(06-01-2022 08:39 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 08:24 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 07:58 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(05-31-2022 09:17 PM)pvk75 Wrote:  You got that right. And besides, your PSL no longer qualifies toward your benefit level even though that's between you and the IRS vis-a-vis income taxes, NOT the HAF/NIU/STF. They could count it anyway, but they don't.

Then they take a Saturday away from fans, including whoever already bought season tickets.

Remember, these are the same people who promoted the guy who screwed up concessions etc. at the Wyoming game, destroying whatever good impressions NIU could have made.

The only way fans become an important consideration again is to vote with our dollars. I don't mean cutting off donations -- this is our NIU -- but anything else is fair game. Chairbacks are comfy but there are no bad seats at HS (or in the Convo).

Exactly! We have discussed this before, but it really burns me up (as I know it also does a few others here). I have 4 chairbacks. So, my "PSL" (as they now call it) is $600. Since that was counted as a donation last year (and prior years), they expected me to make that up this year by sending an additional $600 in order to keep my HAF donation at last year's level. And to get your benefits (such as same parking), you need to donate at least at prior year level. Nope! Refused to do it, especially since I already donate plenty, plus other HAF donations throughout the year. I view this as a real slap in the face. And then taking away the opening game on a Saturday just adds one more piece of straw to break this camel's back.

Next year, I just know they will keep calling in April as usual to "help" me renew my season tickets and HAF donation. But, I'll bet that after I don't renew, there will be no calls to find out what's wrong. The calls always stop each year after they get my big check, but I think they are so oblivious as to what's going on - and really don't care - that there will be no follow-up calls.

I think direct, concise emails to Sean Frazier, with multiple other athletic and NIU execs copied, regarding all of the above is the quickest way to move the needle. " Not donating" or not donating as much will not resonate, at least not in the short term, and they may likely right off the behavior change to other variables.

Good idea. I will do that......in addition to the aforementioned.

Most likely, they do not care. I may get some sort of "used car salesman" reply, but that's it at best. They have shown in the past that they don't care, and I suspect this will be no different. I think I read that others here did not renew their season tickets after many years with nary a peep from Athletics.

It was years ago in Columbus, but I know they read the posts on this site. I had a talk with 2 in the AD. Not higher ups, but people who did know me and worked with me on issues. And they did mention a few by name with a chuckle.

(06-01-2022 10:29 AM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 08:39 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 08:24 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 07:58 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(05-31-2022 09:17 PM)pvk75 Wrote:  You got that right. And besides, your PSL no longer qualifies toward your benefit level even though that's between you and the IRS vis-a-vis income taxes, NOT the HAF/NIU/STF. They could count it anyway, but they don't.

Then they take a Saturday away from fans, including whoever already bought season tickets.

Remember, these are the same people who promoted the guy who screwed up concessions etc. at the Wyoming game, destroying whatever good impressions NIU could have made.

The only way fans become an important consideration again is to vote with our dollars. I don't mean cutting off donations -- this is our NIU -- but anything else is fair game. Chairbacks are comfy but there are no bad seats at HS (or in the Convo).

Exactly! We have discussed this before, but it really burns me up (as I know it also does a few others here). I have 4 chairbacks. So, my "PSL" (as they now call it) is $600. Since that was counted as a donation last year (and prior years), they expected me to make that up this year by sending an additional $600 in order to keep my HAF donation at last year's level. And to get your benefits (such as same parking), you need to donate at least at prior year level. Nope! Refused to do it, especially since I already donate plenty, plus other HAF donations throughout the year. I view this as a real slap in the face. And then taking away the opening game on a Saturday just adds one more piece of straw to break this camel's back.

Next year, I just know they will keep calling in April as usual to "help" me renew my season tickets and HAF donation. But, I'll bet that after I don't renew, there will be no calls to find out what's wrong. The calls always stop each year after they get my big check, but I think they are so oblivious as to what's going on - and really don't care - that there will be no follow-up calls.

I think direct, concise emails to Sean Frazier, with multiple other athletic and NIU execs copied, regarding all of the above is the quickest way to move the needle. " Not donating" or not donating as much will not resonate, at least not in the short term, and they may likely right off the behavior change to other variables.

Good idea. I will do that......in addition to the aforementioned.

Most likely, they do not care. I may get some sort of "used car salesman" reply, but that's it at best. They have shown in the past that they don't care, and I suspect this will be no different. I think I read that others here did not renew their season tickets after many years with nary a peep from Athletics.

It was years ago in Columbus, but I know they read the posts on this site. I had a talk with 2 in the AD. Not higher ups, but people who did know me and worked with me on issues. And they did mention a few by name with a chuckle.

Out of curiosity, who is reading this forum?

I constantly hear about how they're short staffed and how people can't get return phone calls or return emails...or even reach anyone on the phone. The athletic dept doesn't reach out to fans and donars, etc.

But you're telling me they read this forum?

No offense, but I doubt it.

If they can't do the little things to satisfy paying customers, why would they concern themselves with a dozen or so people posting on a message board?

Now, if you said they read social media (Twitter/IG/etc), I'd say sure. But I just am not so sure they're checking this relic of the early 2000s.

As I am posting, right now, there are 38 "guests" perusing this site. I have seen it go as high as 65-70 at times. "Guests" are not identified even by username, but they can see all the content. Most of those are probably just-plain-folks that "lurk" without joining/logging in, but it takes only a few minutes to check to see if there's anything new. We know they are short-staffed, but there is at least one member of the advisory board who's been on here.

They cannot not be aware that this "relic" is where the oldest, longest and most diehard fans hang out. That, and the fact that we collectively represent $$, has to have someone keeping watch. The reasons they don't respond directly here is they would then be making "official" comment, compromise their ability to make changes in the department/operations/etc., and get tangled up with some people who can get pretty p'o'd (look at some of the debates WE have).

I'm with randyfensclub1 on this ... they HAVE to have someone "guesting" around here. The question is then how they use the information they get (or not). No way to know that.

(06-01-2022 11:07 AM)pvk75 Wrote:  As I am posting, right now, there are 38 "guests" perusing this site. I have seen it go as high as 65-70 at times. "Guests" are not identified even by username, but they can see all the content. Most of those are probably just-plain-folks that "lurk" without joining/logging in, but it takes only a few minutes to check to see if there's anything new. We know they are short-staffed, but there is at least one member of the advisory board who's been on here.

They cannot not be aware that this "relic" is where the oldest, longest and most diehard fans hang out. That, and the fact that we collectively represent $$, has to have someone keeping watch. The reasons they don't respond directly here is they would then be making "official" comment, compromise their ability to make changes in the department/operations/etc., and get tangled up with some people who can get pretty p'o'd (look at some of the debates WE have).

I'm with randyfensclub1 on this ... they HAVE to have someone "guesting" around here. The question is then how they use the information they get (or not). No way to know that.

Yes, you are correct. And I do know that there are current Athletics staff members (such as Donna Turner) who do view and have occasionally responded on this board.

(06-01-2022 10:45 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 10:29 AM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 08:39 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 08:24 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 07:58 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  Exactly! We have discussed this before, but it really burns me up (as I know it also does a few others here). I have 4 chairbacks. So, my "PSL" (as they now call it) is $600. Since that was counted as a donation last year (and prior years), they expected me to make that up this year by sending an additional $600 in order to keep my HAF donation at last year's level. And to get your benefits (such as same parking), you need to donate at least at prior year level. Nope! Refused to do it, especially since I already donate plenty, plus other HAF donations throughout the year. I view this as a real slap in the face. And then taking away the opening game on a Saturday just adds one more piece of straw to break this camel's back.

Next year, I just know they will keep calling in April as usual to "help" me renew my season tickets and HAF donation. But, I'll bet that after I don't renew, there will be no calls to find out what's wrong. The calls always stop each year after they get my big check, but I think they are so oblivious as to what's going on - and really don't care - that there will be no follow-up calls.

I think direct, concise emails to Sean Frazier, with multiple other athletic and NIU execs copied, regarding all of the above is the quickest way to move the needle. " Not donating" or not donating as much will not resonate, at least not in the short term, and they may likely right off the behavior change to other variables.

Good idea. I will do that......in addition to the aforementioned.

Most likely, they do not care. I may get some sort of "used car salesman" reply, but that's it at best. They have shown in the past that they don't care, and I suspect this will be no different. I think I read that others here did not renew their season tickets after many years with nary a peep from Athletics.

It was years ago in Columbus, but I know they read the posts on this site. I had a talk with 2 in the AD. Not higher ups, but people who did know me and worked with me on issues. And they did mention a few by name with a chuckle.

Out of curiosity, who is reading this forum?

I constantly hear about how they're short staffed and how people can't get return phone calls or return emails...or even reach anyone on the phone. The athletic dept doesn't reach out to fans and donars, etc.

But you're telling me they read this forum?

No offense, but I doubt it.

If they can't do the little things to satisfy paying customers, why would they concern themselves with a dozen or so people posting on a message board?

Now, if you said they read social media (Twitter/IG/etc), I'd say sure. But I just am not so sure they're checking this relic of the early 2000s.

They had a screen name they used for a while. HuskieOne or something like that.

(06-01-2022 02:00 PM)GeorgeBorkFan Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 10:45 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 10:29 AM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 08:39 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 08:24 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  I think direct, concise emails to Sean Frazier, with multiple other athletic and NIU execs copied, regarding all of the above is the quickest way to move the needle. " Not donating" or not donating as much will not resonate, at least not in the short term, and they may likely right off the behavior change to other variables.

Good idea. I will do that......in addition to the aforementioned.

Most likely, they do not care. I may get some sort of "used car salesman" reply, but that's it at best. They have shown in the past that they don't care, and I suspect this will be no different. I think I read that others here did not renew their season tickets after many years with nary a peep from Athletics.

It was years ago in Columbus, but I know they read the posts on this site. I had a talk with 2 in the AD. Not higher ups, but people who did know me and worked with me on issues. And they did mention a few by name with a chuckle.

Out of curiosity, who is reading this forum?

I constantly hear about how they're short staffed and how people can't get return phone calls or return emails...or even reach anyone on the phone. The athletic dept doesn't reach out to fans and donars, etc.

But you're telling me they read this forum?

No offense, but I doubt it.

If they can't do the little things to satisfy paying customers, why would they concern themselves with a dozen or so people posting on a message board?

Now, if you said they read social media (Twitter/IG/etc), I'd say sure. But I just am not so sure they're checking this relic of the early 2000s.

They had a screen name they used for a while. HuskieOne or something like that.

HuskieInfo

Not in a while though I believe….

Lets say NIU athletics is lurking. Wouldn't they see the same half dozen people complaining? Couldn't they chalk that up to a few "disgruntled" fans? If there is all the active posters plus all the fan lurkers, and they only see the same 6 guys complaining, doesn't that say to them it's not really a problem? Or at least not one that's pressing?

(06-01-2022 03:22 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  Lets say NIU athletics is lurking. Wouldn't they see the same half dozen people complaining? Couldn't they chalk that up to a few "disgruntled" fans? If there is all the active posters plus all the fan lurkers, and they only see the same 6 guys complaining, doesn't that say to them it's not really a problem? Or at least not one that's pressing?

No matter what, they don't see it as a problem and really don't care anyway. They look at themselves in the mirror and like what they see. (Okay, so STF uses two mirrors.)

(06-01-2022 10:29 AM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 08:39 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 08:24 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 07:58 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(05-31-2022 09:17 PM)pvk75 Wrote:  You got that right. And besides, your PSL no longer qualifies toward your benefit level even though that's between you and the IRS vis-a-vis income taxes, NOT the HAF/NIU/STF. They could count it anyway, but they don't.

Then they take a Saturday away from fans, including whoever already bought season tickets.

Remember, these are the same people who promoted the guy who screwed up concessions etc. at the Wyoming game, destroying whatever good impressions NIU could have made.

The only way fans become an important consideration again is to vote with our dollars. I don't mean cutting off donations -- this is our NIU -- but anything else is fair game. Chairbacks are comfy but there are no bad seats at HS (or in the Convo).

Exactly! We have discussed this before, but it really burns me up (as I know it also does a few others here). I have 4 chairbacks. So, my "PSL" (as they now call it) is $600. Since that was counted as a donation last year (and prior years), they expected me to make that up this year by sending an additional $600 in order to keep my HAF donation at last year's level. And to get your benefits (such as same parking), you need to donate at least at prior year level. Nope! Refused to do it, especially since I already donate plenty, plus other HAF donations throughout the year. I view this as a real slap in the face. And then taking away the opening game on a Saturday just adds one more piece of straw to break this camel's back.

Next year, I just know they will keep calling in April as usual to "help" me renew my season tickets and HAF donation. But, I'll bet that after I don't renew, there will be no calls to find out what's wrong. The calls always stop each year after they get my big check, but I think they are so oblivious as to what's going on - and really don't care - that there will be no follow-up calls.

I think direct, concise emails to Sean Frazier, with multiple other athletic and NIU execs copied, regarding all of the above is the quickest way to move the needle. " Not donating" or not donating as much will not resonate, at least not in the short term, and they may likely right off the behavior change to other variables.

Good idea. I will do that......in addition to the aforementioned.

Most likely, they do not care. I may get some sort of "used car salesman" reply, but that's it at best. They have shown in the past that they don't care, and I suspect this will be no different. I think I read that others here did not renew their season tickets after many years with nary a peep from Athletics.

It was years ago in Columbus, but I know they read the posts on this site. I had a talk with 2 in the AD. Not higher ups, but people who did know me and worked with me on issues. And they did mention a few by name with a chuckle.

Was one MD?

(06-01-2022 03:40 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 03:22 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  Lets say NIU athletics is lurking. Wouldn't they see the same half dozen people complaining? Couldn't they chalk that up to a few "disgruntled" fans? If there is all the active posters plus all the fan lurkers, and they only see the same 6 guys complaining, doesn't that say to them it's not really a problem? Or at least not one that's pressing?

No matter what, they don't see it as a problem and really don't care anyway. They look at themselves in the mirror and like what they see. (Okay, so STF uses two mirrors.)

This was 2015.These were support players. A lot has happened since. A lot of good people left for greener pastures and were not replaced.

From what I remember, they did know the real names of some who were donors. It wasn't an in depth conversation.

I do think they did react, however minor in the past. Now, I highly doubt anyone looks. Don't think those people are around to.

(06-01-2022 10:32 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 03:40 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 03:22 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  Lets say NIU athletics is lurking. Wouldn't they see the same half dozen people complaining? Couldn't they chalk that up to a few "disgruntled" fans? If there is all the active posters plus all the fan lurkers, and they only see the same 6 guys complaining, doesn't that say to them it's not really a problem? Or at least not one that's pressing?

No matter what, they don't see it as a problem and really don't care anyway. They look at themselves in the mirror and like what they see. (Okay, so STF uses two mirrors.)

This was 2015.These were support players. A lot has happened since. A lot of good people left for greener pastures and were not replaced.

From what I remember, they did know the real names of some who were donors. It wasn't an in depth conversation.

I do think they did react, however minor in the past. Now, I highly doubt anyone looks. Don't think those people are around to.

Things were a lot better in the past with Athletics better connecting with fans. And, yes, there were more and much better contacts in Athletics then. In the very early 2000's, I had a contact there (Andrew Haring) whom I could contact at any time for anything - and he would contact me. Andrew even came to my work office to meet me, chat, learn about my interests and Huskie fandom, and take me out for coffee. Dealing with Andrew and Athletics at that time was absolutely wonderful. Also at that time, Athletics used to send acknowledgement/thank you letters for donations. It was run like a business should be run. Over the years, it has gotten progressively worse, and Athletics became more detached from donors and season ticket holders. Then, when STF and his administration came aboard, things fell off the edge of the cliff and are now worse than they have ever been. They simply do not know how or refuse to deal with the non-mega donors. For a business that relies heavily on donations from supporters, they have no clue how to run their business or they simply do not care.

(06-02-2022 07:26 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 10:32 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 03:40 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 03:22 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  Lets say NIU athletics is lurking. Wouldn't they see the same half dozen people complaining? Couldn't they chalk that up to a few "disgruntled" fans? If there is all the active posters plus all the fan lurkers, and they only see the same 6 guys complaining, doesn't that say to them it's not really a problem? Or at least not one that's pressing?

No matter what, they don't see it as a problem and really don't care anyway. They look at themselves in the mirror and like what they see. (Okay, so STF uses two mirrors.)

This was 2015.These were support players. A lot has happened since. A lot of good people left for greener pastures and were not replaced.

From what I remember, they did know the real names of some who were donors. It wasn't an in depth conversation.

I do think they did react, however minor in the past. Now, I highly doubt anyone looks. Don't think those people are around to.

Things were a lot better in the past with Athletics better connecting with fans. And, yes, there were more and much better contacts in Athletics then. In the very early 2000's, I had a contact there (Andrew Haring) whom I could contact at any time for anything - and he would contact me. Andrew even came to my work office to meet me, chat, learn about my interests and Huskie fandom, and take me out for coffee. Dealing with Andrew and Athletics at that time was absolutely wonderful. Also at that time, Athletics used to send acknowledgement/thank you letters for donations. It was run like a business should be run. Over the years, it has gotten progressively worse, and Athletics became more detached from donors and season ticket holders. Then, when STF and his administration came aboard, things fell off the edge of the cliff and are now worse than they have ever been. They simply do not know how or refuse to deal with the non-mega donors. For a business that relies heavily on donations from supporters, they have no clue how to run their business or they simply do not care.

It would be interesting to know if this is an industry wide phenomenon or just something that’s happened at NIU.

(06-02-2022 10:03 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(06-02-2022 07:26 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 10:32 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 03:40 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 03:22 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  Lets say NIU athletics is lurking. Wouldn't they see the same half dozen people complaining? Couldn't they chalk that up to a few "disgruntled" fans? If there is all the active posters plus all the fan lurkers, and they only see the same 6 guys complaining, doesn't that say to them it's not really a problem? Or at least not one that's pressing?

No matter what, they don't see it as a problem and really don't care anyway. They look at themselves in the mirror and like what they see. (Okay, so STF uses two mirrors.)

This was 2015.These were support players. A lot has happened since. A lot of good people left for greener pastures and were not replaced.

From what I remember, they did know the real names of some who were donors. It wasn't an in depth conversation.

I do think they did react, however minor in the past. Now, I highly doubt anyone looks. Don't think those people are around to.

Things were a lot better in the past with Athletics better connecting with fans. And, yes, there were more and much better contacts in Athletics then. In the very early 2000's, I had a contact there (Andrew Haring) whom I could contact at any time for anything - and he would contact me. Andrew even came to my work office to meet me, chat, learn about my interests and Huskie fandom, and take me out for coffee. Dealing with Andrew and Athletics at that time was absolutely wonderful. Also at that time, Athletics used to send acknowledgement/thank you letters for donations. It was run like a business should be run. Over the years, it has gotten progressively worse, and Athletics became more detached from donors and season ticket holders. Then, when STF and his administration came aboard, things fell off the edge of the cliff and are now worse than they have ever been. They simply do not know how or refuse to deal with the non-mega donors. For a business that relies heavily on donations from supporters, they have no clue how to run their business or they simply do not care.

It would be interesting to know if this is an industry wide phenomenon or just something that’s happened at NIU.

It is not industry-wide. I knew the last UIC AD and spoke with him a lot. From what he told me, UIC Athletics treats their donors well. Even small donations are recognized with a letter signed by the AD. A bit more personal attention.

(06-02-2022 10:23 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-02-2022 10:03 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(06-02-2022 07:26 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 10:32 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 03:40 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  No matter what, they don't see it as a problem and really don't care anyway. They look at themselves in the mirror and like what they see. (Okay, so STF uses two mirrors.)

This was 2015.These were support players. A lot has happened since. A lot of good people left for greener pastures and were not replaced.

From what I remember, they did know the real names of some who were donors. It wasn't an in depth conversation.

I do think they did react, however minor in the past. Now, I highly doubt anyone looks. Don't think those people are around to.

Things were a lot better in the past with Athletics better connecting with fans. And, yes, there were more and much better contacts in Athletics then. In the very early 2000's, I had a contact there (Andrew Haring) whom I could contact at any time for anything - and he would contact me. Andrew even came to my work office to meet me, chat, learn about my interests and Huskie fandom, and take me out for coffee. Dealing with Andrew and Athletics at that time was absolutely wonderful. Also at that time, Athletics used to send acknowledgement/thank you letters for donations. It was run like a business should be run. Over the years, it has gotten progressively worse, and Athletics became more detached from donors and season ticket holders. Then, when STF and his administration came aboard, things fell off the edge of the cliff and are now worse than they have ever been. They simply do not know how or refuse to deal with the non-mega donors. For a business that relies heavily on donations from supporters, they have no clue how to run their business or they simply do not care.

It would be interesting to know if this is an industry wide phenomenon or just something that’s happened at NIU.

It is not industry-wide. I knew the last UIC AD and spoke with him a lot. From what he told me, UIC Athletics treats their donors well. Even small donations are recognized with a letter signed by the AD. A bit more personal attention.

I'm sure its common among similar institutions (ie, NIU does not compare to schools like UIC or Loyola and obviously not UofI or NW but do compare to a school like SIU, EIU and WIU). But there are going to be schools that should compare but don't (I'm guessing ISU?).

Anyway, hoping that an increase in enrollment in the near future starts to help out these trends and shortcomings. There's no pot of gold that's going to magically fall on the schools doorstep from the state any time soon so, the funding has to come in the old fashioned way. Butts in seats.

(06-02-2022 10:23 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-02-2022 10:03 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(06-02-2022 07:26 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 10:32 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 03:40 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  No matter what, they don't see it as a problem and really don't care anyway. They look at themselves in the mirror and like what they see. (Okay, so STF uses two mirrors.)

This was 2015.These were support players. A lot has happened since. A lot of good people left for greener pastures and were not replaced.

From what I remember, they did know the real names of some who were donors. It wasn't an in depth conversation.

I do think they did react, however minor in the past. Now, I highly doubt anyone looks. Don't think those people are around to.

Things were a lot better in the past with Athletics better connecting with fans. And, yes, there were more and much better contacts in Athletics then. In the very early 2000's, I had a contact there (Andrew Haring) whom I could contact at any time for anything - and he would contact me. Andrew even came to my work office to meet me, chat, learn about my interests and Huskie fandom, and take me out for coffee. Dealing with Andrew and Athletics at that time was absolutely wonderful. Also at that time, Athletics used to send acknowledgement/thank you letters for donations. It was run like a business should be run. Over the years, it has gotten progressively worse, and Athletics became more detached from donors and season ticket holders. Then, when STF and his administration came aboard, things fell off the edge of the cliff and are now worse than they have ever been. They simply do not know how or refuse to deal with the non-mega donors. For a business that relies heavily on donations from supporters, they have no clue how to run their business or they simply do not care.

It would be interesting to know if this is an industry wide phenomenon or just something that’s happened at NIU.

It is not industry-wide. I knew the last UIC AD and spoke with him a lot. From what he told me, UIC Athletics treats their donors well. Even small donations are recognized with a letter signed by the AD. A bit more personal attention.

I have said before, I donated small, stopped. I started again in April, did the Alumni Association. Alumni Association responded in emails, send stuff. HAF, nothing. That was one reason I stopped as even small, I was acknowledged, got stuff. When I upped this time, previously, they had no idea about priority points, how to look old # up I was given. I always question inability to deal with a situation that you had to have dealt with before, someone there. It's just confusion each time and I get nothing from them, not even a follow up. I just get Alumni Association and ticket stuff.

(06-02-2022 10:23 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-02-2022 10:03 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(06-02-2022 07:26 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 10:32 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 03:40 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  No matter what, they don't see it as a problem and really don't care anyway. They look at themselves in the mirror and like what they see. (Okay, so STF uses two mirrors.)

This was 2015.These were support players. A lot has happened since. A lot of good people left for greener pastures and were not replaced.

From what I remember, they did know the real names of some who were donors. It wasn't an in depth conversation.

I do think they did react, however minor in the past. Now, I highly doubt anyone looks. Don't think those people are around to.

Things were a lot better in the past with Athletics better connecting with fans. And, yes, there were more and much better contacts in Athletics then. In the very early 2000's, I had a contact there (Andrew Haring) whom I could contact at any time for anything - and he would contact me. Andrew even came to my work office to meet me, chat, learn about my interests and Huskie fandom, and take me out for coffee. Dealing with Andrew and Athletics at that time was absolutely wonderful. Also at that time, Athletics used to send acknowledgement/thank you letters for donations. It was run like a business should be run. Over the years, it has gotten progressively worse, and Athletics became more detached from donors and season ticket holders. Then, when STF and his administration came aboard, things fell off the edge of the cliff and are now worse than they have ever been. They simply do not know how or refuse to deal with the non-mega donors. For a business that relies heavily on donations from supporters, they have no clue how to run their business or they simply do not care.

It would be interesting to know if this is an industry wide phenomenon or just something that’s happened at NIU.

It is not industry-wide. I knew the last UIC AD and spoke with him a lot. From what he told me, UIC Athletics treats their donors well. Even small donations are recognized with a letter signed by the AD. A bit more personal attention.

If I donate to something, especially a small donation, and I get something in the mail that cost money to produce and send, I just laugh at the wasted money.

If I donate, do not send me anything.

I donate money directly to football because it provides me with an immense amount of entertainment and pride. I don't expect anything in return. I go to games when the team is in the southeast and will be looking forward to watching on ESPN+/3/ocho when they are on TV.

(06-02-2022 07:27 PM)numbersdontlie Wrote:  I donate money directly to football because it provides me with an immense amount of entertainment and pride. I don't expect anything in return. I go to games when the team is in the southeast and will be looking forward to watching on ESPN+/3/ocho when they are on TV.

Where are you in the Southeast? I just relocated to Charleston SC.

(06-02-2022 11:59 AM)BleedsHuskieRed Wrote:  

(06-02-2022 10:23 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-02-2022 10:03 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(06-02-2022 07:26 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-01-2022 10:32 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  This was 2015.These were support players. A lot has happened since. A lot of good people left for greener pastures and were not replaced.

From what I remember, they did know the real names of some who were donors. It wasn't an in depth conversation.

I do think they did react, however minor in the past. Now, I highly doubt anyone looks. Don't think those people are around to.

Things were a lot better in the past with Athletics better connecting with fans. And, yes, there were more and much better contacts in Athletics then. In the very early 2000's, I had a contact there (Andrew Haring) whom I could contact at any time for anything - and he would contact me. Andrew even came to my work office to meet me, chat, learn about my interests and Huskie fandom, and take me out for coffee. Dealing with Andrew and Athletics at that time was absolutely wonderful. Also at that time, Athletics used to send acknowledgement/thank you letters for donations. It was run like a business should be run. Over the years, it has gotten progressively worse, and Athletics became more detached from donors and season ticket holders. Then, when STF and his administration came aboard, things fell off the edge of the cliff and are now worse than they have ever been. They simply do not know how or refuse to deal with the non-mega donors. For a business that relies heavily on donations from supporters, they have no clue how to run their business or they simply do not care.

It would be interesting to know if this is an industry wide phenomenon or just something that’s happened at NIU.

It is not industry-wide. I knew the last UIC AD and spoke with him a lot. From what he told me, UIC Athletics treats their donors well. Even small donations are recognized with a letter signed by the AD. A bit more personal attention.

If I donate to something, especially a small donation, and I get something in the mail that cost money to produce and send, I just laugh at the wasted money.

If I donate, do not send me anything.

There is this new thing called email. Pretty low cost. I get them from alumni association. If I want to read or delete, my choice.

Honestly, I don't even think I got an automated thanks.

(06-03-2022 08:46 AM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  

(06-02-2022 11:59 AM)BleedsHuskieRed Wrote:  

(06-02-2022 10:23 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(06-02-2022 10:03 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(06-02-2022 07:26 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  Things were a lot better in the past with Athletics better connecting with fans. And, yes, there were more and much better contacts in Athletics then. In the very early 2000's, I had a contact there (Andrew Haring) whom I could contact at any time for anything - and he would contact me. Andrew even came to my work office to meet me, chat, learn about my interests and Huskie fandom, and take me out for coffee. Dealing with Andrew and Athletics at that time was absolutely wonderful. Also at that time, Athletics used to send acknowledgement/thank you letters for donations. It was run like a business should be run. Over the years, it has gotten progressively worse, and Athletics became more detached from donors and season ticket holders. Then, when STF and his administration came aboard, things fell off the edge of the cliff and are now worse than they have ever been. They simply do not know how or refuse to deal with the non-mega donors. For a business that relies heavily on donations from supporters, they have no clue how to run their business or they simply do not care.

It would be interesting to know if this is an industry wide phenomenon or just something that’s happened at NIU.

It is not industry-wide. I knew the last UIC AD and spoke with him a lot. From what he told me, UIC Athletics treats their donors well. Even small donations are recognized with a letter signed by the AD. A bit more personal attention.

If I donate to something, especially a small donation, and I get something in the mail that cost money to produce and send, I just laugh at the wasted money.

If I donate, do not send me anything.

There is this new thing called email. Pretty low cost. I get them from alumni association. If I want to read or delete, my choice.

Honestly, I don't even think I got an automated thanks.

No, and this is just one example of the disconnect between Athletics and its donors.

Every year at this time, I cut a check to the HAF that is in the mid 4 figures. My total annual donations are in the high 4 figures. Year after year. Don't you think this is even worth a 58-cent stamp on a template letter with a personally scribbled one-sentence note and the signature of STF? Athletics used to indeed do this. Read the websites on how to deal with donors, and they all say that you should show respect and personal appreciation for people who donate their hard-earned money. Plus, I may have been raised more properly and old-fashioned, but when someone gives you something like this, you send them a thank you acknowledgement - if for nothing else to let them know that they are valued and appreciated. Not the mass used-car salesman talk of "Hey, Huskie Nation!" Maybe I am wrong and things have changed for the worse. But, I'm pretty happy and comfortable with the way I've been raised.