Livingston - all the threads merged

[Hastie17]

58 minutes ago, ATLIS said:

This is the exact opposite of what you've asked for but it factors in. For me a lot of the (very good) work the club does with social media videos/content etc gets drowned out by the overwhelming amount of ads. The same ads running at the same time each week. It gets very easy to just tune out the rest of the content that gets produced when it's being outnumbered by 3 to 1 by ads. It's only really on game day do we get a break from that kind of content being the majority. 

I understand the club uses it to bring in some revenue but at this point they've gone too far and it's coming at a cost of fan engagement. The sheer amount of bloat on it is too much yet it's a fine balance of maximising revenue streams and cultivating a community club feel. At times over the stint in the Premiership the club started to feel over commercialised. We've got a social media partner, match day ball sponsorships, match sponsorships, player of the month sponsorships, player of the match sponsorships.

Sponsored posts from FOCO, SPFL Trust (I believe it's an SPFL obligation to be fair), Kick Mental Health (a good thing but it gets drowned out amongst the others), Sports Club Maps, Float, Monarchs Speedway, Bawbags, first team physio's services, The Centre, Flat Back 4, Firepits etc

At the same time we're being upsold/advertised, hospitality, programmes, kid's memberships, player sponsorships (3 days in a row at one point), side of pitch sponsorships, match day/ball sponsorships, training kit sponsorships, media room sponsorships etc. 

For me that takes away from a lot of the good content that does get produced, going through Livi's Spanish stars of the past on the day of the final for the Euros, kit releases, interviews. A lot of things like that get lost in the bloat and aren't as effective as they should be. I've missed a lot of content we've made and only noticed it well after the fact because it was lost in the ads. As you'd said, stuff has been taken on board with asking about injuries, we're getting good post game content and highlights are out very quickly. Those are all absolutely great but for me it's hard to be engaged by the content produced on non-match days due to the commercial bloat we've got going on, and that's something I'd imagine we're contractually tied into for 24/25.

I could be wrong but for me personally, it's made me feel a bit distant from the 'community' feel of the club. Factor in the overhanging threat and anxiety over court cases that are draining money from the club and a fairly sore and recent relegation it isn't a surprise that fans are a bit more touchy than they've been in years where things have been going well. After last season the club needs/needed to do a lot of work in bringing fans back into a more positive mindset and get the feel-good factor back to the club (which a lot of the good content produced has helped doing). The club feels a lot more commercial than it did compared to our back to back promotions seasons, maybe that's just the club evolving and growing but it's for sure taken away a bit of the connection the fans felt to the club. 

It's not a black and white, social media team bad, situation. There's a lot going into it but I'd say it's undeniable that there's a good bit of disconnect between the club's fan facing media and the fans expectations and feelings and the current product from the club isn't trending towards fixing that. Badura blocking Livi fans, making petty comments and being very defensive has likely gone a long way to harming those relations even if he didn't intend to do so. I'd agree with your sentiment that a majority of his blockings were to keep out some of the noise (he'd blocked Callum Brown that did commentary/worked with him) but changing bios and being petty to certain fans were definitely a personal jab. 

Thanks for this, I'll reply as much as I can to each point however forgive me if I miss anything.

Re commercial - I agree there is a lot of it and it can detract from the good stuff we are doing but, whether we as fans like it or not, it is a necessity for a club of our size. If we don't have these sponsorships we don't have a club and I'm guessing part of these sponsorship deals are weekly posts across our social media. It sucks, but is a necessary evil. I think no matter what happens we can't change that. But what we can do is look to better the other content going out so that it doesn't detract so much. 

I do believe last season was a huge driving factor in the unrest and dissatisfaction in the air just now and I completely understand why, it was shite. As a fan, as someone who was involved last season it just felt like we were getting battered on and off the pitch from all angles. The court cases and uncertainty not helping at all. It's easy to lose that enjoyment and quickly turn to criticising the club when things are bad and don't blame anyone for doing that - perhaps more privately I was more doom and gloom that I let on elsewhere. 

But I suppose my big thing is that this season is going to be different. We're not going to be battered every week on the park (hopefully), it looks like we've adopted a new brand of football that's fun to watch so hopefully we can get the feel good back at Almondvale. I believe we've at least matched last seasons season ticket holders which for a club our size is absolutely massive coming such a horrible season with relegation etc. This means that all the stuff the media team had planned (and there was loads of it) can now be put into action. Money has been spent on the production equipment, the questions are more about Livi rather than budgets etc because the press conferences are now being controlled by the club and not outside media. So the information coming out will be more pertinent to us as fans ie injuries suspensions etc. 

I think Hack decided the best thing for his mental health and to avoid "biting" if you like was to just get rid of everything Livi from his timeline - remember that this is his work and it must be draining seeing his work all over his personal socials as well as his work one so I see the point. I also see the point of perhaps he went too far - again I would say that this was his personal account, and hope that fans can appreciate the stress he was under. I saw LIVIFOREVER say above, we're all guilty of a sarcastic/defensive response every so often, Hack has had his and he's taken actions to not have it happen again. He's still our admin and let's be honest he's still able to see feedback on official social media for Livi so it's not like it will prevent him doing his job

I hope I got all your points, feel free to let know of anything I've missed 

[Hastie17]

1 hour ago, Livi said:

We don't always agree but some good points in there 

The club don't need special events to listen to fans its here in an abundance imo they just need to listen a little more and where its appropriate just act without a big PR splash.

One thing i would add the constant referring to lack of resources when something good has been done  we all know that and there is no need to justify a good piece with a negative slant around resources.

Fair points made from yourself too - I guess it was to offer the fans a sit down. Feedback is good, though. 

My only point would be staff wouldn't check these boards and as a lot of people have said, most staff don't use the Facebook forum 

Edited August 5 by Hastie17

[thruthenight]

New signing being teased, hope it's an actual signing this time 

[Cptn Hooch]

3 minutes ago, thruthenight said:

New signing being teased, hope it's an actual signing this time 

Teasing the number 8 which is Pittman....wonder if it's announcing his testimonial

[Livi La Vida Loca]

1 hour ago, thruthenight said:

New signing being teased, hope it's an actual signing this time 

 

12 hours ago, Hastie17 said:

do you have anything you would like to see? 

Using this as an example the first I'm seeing of it (As a non twitter user) is here. 

Quick Google shows it was a Pittman teaser followed by a video of Pittman's goals put up on twitter but not on Facebook. 

Why is way more put on twitter than Facebook? I get that things like live match updates don't need to be on Facebook but the club doesn't even upload a half time or full time score update. 

The Clubs Facebook page is literally just a giant advertising page. 

[Livi]

1 hour ago, Hastie17 said:

Thanks for this, I'll reply as much as I can to each point however forgive me if I miss anything.

Re commercial - I agree there is a lot of it and it can detract from the good stuff we are doing but, whether we as fans like it or not, it is a necessity for a club of our size. If we don't have these sponsorships we don't have a club and I'm guessing part of these sponsorship deals are weekly posts across our social media. It sucks, but is a necessary evil. I think no matter what happens we can't change that. But what we can do is look to better the other content going out so that it doesn't detract so much. 

I do believe last season was a huge driving factor in the unrest and dissatisfaction in the air just now and I completely understand why, it was shite. As a fan, as someone who was involved last season it just felt like we were getting battered on and off the pitch from all angles. The court cases and uncertainty not helping at all. It's easy to lose that enjoyment and quickly turn to criticising the club when things are bad and don't blame anyone for doing that - perhaps more privately I was more doom and gloom that I let on elsewhere. 

But I suppose my big thing is that this season is going to be different. We're not going to be battered every week on the park (hopefully), it looks like we've adopted a new brand of football that's fun to watch so hopefully we can get the feel good back at Almondvale. I believe we've at least matched last seasons season ticket holders which for a club our size is absolutely massive coming such a horrible season with relegation etc. This means that all the stuff the media team had planned (and there was loads of it) can now be put into action. Money has been spent on the production equipment, the questions are more about Livi rather than budgets etc because the press conferences are now being controlled by the club and not outside media. So the information coming out will be more pertinent to us as fans ie injuries suspensions etc. 

I think Hack decided the best thing for his mental health and to avoid "biting" if you like was to just get rid of everything Livi from his timeline - remember that this is his work and it must be draining seeing his work all over his personal socials as well as his work one so I see the point. I also see the point of perhaps he went too far - again I would say that this was his personal account, and hope that fans can appreciate the stress he was under. I saw LIVIFOREVER say above, we're all guilty of a sarcastic/defensive response every so often, Hack has had his and he's taken actions to not have it happen again. He's still our admin and let's be honest he's still able to see feedback on official social media for Livi so it's not like it will prevent him doing his job

I hope I got all your points, feel free to let know of anything I've missed 

No offence but why are you now responding on behalf of the club? Again no disrespect Why are you also giving views on a club employee who in many fans view has over stepped the mark in recent times. The club should be doing more to protect him not you if as you state above around his health. 
 

We don't need constant feedback on every post and as you said you are a fan not a club employee we don'

The club can surf any board and any forum and listen they don't need to be seen though and still get a good sense of how supporters are feeling.

 

[Roger the cabin boy]

3 minutes ago, Livi said:

The club can surf any board and any forum and listen they don't need to be seen though and still get a good sense of how supporters are feeling

I’m sure Ward has sensed by now lol. Great track record on Twitter he has .

[Hastie17]

4 minutes ago, Livi said:

No offence but why are you now responding on behalf of the club? Again no disrespect Why are you also giving views on a club employee who in many fans view has over stepped the mark in recent times. The club should be doing more to protect him not you if as you state above around his health. 
 

We don't need constant feedback on every post and as you said you are a fan not a club employee we don'

The club can surf any board and any forum and listen they don't need to be seen though and still get a good sense of how supporters are feeling.

 

I'm not responding on behalf of the club, I'm just offering an insight - you know...try bridge the gap etc etc

Damned if you do

I guess there's just no pleasing some people.

[Hastie17]

7 minutes ago, Livi La Vida Loca said:

 

Using this as an example the first I'm seeing of it (As a non twitter user) is here. 

Quick Google shows it was a Pittman teaser followed by a video of Pittman's goals put up on twitter but not on Facebook. 

Why is way more put on twitter than Facebook? I get that things like live match updates don't need to be on Facebook but the club doesn't even upload a half time or full time score update. 

The Clubs Facebook page is literally just a giant advertising page. 

Great question - I'll pass it on - as a Facebook more than Twitter user you make a good point.

[Livi]

Just now, Hastie17 said:

I'm not responding on behalf of the club, I'm just offering an insight - you know...try bridge the gap etc etc

Damned if you do

I guess there's just no pleasing some people.

I did say no offence but thats no a fans view its an insiders view as you state stuff in your response only an insider would know  

It's not about you bridging the gap the CLUB needs to bridge the gap by ACTION no words.

[EdinburghLivi]

3 hours ago, mozam76 said:

I'm surprised nobody wanted him.

Don't speak too soon, we have a few weeks left in the window...

[Hastie17]

4 minutes ago, Livi said:

I did say no offence but thats no a fans view its an insiders view as you state stuff in your response only an insider would know  

It's not about you bridging the gap the CLUB needs to bridge the gap by ACTION no words.

I'm not understanding what the issue is mate, genuinely. Someone offered feedback, I said why it wouldn't be viable. What does it matter where the information comes from? 

I'm not offended, just a bit ...I dunno...frustrated? Lost? I honestly think if the club came out and said they're giving every single fan £100 they'd get "constructive criticism" asking why it wasn't £200

[Livi]

2 minutes ago, Hastie17 said:

I'm not understanding what the issue is mate, genuinely. Someone offered feedback, I said why it wouldn't be viable. What does it matter where the information comes from? 

I'm not offended, just a bit ...I dunno...frustrated? Lost? I honestly think if the club came out and said they're giving every single fan £100 they'd get "constructive criticism" asking why it wasn't £200

Mate you're on every social media platform (or it feels that way) defending the club.  

[Livi La Vida Loca]

54 minutes ago, EdinburghLivi said:

Don't speak too soon, we have a few weeks left in the window...

When is his contract up? 

I absolutely want Kelly to stay but we have to start getting money for players who are unlikely to sign new deals. 

I was happy to keep Anderson last summer but was slightly annoyed he turned down that move to Georgia.

[Freedom Farter]

18 minutes ago, Livi La Vida Loca said:

When is his contract up? 

I absolutely want Kelly to stay but we have to start getting money for players who are unlikely to sign new deals. 

I was happy to keep Anderson last summer but was slightly annoyed he turned down that move to Georgia.

Next summer, I think. Regardless, we're in the Championship now which means you get offered about a tenth of what you get offered in the Prem for your players.

[Hastie17]

1 hour ago, Livi said:

Mate you're on every social media platform (or it feels that way) defending the club.  

Why is that a bad thing? You're on every social media outlet doing the opposite

[LIVIFOREVER]

Looks like there's only 12 seats left for the QP game on Fri, good stuff.

 

*edit my mistake those blue ones are home fans in the section for ours, prob segregation and wont have anyone in them. So we've sold out our allocation, must be a first.

Edited August 5 by LIVIFOREVER

[crispy]

Trying not to get bogged down in the car crash that this thread has become in recent times, I wanted to say that some of the media stuff the club have posted recently has been really modern and slickly produced, in my opinion, quite impressed!

I suppose it’s easy to think that with the regression of the mens 11 the other stuff would fall away but it’s nice to see these little things which I find encouraging.

[Freedom Farter]

30 minutes ago, crispy said:

Trying not to get bogged down in the car crash that this thread has become in recent times, I wanted to say that some of the media stuff the club have posted recently has been really modern and slickly produced, in my opinion, quite impressed!

I suppose it’s easy to think that with the regression of the mens 11 the other stuff would fall away but it’s nice to see these little things which I find encouraging.

I don't have Twitter so I've no idea who has been arguing about what. I watch the Youtube highlights of games, though, and the longer they can be made the better. That's all I care about.

[EdinburghLivi]

1 hour ago, crispy said:

Trying not to get bogged down in the car crash that this thread has become in recent times, I wanted to say that some of the media stuff the club have posted recently has been really modern and slickly produced, in my opinion, quite impressed!

I suppose it’s easy to think that with the regression of the mens 11 the other stuff would fall away but it’s nice to see these little things which I find encouraging.

Agree with this. Graphics and videography have been excellent and actually improved from last season.