Irrespective of anything else we think, I think it's fair to say that we all agree that if there's an opportunity to do something to help improve the atmosphere and also make the KC experience more enjoyable, it should be fully considered. With that in mind, can you add 'atmosphere' as an agenda item to your upcoming meeting? My thoughts for the discussion are just that,thoughts for discussion, so I'd hope even if they're not felt feasible, alternatives can be offered or an acceptance that the atmosphere is as good as it can be. From the notes on CI from the recent Fans Group Meeting it's suggested that N5 is going to be opened up to pass holders from next season. It's suggested that some from the east stand may move across. This potential space creates an opportunity to look at creating a more focused singing area in the east. I'd suggest this needs a collection of individuals to commit to the idea, and now is a good time to start discussions to try to make any suggestion acceptable to as many people as possible. I think it could also be an opportunity to help those in E4 that are uncomfortable being next to the away fans, by providing an opportunity for them to move. This points to a singing area being in E4, and this could be toward the back, so that any jumping up and standing doesn't disrupt those that prefer to sit, who would have an opportunity to move further down. I think it's also worth looking at how the quieter fans and quieter areas of the ground can be encouraged to make more noise. Not my taste at all, but the clappy sticks did seem to be popular in those areas, so maybe something similar, or encouraging more use of them (other than the one I had in mind) could be a possibility? I'm probably still farting in the fog, but to try to quell the misconceptions about why I see things as I do; Prior to this season, I was in a community that stood, sang and had fun most games since the stadium opened. Had the move been better handled, that could have continued adding to those that now find themselves experiencing the game as we did, while the group I was with has either left, or been scattered around the ground experiencing a much reduced atmosphere to the one we were used to. This is mainly due to the timing of the evictions and a lack of a central focus and support making co-ordination difficult, if not impossible. It made some willing and noisy fans quieter and feeling disenfranchised. That's why, in my opinion the evictions were a bad idea poorly executed and I think the club were given poor advice. I believe we are where we are, and that this can still be a positive if lessons are learned by all involved. I can understand why some feel the atmosphere has improved. Some are now stood with others shouting, some are nearer to the source of noise and some noisier people have moved round the ground. But I think it's a mistake to assume the experience is simply a consequence of the evictions. There's a good probability that the atmosphere would have improved anyway, possibly to a better degree than it has. I also feel the club are in danger of putting all of their eggs in the one basket by putting all the efforts for atmosphere to the north stand, and seemingly specifically the ultras. I've nothing against the ultras, and if they've got the ear of the club, fair play crack on. I just feel that it can mean the focus is on the easy fix of supporting the converted, when there are others willing but less able, and some less willing but with potential if nurtured, to help generate noise further round the stadium.
The opening of N5 to season passes holders does give an opportunity to move things around and to rectify some of the mistakes made in the previous seat move and hopefully further imporve the atmosphere as you've outlined. This being the case, CTWD confirm that this will be on the agenda at next weeks meeting.
Cheers. I think it'd be useful for others to chuck ideas in the ring that could encourage a better atmosphere. I think if there was some way that the different groups could interact at games it could help. The 'we're the east stand chant" works once it's heard, but restricts south stand getting involved. I suggested it before, but was either misunderstood, or it really is a daft idea but instead of we're the east, we're the north, what about if the chant is always five or even six verses with pointing? From an east stand perspective We're the east stand YOU'RE the west stand YOU'RE the north stand YOU'RE the south stand with each stand changing We for you as appropriate, that way there's no gap waiting to be heard and each stand gets a chance and it doesn't matter too much if they don't sing. The 5th verse could be something aimed at the away fans, it'd need to be polite for the family stand and west to join it, so that's me knackered. It could end with all singing the same thing, like maybe We're Hull City, Hull City, Hull City AFC.
Dutch if more folks move out from East to join the Northern Monkeys up there, I don't think there'll be any singers left in the eat sand.
Very true, it's partly why I raise it, as all the eggs in one basket is a mistake in my view. Supporting noisy people's an easy fix, it's encouraging and nurturing others that takes work but should bear more fruit.
If, as looks the case, we've GOT to have the stand introductions, can we somehow make that a better, more atmosphere building experience?
And get rid of those cringeworthy terrible video clips they've started putting on the big screen whilst they do it... Anyone else noticed them?
I like them immensely. They're artistic and classy you uncouth heathen. Probably directed by Anton Corbijn.
I'd suggested using them as a prompt for chants, so that the north and east could be more linked up. I was thinking more of something on the lines that each event now has a sponsor...corners sponsored by...free kick sponsored by... so maybe that could be the prompt for certain songs, but most replies seemed to think I meant actually putting the words to chants up, which seemed to be thought naff. Mention of anything seems to be taken as being specific, rather than just a discussion point.
As most of the chanting and atmosphere is generated in E6 and N4, would it be a good idea to get someone from those areas to attend to see if any more can be done to assist them, and to spread their good ideas to other areas? On a similar note could reps for the south stand be sought out, as there seems to be a desire from them to be involved. At the moment, we seem to only have singing group reps for a small group isolated at the back of N2.
You have to start with discussion and random ideas to eventually get to the right solution. Thats only logical.
Absolutely. Sometimes, the most ridiculous suggestions can lead to some amazing solutions, often simple and staring you in the face. The alternative often leads to a few pushing ideas that suit them individually, but lack depth and broader appeal. Also, if a person in a position of control makes a decision themselves, they're bound to defend it no matter what rather than face the consequences of being wrong. So, thinking caps on.
dago (plural dagoes or dagos) (UK, slang, offensive, ethnic slur) A person of Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, or other Mediterranean descent. (US, Australia, slang, offensive, ethnic slur) A person of Italian descent.
