CF – A Fan Site To All, A News-Site No More (Back To Basics)

[Jeremy]

CycloneFanatic – A Fan Site To All, A News-Site No More (Back To Basics)

OK, that title isn’t the best but I couldn’t think of anything else. I know there have been a lot of posts from me the past 24 hours or so asking for help keeping the site clean, etc. but I wanted to post one last site-related post that I hope everybody takes a second to read, PLEASE.

I have received about 200 emails and PMs in the past 24 hours from people all around the world that log into the site several times a day to see what their fellow Cyclones are up to. I had story after story about what the site means to people and how they love everything about it. While I loved all the messages, it also opened my eyes to the realization that what CycloneFanatic started as and built it’s fan-base from isn’t what it has become the past couple of months. It has become less about being a fan site and more about being a news source, for better or for worse.

While I think everybody here would agree that we have a great forum and fan-site, most of you would also agree that I’m not the best journalist-type of person in the world. I have sources and contacts, but I lack the delivery and knowledge base in journalism to get things across in the most effective manner when covering a news story. I can write good articles like this one or about players but I can’t please everybody with my news coverage of pending or upcoming breaking stories. So I think it’s time to get back to the basics that built CycloneFanatic, being about the fans and by the fans.

While that sounds somewhat gloomy, I actually look at it as a positive and a re-birthing of something that has obviously had a big impact on a lot of people. I’ll still report news and upcoming events, I just won’t be trying to break-news or cover some of the touchy subjects with the same depth as before. I can still post things from sources, but it won’t be in a news style that makes it come across as being factual or 100% etched in stone and it will be more about what things “could” happen instead of what “will” happen. This has caused problems in the past mostly because I don’t have time to follow every lead to every corner of the world; I have a full-time job that has to be a focus of some of my energy during the business days.

It’s time to get back to what this site was for, to give people of all opinions and backgrounds a place to share information and opinions relating to ISU or other fun and exciting topics. We do this better than anybody and it’s time we get back to having fun instead of worrying about being a source of all future news that may or may not happen.

With that said, I would also like to announce that CycloneFanatic will be growing in new directions as well. I have been working to get t-shirt designs finalized and I think everybody will be extremely pleased with what we’ve come up with. We will have an option of white, yellow or red shirts with the CycloneFanatic logo on the front and the phrase “I’m a CycloneFanatic, Are You?” on the back in a cool design. I will announce more on the shirts as things get completely finalized and approved.

Also of importance is the beginning of the CyFan Club where we can meet on a monthly, bi-monthly, semi-monthly or whatever other type of schedule people would like. There are some great ideas coming in on just what would be best but I can tell you we won’t do it halfway, we’re going to have fun and be as exciting as possible. Our first outing was just announced tonight as being a Game-Watch for the Men’s Basketball game at Iowa on December 8th. Please check out the thread titled “Mark your calendars” for more details on location, time, suggestions, etc.

While things have been hectic lately, please bare with us as things will be a lot better going forward. We all seem to be regrouped now that the McCarney news has settled a bit and things move forward. I know personally I have a new passion and energy level that I don’t think I’ve had before. With all the new things in the works and the traffic levels we’ve been having, let’s get back to basics and have fun again.

Thanks to all that sent messages or support! Remember though that every single one of you make this site the success that it is. Keep up the great work on posting and debating everything ISU. Fun times lie ahead and I can’t wait to announce more and more things going forward.

Best Regards,
Jeremy Lind
CycloneFanatic.com

UPDATE:

In discussing my post with friends and colleagues, I have decided to rephrase things a bit. I will report news, I just won't be adamant on it being 100% correct. I will report what I know, just with a softer and more rumor type of slant. One thing I struggle with is how to word things to make sure people know the information but don't take it as the only way things can turn out. I need to work on that.

One thing I want to point out is that I'm open to suggestions and ideas. If I am posting too little or too much information, I can adapt to what people want to make sure people understand it's what is going on at that time, not what will happen as a matter of fact. I do this site for fun but I want people to find it valuable. I will adapt and learn as I go and do what the users want.

Don't worry guys, CF will stick to reporting things but it may not be as strongly worded or portrayed in the same manner.

Jeremy

[Angie]

Can you allow me to give you more kudos? I'm all tapped out. :)

[Jeremy]

Hey, you're the Marketing Director, do what you want:)

[Angie]

I'm pricing business cards now.

[Cyclone_Power]

Although I am somewhat disappointed that we will not receive as much news from Jeremy, I am VERY excited about the t-shirts and CyFan Club! Keep up the great work!

[timc243]

Man do I love a good t-shirt. What is the cotton % on those? Just wondering.

[Cyclone_Power]

Originally Posted by timc243

Man do I love a good t-shirt. What is the cotton % on those? Just wondering.

Lol that just sounded funny, I'm sorry. But yes, I hope they rock!

[timc243]

Originally Posted by Cyclone_Power

Lol that just sounded funny, I'm sorry. But yes, I hope they rock!

That was the reaction I wanted! It's fun to joke around...But seriously what's the percentage? J/K.

[ColoradoClone]

Well Sh!t. I really enjoyed the news stories. It's a shame some people couldn't keep everything in perspective. Hopefully the information is still there.

Keep up the great work Jeremy. This site has been a the great destroyer of productivity for me in the office.

[abcguyks]

Jeremy -
I have to admit that I am very dissappointed that you have decided to back away from the news aspect of the site. I live in Kansas City and it is difficult to keep up to date about what is really going on in ISU athletics. When I found your site, it filled a void. I have enjoyed your site for the past eight months and I really appreciate all of the work that you have put into it.

While I am dissappoointed, I realize that this is your site and you can do what you want. Just don't let the small minority of naysayers get you down because there are many many more of us out here that love your site.

Thanks for all you do!!

[thunderdave]

Originally Posted by ColoradoClone

Well Sh!t. I really enjoyed the news stories. It's a shame some people couldn't keep everything in perspective. Hopefully the information is still there.

Keep up the great work Jeremy. This site has been a the great destroyer of productivity for me in the office.

I believe in my job, I am now at negative productivity.

Thanks for everything Jeremy! (sincere)

[cycloneworld]

1 big reason I love this site is that its filled with humor...there are so many funny people on CF it makes work much more enjoyable.

[Nedrick]

I'm a little bummed too that you won't be scooping news any more. Maybe you could just include a when you have some breaking news so we know what it is?
Otherwise, I love what you've built CF.com to be and keep up the excellent work!

[ss]

i too enjoy the news.
u would think folks would understand that if it is talked about on this site that doesnt necessarily mean its true. although given out with best intentions. well let me try it out.......im a millionaire. nope, still poor. it was worth a try though, thought i could use jeremys magic to put some ching in my pocket.

[ISUFan22]

*sigh*

Ok, this is likely going to rub a few the wrong way, yet I’m betting you’re in the vast minority and are the same people that have ripped Jeremy up for his recent reporting of information. Just know I’m not trying to ruffle your feathers deliberately, however – I’m not upset about it either and won’t make apologies for it.

Jeremy, this is your site man. You started it, you run it, you pay the bills. A few of us donate, but in the end that’s all the ownership we have. And, I have yet to see one of the donors get upset with you for bringing us the information you do. From what I can see, the people upset about how you are reporting the football coaching situation, are those that really aren’t CF supporters. In fact, on here they seem not to post much but on other sites I’ve seen the same handles with far more posts. That does not mean their opinion is worthless – I love how every member’s opinion is valued. It does shed some light though, on what level of “commitment” they have to CF and how they perceive the information on the site, before even reading it.

Personally I loved the information you provide and the way you provide it. Sure, you’re not perfect – neither are the people that run the millions of other sports-related websites on the WWW. I would hope any human is willing to accept the flaws of other human beings as we all have them. Apparently not everyone has flaws though and feels the needs to tear down those around them for their flaws. It’s very disappointing and it only hurts the CF members who come to this site expecting to discuss Cyclone athletics – as well as get some good information in the process.

My thought would be for you to make one change – start the CF club – and that’s it. Keep reporting things the way you do. Perhaps to appease the minority – soften it a bit – but still report the same news with the same swiftness you do now. If some members can’t accept that, hopefully they’ll adapt or they have the right to chose what sites they keep in their favorites. I’d hate to see members leave yet sometimes a natural thinning of the herd benefits everyone. No, I’m not referring to banning people.

Back in the spring I was one of “those people” – one that thought CF was a joke. I was critical of Jeremy on two occasions in threads on CN. I finally realized Jeremy was a lot like myself – a passionate Cyclone fan. However, he’s taken the time out of his busy life to create and grow a website that not only provides a great place to debate ISU athletics, but get to know Cyclone fans around the country. The best part is he’s done it all for free.

How can we complain about free? You did nothing to get it other that type in the web address and take a few moments to create a profile. That’s it. So how can we complain about what Jeremy is reporting on his website that he provides to us for nothing – unless of course it’s malicious or completely false. I’ve never seen that happen. A couple of things have not always been 100% accurate – yet so are many of the things in the DMR, CBS Sportsline, etc. It’s part of it – learn to accept it and move on.

To the members that have been unappreciative of the information Jeremy has provided to you – I hope you’ll evaluate what the real reason is for your discontent here. If you can’t get past it, then evaluate why you visit www.cyclonefanaitc.com. It’s not that I don’t want you here, however I’m not a fan of people that can only spend their time ruining things for others. No one is forced to join the CF club just as no one is forced to visit this site.

I’m hopeful the CF members can continue visiting this site and see the same great stories, participate in the same discussions – and now have the added benefit of a formal CF club. It would be very disappointing if one of the reasons people visit CF, which is to get important updates about the Cyclones – was lost because a few members disagreed with how it was presented.

Thank you for all the hard work you put into the site and in keeping the members happy. You do far more than most would. For that I’m grateful.