way]

My Space web site for pro teams is bush league. Hey, maybe we should ask the CEO about this one.

[CRUSADERSFAN]

My Space web site for pro teams is bush league. Hey, maybe we should ask the CEO about this one.

As a primary website, yes. But as a way for fans to show support, and as a way to remind fans of games, I think it has some benefits. But yeah, the Champions totally undercut their image (which probably isn't positive in the first place) by having that for a website.

[TheStandard]

the champions are just a ponzi scheme team that joe put in anderson to railroad the alley cats. see what kind of roach joe newman is

[Suns Fan]

Myspace sites are a definite benefit - especially if some time is put into them. I think Orlando has one of the better myspace pages from what I have seen. I just don't understand why a team that had a decent website (not top-notch...but above average in relation to other ABA teams) would start a new one that looks more like a 32-bit template from Sega Genesis unless they, too, have financial issues as well.

I mean, you don't even see a team logo on the new site, and the webmaster is using like 5 different style fonts and all kinds of different text sizes. They don't even have ticket info on their any where.

Another team that's struggling is the Palm Beach team. That site is hideous, and isn't the owner running for president as an independant or something? I thought people were saying how strong the Florida region was? They are like all by themselves down there in the swamps.

[Strong Island Sound]

I couldn't disagree more! The teams that only have myspace pages (i.e. Anderson Champions) show me, as a fan, that they are:

(1) WAY too cheap to do things right and put together a real website. I assume that this cheapness carries over to all other team areas such as arena (or gym or horse barn), team tallent, game day experience and professionalism, and here's the kicker that most teams don't get: TEAM AWARENESS.

(2) Extremely lazy. Why would I, as a fan, want to get my butt in the car, drive to a high school gym, and give some lazy guy $5-15 for a game? My decision making process right there took more effort than what most of these myspace teams are putting into their seasons.



Listen good ABA teams: A myspace page is NOT an acceptable webpage format.

One Better- you're misinterpreting what I said. By no means is a MySpace page acceptable as a team's main page for a web presence. It should be used in addition to your regular site. If teams are using only MySpace, then they should just go away quietly.

I created a MySpace page for the Sound just as another avenue to promote the team with photos, logos, text, etc. It is free advertising, so why not take advantage of it. I have to admit that I was surprised to see so little minor league teams with their own MySpace pages. It seems that only a handful of teams are making an effort in any regard (not just MySpace) to promote their product.

With New York Sportscene magazine, we obviously have a website, but also a MySpace page just to network and promote the new issue, get readership input, etc. There are tons of magazines on MySpace, so I know that I am not the only one who feels it is a good tool to use.

[a1sports]

Whats most critical..... CASH. The majority of ABA teams dont have it. Its been proven and shown. So yes a web site is nice...you still need cash.

Joe paints this picture in his business model, try-out camps and sponsors etc etc wil get you money. If by now you havent figured out that he is 100% wrong than you do deserve to get whats coming to you.

When Joe runs out of PUBLIC money, whos going to send your teams around to play?

60 plus teams folding in 3 years and owners still come to the ABA on dreams./// shameful

[zeke41]

Unless you are a super-charismatic visionary that knows how to talk up a minor league team to some heavy hitting sponsors, it's suicide to attempt to live off sponsor hopes and ticket sales without a back up mound of liquid cash. Let's think about it realistically - if it were so easy to own and run a successful business, how come everybody isn't doing it? Who really wants to live their life working for "the man!" Everybody would love to be their own boss. Perhaps THAT'S the dream Joe and the ABA are selling - maybe most of these owners don't want to work (or can't work under others because of their stubborn personalities) for someone else. Heck, with all the law issues, maybe some of them can't get jobs because they have a criminal background, so this is the only option (I'm just saying).

I know that things in Orlando were tough (and still are). I'm trying to work a sponsorship deal out with a pretty large car company, but the fact is, when legit companies do their research and see all of the pending lawsuits, etc., how can you get around that? It's ridiculous! And they are not the only ones I've had this issue with. Perhaps that explains why we see so many mom and pop businesses sponsoring the ABA - they don't do the research that legit, stronger companies do. Personally, I have issues with selling a package to people right now because I don't even know we will be playing. Sure, the law suits may go away, and they may not shut the ABA down, but.. the fact is, the CEO won't even publically address the issue, so sponsors (AND myself as well) are left to assume that these things are legit issues of threat. It's hard to change the mind of sponsors based on that issue, too, especially when they ask me why the CEO isn't publically addressing the issue at hand...trying to regain the confidence of the public. Let's face it...when a defense lawyer says, "Hey...don't say anything!" Well...that pretty much means there is something to hide, and there's a fear that if something is said, it may incriminate!

I'm just saying!

[bomp]

Unless you are a super-charismatic visionary that knows how to talk up a minor league team to some heavy hitting sponsors, it's suicide to attempt to live off sponsor hopes and ticket sales without a back up mound of liquid cash. Let's think about it realistically - if it were so easy to own and run a successful business, how come everybody isn't doing it? Who really wants to live their life working for "the man!" Everybody would love to be their own boss. Perhaps THAT'S the dream Joe and the ABA are selling - maybe most of these owners don't want to work (or can't work under others because of their stubborn personalities) for someone else. Heck, with all the law issues, maybe some of them can't get jobs because they have a criminal background, so this is the only option (I'm just saying).

I know that things in Orlando were tough (and still are). I'm trying to work a sponsorship deal out with a pretty large car company, but the fact is, when legit companies do their research and see all of the pending lawsuits, etc., how can you get around that? It's ridiculous! And they are not the only ones I've had this issue with. Perhaps that explains why we see so many mom and pop businesses sponsoring the ABA - they don't do the research that legit, stronger companies do. Personally, I have issues with selling a package to people right now because I don't even know we will be playing. Sure, the law suits may go away, and they may not shut the ABA down, but.. the fact is, the CEO won't even publically address the issue, so sponsors (AND myself as well) are left to assume that these things are legit issues of threat. It's hard to change the mind of sponsors based on that issue, too, especially when they ask me why the CEO isn't publically addressing the issue at hand...trying to regain the confidence of the public. Let's face it...when a defense lawyer says, "Hey...don't say anything!" Well...that pretty much means there is something to hide, and there's a fear that if something is said, it may incriminate!

I'm just saying!

Isn't there a NBA team in Orlando already?

There's a MISL team starting there in the fall too and they are seasrching for sponsors.

You seem like an intelligent guy. Minor league basketball needs smart people. Find another league. You are needed.

[aba_insider]

The ABA does not work unless A) you are in a small town, and/or B) you have a lot of money in your pocket to lose.

As I remain the lone ABA-apologist on the Board, it is folly to keep attacking the business model. The business model works, as far as I can tell. The problem is the league management letting in ex-cons with 3 pennies to their name who happen to be the local AAU coach.

If the league stops letting in AAU coaches, and only lets in businessmen who happen to like basketball, they will have a better chance of succeeding.

You can, with 20 sponsors bringing in $100,000, and selling $100,000 of tickets, and $20,000 in merchandise, and $10,000 in season tickets, and $50,000 in concession - MAKE IT.

However, the first time someone does not show up, no one is coming back, so take out the ticket revenue, and most of the concession.

So the model works, its the letting in too many retards - not the model.

[zeke41]

I agree...in fact, I'd say everyone would at least lean towards agreeing with that statement, ABA Insider. That's where Joe gets criticized. We've all been screaming that for years, but Joe continues to do so. It's apparent that he would rather cash a 10K paycheck from an ex-con trying to own his business rather than keep from ruining the dreams of folks who have a great vision, money, and the proper motives for running a minor league team. It's just gotten out of hand with him.

Here's the KILLER TRUTH.... if Joe would've just stepped aside and let a real CEO operate and remain in the back of the house, he would be making so much more money than these petty 10K checks, because the league would be legit, properly run, and sponsors wouldn't be hesitant to come aboard - as league sponsors AND as local team sponsors. It's sad. I hope you are reading this Joe. Unfortunately, it looks like that ship is sailed. You're in pretty deep, now, and the chances of repairing...let's say...the TITANIC, are gone. This ship seems to be going down. Man, you would've made a lot more money...shoot...we all would've. On top of that, you could've put yourself in the history books as the man who brought minor league basketball to the next level. Instead, you've been killing it.

Admit it, Joe...you know all that I just said makes sense! Can I get an AMEN??? (or maybe a "right on!!!...for those non-church people?)

[preeths]

However, the first time someone does not show up, no one is coming back, so take out the ticket revenue, and most of the concession.

And that's precisely why you cannot make it. You are one simple problem away from having your business irreparably damaged. You're cutting things so close that even if the other teams on your schedule are complying with the alleged business model, all it takes is a disruption in an owners' outside income, and it's all over for them and your schedule's integrity.

[tbayz1]

uh i think that can explain why the Silverbacks(Rapids) have struggled, our old owner did exactly that, ruined the potential of the franchise, we coulda been like Rochester drawing a few thousand a game and being sucessful, but that guy screwed it up, his company went bankrupt as soon as the season started, players, venue, coaches etc... never got their money, and his plan to build like a 7000 seat arena was all a fantasy, thanks alot Gary Nice, thanks alot! And then our current owner came along after only one month after the season started and the chances of being highly sucessful went down the drain, Todd Wier was the man that took over and is trying to get the team out of the dumper Gary Nice put us in, and it only took ONE time, and that was our inagural home opener in 2005, that one night put us in the dumper

It only takes ONE thing like stated previously, its either Do or Die in this league

[Alumni96]

I agree...in fact, I'd say everyone would at least lean towards agreeing with that statement, ABA Insider. That's where Joe gets criticized. We've all been screaming that for years, but Joe continues to do so. It's apparent that he would rather cash a 10K paycheck from an ex-con trying to own his business rather than keep from ruining the dreams of folks who have a great vision, money, and the proper motives for running a minor league team. It's just gotten out of hand with him.

Here's the KILLER TRUTH.... if Joe would've just stepped aside and let a real CEO operate and remain in the back of the house, he would be making so much more money than these petty 10K checks, because the league would be legit, properly run, and sponsors wouldn't be hesitant to come aboard - as league sponsors AND as local team sponsors. It's sad. I hope you are reading this Joe. Unfortunately, it looks like that ship is sailed. You're in pretty deep, now, and the chances of repairing...let's say...the TITANIC, are gone. This ship seems to be going down. Man, you would've made a lot more money...shoot...we all would've. On top of that, you could've put yourself in the history books as the man who brought minor league basketball to the next level. Instead, you've been killing it.

Admit it, Joe...you know all that I just said makes sense! Can I get an AMEN??? (or maybe a "right on!!!...for those non-church people?)

I'll give you your Amen Zeke. You hit the nail on the head.

[bomp]

amen! amen!