NFL Star Ochocinco Sets Up His Own Twitter-Based News Network
from the good-luck-NFL dept
Earlier this year, in talking about the changing nature of sports reporting, one of the things we mentioned was that you shouldn't count out players themselves as a part of that ecosystem, since they could now go direct to fans themselves, without having to talk through a reporter. Of course, sports leagues are scared to death of this concept, and we also noted that the NFL, among others, was seeking to limit how players were interacting with fans, with some teams even punishing players for being honest with fans.However, with all those rules and guidelines, it seems the NFL didn't count on outspoken Bengals player Chad Ochocinco from taking things even further. Reader DEF was the first to alert us that Ochocinco has decided to set up his own Twitter-based reporting operation on goings on within the NFL, believing that via other players, he'll be able to get the real scoop and post the information faster and more accurately than any traditional "reporter." He says he's "knocking out the middleman."
And this is exactly the point we were making about how the media landscape is changing. People want relevant news and information in a format they find most useful. They don't care if it comes from a reporter, an athlete or the guy down the block. Yes, there are different levels of trust with who delivers the news, but reporters need to realize that they're not the only gatekeepers any more -- no matter how much they wish they were.
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Filed Under: chad ochocinco, football, news, reporting, twitter
Companies: nfl, twitter
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Very True...
Correct. For instance, with bloggers or NFL players as a generality, I have NO IDEA whether to trust them or not.
With reporters, I absolutely know not to...
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iPhone app
This guy has made self promotion a full time job. It's a wonder he still has time for football.
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Re: iPhone app
Which isn't to say it's a good strategy (I find it obnoxious) but it could be a working strategy.
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#1 Fan
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Re: #1 Fan
...
and with a twitter feed for all.. Amen.
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Re: Re: #1 Fan
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Re: Re: Re: #1 Fan
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Oy
That said, I can totally see a coach putting the kaibash on the twitter.
THAT said, ... wait, where was I?
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Re: Oy
Funny, that's what the Bears secondary said last week when Ochocinco was running circles around them...
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Reporters being the lowest level and those with first hand experience (ie: the players) being higher levels.
At least if those with first hand experience contradict themselves it won't be censored and the people will notice the contradictions and start to ask questions and devise their own theories.
It's like with history, what's a more reliable source, a primary source or a secondary source? Those involved in the situations are more reliable and are at least less likely to be confused, they are better authorities over the matters.
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Re:
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And a new contract clause is spawned...
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Ochocinco = Douchebag
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Re: Ochocinco = Douchebag
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Do I ask Billy about the low blow last week? Nah, I went to school with him, he's a nice guy. What about fred's drug problem? Nahh! We don't talk about that. What about that injury? Nahh, we don't want to give any other teams info.
let's just write about everyone's dogs. Except Michael Vick's dogs, we don't talk about that.
Yeah!
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