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Post by Jon the Stripe on Oct 20, 2014 19:14:24 GMT
GASBOARD... an idea i've had buzzing round my head for a while, so bear with me and dismiss it if you like i've got broad shoulders, i'm just throwing it out there
I raised this at the recent Supporters club AGM and the club said they'd look at it if i got my idea down in writing, i think it could have more benefits if or when we move to UWE, anyway here it is.
I think this idea would possibly be for the Supporters club to look into first, in fact maybe they kind of do it already, so i'll copy it into the SC Section too.
I'd like to run an idea past you, to improve communication with the football club and to help raise and push forward ideas from within our fanbase i think we should look into the possibility of forming a "GasBoard". A group of members would need to be selected from those wanting to make a difference, Gasheads could put their name forward and a vote could be held to elect leaders (a committee?) of particular categories. These leaders would meet up say quarterly to discuss with other fans who have thoughts to share and if anything requires action or raises concerns it could be forwarded to the club. this would include criticisms, ideas, suggestions etc and put forward in an organised and respectful way.
A Bristol Rovers Board of Fans "GasBoard" could be set up to help improve communications between fans and the Club regarding different categories of our club and the members selected are there to represent you, the supporters.
If you have a question for one of the members or something you would like raised, you could contact the relevant member via email or meet in person pre-match etc. You would be able to contact any one or more of the elected candidates on any issues.
Obviously Elected Representatives will not be expected to reply to every correspondence they receive and more urgent day-to-day issues or questions should be directed to the Club.
My initial idea would involve the following example categories which would of course need everyone.s view to sort out, these are purely a suggestion and would of course need fine tuning including more categories if required:
Season Ticket Holders
Fan's In Exile
Pay-on-the-Day /Casual Fans
Families
Female Fans
Disabled Fans
Ethnic Minorities
Under 18s
Fans who attend away games
Role of the GasBoard
As an elected member of the GasBoard each individual has a duty to liaise with fans from the group they represent and ensure they best serve their interests in meetings with the Club/Supporters club. Each of the members is contactable via email and they are able to provide feedback and take questions from the fans they represent, as well as share updates after each meeting.
The GasBoard will be to benefit all supporters and could improve communications.
• The Fans Board will provide a platform for supporters to communicate directly with key Club staff in a structured manner
• Give the Club greater insight into the topics and issues that most affect and concern the wider Rovers fanbase
• Allow supporters to better understand the Club’s decision-making process on key issues
• Enable supporters to play a crucial role in helping the Club achieve success on and off the pitch
• Provide transparency regarding the key issues that affect supporters
Anyway thanks for reading. UTG
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Post by Mark Ash on Oct 20, 2014 19:21:19 GMT
GASBOARD... an idea i've had buzzing round my head for a while, so bear with me and dismiss it if you like i've got broad shoulders, i'm just throwing it out there  I raised this at the recent Supporters club AGM and the club said they'd look at it if i got my idea down in writing, i think it could have more benefits if or when we move to UWE, anyway here it is. I think this idea would possibly be for the Supporters club to look into first, in fact maybe they kind of do it already, so i'll copy it into the SC Section too. I'd like to run an idea past you, to improve communication with the football club and to help raise and push forward ideas from within our fanbase i think we should look into the possibility of forming a "GasBoard". A group of members would need to be selected from those wanting to make a difference, Gasheads could put their name forward and a vote could be held to elect leaders (a committee?) of particular categories. These leaders would meet up say quarterly to discuss with other fans who have thoughts to share and if anything requires action or raises concerns it could be forwarded to the club. this would include criticisms, ideas, suggestions etc and put forward in an organised and respectful way.
A Bristol Rovers Board of Fans "GasBoard" could be set up to help improve communications between fans and the Club regarding different categories of our club and the members selected are there to represent you, the supporters.If you have a question for one of the members or something you would like raised, you could contact the relevant member via email or meet in person pre-match etc. You would be able to contact any one or more of the elected candidates on any issues. Obviously Elected Representatives will not be expected to reply to every correspondence they receive and more urgent day-to-day issues or questions should be directed to the Club. My initial idea would involve the following example categories which would of course need everyone.s view to sort out, these are purely a suggestion and would of course need fine tuning including more categories if required:
Season Ticket Holders
Fan's In Exile
Families
Female Fans
Disabled Fans
Ethnic Minorities
Under 18s
Fans who attend away games
Role of the GasBoardAs an elected member of the GasBoard each individual has a duty to liaise with fans from the group they represent and ensure they best serve their interests in meetings with the Club/Supporters club. Each of the members is contactable via email and they are able to provide feedback and take questions from the fans they represent, as well as share updates after each meeting. The GasBoard will be to benefit all supporters and could improve communications. • The Fans Board will provide a platform for supporters to communicate directly with key Club staff in a structured manner • Give the Club greater insight into the topics and issues that most affect and concern the wider Rovers fanbase • Allow supporters to better understand the Club’s decision-making process on key issues • Enable supporters to play a crucial role in helping the Club achieve success on and off the pitch • Provide transparency regarding the key issues that affect supporters Anyway thanks for reading. UTG Sounds excellent. Even if it only improved communication from the club to us, so we know what they're thinking, it would be worthwhile. |
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Post by Mark Ash on Oct 20, 2014 19:24:38 GMT
I probably shouldn't have quoted your entire post. Too much space if we all do that.
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Post by Parrot on Oct 20, 2014 19:36:26 GMT
Great idea, I would love to be involved in some way if possible !!
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Post by blackthorngas on Oct 20, 2014 19:50:06 GMT
Sounds good to me. Well thought out.
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Post by greenmantle1915 on Oct 20, 2014 19:50:25 GMT
Great idea Jon,I believe Bradford City have something similar.
Best wishes.
Rod.
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Post by Mark Ash on Oct 20, 2014 19:54:26 GMT
Good name too. "Excuse me, Mr Higgs, the man from the Gasboard is here."
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Post by Deleted on Oct 20, 2014 20:07:52 GMT
Great ideas Jon.
My questions would be:
Would the BOD recognize these fans groups?
How would we stop people pushing their own agendas?
Would so many groups risk diluting or mixing messages?
I think that maybe this is something we could do, but maybe we should form these committees and present to an over seeing person or to BSS/KM? I think that would help make sure the message was delivered in the right way.
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Post by ganymede on Oct 20, 2014 21:01:55 GMT
Great ideas Jon. My questions would be: Would the BOD recognize these fans groups? How would we stop people pushing their own agendas? Would so many groups risk diluting or mixing messages? I think that maybe this is something we could do, but maybe we should form these committees and present to an over seeing person or to BSS/KM? I think that would help make sure the message was delivered in the right way. I echo this; great idea Jon and it could work if there was reporting back to BSS/KM and/or the Supporters Club. JTS ... would love it if you had an official capacity with the club. |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2014 9:32:57 GMT
Its a great idea almost like a Bristol Rovers independant supporters association ;-) set up to improve communication between fans and the club an improve the fan experience.
I would fully suport this a i did the notion of brisa as its basically that under a different name. One small comment, rather then having an ethnic minorities group why not think of a name or focus of appealing to a wider groups within bristol. Like a communities group. Carl Saunders would be worth contacting as he has done a lot of community integration stuff.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2014 9:37:34 GMT
Ps happy to get involved in a communities / diversity related group. Had some good ideas that would have provided free maintanence work on the mem ten years ago that were not replied to and work with charities too.
Also have lots of ideas to steal from my visit to Goodison "the peoples club"
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Post by captgas on Oct 21, 2014 13:34:13 GMT
You need to sort out the answers better Jon, I want to vote for three of them...
A) Yes i do think its a good idea, but B) I would like a bit more detail and D) I just don't think it will take off. The club don't seem interested at all in being told how to run a club. That, and I also think it may be seen as standing on the toes, a little, of the SC.
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Post by Big Dave on Oct 21, 2014 14:29:45 GMT
The biggest group of supporters 'ignored by the club' (IMHO) are single males between 18-64 with no dependants and not *quite* enough commitment to get a season ticket. Add them as a category and I would probably support the idea.
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Post by Jon the Stripe on Oct 21, 2014 14:29:48 GMT
Firstly, thanks for your comments some of which have been very generous, much appreciated.
Just to clear up a few things - This won't be something i will run etc, it would need someone far more articulate than me. I'm just suggesting the notion of a "GasBoard"
The comparison to BRISA with respect to my friend Dinsdale (who i respect fully) is misleading, BRISA was independent and was run by individuals outside of the club. "GasBoard" would be run by BRFC or The Supporters Club with the aim to improve the club as a whole utilising Gasheads thoughts, observations, ideas etc. In effect bridging the gap between the club and it's Supporters increasing unity and communication.
In effect what i'm trying to say is (sorry if i'm not the best at conveying it) i would like the Football Club to 'invite us in' or say to us "We're asking for your views and opinions/ideas". Rather than a group or individuals trying to bash the door down to say something.
My actual opinion is: I think the club want us to help and the door is already open or at least ajar, the problem for many is they don't know where the door is.
UTG
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Post by Jon the Stripe on Oct 21, 2014 14:31:21 GMT
The biggest group of supporters 'ignored by the club' (IMHO) are single males between 18-64 with no dependants and not *quite* enough commitment to get a season ticket. Add them as a category and I would probably support the idea. Thanks Dave, great spot, last night i knew i forgot "Pay-on-the-day Fans, i'll amend my original list, Cheers. JTS |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2014 16:15:52 GMT
Firstly, thanks for your comments some of which have been very generous, much appreciated. Just to clear up a few things - This won't be something i will run etc, it would need someone far more articulate than me. I'm just suggesting the notion of a "GasBoard" The comparison to BRISA with respect to my friend Dinsdale (who i respect fully) is misleading, BRISA was independent and was run by individuals outside of the club. "GasBoard" would be run by BRFC or The Supporters Club with the aim to improve the club as a whole utilising Gasheads thoughts, observations, ideas etc. In effect bridging the gap between the club and it's Supporters increasing unity and communication. In effect what i'm trying to say is (sorry if i'm not the best at conveying it) i would like the Football Club to 'invite us in' or say to us "We're asking for your views and opinions/ideas". Rather than a group or individuals trying to bash the door down to say something.
My actual opinion is: I think the club want us to help and the door is already open or at least ajar, the problem for many is they don't know where the door is.UTG Fair doos, i think its a good idea and my proffession is based within community groups and particually people excluded from society in one way or another. Would be very keen on supporting the club in becomming Bristols "peoples club" with a particular focus on supporting our fan base and attracting new fans. Will keep a keen eye on developments. |
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Post by Jon the Stripe on Oct 21, 2014 19:04:38 GMT
Fair doos, i think its a good idea and my proffession is based within community groups and particually people excluded from society in one way or another. Would be very keen on supporting the club in becomming Bristols "peoples club" with a particular focus on supporting our fan base and attracting new fans. Will keep a keen eye on developments. Thanks Dins, just to keep you informed The Supporters club have shown an interest and are circulating the idea to the committee members. |
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Post by Jon the Stripe on Nov 3, 2014 20:29:13 GMT
Just to keep you updated:
The supporters club kindly invited me along to their Committee meeting tonight to go through my idea.
I talked and answered their quiestions for over an hour and the nucleus of the idea was generally well received. I think this will take a fair few months to decide the mechanics of the GasBoard, but i came away hopeful that the original plans could go ahead in some form.
I'd like to publicly thank everyone on the Supporters Club Committee for allowing me to speak, particularly David Thomas who has been really supportive of the idea.
I can't say it will happen, but just by talking it through i think communications etc can be improved. One thing through these last 6 months i've learnt is if you meet the people behind the scenes and see how much they do it makes you see things completely differently. With eye to eye meetings and conversation, you may not always agree with each other but you really come to respect each other.
I'll keep you updated if there's any progress. UTG
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Post by Gastroenteritis on Nov 3, 2014 22:01:38 GMT
Can I represent the 'ethnic minority' group I am a a white English male living in Wales surrounded by eastern Europeans and a few militant Welshies.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2014 22:03:45 GMT
Can I represent the 'ethnic minority' group I am a a white English male living in Wales surrounded by eastern Europeans and a few militant Welshies. good luck getting that gig mate, Hugo is an owl. |
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