There are a number of threads on TC lamenting the poor state of the CFC. Posters are demanding a change of coach and President, but most do admit that we do not know all the problems and that angry posts on TC’s will not get Ratts and Sticks to resign.

But I do think there will be a review initiated by the Board, especially after such a poor year.

Now, the Board are representatives of the members and as members we are entitled to raise concerns and issues. Stephen M is a current Board member who retires with a number of others at the next AGM. Stephen is registered on TC and does reply to PM’s . He has no agendas as he is leaving, and I am sure he would take a “letter” from us and table it.

My idea is to table a number of questions we would like to be asked during the yearly review. These questions should be concise and crystalize the main concerns we have.

It would be important that this letter is signed by as many members with their name and membership number as possible in order to make any impression.

I would be interested to hear what TC’ers think about this. I am getting frustrated and think that I rather try to approach the Board in numbers than just airing opinions on the forum.


I suggest we split the questions into on and off field and would invite suggestions and feedback:


Here is the first draft :

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To the Board of the CFC,

We are a number of CFC members who discuss issues surrounding the Club on an internet forum called “Talking Carlton”. As you can imagine we are frustrated by poor on field results, but have concerns which are not just linked to the current ladder position, but the long-term success of the CFC.

We have no doubt there will be a review to look at what happened this year and assume that the Board will not be satisfied with just a reference to the injuries incurred.

We would like to table a range of questions that should be asked when performing a review and these questions highlight the main concerns we have.

A) Off-field:

• The CFC was many years part of the “Big Four”, often close to the number one spot in regard to membership and revenue. Why have we fallen to around 7th spot with a huge gap to clubs like Hawthorn and Collingwood?

• Why are we not able to reduce our debt further when other clubs have?

• Is our use of social media and engagement with supporters up to best practise in Australia and the US?

• Is there a lack of leadership and clear direction at the club?

• Are there any “turf wars” that are undermining the club?


B) Team related:

• Why have we failed to recruit more versatile players so injuries can be covered better like at Collingwood and others?

• Why do our young players not develop like at other clubs? Why do players like Grigg and Austin perform much better after they leave the club?

• Why do players perform without intensity when played in the Northern Blues, as demonstrated in the game against Geelong 23/06? Why does a player like Watson arguably perform better in the ones than at NB when he really should have an easier challenge at VFL level? Is the current VFL “set-up” conducive to our player development?

• How is it possible that professional footballers play without spirit and intensity in not one, but several games in a row this year?

• Are we playing injured players and are we managing them correctly?

• Is there a lack of system and discipline that triggered the “collapse” in performance after Essendon* showed how to undermine our game plan?

• What is the quality of the relationship and communication between players and coaches? What is the quality of the relationship and communication between the coaches?

The above are the key questions we would ask if we did a review. We encourage our Board to ask them and act upon the findings.

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TC suffers from the social media illness - the death of respect and constructive discourse by keyboard.

i dont think TalkingCarlton would want to be seen as another 'unofficial selection committee' , though we're not thought of that highly anyway

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*(grow - fun - gah)

Yeah but whatabout your whataboutism.

I like the idea, but the odds are the spin doctors will conjure a response. This is with no disrespect to Stephen, but it's the way business operates, Nothing will be put in writing, that would be suicide.

Anyone who uses the term "best practice" probably needs a slap in the head and is missing the point.

It's terms like that that got us to this place...

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“When a clown moves into a palace, he doesn't become a king. The palace turns into a circus.”
Turkish Proverb

Really? What about being constructive and suggesting a different term instead of being a douche?


PS: would it be possible to not turning every thread into a pissing contest?

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TC suffers from the social media illness - the death of respect and constructive discourse by keyboard.

snip

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I hope Essendon* folds.

That'd be a pretty cool thread in itself. Posters can time themselves, measure their aim, distance, all the whilst having a leak in support of this great team. I mean we'd avoid pissing on people, that'd be just sick, but I reckon posters should get credit if they can hang a leak with the seat down and not make any spillage on the seat.

Come to think of it, might go test my aim now..

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BLUES 2010: PAV AND JUDD = FLAGS. DOING IT FOR THE LOVE OF DICK PRATT.

HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR TALKINGCARLTON SUPERCOACH 2009 YET?

These are questions for the AGM. I don't think you can throw in the forums name - nor members because not everyone is a member.

...moving forward in an evidence based manner at the end of the day...

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“When a clown moves into a palace, he doesn't become a king. The palace turns into a circus.”
Turkish Proverb

That may or may not be the case, GWS...

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BLUES 2010: PAV AND JUDD = FLAGS. DOING IT FOR THE LOVE OF DICK PRATT.

HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR TALKINGCARLTON SUPERCOACH 2009 YET?

And your statement doesn't reflect everyone's opinion. You don't speak for me.

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hands up if you're a sycophant!

The on field questions would prevent me from signing, at the end of last year most would have been happy with the team and where we were heading, hell, after round 3 most would have thought all was great.

Now, with hindsight, some think they can make sweeping statements about our recruitment and development etc. Either we have a good list with poor coaching, or an average list that played above themselves last season? Could be as simple as a confidence thing, either way the club won't comment on this type of thing. I'd keep it to off field things, which in theory is something that we should be in control of.

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Between our dreams and actions lies this world

Dear Board,

Our players have been developed into soft girly-men who are afraid of tweets. We get two injuries to midfielders and our entire season falls to pieces. Our revenues are mid-table, as is our team. We have no key forwards, and haven't for years. Well, we have Jarrad Waite who you signed to a 3 year deal. Given he only plays 10 games a year, that's like giving a normal player a 7 year deal. You lock supporters out of open training sessions, and shut supporters out of the Spirit of Carlton. You don't give members much of a say on the composition of the board anymore, either. The single most valuable contributor to the club is Bruce Mathieson, and he isn't even on the board. But Adrian Gleeson is. Collingwood is killing us, Essendon* has gone past us, and West Coast - despite losing most of their forward line to injury - is light years ahead of us. Our joint major sponsor is Visy, which is nothing more than a donation from a wealthy family, and the projected boost in our revenues will come almost single handedly from a huge donation of poker machines from the aforementioned Bruce. Oh, and our development team is the worst in the VFL.

Two questions:

Firstly, what the hell are you doing? And secondly, how the hell are we going to win the '3 Premierships in (now) 4 years' that you promised?

Regards,

Me.

What statement? I'm not writing a letter.

Dear john M.
I hear you.
Fix your board,admin, and coaching probs,
and then give me a call.
K. Tippett.
x2
J. Cameron.

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That’s not a political statement — it’s a harsh reality, and we must act,” she said. “He is a clear and present danger to the things that keep us strong and free. I support impeachment.”

Mikkey sending it to "the board" obviously they are responsible however they probably wouldn't take notice from people who they don't report too.

IMO you would accomplish more by sending this to the people responsible for hitting membership targets. Right now our membership team will be looking for excuses like there is no tomorrow because we are not going to hit 50K. They need ammunition other than just on-field performance.

Frame you concerns as a reason why you believe that memberships will not hit the target. If you know of anyone personally who has not renewed this year you might want to nominate their reasons if they are in line with yours.

In terms of form, just make the letter as short as possible, be direct and get to the point without being rude, don't use a writing style that's too far removed from your natural use of language. But most of all, if you can find it, use evidence.

PM if you'd like my details to use as evidence of a disgruntled supporter.

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I hope Essendon* folds.

I would agree. TC is a place where people with varying opinions can share their views. The proposed letter, therefore, is not representative of all TC users.

Nothing to stop individuals from sending in their own correspondence though.

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Damn straight, particular given the scope and range of opinion here with militant doomsayers and sugarcoaters in equal measure, one person alone cannot speak for the forum itself. The AGM is the time and the place for this, and unless things change VERY quickly, it's gonna be a corker. My only hope is that a decent contingent of the playing group are there for scrutiny, rather than allowing Juddy/Simmo/Jamo to answer to the members for them.

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WADA medical director Dr Alan Vernec describes Essendon* FC drug case as biggest scandal in team sport the world of sport has seen. #WC2WB

#GUILTY

Letters don't do much good far better to get a Posse together and go take over the place
Demand answers - tell them to stop losing

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If you allow the Government to change the Laws in an emergency
They will create an Emergency to change the Laws

Dear johnm

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"Get ready, Teddy - you're on": Ron Barassi half time 1970 Grand Final