Olympics Buzz Dominates!

The Olympics dominated online buzz compared to the Daytona 500 and NBA All-Star game this past weekend. The Daytona 500 did manage to receive more buzz than the NBA All-Star game on Sunday, February 14, 2010 though.

Sports Buzz Trends












Despite receiving less buzz than the Olympics, Daytona 500 advertisers enjoyed higher brand recall and likeability.

Can Michael Vick and Tiger Woods Repair their Public Images by Winning?

I'm not a Public Relations (PR) specialist, but winning may be the best way for Michael Vick and Tiger Woods to improve their public image. Alex Rodriguez certainly got a boost from winning the World Series. Similarly, I feel Vick and Woods would benefit from such successes.

In addition to sports-related accomplishments, I would like to see the following:

A). Vick should appear in a commercial speaking out against dog fighting DURING the Super Bowl. I haven't heard of Vick speaking out against dog fighting since signing with the Eagles.

B). Tiger Woods needs to take a page out of the Michael Vick and Alex Rodriguez books by interviewing on "60 Minutes" or with Katie Couric. I'd recommend staying away from Katie Couric since she always asks the tough questions.

Despite personal stumbles, both Alex Rodriguez and Tiger Woods receive increases in buzz late December 2009 for professional achievements. As we know, Alex Rodriguez's public persona has improved since winning the World Series. I think Vick and Woods would benefit from such professional achievements as well.

Great Service at GameStop

I went to GameStop Sunday, September 16, 2007 to purchase a new Xbox 360 along with a copy of Madden 08'. I brought my new system home, took it out of the box and hooked it up. I played the game for several hours. Overall, I feel the graphics for Madden 08' are really awesome and I would definitely recommend football fans to buy this game.

Unfortunately, I had to stop playing Madden 08' late Sunday evening to get ready for work and go to bed. I planned on playing the game a little bit on Monday night. However, I encountered some technical difficulties (I'm always experiencing technical difficulties with something!). My new Xbox could not read the disc. Therefore, I went up to GameStop where a customer service representative quickly gave me a new copy. I am glad to say this one works fine.

Now I'm writing this post to give GameStop kudos for providing good customer service. I was not expecting the process to be easy. I had my receipt in hand (as always), but I thought it would be a long drawn out process to get an exchange. I was pleasantly surprised to be able to exchange my video game for a new copy hassle- free with no questions asked. I might add that this experience will lead me to do more business with my local GameStop retailer versus their competitors. In addition, I will definitely include GameStop in my list of products and brands which I regularly use and recommend others to try.

Here is an updated list of brands that I recommend using as a result of positive experiences:

1. Pepsi - Good Service
2. Ford - Good products (I own 2006 Ford Explorer and a 2007 Ford Focus) My Ford Focus gets like 35 miles per gallon. I've only filled up twice between August 21, 2007 and September 19, 2007.
3. T-Mobile - Good Service
4. GameStop - Good Service
5. Sibcy Cline - I have a good relationship with my realtor even after purchasing my new home. How good is that?

Here is an updated list of brands that I recommend avoiding as a result of negative experiences:

1. Golds Gym - Very Bad Service.


Overall, I'm interested in finding out other peoples opinions regarding good and bad service experiences. Feel free to leave comments!

New England Patriots SpyGate Video on YouTube

The video shown above posted on September 15, 2007 and already has 96,000+ views. This is clearly an example of a video gone viral. In addition, overall buzz about the New England Patriots has risen significantly since news outlets released information about the New England Patriots stealing signals during its season opener against the New York Jets.

NFL Fantasy File

I came across a series of intriguing videos by typing "NFL Fantasy Files" at YouTube.com the other day. The videos feature several high profile NFL players performing amazing acts, which seem unreal. In fact, much of the buzz surrounding the videos pertains to fans doubting the content is real. I have my doubts about some of the videos being real also. Nonetheless, they still show NFL players performing some amazing feats.

Michael Vick Discussion

Football season is here everybody! And I wanted to give everyone an update on the Michael Vick indictment. I ran through 100 random messages and classified them accordingly (see below). Most consumers discuss a variety of issues (i.e. comparing the incident to the Duke Lacrosse team incident where the players were deemed "guilty" before the "not guilty" verdict came out. Interestingly, more than twice as many consumers feel Michael Vick should be suspended compared to those who do not.

I do feel the amount of discussion relating to consumers discontent over Clinton Portis' comments supporting dog fighting warrants attention, but I'm not sure Goodell can do a lot about it given our first amendment rights.

Topic	% of Goodell / Vick Discussion	Summary of Discussion
Other	25.2%	Consumers compare to Duke Lacrosse team incident where the players were deemed “guilty” before the “not guilty” verdict came out. Additionally, several petitions are being pass around to have Michael Vick suspended from the NFL indefinitely. Additionally, some consumers (2.8%) feel Goodell shouldn’t suspend Vick.
Repost Articles	15.9%	Consumer repost news articles covering Michael Vick’s legal woes.
Vick Should Be Suspended	14.0%	Some consumers explicitly say that Vick should be punished by the NFL regardless whether he is found guilty or not. More than twice as many consumers feel Vick should be suspended (indefinitely?) compared to who feel he shouldn’t and to let due process take its course.
General Mentions	8.4%	Consumers nonchalantly reference the Michael Vick dog fighting issue.
Clinton Portis’ Comments	8.4%	Some consumers are discontent over Clinton Portis’ comments supporting dog fighting.
Goodell and Art Blank receiving letters	6.5%	Consumers mention Roger Goodell and Atlanta Falcons owner Art Blank receiving letters from Rev. Al Sharpton, Russell Simmons and PETA.
“IF” Vick Discussion	5.6%	Consumers discuss what will happen “IF” Vick is convicted (i.e. go to jail).
Goodell’s Reaction to Clinton Portis	4.7%	Discussion pertains consumers’ opinions that Roger Goodell has done more to address Clinton Portis regarding his support for dog fighting than Michael Vick.
Expect Vick Won’t Be Suspended	4.7%	A small percent of consumers discuss their expectations about whether Vick will be suspended.
Vick is Innocent Until Proven Guilty	4.7%	Only a small percent consumers feel that Vick should be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Feel free to leave any comments if you have questions or concerns regarding my analysis.

Professional Sports Leagues Face Major Issues

The NFL, NBA and MLB are all in the midst battling issues which have huge implications. Michael Vick has given the NFL a huge bone to chew over allegations that he is involved in a dog fighting ring. MLB is hampered by steroids discussion magnified by Barry Bonds passing Hank Aaron for the most sacred record in all of sports, the home-run record. And finally, the NBA is being bombarded by negativity around organized gambling and game fixing schemes.

The graph above shows a discussion timeline for some of the hot topics currently being talked about in pro sports. The Michael Vick dog fighting issue tops the list. Despite receiving more buzz, sports fans don't feel Michael Vick's dog fighting woes puts NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in the worst situation. A poll on ESPN's Sportsnation reveals most sports enthusiasts feel David Stern is in the worst position among commissioners in charge of pro sports leagues.

I do believe the NBA is in the worst position among the pro sports leagues since accusations of referee Tim Donaghy fixing games questions the integrity of the sport. However, the NFL and MLB both have issues they must attend to on their own. Also, do not forget that cheating and scandals have been a part of sports in the past. The Chicago White Sox supposedly threw the 1919 World Series which led to a victory for my beloved Cincinnati Reds. And do not forget Pete Rose betting on the game. Baseball overcame similar issues in the past. Likewise, the NBA will recover, but it has to deal with it in the present. Similarly, I feel all three leagues will recover, but not overnight.

Peformify at UFCJunkie.com Reaches Out

I'm glad say that Performify of UFCJunkie.com showed some concern for my frustration and clarified some issues for me. I just want to thank Performify and let UFCJunkie.com know that I will continue to read their blog as I learn more about Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and International Fight League (IFL).

Here are three recommended blogs to get your MMA fix:

UFCJunkie.com
Fightopinion.com
Sprawl n' Brawl.

I'll leave the MMA reporting to the big boys. However, feel free to let me know if you want additional information regarding MMA, UFC and IFL marketing efforts. I'll do my best to forward any information I may have. You can reach me by e-mail at www.conceptsmarketingresearch@hotmail.com.

Blogs That Upset Me (UFCJunkie.com)

I'll admit it, I don't know squat about Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), International Fight League (IFL) and other Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) leagues. However, I am interested in learning about them. I was listening to Lance McAlister's sports show on 1530Homer in Cincinnati one afternoon when he mentioned that UFC received better TV ratings than the NBA playoffs. Therefore, I wanted do some research to see which sports leagues were getting the most online buzz. UFC surpassed the NBA in buzz over Memorial Day weekend 2007. This was a total shocker to me. It got me interested in MMA leagues. I posted the messages over the past week.

I received some good feedback from Adam Morgan at Sprawlnbrawl and Zach Arnold at Fightopinion.com. Also, Cyphron who posts at UFCjunkie.com said "Marketrman, I think your blog is great. I’m actually studying a marketing class right now, so it’s nice to see the UFC and marketing concepts put together. However, why do you keep calling the UFC fighters as “wrestlers?” Please refer to them as fighters instead." [He's right, they're not wrestlers. I have much to learn]!

Unfortunately, I have received some very negative comments from one Dy-no-mite3000. He said "the blog sucks, a non fan trying to sound like he knows how to revolutionize the UFC, however he talks more about the IFL." He left some additional commentary under my post titled "Things IFL Should Do To Create More Buzz." Personally, I'm glad Dy-no-mite3000 commented on my blog. However, he needs to get his facts straight. I don't think he read any of my other posts, or else he would know that I talk a lot about UFC. He's right, I'm a "non-fan" commenting on UFC. But why is he upset over a "non-fan" talking about his sport? He should embrace "non-fans" who talk about MMA and teach them about it. I think having "non-fans" talking about MMA leagues is a fine as long as they are converted into "real-fans" eventually (i.e. sooner than later). I'm not upset with Dy-no-mite3000. He is obviously very passionate about his sport and that's a good thing. I'm not going to remove his comments because his views differ from mine. That is what blogging is about. People post things that others will criticize from time-to-time. However, I don't like it when other blogs remove comments that don't favor their opinions. That is not what blogging is supposed to be about.

I received some good feedback from other UFC fans regarding my data, so I tried to get the word out. I posted a few comments over at UFCJunkie.com. Yeah, I put my link in a few of the comments I left. I got some positive feedback (See Cyphron's comments above) from those who understand marketing. I received some negative feedback. However, I'm really peeved that the moderator removed the majority of my messages (I'm ok with the fact that the moderator removed my comments with links to my site, but the rest of them? Come on!). I called a few of the people out on that blog who were against me because I'm a "non-fan" according to them. Removing comments goes against everything blogging is about. True bloggers embrace criticism and use it to make their blogs better. Personally, UFCJunkie.com isn't doing their part to help MMA leagues grow. They are simply going chase to every "non-fan" away with their close mindedness. True bloggers look at all available data before taking a side. Good luck growing a fan base without current "non-fans!" Also, UFCJunkie.com seems to feel information on my blog isn't good enough for them. I'm sorry to hear that. However, I don't think they are going to find as much in-depth analysis regarding online buzz of UFC and other MMA leagues anywhere else right now. They should let me know otherwise if they do.

Also, I don't understand how UFCJunkie can say "Please help spread word of our arrivial and encourage your friends to send us an "Add Friend" request. Luckily, we're not very picky about the company we keep, so delinquents and ill-breds are not only welcome, but eagerly anticipated" on its Myspace page, but remove my posts for being a "non-fan." This seems a bit hypocritical to me.

I'm not going to tell anyone where to go to get their MMA leagues fix. But there are better blogs than UFCJunkie.com. I know of two blogs that I will be visiting on a regular basis as I convert from a "non-fan" to a "true-fan" of MMA. Make sure to check out Adam Morgan over at Sprawlnbrawl and Zach Arnold at Fightopinion.com.

Things IFL Should Do To Create More Buzz

I mentioned that International Fight League (IFL) receives far less discussion online than UFC. Therefore, I have five tips for IFL if they want to create buzz. These tips can easily be applied to other MMA leagues as well.

1. IFL should shift toward becoming a hybrid league (i.e. one that has both teams and individual fighters). The team concept is one of the key differentiators between IFL and other MMA leagues. I'm not saying to get away from that. However, it should look to develop individual fighters. It can do this by continuing to sign and develop talented fighters on its own or merge with another MMA league (i.e. UFC).
2. IFL could look into creating a reality TV show. Individuals could fight one another on the show and the winner could go on to sign with one of its teams. IFL could even take a similar approach to that of American Idol or Dancing with the Stars where fans vote on who they like. Increasing fan participating is a way help increase buzz.
3. IFL can offer fans the chance to vote for matches they would like to see online. This would help ensure that key matches get good ratings since IFL fans will choose which teams they want to see fight.
4. Each IFL team should create and update a blog periodically. They should use the blog to update and interact with fans by responding to questions and comments. Myspace Pages don't count.
5. IFL members (i.e. IFL president, fighters, marketing department, etc...) should engage with MMA fans online. They should sponsor and participate in online discussion forums which relate to MMA.
6. IFL could offer free tickets to bloggers and consumers posting online in an effort to get them to talk more about its events.

Feel free to leave more ideas if you have them. This is only the tip of the iceberg.

What is up with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)?

I've been hearing all this stuff about the growing popularity of UFC. Therefore, I decided to see for myself. I will say that I found some interesting results in my quest to see what is driving all the buzz.

The UFC is gaining in popularity. It is receiving higher ratings than the NBA. An ESPN poll on their front page, UFC 71 was the most anticipated sporting event of last weekend (Memorial Day weekend 2007), beating out NBA, NHL, and Indy 500. Also, two of its wrestlers were recently featured on the covers of Sports Illustrated and ESPN The Magazine. Interestingly, buzz about the sport surpassed both the NFL and NBA recently. The NBA playoffs are currently in session! This makes it even more compelling.

The trend graph below depicts buzz patterns. The NFL garners a lot of discussion online due to the NFL Draft. However, buzz about UFC eclipses both the NFL and NBA as a result of being featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated toward the end of May 2007.



I would like to point out that the NFL is currently in off-season. As you can see, it still receives a substantial amount of discussion by bloggers talking about the NFL Draft. The interesting finding relates to it getting more discussion in the blogosphere than the NBA. The NBA playoffs are currently underway. Also, a key reason for an increase in discussion relates to UFC getting exposure from being featured on the covers of Sports Illustrated and ESPN The Magazine. A little publicity can sure go a long way!

Personally, I feel UFC should find ways to get its name out in mainstream media more often. Also, some of its wrestlers may want to consider creating blogs and updating them periodically. Wrestlers who blog may help create additional buzz and fan interaction. For example, Curt Schilling of Major League Baseball (MLB) has a blog at http://38pitches.com. I swear that every post Curt makes receives at least 50 comments. It is unreal!



The trend graph below shows similar results to the one above. UFC receives more buzz by consumers posting on their blogs than MLB toward the end of May 2007.

The timeline graph below shows website traffic patterns for the UFC, NFL, NASCAR, NBA and MLB according to Alexa.com. The majority of consumers are visiting the NBA.com and MLB.com. However, it is important to note that there is a recent increase in consumers visiting UFC's website around the end of May 2007. UFC's website traffic still doesn't rival NBA or MLB, which are in season. Also, web traffic for the NFL will pick up considerably once its season is under way. However, it is promising to see the popularity of UFC growing.



The UFC seems very interesting to watch. I haven't been able to watch it yet; however, I will make a valid attempt to look at it over the next few weeks. I am interested to see what other people think about the UFC in the mean time. Feel free to leave a comment telling why you are drawn to the UFC.

Disclaimer: I want to state that these findings only show the amount of discussion in the blogosphere. Discussion about the NBA, MLB and NFL may infact be higher than UFC if all available sources are reviewed (i.e. chatroom discussion, video content, podcasts, discussion forums, Usenet groups, etc...). Also, I haven't compared UFC buzz to any other MMA league (IFL, KOTC, etc.). I will see if I can provide more in-depth analysis at a later date.

You can find out more about UFC by checking out Adam Morgan's blog over at Sprawl N' Brawl.