I don't think any perceived dislike of the Allams stops people wanting to join the trust anyway. Probably just the opposite actually.
How do you know that membership wouldn't increase if the board publicly called for the Allams to get out? How do you know that flask gate had a negative effect on membership numbers? How do you know that PLT's personal views have a negative effect on recruitment? You don't, it's just your opinion.
The number of people that have made that very comment over the flask, the flag and other issues, and the fact the Trust themselves are distancing themselves from that view seem to point to it being a tad more than just my opinion. Also, despite various crisis, numbers seem to be falling, I'm sure there's probably a number of reasons, but mixed messages and defensive attitudes on public forums possibly don't help.
I think that perhaps we are talking in the past tense as far as PLT is concerned and that lessons in the use of social media have been learnt. The use of social media, by anyone in the public eye at any level is something relatively new. It raises all sorts of issues and unfortunately it can be seen in a positive and a negative way. PLT and others posted their personal views, if this impacted on the role that they took up, then that is an issue that they and only they can address. The OSC isn't free from these sorts of issues, maybe not as colourful language wise, but there are certainly issues from time to time and I would suspect that not just every football group, but every community organisation, faces similar problems. The internet just makes it more available to view. I sometimes feel restricted in expressing my own personal view. I did not post that I was a Director of the OSC on here. Several months ago, another poster decided that he would do that, without asking me. It was not that I had anything to hide, but I wanted to enjoy a little bit of anonymity for a little while longer. I lost an element of my freedom to post under a username.
I think that's a very real problem. I did ponder about posting user names linked to positions, as it certainly does create problems. In this case, it was already in the public domain, but I'd be interested to know how to square that circle, so that people could enjoy the freedom to post as themselves, rather than what they represent.
We're yet to see if they are falling, we're only just processing the first batch of renewals. I expect they will go down for the reasons OLM said. The same reasons that mean the Trust has less members than the campaign group which preceded it and the same reason that other trusts have relatively small numbers.
The problem for the Trust is, the more conciliatory it is the more people suspect its motives. The problem for the club is, whilst it excludes people like PLT from the FWG, it is putting two fingers up at the anti-Allam supporters. If the Allams are unable to sell the club without taking a huge loss then they have a lot of bridges to build. We don't have a united fan base, in fact the opposite, we have a team in crisis and if we don't get promotion a club in crisis. If the club wants to try and resolve its difficulties with supporters (maybe I should say some supporters before I get jumped on) it needs to make the first steps. If it doesn't the poisonous atmosphere will get worse. If PLT removes his signature voluntarily after a number of meetings with the club where genuine progress has been made, it will mean more than him removing it because a few people on not606 want him to. At least for me. The Allams have painted themselves into a corner. First they have to recognise they are in a corner, second they have to know that bullying isn't going to work and third if they want our help they have to make the approach. For me that could be through the FWG or through the OSC calling a conference of supporters, or simply Ehab inviting a few supporters for a cup of tea and a chat.
Will you be doing anything to test your suspicions, and/or to find out why more don't join? It's just my suspicions differ from yours.
If I were in the clubs position, I doubt I'd bother talking to people who throw abuse to accuse me of throwing abuse saying I started it. If nobody makes the first move, it will most likely turn to ratshit and we all lose. In my view, the trust or any supporters group needs to show that it represents the views of fans, and has a clear mandate from them over and above just "Allam out" and then makes the first moves. That's not kowtowing, it's conciliatory and diplomatic, and as long as it is good constructive advice that would work, it sets a platform for further talks. Many of us have handled delicate talks, as I know you have, and in my experience, rarely does a high handed or challenging approach work, at least not long term, especially when we as supporters hold few cards.
Don't I? Will you be trying to find out why more don't join? We've had some turmoil as supporters, so they should be kicking down the door of the trust.
It's clear to me that our Trust doesn't have any less members than the average Supporters' Trust, and I'm quite sure of why that is. I think there are very few people who share your reasoning for not doing so.
We've been through all of this. The FWG was the perfect vehicle for the club to show supporters they were willing to have dialogue, and more importantly listen and act on that dialogue. The group was set up at the behest of the club. They invited who they wanted to invite and asked for input from those fans. They then disregarded almost everything. What is the point in any group or individual trying to get a message to the people that matter at the club when the club doesn't give a toss?
How have you reached your conclusion on why people don't join? Is it simply a guess based on other supporters groups? You don't actually know my reasons for not joining as I've never told you them.
....Ah it will have gone down by one because I'll hold my hands up and say I didn't realise it was renewal time I think the Trust is probably using an email I very rarely check oops How do I renew? cheers
I'd dispute the "perfect" part for several reasons, and they didn't invite everybody there. You seem keen for the trust to sit back and wait for the club to get in touch. Good luck with that.
Will do I assume there will be £50 fee so I can "earn" my place with the Trust, but I will have to sit somewhere different?
