For this week’s blog I will be talking about sports on the internet. Raney and Bryant bring up a lot of good points about fantasy sports, gambling, advertising and sports on the internet all together.
Fantasy leagues are clearly one of the more popular online attractions for people. The majority of people involved in fantasy leagues are young men ages 18-35. How many of you are currently subscribed to a fantasy league? Why do you think women are not as involved in either fantasy sports or online sports gambling? Now, because of the rise in fantasy leagues, fans are routing for individual players instead of teams. I think it’s funny that fantasy has become so popular that on their websites (sports.yahoo.com/fantasy) they have ‘expert analysis’ with sports buffs giving their insights. Spinning off of fantasy, comes the sports gambling issue. Currently, the U.S. is fighting major casinos that have their own sports gambling on offshore websites, i.e. the Mirage. I thought it was interesting that the majority of the gambling comes from college athletes, who actually bet on their own games. It makes you wonder if there is any underlying intention of them purposely doing badly in order to make money off their bets. Why is it that you think that women don’t get into sports gambling either?
Another topic that was covered in the book was about the demise of sports on television because of the advancements in the internet. Companies now have entire websites dedicated to sports. Now fans are able to go online and watch their favorite teams in games that they would otherwise not be able to watch. The internet is a great way for fans that don’t live in the city that their favorite team plays in to watch the game. March Madness is a perfect example. People commonly root for teams who are no where near where they live. There are so many games going on at one time that it is impossible for every single game to be broadcast on television...therefore it makes the most sense to put all the games online and let fans pick what games they want to watch. The Olympics and World Cup falls into the same category because there is usually a time change. People are unable to watch the games because they are on at awkward times, so because of the internet they able to see what happened in their favorite event or if Manchester United beat Liverpool.
Blogs, like sports radio from last week, are a vehicle for getting fans together to voice their opinions. However, blogs, different than radio are an easier medium for fans to get into contact with one another. Also unlike radio, if you don’t like what the person is discussing you don’t have to read the rest of their post; with radio you have to listen until the caller is done saying what they have to say.
The internet could however potentially hurt advertisements. Watching games on TV, you are forced to sit through plenty of commercials, however, watching the games online, there is only one ad that is played over and over again (usually, I’m not an online sports aficionado). And they also have banner ads on the sides but it’s not like anyone ever clicks through the pages to look at the ads. I really don’t think that the internet is going to be the end all of sports on television though. Would you all rather watch sports on TV or online? The other issue that came up in the book with regards to ads is TiVo. Because people are able to record games and watch them later, they can skip the commercials or fast-forward through them. That means the ads are not getting to the consumer and it makes the ads worth less. Do you think that companies will be less likely to advertise because of DVR?
Think of it this way, if we didn’t have sports on the internet none of us would be able to post on this blog every week and that would be a damn shame. I hope everyone had an eventful weekend….see you Tuesday!
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12 comments:
I just think the internet is another reason sports are more popular. It has made sports so much more popular. Before fantasy sports, did anyone outside of the 2 cities really care about the Pirates/Brewers game? of course not. People care, however, because Prince Fielder is one of their best players.
I used to play fantasy, but have become too busy to devote enough time to it. I miss it; it's an incredibly fun venture, but only if you have 30 minutes a week. I do not.
I think TIVO is a fantastic program. It doesn't hurt advertisers, I think it helps them. I have seen that Guisseppe Franco so many times on YES, I want to boycott whatever product is being shopped. And what does that tell you about advertisments: I hate the commercial, but don't even know what it is about.
So, overall, I do think the internet helps sports. People care more about other teams; teams they would otherwise not care about; because of fantasy sports and the internet.
In the fashion of the You Tube generation, I truly feel like sports has become successful on the internet because it has become significaly more "user friendly." As Joanna said, the internet allows you to sift through whatever you don't want to read. For example, I often find myself looking at boxscores for nfl games on espn.com when sportscenter is playing baseball highlights.
Fantasy football is one of the most addictive things I have ever experienced in my life. And I actually think its success along with the success of other sports sites on the internet, is due in large part to the success of sports radio. Sports radio was the first forum where someone would say "well what would you do differently about this team," and the listener could actually contribute his two cents. Now a user can do something about his team, by actually creating his own team onthe internet. What a beautiful beautiful thing.
Personally, I don’t play fantasy. My dad does and so his league is mine. I help him through the draft and I follow his players when I can (this is football, by the way), but the line stops there. I don’t have the time to put into reading up about players stats to add them to my league. Personally, I'd rather be doing something more worthwhile. Also, in regards to the question about gambling, I don’t know why more women don’t bet money on sports. I’m sure that men probably gamble more than women do in general, and so that’s why you don’t see a ton of women at the OTB. I know id rather spend my money on some new shoes than the over/under, but that’s just me.
I think sports on the internet are great. I know that me, Rick, Kristina, and Jill (who were all in London last semester) would watch some games on MLBtv online which was fantastic because we were able to watch our teams even though we were a thousand miles away. If given the choice, though, I'd rather watch the games on TV because the quality is better and the screen is bigger.
One thing I did like about MLBtv was that there were no commercials during the break. Now that I have DVR though I sit down a half hour after the game has started and speed through the commercials, I’ve had DVR for about four years now, so I’m spoiled and can barely function without it. I don’t think it hurts advertisers too much though because there are some people who still don’t have DVR and I know some hardcore sports fans refuse to start a game late because they don’t want the outcome ruined by some outside influence.
In my opinion, the internet helps make every sports game more interesting. On one hand, there is the fantasy leagues where people will care about random players on teams all across the league because they have them on their team. I have done fantasy leagues before for the nba and nfl and it helps make every game interesting, but at the same time u find urself caring more about individual stats than who is winning the game. Sports gambling of course makes games u wouldnt care about very important. Gambling, especially in football, is a big business and it is so easy with the internet to just go to a site you know and place your bets.
Like Joanna also pointed out, the internet lets anyone go online and watch any game they pretty much want. I don't think there will be any kind of significant demise in sports on tv, but the internet gives people more choices. More than watching games online you can watch any kind of highlights you want on sites like youtube. I know I have gone to youtube and watched Reggie Bush and Lebron James highlight videos that you won't see on ESPN or on tv anywhere. The internet basically gives you the control over what your reading or watching, while on like Sportcenter you have to wait until they cover what you want to see.
While the internet gives more control and less waiting for commercials, like I said I don't think it will mean the end of sports on tv in any way. I would still much rather watch a game on tv just because of the whole presentation. TIVO also helps sports on tv because you can just fast foward to the 4th quarter if thats all you want to see. Companies won't be hesitant to advertise on tv though because alot of sports fans don't want to miss a game no matter what. I know it wouldn't feel the same recording a game and watching it later just so I could skip commercials. In the times I have had to record games and watch later,I wished I had seen it live, despite the number of commericials.
Sports and the internet is a wonderful combination. I love being able to watch highlights on the internet and also have the ability to watch a game if I do not have access to a TV at that given time. With the ability to find great game clips on youtube now, I think the internet has been greatly enhanced for the sports fanatic.
After reading over the earlier posts, I have noticed it appears not many people want to be bothered by fantasy sports. I personally love fantasy sports and certainly love doing the fantasy drafts. I will join leagues that I know I will not pay attention to just so I can participate in the draft. Yes, on game day I find myself rooting for individual players but I will never ever ever root against my own teams. If one of my fantasy players is playing against the Giants one week, I will bench them as the Giants take precedent over any fantasy league. However I find leagues to be so enjoyable and make games in the NFL, MLB, NBA that I wouldn't find interesting, interesting. I disagree with Seth when he says you need 30 minutes a week, I don't spend more than 5 minutes on any of my teams and am very succesful in leagues.
As far as TiVO/DVR's go, I don't find much use for them as a result of the internet. For sports purposes, if I miss the beginning of a game, oh well I can catch the highlights of the spectacular plays or just look at a box score to find out what happened. For a TV Show I think Tivo/DVRs are great but I don't find much use for them pertaining to sports. However, I do think they would hurt advertisers. If you do have a game TiVOed i do not see why you would watch the advertisements as you went back to watch it. For example, Seth you said you didn't have 30 minutes a week to devote to fantasy sports. If you have a game TiVOed are you going to have the time to watch the commercials of a baseball game that all ready happened?
Overall I think the internet has been beneficial to sports and vice versa. ESPN.com certainly owes a lot to sports for it's success and the same can be said for sports. The internet has allowed access to sports at any time to whoever wants it.
I am not currently subscribed to any fantasy league. Although I have been asked many times to join with my friends, I get the notion that it is too time consuming. I think women are not as involved in both fantasy sports and online sports gambling because of the knowledge that is required in order to be successful. Yes, luck plays a huge role in any type of success, but if you don’t have any background knowledge, luck will only take you so far. I think most women are not as familiar with sports as men are, as many women don’t grow up with sports. Consequently they view fantasy leagues as leagues that are for the “hardcore” fan. Similarly, women don’t participate in sports gambling because they don’t feel confident that they know enough to be successful.
I would rather watch sports on TV than online. The quality of my HD TV is far superior to my 15 inch laptop screen. Yes, online is convenient, but nothing today can beat HDTV. When I was in London last semester I subscribed to MLBTV in order to watch the Red Sox games. Included in the package was the ability to watch other MLB games simultaneously. This ability is unique to the internet however given the choice, I would prefer to flip back and forth on my TV, just for a better visual quality.
I disagree strongly with Seth in regards to TiVo not hurting advertisements. On the contrary, advertisements are and will be devastated by DVRs such as TiVo. The more popular they become the less inclined people will be to pay attention to advertisements. If you had the option to watch a show without commercials, why would you choose to watch them? As a result of DVRs, advertising companies will be forced to create new techniques to promote products. Either that or the cost for cable services will increase, or perhaps both!
Joanna brought up several good points in her blog. Personally, I do not get fantasy football. I know a lot of boys who do it but to be honest I just do not see the point. I rather watch football on television then spend countless hours making my fantasy team. I feel that the reason that women are not right there next to men making draft picks online is simply because I don’t think we see the point. I am not bashing fantasy football in anyway but I number one do not even get it because I don’t take the time to even truly understand it and two I just don’t have the time to care. Perhaps that is a bad outlook on things but it just is the way it is.
In some ways I feel that my personal feelings for fantasy football relate to online gambling. I think women and myself included just do not have time to get all the information like Kristina said.
The Internet is amazing for sports. As Manning said, being in London it was helpful for watching the Yankees and other games. Given the option however of watching a game on my computer or on a TV, I would pick the TV. I am a person who likes to watch games with people. I like to be able to talk about what is going on and even bicker with people who are routing against my team. There are only so many people who can sit around a computer and watch a game. Also, bars that play sports games are using TVs and not DVR or TiVo. This is a definite plus for sports on television because going to a bar to see a game is a popular option for some. Basically, I think that sports on the internet is great for when you can not get to a TV to see the game but sports on TV will not die out.
Just like TV and radio, the internet is a great compliment to sports. But notice that it is just a compliment, nothing more. I, like most, would rather watch sports on TV than anywhere else. Especially with all the sports HD channels we have now, there is nothing better than a big game on HD. But the internet does help in being able to find scores and updates quickly, like if you want to see how a division rival is doing in their game while you are watching your team on TV. The internet also is great for highlight reels and catching great plays and calls, as we saw with the App State-Mich game. Just by typing in your favorite announcer on Youtube, you can hear so many great calls from different events. (I do this often)
Even though I have never gotten involved in fantasy sports, I do know that it, and therefore the internet, has really helped the popularity of sports. Like Seth mentioned about a random Pirates/Brewers game, I think the idea of someone in New York actually caring about a game like that is great. It broadens the horizons of sports fans and can make you appreciate other players and teams.
As for gambling, it has always been, like sports themselves, a more "masculine" activity. Whether it be a group of men sitting around smoking cigars playing poker or people in Vegas betting on football, gambling is just more of a manly thing and therefore women don't get involved as much. Also, because men are usually the breadwinners of the house, they probably feel as if they have the right to go out and gamble since it is mostly their money.
Even though TiVo is a great program, i do feel as if it will hurt advertisers. If viewers are able to fast forward through commercials, why would an advertiser spend money on this medium? TiVo is great for sports because it allows you to watch games you cant see at the regular time, but TiVo is not so good for advertisers.
I really feel as if the internet has helped sports a lot, although i think if the internet didn't exist sports would still be very popular. I cannot be so confident in saying the same thing about TV or radio though. I will continue to use the internet for updates and to check on highlights, etc...but the good old tube is still where i want to see my live sports action.
I am not a huge fan of the fantasy football. Mostly in part because I honestly have no idea how it works and personally I am not too interested in other teams other than the ones I enjoy watching. Yes is it exciting when someone breaks a record or is doing well in their season, but being a female I presume I just don’t have enough interest in it. I do however think it is pretty neat and exciting for those who do enjoy it and take the time to be a part of it.
The Internet, like many others have said is a huge part in expanding sports interest and popularity. Being a Philadelphia Eagles fan in Connecticut does not usually work to my advantage on Sunday’s. New England rarely plays sports out of Philadelphia; they are based on New England (obviously) and New York. I usually go to the Philadelphia Eagles website and watch it play by play while my other roommates and friends are watching their respected teams on television. The Internet is not only making sports more widely know and popular but the Internet is simply much more convenient.
I also find the point Joanna brings up about athletes betting on their own games very interesting. It really makes one wonder what honesty is in sports with the growth of the Internet and gambling. I however find it hard to believe that someone would purposely do horrible in a game just to win a bet. But I guess you never know these days. Haha.
I honestly think the Internet is not hurting television ratings but rather, it is making our lives and the lives of sports watchers more convenient and interesting. I find ease in the fact that if your favorite team is not playing on the television nearest you that day, you can find the score and the play by play online. It is just another way to PR in the sports world.
I think the internet supplements my television consumption of sports. If I miss a game, I can check scores and stats online and sometimes I have MLBtv on while I'm at work. Also, I can go online and read player bios and news, which engages me more as a sports consumer.
I don't play fantasy sports. I don't think it's because I'm a female, but because I just wouldn't pay enough attention to it. I don't even have a TV show I watch regularly. I did help my boyfriend with his fantasy baseball team though over the summer, and we would watch more games on TV so he would know who to trade/bench. I can understand the enjoyment people get from fantasy sports though. I remember playing NHL 95 as a kid and they came out with the options to create and trade players. The internet just takes that concept to the next level. It gives people "virtual" control... who wouldn't want the opportunity to manage their own professional sports team?
In terms of DVR- I don't think it hurts advertising too much, because the announcers make so many product/program references. Every aspect of the game is sponsored by some corporation these days- i.e. "The Geico player of the game" or the "pepsi play of the game" or the half time show "brought to you by travelers insurance." Also, advertisements are behind home plate and all around sports fields/arenas.
And if you prefer to get yours sports on the internet- then you're exposed to a saturation of advertisements, whether you click on the banners or not- you see them.
Obviously the internet, like any means of communication has its ups and downs. So far as fantasy leagues and online gambling go, these concepts are definitely targeted towards men, which is probably why women have very little interest in them. I remember when I was younger my mom would have a game night with her friends and my dad would have fantasy football night with his friends. I feel as though in a lot of ways fantasy sports are more for the social pull, and winning is an added bonus.
Concerning the issue of players betting on their own teams, I don’t necessarily believe that they would intentionally do less than their best with the hope of winning money, if for no other reason than the potential of severe legal repercussions.
It’s hard to say why women as a whole are less inclined to gamble. My assumption would really be that it has a lot to do with all of our previous discussions, based solely on the fact that their involvement in the sports world, while higher than it has been in the past, is still minimal in comparison to the male population.
I like the tie into our discussion about radio with the comments about the use of blogging. It definitely makes a lot of sense and can be more gratifying if you want the ability to retort about a comment that is made by someone else, and isn’t limiting you to 30 seconds of air time.
As for the added convenience of watching sports online, I really think nothing beats going to a game, and if you can’t do that…obviously sitting in front of a television seems a bit more leisurely than staring at a computer screen. I don’t really think loss of advertising is a concern, because people will always need to know what type of products are out there, so even if they aren’t clicking on the banners or fast forward through commercials, there is still an awareness that these items are there. Plus, how many people really stay around for commercials even during live broadcasts when it’s not the Super Bowl?
I think that Fantasy Sports Leagues are great, despite the fact that they’re considered to be a form of online sports gambling. In fact, my kick-ass best friend joined a fantasy football league this year (something I want to do next season) and she is currently first in her league. According to a study done by Yale’s Dr. Marc Potenza on gambling, the male to female ratio of gamblers in the U.S. is 2 to 1, and men who gamble are likely to be younger than their female counterparts. Most female gamblers were between the ages of 45 and 64, whereas most male gamblers are between the ages of 18 and 34. This makes it evident that more men gamble on sports, and join things like online fantasy leagues, because men 18-34 are more likely to be sports fanatics than women 45-64.
I find it very interesting to watch how fantasy leagues affect spectator sporting events, like a football game for instance. It changes the way people watch the NFL. It is not a fans only concern that their beloved team beat their opponent that week, they’re now also concerned with who did what in other games that week. In a way its probably having a negative affect on a teams fan base by taking a fan’s main focus away from their team, but it is also boosting viewers of multiple games and following of multiple players, which cant hurt ratings.
As for the issue of the demise of sports on television because of the advancements in the internet, what industry isn’t in decline because of the rise of the internet? The internet provides coverage of anything and everything sports, including specific teams, specific games, and specific players’ stats that concern a fans fantasy team. This does result in the demise less need for televised sports because of the convenience of the internet. As for less advertising, I find that pop-ups online are becoming more annoying than commercial breaks on TV because at least you can get up and walk away from the TV, pop-ups are harder to get away from and will drive you nuts! But, in the same way that the newspaper is still in existence, there is something about sitting down and watching televised sports programs that Americans want and will continue to do. The issue that came up in the book with regards to ads and their worth now that we have TiVo, it is still a luxury to be able to skip the commercials making paid advertisements virtually worthless. However I do not think that DVR is enough of a problem to hurt the amount of revenue that advertising brings in. I have a funny feeling that companies will continue to spend billions on advertising.
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