For Anyone Who Thought No One Listens To The Fans...

[theFRANCHISE]

Before this message board's inception, I had always been jaded by the level of interaction between NFL organizations and the fans. Just as celebrities have automated responses to fan mail, I had once believed that NFL fans had no real forum with which to provide feedback.

However, the Baltimore Ravens organization proved me wrong, starting with the Post From The Press Box contest, which had been won by yours truly in the inaugural contest.

After that, there was the weekly Ask The Ravens topic, where players and coaches responded directly to fan-submitted questions on this message board.

Now, the Ravens truly took it one step further by approaching me for my opinion on the hiring of John Harbaugh, posted onto the front page of the website.

That convinced me that this is an organization that truly cares about its fans and their thoughts. After all, why else would they even be paying attention to the message boards and what we write if our collective opinion doesn't matter?

I'd like to say that I'm grateful I've been blessed with this opportunity to contribute to the website, as well as the previous contribution made through the gameday thread for the contest.

My article can be found here.

And might I add, the entire article was reproduced word-for-word, virtually UNEDITED. Kudos to Mike Duffy & Co. for allowing that. Granted, my words were not controversial in the least, but I still appreciate that there were no omissions whatsoever.

Let me just say to my fellow Ravens fans, your opinion DOES count for something. Don't ever believe that you're wasting your time contributing to the message board, because who knows when someone could take notice?

If you asked me a year ago if I thought posting on a message board would get me sent to watch my favorite NFL team from the press box and get an opportunity to write for their website, I would've thought you were kidding. But, the joke would've been on ME, I guess.

So keep posting, y'all.

[Sub-Zero]

thanks for sharing and congrats!

[Ravens52]

wow, this makes me want to post more. Your so lucky haha

[LilyRaven]

Great article!

My father in law is a long time Redskins fan, so I do have some experience with other franchises. I've always felt a more welcoming atmosphere here and at M&T stadium than I have elsewhere with other teams. This isn't a family dynasty team, it has blue-collar roots. I do believe we as fans matter.

Good job again, it was a great read.

[Black&Purple]

That really is awesome man.

[Raven07]

my kudos goes out to my fellow partner in crime....Congrats Franchise!

[smashmouth82]

My article can be found here.

yo, just wanted to say on a true writing note: great article. very clean and put together very well.

it was a pleasure reading......keep up the good work.

[bmorefan80]

Can we get this stickied if possible, at least til season starts again? Good post for everyone to see what kind of incentives this site does. Also congrats on all the accomplishments theFRANCHISE. Alot of props!

[Michelle aka Lil Bmore]

congrats franchise keep up the great work

[JonM229]

There's nothing better than seeing a fellow Post From The Press Box winner have another Ravens experience. Congrats.

[Guest Birdfan]

Very nice article. It's nice to see one of our posters move on out into the world. It's sort of like having a kid leave for college.

I hope you won't forget about us when you're famous. Remember that we gave you your start.

[Numero Uno Ravens Fan]

Great Post

[ragnorok99]

Awesome post.

I spent most of dinner tonight listening to a Redskins fans complain about the disconnect between the organization and the fans, then realized how good we have it.

Oh, and way to one-up the other Post from the Press Box guys.

[MIAhurricane]

Well, if the organization listens to fans, I would like to say.... WE WANT REX BACK! DUDE IS A GENIUS!

[Mazda]

nice!

[#1 D]

Before this message board's inception, I had always been jaded by the level of interaction between NFL organizations and the fans. Just as celebrities have automated responses to fan mail, I had once believed that NFL fans had no real forum with which to provide feedback.

However, the Baltimore Ravens organization proved me wrong, starting with the Post From The Press Box contest, which had been won by yours truly in the inaugural contest.

After that, there was the weekly Ask The Ravens topic, where players and coaches responded directly to fan-submitted questions on this message board.

Now, the Ravens truly took it one step further by approaching me for my opinion on the hiring of John Harbaugh, posted onto the front page of the website.

That convinced me that this is an organization that truly cares about its fans and their thoughts. After all, why else would they even be paying attention to the message boards and what we write if our collective opinion doesn't matter?

I'd like to say that I'm grateful I've been blessed with this opportunity to contribute to the website, as well as the previous contribution made through the gameday thread for the contest.

My article can be found here.

And might I add, the entire article was reproduced word-for-word, virtually UNEDITED. Kudos to Mike Duffy & Co. for allowing that. Granted, my words were not controversial in the least, but I still appreciate that there were no omissions whatsoever.

Let me just say to my fellow Ravens fans, your opinion DOES count for something. Don't ever believe that you're wasting your time contributing to the message board, because who knows when someone could take notice?

If you asked me a year ago if I thought posting on a message board would get me sent to watch my favorite NFL team from the press box and get an opportunity to write for their website, I would've thought you were kidding. But, the joke would've been on ME, I guess.

So keep posting, y'all.

Yeah, I really hope that they do the "Ask the Ravens" thing again, I always scored one of those!

[theFRANCHISE]

Yeah, I really hope that they do the "Ask the Ravens" thing again, I always scored one of those!

Exactly. And didn't it make you feel as if you were a part of something special? That the organization actually paid attention to the fans?

That's why I'm hoping things like this continue, and not just for me, but for other intelligent, active posters on here as well, such as yourself.

Thanks for the kind words, y'all. It was a pretty surreal feeling to see that I was being acknowledged for my opinion on the front page, and it felt good to get all these accolades from people who read the article.

[ReED jucate]

Exactly. And didn't it make you feel as if you were a part of something special? That the organization actually paid attention to the fans?

That's why I'm hoping things like this continue, and not just for me, but for other intelligent, active posters on here as well, such as yourself.

Thanks for the kind words, y'all. It was a pretty surreal feeling to see that I was being acknowledged for my opinion on the front page, and it felt good to get all these accolades from people who read the article.

Ask the Ravens was my favorite part of these boards. It really connects you with the organization. I got my question answered every time. I like the people that post on here and the way that we conducted ourselves with respect (most of the time) during the season. A few posters stood out from the rest and I would like to thank you guys too. Raven07, theFRANCHISE, #1 D and Jonm229, I enjoyed talking football with all of you. I would like to thank the Mods too for running this forum the way a forum should be run. There are more than enough sites for trash talking its good to come to a forum with substance.

Now since its the offseason can we have a "Ask the Ravens Staff" board where we can ask questions to Steve, Ozzie, John, and the rest of the staff members?

[theFRANCHISE]

Now since its the offseason can we have a "Ask the Ravens Staff" board where we can ask questions to Steve, Ozzie, John, and the rest of the staff members?

Ehhhhh...I'd rather not...only 'cause I imagine they're busier in the offseason than the players are, and I'd rather they focus on improving the team than taking time to answer our questions...LOL

[nevermore621]

First of all great article Franchise. Very well put.

To respond to your post here, I have to say that I have really enjoyed posting from here...and if our opinions truly do count, all the more.

I won the last Post from the Press Box contest, then got sick as a dog and couldn't go, which REALLY bummed me out (sorry to let anyone down in this, truly, but I wasn't a pretty sight that day, nor most days really LOL)...but opportunities like that, and just the mere opportunity to participate in the discussion/debate, and get breaking news on this team which I have had a passion for since day one, brings me back.

If any of you guys lived through the Bob Irsay Colts era, you know what a difference it is to have THIS team and organization, and how proud they make all of us in Baltimore feel. Even after a bad year, we know with certainty that we will bounce back, and as evidenced especially by this off season, do what it takes to bring back success.

Thanks to all with the Baltimore Ravens!!!

[#1 D]

Ask the Ravens was my favorite part of these boards. It really connects you with the organization. I got my question answered every time. I like the people that post on here and the way that we conducted ourselves with respect (most of the time) during the season. A few posters stood out from the rest and I would like to thank you guys too. Raven07, theFRANCHISE, #1 D and Jonm229, I enjoyed talking football with all of you. I would like to thank the Mods too for running this forum the way a forum should be run. There are more than enough sites for trash talking its good to come to a forum with substance.

Now since its the offseason can we have a "Ask the Ravens Staff" board where we can ask questions to Steve, Ozzie, John, and the rest of the staff members?

aww come on, don't make me cry...lol

[#1 D]

Ehhhhh...I'd rather not...only 'cause I imagine they're busier in the offseason than the players are, and I'd rather they focus on improving the team than taking time to answer our questions...LOL

Yeah, and I don't really think they'd want to answer questions in the midst of all this signing action. I mean, putting myself in their point of view, I would find it irritating. but, that's just me.

[Raven07]

Ask the Ravens was my favorite part of these boards. It really connects you with the organization. I got my question answered every time. I like the people that post on here and the way that we conducted ourselves with respect (most of the time) during the season. A few posters stood out from the rest and I would like to thank you guys too. Raven07, theFRANCHISE, #1 D and Jonm229, I enjoyed talking football with all of you. I would like to thank the Mods too for running this forum the way a forum should be run. There are more than enough sites for trash talking its good to come to a forum with substance.

Now since its the offseason can we have a "Ask the Ravens Staff" board where we can ask questions to Steve, Ozzie, John, and the rest of the staff members?

well thank you...and might i say that I've enjoyed talking football with you guys as well....although sometimes it may get a little overbearing at times lol when it all calms down and what not.....we're all the same and in the same boat....Raven Fans talking Raven Football.

[thecitythatreeds]

First off, congrats to theFranchise for your great article, I am a great fan of yours...lol. I take great pride in saying that I am from baltimore. I feel as if the city as a whole comes together when it comes to football. After the article by theFranchise, does this make you think if we had an effect on the playing of Troy Smith? of even the retenshion of Rex? Makes you wonder how much of an effect we really do have. I am extremely excited about the next season to start.

GO RAVENS!!!!!