Erm...everything.
I don't think I've ever seen such a reaction from the public about an apology letter. We Leafs fans have put up with eight long years of not making the playoffs. But we still tune in and watch the games. We still pay an outrageous amount of money to see our beloved Leafs play live at the ACC. We've suffered 45 years of not bringing home the Stanley Cup. So why is this apology letter the one thing that gets everyone into a big hissy?
From what I've seen online today, it's a combination of plain frustration and the feeling that we're being talked down to. And boy, that sure pisses people off.
Here are some fan comments from CP24:
Lou
"A letter of apology? Does this mean all the season ticket holders and other fans purchasing tickets get refunded for this past season? As long as the seats are filled, these words mean nothing, just like the season meant. Good luck in the golfing season."
Ash
"Nope Apology not accepted..Its a different thing to forget your ugly past and move on, on a positive note BUT if the ugly things are repeated year and year than WE HAVE A PROBLEM. As a leaf fan we have been disappointed of our expectations. This whole team needs a change..Enough is Enough..This letter is like a slap on our face..what more to come..."
John
"We are tired of the same excuses year after year. We all know you have a good business going, over charged poor product. Enough with the apologies! Work on producing a competitive product."
JJ
"If they really want to apologize how about dropping the price of tickets or not charging 15 bucks for a beer, that way when you go to a game it doesnt cost you 300 bucks to see them lose."
Yeah, we are MAD
It's clear that people are just plain fed up. Leafs fans are some of the most dedicated fans I've ever seen. I've never been to a Leafs game because, well, I really can't afford it! I'd much rather go and spend my money on a Blue Jays game. It's way cheaper and for seats where I can actually see what's going on. Plus, the Jays might actually win (oh, burnnnn, I know. But really, have you seen the Leafs play recently??).
This apology smells like the people at the top making empty promises of doing better next year. It's like saying sorry, but thanks for all your money!! Hope to see you next year where we'll do that same thing and we'll just reuse this letter because we're not focused on making real change.
The public is not stupid...which is why this apology back fired. It's a big lesson in PR. Always know your audience and never assume anything about them. We don't need to be coddled like little kids. We need to win. The Maple Leafs should have reaslied what the general feeling was and should have never released this letter.
I wish for next season people will stop going to see the Leafs. Maybe ticket prices will actually drop and it would be a huge wake up call for a team that really needs some shaking up. But really, we all know that's never going to happen.
Will the Leafs change and get their act together to make it to the playoffs next year? Or does it really matter because they have such a dedicated fan base just willing to hand over money to a franchise that is mocked in the NHL?
Ah well. At least baseball season has started. Let's Go Blue Jays!
Here's the apology letter (caution...it may enrage you):
No comments:
Post a Comment