Re: All Things Denver XXXI
That merchandise thing has always puzzled me. The stuff in the bookstore looks like it was selected by somebody with a huge ho for DU. Much of it looks really awful. They are aware that the school colors are crimson and gold, right? And we should shoot for never being out of anything in any size, ever. Year 'round. Not always possible, of course, but that should be the goal. Yet every year seems like we've got plenty of "smalls" available but no other size. Are we expecting Vern Troyer to place an order? Otherwise, let's order fewer "smalls," okay?
I salam in your direction re: school spirit. And that's certainly where we need to continue the momentum. It's a deep cultural phenomenon that lots of loyal DU fans approach a game as though they were going to a chamber music concert. "Oh, my, wasn't that an excellent play? More wine, my dear? I do wish those student ruffians wouldn't make so much noise." You and others have helped to make great strides. But this work is never done. We've come a long way from the days when the alumni Board of Directors was informed that we "couldn't" have a pep band, because the powers that be in Lamont wouldn't get on board. Really? Do they turn those DU checks over and endorse them?
Question is are they going to listen to this guy or is he just an empty suit. Another alum and I met with the previous branding consultant that DU hired on a freelance basis.
He certainly listened to us and gave back some interesting feedback. Later I noticed that some of our suggestions were implemented and he had made smany good decisions. But the first thing he said to us when we sat down was, "Boone is not going to happen."
I think that DU has a good grasp of their strengths and weaknesses, but the culture of change is difficult to implement and the Chancellor has too much veto power on issues that quite frankly aren't his strength.
I would recommend to the new guy that DU go all in on school spirit and build on the momentum that the Athletic Department, students and we have achieved in the past five years. Secondly overhaul all merchandise sales in the bookstore, online and in Magness. Thirdly, be proactive in social media, traditional media and publicity instead of sitting on their asses. Finally and most important, listen to the students instead of treating them like disobedient grandchildren.
That merchandise thing has always puzzled me. The stuff in the bookstore looks like it was selected by somebody with a huge ho for DU. Much of it looks really awful. They are aware that the school colors are crimson and gold, right? And we should shoot for never being out of anything in any size, ever. Year 'round. Not always possible, of course, but that should be the goal. Yet every year seems like we've got plenty of "smalls" available but no other size. Are we expecting Vern Troyer to place an order? Otherwise, let's order fewer "smalls," okay?
I salam in your direction re: school spirit. And that's certainly where we need to continue the momentum. It's a deep cultural phenomenon that lots of loyal DU fans approach a game as though they were going to a chamber music concert. "Oh, my, wasn't that an excellent play? More wine, my dear? I do wish those student ruffians wouldn't make so much noise." You and others have helped to make great strides. But this work is never done. We've come a long way from the days when the alumni Board of Directors was informed that we "couldn't" have a pep band, because the powers that be in Lamont wouldn't get on board. Really? Do they turn those DU checks over and endorse them?
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