Before Parise came one of the guards said, "guys they are very strict about not letting you get more then one thing signed"... aside from Elias I think every player was willing to sign multiples.. The best thing they can do for this event is not allow people to take pictures upstairs... the pictures slow things down so much... that's what the BBQ is for.
Totally agree! But if you don't skate you're SOL if you want pics.
I didn't mind anything because I picked my poison: stayed on the ice.
Sure, some of the lines were crazy but I just took the picture of the player with my wife, shook his hand, said thanks and moved on. I said a couple things to Janssen and Henrique only. Some people don't realize there are other people.
Could it be organized differently, sure, but one of the biggest problems with these events, and the Devils will never admit this because they can't, is the fans.
I'm pretty sure I know where you're going and what you mean, but care to elaborate on the fans thing?
Totally agree! But if you don't skate you're SOL if you want pics.
Then do the BBQ lol. The same thing happens if you wait around for autographs after the game anyone who asks for a photo slows everything down and 9 out of 10 times after a player takes a photo they jet off to the bus... you photo people kill me haha
Then do the BBQ lol. The same thing happens if you wait around for autographs after the game anyone who asks for a photo slows everything down and 9 out of 10 times after a player takes a photo they jet off to the bus... you photo people kill me haha
Lol that's not gonna happen...this is where it becomes an issue.
I'm pretty sure I know where you're going and what you mean, but care to elaborate on the fans thing?
Look at these events....
So many of our fans borderline on pyschopaths or scream overprivleged spoiled brats. It's really disgusting to see some behavior at some of these events, but at the same time it's great seeing a kid light up b/c Parise stopped to talk to him for 2 seconds so it sorta balances out.
But it's no wonder that Patty has heavy security detail and people are rushed through - I know stalker **** and all aside, I'm sure he's sick of it by now.
Heck, I stood in Larsson's line for a little boy who's been trying for his autograph and has be unsuccessful. Giving him the jersey signed makes these events worth it.
Heck, I stood in Larsson's line for a little boy who's been trying for his autograph and has be unsuccessful. Giving him the jersey signed makes these events worth it.
And you got a cool story out of it - you taught a grown man the letter "y"!!
There was a woman infront of me who talked to Larry Robinson on the autograph line for over 5 minutes it was so rude it wasn't even funny... It's true, people have zero manners or common sense at these things
Also, on the Elias line two adults were waitting while 10 kids they were with were on the Marty line... When the kids were done there they cut in on the Elias line... It's that sort of thing that kills these events
Basically, cj, is the fans know the rule going in: no autos here, only 1 auto here per person, etc, and they don't care.
The players won't refuse, mostly, because then they come off looking like the bad guy (you know that's how some people would put it).
Sorry I'm late to the party...marathon meetings today and just reading through. I'm most upset about the traffic situation. We were told numerous times that Lafayette would be closed. For that I apologize and I will get to the bottom of it.
As far as the rest of the feedback, the individual posts on this blog along tell me - everyone wants something different.
The feedback has been- have all the players at one table, 2 or 3 at each table, individual like it was. Some said do away with skating all together...some said we can only do it on days when both surfaces are down. Some want autographs only at the tables, but some want pics too because they can skate. Some want multiple items and some want a rule of only one item that can be signed.
The bottom line is - unless you create a system where everyone gets everyone's autograph and picture...and there are no lines and no waits, you're going to have people leave feeling slighted.
The other variable to consider is how much access we are given to the players to do these events. Each coach and gm in sports is different. I've worked w teams where there is one event, players are on a stage, being asked questions from a crowd of Sths and there is no personal interaction and no autographs. By in large, I'm happy w the three events we are given.
I think some of the suggestions are good - but a bit unrealistic - we don't have unlimited dates to do these...we are held to strict time limits w the guys signing, we are asked to give breaks to the guys inbetween, etc. sure if there were no constraints we'd make sure everyone left with everything.
On some of the other questions - dates should be announced w/in the next 2 weeks on the other events.
For this event, first year folks were not invited (only a select few who purchased during a small window...but the rest will be invited to the open skate).
As someone alluded to, the BBQ was way less attended and therefore "better" in some folks minds. I can tell you that that event was planned by the same folks w the same logistics. The different - fewer fans and more access- so more folks left happier.
This skate event has been around the longest and therefore the most "popular". Over years, with selection choices in place, the events will even out.
But once again, it's going to be impossible to please everyone as the base grows. Same number of players, limited time to do events, constraints from asking too much of the players during the season (while still more than most teams).
I enjoy the moments of seeing the fans elated for getting an autograph from a player for the first time...and their genuine smiles. I'd love to please all the folks who expect personal interaction from every guy, and an autograph from each...i am candidly saying I just don't think it's realistic if that's the only way some will consider it a success.
the fans know the rule going in: no autos here, only 1 auto here per person, etc, and they don't care.
Isnt that frustrating? What is wrong with people. The worst part of it IMO, is that people dont care how they're perceived by others. A culture of "I got mine" have pervaded our society, and it's disgraceful.
Quote:
Originally Posted by njdevsfn95
The players won't refuse, mostly, because then they come off looking like the bad guy (you know that's how some people would put it).
Which is why I NEVER take someone's word for it when I hear them say anything negative about a public persona. Someone could sign an autograph for 24 people, and quit at the 25th person, and that person will bad-mouth them as a "jerk" or something.
Some of these people are so gracious with their time it amazes me. On more than one occasion, I've seen Phil Mickelson come of the 18th green and sign for EVERYONE that wants an autograph, even if it takes 35 minutes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Devs Service Answers
But once again, it's going to be impossible to please everyone as the base grows.
I think it's awesome that the Devils even have an autograph session. IMO, that's about the biggest STH benefit you could have.
I think if you had 1 player per table and utilized both floors of the building with a gigantic (and I mean really over-the-top) sign at each table in 8 inch black block letters stating, "IN THE INTEREST OF TIME, SO THAT EVERYONE MAY RECEIVE AN AUTOGRAPH, ABSOLUTELY NO PHOTOGRAPHS WITH THE PLAYERS", that would go a long way to solving your problem.
From the event I attended, the people who combo on the autograph and the photograph absolutely KILL the clock. And with smartphones, everyone now has a camera. Worse? Some people request pictures with their camera phone AND their real camera AND want an autograph. But if you have the "table guard" strictly enforce the no photo policy, and you utilize the entire building (thus greatly spreading out the crowd) I think it would help tremendously.
Last edited by BenedictGomez: 02-29-2012 at 07:17 PM.
The only thing I would ask in the future is that you move the time to 6:30 if its possible. I realize that the logistics may prevent this, but it would be something nice.
Skating on the big rink has always been something that has been an attraction to this, but like its been stated, not always possible.
Just to point out, this has been opened significantly to a broader base, in the old days it was closed to just gold circle members who paid a humongous buy in fee; be glad that more were invited.
One other thing that is loosely related to last night. It would be nice in the future if the pucks used for mystery pucks (which were the ones sold last night) looked like one of the pucks below. It makes a big difference to have some space for the actual autograph. I usually buy a mystery puck because I get my share of free autographs and it is nice to give back but I would be inclined to buy more (if there are leftovers) if I knew that I was getting something worthy of display. Just to be clear, this is meant to fall under constructive criticism and not spoiled whining.
One other thing that is loosely related to last night. It would be nice in the future if the pucks used for mystery pucks (which were the ones sold last night) looked like one of the pucks below. It makes a big difference to have some space for the actual autograph.
This is another issue that simply falls under the, "you cant make everyone happy" category, as many serious autograph collectors only want player autographs on NHL game pucks (which they also dont use for the mystery pucks).
There was a woman infront of me who talked to Larry Robinson on the autograph line for over 5 minutes it was so rude it wasn't even funny... It's true, people have zero manners or common sense at these things
Also, on the Elias line two adults were waitting while 10 kids they were with were on the Marty line... When the kids were done there they cut in on the Elias line... It's that sort of thing that kills these events
I don't see what's wrong with talking to the guy for a length of tie. First off I saw Larry milling about with Oates and Pete all by their lonesome for a bit with few people talking to them, secondly - I'm sure these guys appreciate a little banter over the hey sign this.
Plus it's not like other people can't sign stuff while he's chatting.
The folks who get me are the ones that BG mentions, "Oh only 1 item? Fifteen has a one, so that counts" and the folks I saw with like 5 people in tow running line to line and essentially passing items back and forth - what a bunch of dicks.
Seriously I don't get the appeal to having all that **** signed. A puck is nice, a stick with the team on it is really cool, a picture looks nice on a wall, but some folks seemed like they just had every variety imaginable, I'm curious what they plan on doing with all this stuff b/c it's not getting anything on ebay
I think like Devs Service Answers says - you're not going to please everyone, which is funny - b/c this is just a gimme. No matter what when I leave these things it's "Yeah I didn't meet XXX but **** I got a picture with YYY and cracked some jokes with ZZZ - that was awesome!"
That goes to a major aspect of people in general - overprivleaged spoiled little *****
But at these types of things, there is that critical mass of people, just takes finding that number. I thought last night was fine, much better than ones in the past, but I was not at the BBQ early in the year - from the sounds of it the number is closer to the invite list than to this one. A few binary search iterations here should do the trick
This is another issue that simply falls under the, "you cant make everyone happy" category, as many serious autograph collectors only want player autographs on NHL game pucks (which they also dont use for the mystery pucks).
I think that's the problem too - like I said a lot of people there seemed to be wanna be serious auto collectors. Without a certificate from Steiner or some such, anything you get first hand is worthless. And you're not getting that from a Mystery Puck or one of these meet n greets.
This is another issue that simply falls under the, "you cant make everyone happy" category, as many serious autograph collectors only want player autographs on NHL game pucks (which they also dont use for the mystery pucks).
Agreed but legibility should be the minimum, especially when all three versions (what the team uses and the two that I posted) are made by Sher-wood/InGlasCo.
Edit: This is an example of a mystery puck. The version from last night had the same size logo but not the text. Slightly better but it still takes up about 80% of the puck.
Isnt that frustrating? What is wrong with people. The worst part of it IMO, is that people dont care how they're perceived by others. A culture of "I got mine" have pervaded our society, and it's disgraceful.
Which is why I NEVER take someone's word for it when I hear them say anything negative about a public persona. Someone could sign an autograph for 24 people, and quit at the 25th person, and that person will bad-mouth them as a "jerk" or something.
Some of these people are so gracious with their time it amazes me. On more than one occasion, I've seen Phil Mickelson come of the 18th green and sign for EVERYONE that wants an autograph, even if it takes 35 minutes.
I think it's awesome that the Devils even have an autograph session. IMO, that's about the biggest STH benefit you could have.
I think if you had 1 player per table and utilized both floors of the building with a gigantic (and I mean really over-the-top) sign at each table in 8 inch black block letters stating, "IN THE INTEREST OF TIME, SO THAT EVERYONE MAY RECEIVE AN AUTOGRAPH, ABSOLUTELY NO PHOTOGRAPHS WITH THE PLAYERS", that would go a long way to solving your problem.
From the event I attended, the people who combo on the autograph and the photograph absolutely KILL the clock. And with smartphones, everyone now has a camera. Worse? Some people request pictures with their camera phone AND their real camera AND want an autograph. But if you have the "table guard" strictly enforce the no photo policy, and you utilize the entire building (thus greatly spreading out the crowd) I think it would help tremendously.
in the end it comes down to the rules and if the security people actually enforce them. these rules should be posted in a place that everyone can see, perhaps at each table or just security themselves enforcing it. for something like this, it really should be 1 autograph per person. waiting in line someone was going on and on about how she had marty sign 4 things. by the time she talked and had him sign 4 things, another 2-3 people could have gotten a chance.
overall, i had a good time, was shocked i was able to get to 11 players and lou in the short time span. i have to say that i enjoyed the bbq a lot more. maybe because it was a lesser turnout and it didn't feel as rushed on time or that the players were always moving so lines couldn't get too long.
i'm thrilled that the team offers 3 meet & greets and hope they continue them. with some tweaking they could all be a great time.
in the end it comes down to the rules and if the security people actually enforce them. these rules should be posted in a place that everyone can see, perhaps at each table or just security themselves enforcing it. for something like this, it really should be 1 autograph per person. waiting in line someone was going on and on about how she had marty sign 4 things. by the time she talked and had him sign 4 things, another 2-3 people could have gotten a chance.
overall, i had a good time, was shocked i was able to get to 11 players and lou in the short time span. i have to say that i enjoyed the bbq a lot more. maybe because it was a lesser turnout and it didn't feel as rushed on time or that the players were always moving so lines couldn't get too long.
i'm thrilled that the team offers 3 meet & greets and hope they continue them. with some tweaking they could all be a great time.
Would most prefer the later start time? I'm happy I propose it if so.
On the pucks, can you email me jpegs of what we sold vs what you want to see? I can send it to the guy who orders them and ask him to order both for next time. Those are things we can control.
On the rules, I'd love for them to be enforced more - but inevitably, players feel like bad guys for saying no. Even when the "usher" is the bad guy and says no, the player feels terrible that the person has two things and gives them this long face. No easy answer to it...Marty for example often sticks to the no autograph rule on the ice...but then some fans look at that and say - he's not a nice guy like "xyz" guy is. Tough all around. But the criticism is good and helps us get better.
I think that's the problem too - like I said a lot of people there seemed to be wanna be serious auto collectors. Without a certificate from Steiner or some such, anything you get first hand is worthless. And you're not getting that from a Mystery Puck or one of these meet n greets.
I couldn't disagree more, I have a pretty decent collection of autographs ranging from 8 by 10s, to jerseys, to pucks, to team logos... unless you're going to sell your stuff (which in my opinion is not a cool thing to do) who needs a COA? I got it signed, I saw the dude sign it and that's more then enough for me...
Okay, I'd like to revise my previous answer. This no longer falls under the category of, "you cant make everyone happy", and now moves squarely into the category of, "some folks that work for the Devils are absolute idiots".
I couldn't disagree more, I have a pretty decent collection of autographs ranging from 8 by 10s, to jerseys, to pucks, to team logos... unless you're going to sell your stuff (which in my opinion is not a cool thing to do) who needs a COA? I got it signed, I saw the dude sign it and that's more then enough for me...
By serious I mean looking to re-sell.
Just the sheer volume and variety people had was mind boggling - I'm talking folks with gym bags full of ****.
Either they're slightly insane, or thinking they can turn a profit.
I got a ton of signed **** from these things over the past few years, from mystery puck nights, random folks giving stuff to me and don't get me wrong, it's all great and looks fantastic on my walls. It's just not worth a penny to anyone else
