Hello my name is Holly Adams (goonerholly). I am a student at Lincoln University studying Media, Culture, Communications and am doing a dissertation on Online fan communities, specifically Gooners. It is a study on how being a football fan has perhaps changed over the years.
I would be so grateful if u guys could answer the following questions for me please. Either by replying to this thread or because there are quite a alot of qs please private message me the answers or better yet email me at [email protected]
Just copy and paste the qs into an email, whatever is easier for u. Be as honest and as open as you like.
1. What is your online name? If it is different to your real name then why is this? What is the reason for your username?
2. What does it mean to you to be a football fan? I.e. buy the shirt, go to the games etc
3. Why did you join the forum?
4. One could argue that being a real football fan has nothing to do with the internet, you cannot support a team online, do you agree?
5. Do you think the definition of being a football fan has changed? I.e. can support a team online, do not have to go to the games to be a fan?
6. Has technology changed the definition of being a football fan?
7. Has technology changed the way you interact with Arsenal and the relationship you have with them?
8. Would you say you are less of a fan if you support Arsenal online, I.e. interact with other fans online rather than at the pub or at Emirates?
9. Do you go to the games and have a shirt?
10. Would you agree that some people join the forum so they can be a fan without buying into the club this way I.e. they choose to show love of club through online fan community rather than buy shirt and tickets to the game?
11. Is the issue of consumerism in sport important to fans? E.g. ticket prices, shirt prices, travel costs to games, being a fan now can be considered to be expensive.
12. Do you think that if some fans find supporting a club offline is expensive that they choose to show their love for their team online as a way of saving money?
13. Is having unofficial fan sites and online forums improving the football fan experience? I.e. it gives you an alternative outlet at which to enjoy supporting your team. If so, how?
14. What is your opinion on Arsenal.com? Does it offer fans a decent online experience?
15. Would you say because Arsenal.com has directly links to the club it is out to make money rather than provide fans with a decent online experience?
16. Does the website/forum offer you more in terms of a social experience? Would you say the forum provides you with an online community? If so how and why? E.g. the members made you feel welcome or design was simple and laidback making it easy to interact.
17. When you first joined was it easy to join in the different threads and interact with other members? If so how? If not, why not?
18. Do you find it easy to express yourself online? Do you behave differently online? If so why? E.g. is it because you can have different ID?
19. Do you have an avatar or a signature? If so what is it and why do you have it? Would you say it is the equivalent to wearing a shirt in real life, it is a way of showing your love for Arsenal?
20. Does this website/forum offer fans with a better source of information on Arsenal and football in general I.e. would you refer to this forum/website rather than tune into Sky Sports news? If so why if not why not?
21. Can fan sites such as this compete with traditional media sources like the tabloids and football programmes?
22. In your opinion do you prefer interacting with your team in the traditional sense e.g. watching the games, reading the sports pages rather than logging onto the forum and interacting with other fans and the team on fan sites?
23. Are their negatives of online fandom?
24. How does online gooner compare to the real life fanzine?
thank u so much guys, the study is strictly for educational purposes and only my tutor will see it.
ATTENTION: Online Gooners!
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goonerholly
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2008 8:32 pm
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SPUDMASHER
- Posts: 10739
- Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 10:07 am
- Location: London Euston
- Contact:
Blimey, How many questions???
Okay, here goes......
1.SPUDMASHER.. Surprisingly not my real name. A whimsical play on words refering to my hatred for Spuds.
2. It's like a religion. Some go to Church, I go to Arsenal.
3. To indulge my obsession.
4. No. Any form of support is support.
5. Yes and No. It has changed because of technology but I have never felt that you have to go to games to be considered a fan.
6. Yes
7. Not with the club, no but with fellow supporters, yes.
8. No
9. Yes I go to games but no I don't own a current shirt. I have every shirt home and away since 1977 but stopped buying them when we moved to the Grove.
10. Yes, there are almost certainly those that do. I however still go to the games.
11. Very expensive being a match attending fan now. A matter of great importance.
12. Not specifically.
13. Yes
14. It's not bad but it only tells you what the club wants you to know
15. Obviously it is motivated by profit. Thats why you have to pay to get access to some areas. It is quite informative but only with basic information.
16. Great social experience. Friendships are formed here with people meeting up at games for a drink etc.
17. Very easy. These lot will talk to anyone.
18. Easy to express yourself but I am as I am.
19. Yes I do but I change it frequently. It doesn't mean anything though. It's just a bit of fun.
20. Yes, much more information is on here. Ther's also a lot of cobblers as well at times but thats part of the fun of it.
21. I don't think they even try to.
22. Definitely prefer watching the games but the forum is something that compliments it. I don't see it as an alternative.
23. Only when you get a supporter of a rival team that purposely registers just to annoy the regulars. That can also be fun sometimes though and I have to admit to having done it myself.
24. Online is better for the interactive aspect but the magazine is great because you can read it anywhere. The main benefit of the website is that we rarely have to put up with the highbury spy
There you go. Half an hour of work time passed by quite nicely.
Okay, here goes......
1.SPUDMASHER.. Surprisingly not my real name. A whimsical play on words refering to my hatred for Spuds.
2. It's like a religion. Some go to Church, I go to Arsenal.
3. To indulge my obsession.
4. No. Any form of support is support.
5. Yes and No. It has changed because of technology but I have never felt that you have to go to games to be considered a fan.
6. Yes
7. Not with the club, no but with fellow supporters, yes.
8. No
9. Yes I go to games but no I don't own a current shirt. I have every shirt home and away since 1977 but stopped buying them when we moved to the Grove.
10. Yes, there are almost certainly those that do. I however still go to the games.
11. Very expensive being a match attending fan now. A matter of great importance.
12. Not specifically.
13. Yes
14. It's not bad but it only tells you what the club wants you to know
15. Obviously it is motivated by profit. Thats why you have to pay to get access to some areas. It is quite informative but only with basic information.
16. Great social experience. Friendships are formed here with people meeting up at games for a drink etc.
17. Very easy. These lot will talk to anyone.
18. Easy to express yourself but I am as I am.
19. Yes I do but I change it frequently. It doesn't mean anything though. It's just a bit of fun.
20. Yes, much more information is on here. Ther's also a lot of cobblers as well at times but thats part of the fun of it.
21. I don't think they even try to.
22. Definitely prefer watching the games but the forum is something that compliments it. I don't see it as an alternative.
23. Only when you get a supporter of a rival team that purposely registers just to annoy the regulars. That can also be fun sometimes though and I have to admit to having done it myself.
24. Online is better for the interactive aspect but the magazine is great because you can read it anywhere. The main benefit of the website is that we rarely have to put up with the highbury spy
There you go. Half an hour of work time passed by quite nicely.
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goonerholly
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2008 8:32 pm
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gus ceasar is a legend
- Posts: 9078
- Joined: Sun Jun 24, 2007 12:42 pm
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Ben-gooner14
- Posts: 1108
- Joined: Fri Jun 15, 2007 6:40 pm
- Location: Martock (Somerset)
- Contact:
1. Ben- Gooner14 .. My first name is Ben, Gooner obviously what we all are on here and 14 is my age, I was 15 in september but moderators have not changed it. (Im sure ur teacher will be enthrawlled by that )
2. To show your support to other's by buying shirt's even though you should not have to prove your support and to go to games when you can.
3. Well i had been reading the magazine for about 6 months and with no other football fans in my house it was a way in which to discuss all things football with people who had the same interests.
4. In Theory to be a real fan, you need to go to as many games as convient to your situation, but due to where you live this can be diffilcult so supporters in other countries find it easier to spread thier support on sites like these.
5. I think my last answer answerred that for you, i hope
.
6. Watching your team in the pub has become less common with people watching games at home or over the internet, forum's like this have now become places to discuss your team's fortunes instead of the pub.
7. Buying tickets and such like, u can obviously get through the arsenal site instead of using the telephone and if you have any concerns you can always email them suggestions.
8. No, pubs are becoming less commonly used now to watch football games, with people been able to discuss over the internet but i think it is important to try to get to a game during a season.
9. I've been to two games in the last year and have home, away and third shirt.
10. Yeah, some people who live in other countries may not have the money to go to games but still like to communicate with other fans. All part of the banter i suppose.
11. Yes, as many people have been priced out of football, with ticket prices being exstautianant along with shirt prices and such like.
12. The older generation may have been priced out in recent times so it's a way of sharing experiences with other gooners i suppose
.
13. It gives you other people's opinion's on certain incidents and in a household like my own where we have no football fans it gives me people to discuss football with that are interested.
14. Well obviously it is the most reliable source on Arsenal news, which then gives us things to discuss on here but in terms of experience unless you have arsenal tv online it's alot of writing.
15. Well it gives the fans, all the latest news on the club but is obviously out to make a profit.
16.Well there is a real good banter on the forum, with all different personalities which makes it a really good laugh.
17. Well when i first joined thier was not many members on here, so they were happy to welcome anyone else but since then it has really taken off and everyone is welcome normally new threads are opened for new members anyway, with other threads opening when they become centurion posters and such like.
18. Very Easy, as your not worried others will take the piss spitefully because there all a great bunch.
19. I have a video of some of Dennis Bergkamp's best goal, which gives other's good memories but it was also becoming a bit competitive over who had the best avatar.
20. For factual information i would watch sky sports news, people post stories on here but i can never believe them as they are normally a load of tosh from newspapers.
21. Not there to compete but there to discuss the things they happen in tabloids and other tv programmes.
22. Well i would much rather go to the game than wait for forum alerts of certain games but it is a helpfull way to talk about Arsenal 24/7.
23. Stearmaster's pointless poll's but other than that not really sometimes people who get really petty about performances and players but other than that no.
24. How does online gooner compare to the real life fanzine?
The magazine is a very good read and again gives other people opinion's as the majority of contributors to the mag don't use the forum.
Finished, hopefully u find the information helpfull
.
)2. To show your support to other's by buying shirt's even though you should not have to prove your support and to go to games when you can.
3. Well i had been reading the magazine for about 6 months and with no other football fans in my house it was a way in which to discuss all things football with people who had the same interests.
4. In Theory to be a real fan, you need to go to as many games as convient to your situation, but due to where you live this can be diffilcult so supporters in other countries find it easier to spread thier support on sites like these.
5. I think my last answer answerred that for you, i hope
.6. Watching your team in the pub has become less common with people watching games at home or over the internet, forum's like this have now become places to discuss your team's fortunes instead of the pub.
7. Buying tickets and such like, u can obviously get through the arsenal site instead of using the telephone and if you have any concerns you can always email them suggestions.
8. No, pubs are becoming less commonly used now to watch football games, with people been able to discuss over the internet but i think it is important to try to get to a game during a season.
9. I've been to two games in the last year and have home, away and third shirt.
10. Yeah, some people who live in other countries may not have the money to go to games but still like to communicate with other fans. All part of the banter i suppose.
11. Yes, as many people have been priced out of football, with ticket prices being exstautianant along with shirt prices and such like.
12. The older generation may have been priced out in recent times so it's a way of sharing experiences with other gooners i suppose
.13. It gives you other people's opinion's on certain incidents and in a household like my own where we have no football fans it gives me people to discuss football with that are interested.
14. Well obviously it is the most reliable source on Arsenal news, which then gives us things to discuss on here but in terms of experience unless you have arsenal tv online it's alot of writing.
15. Well it gives the fans, all the latest news on the club but is obviously out to make a profit.
16.Well there is a real good banter on the forum, with all different personalities which makes it a really good laugh.
17. Well when i first joined thier was not many members on here, so they were happy to welcome anyone else but since then it has really taken off and everyone is welcome normally new threads are opened for new members anyway, with other threads opening when they become centurion posters and such like.
18. Very Easy, as your not worried others will take the piss spitefully because there all a great bunch.
19. I have a video of some of Dennis Bergkamp's best goal, which gives other's good memories but it was also becoming a bit competitive over who had the best avatar.
20. For factual information i would watch sky sports news, people post stories on here but i can never believe them as they are normally a load of tosh from newspapers.
21. Not there to compete but there to discuss the things they happen in tabloids and other tv programmes.
22. Well i would much rather go to the game than wait for forum alerts of certain games but it is a helpfull way to talk about Arsenal 24/7.
23. Stearmaster's pointless poll's but other than that not really sometimes people who get really petty about performances and players but other than that no.
24. How does online gooner compare to the real life fanzine?
The magazine is a very good read and again gives other people opinion's as the majority of contributors to the mag don't use the forum.
Finished, hopefully u find the information helpfull
.
1. DanielD. My real name is Daniel Dvir, so that's it, really.
2. I am not a fan of football, as much as i am a fan of the Arsenal. They are my inspiration, passion and might just be the best thing that ever happened to me.
3. I am a member of three different Arsenal forums, the Israeli Gunners (i come from Israel), Arsenal Mania (just reading) and The Online Gonner. There is nothing better than sharing your thoughts about your passion, with people that share that same passion.
4. I have been in a lot of Arsenal matches, BUT this is probably 1% of the matches that some supportes in this forum went to. To the point, i think that being a fan doesn't have to include going to all of the matches, or having the largest number of shirts, it is about how much you care for the team, how much of your life you're willing to sacrifice for it.
5. As i said in my last answer, i think you can be a supporter from a long distance.
6. Well, in my country Arsenal matches are not on telly all the time, so i have to go to the pub (with satellite dish) to see most of the matches and for me, talking about Arsenal with anybody (in person or not) is the same.
7. Of course. All the news i read about Arsenal, i read in the Internet. I can't miss one bit of news with it. Not to mention this forum, that lets you talk about Arsenal in every time of the day.
8. I'm going to the pub every week and i don't fill inferior to the fans that are going to the Grove and i don't feel like i'm a better fan than those who see the matches on the net.
9. Whenever i'm in England i go to a match and i have about 10 shirts.
10. Maybe and i don't blame them. The price of football (shirts, tickets, etc...) has risen drasticly, so why brake the bank, when you can talk about your love and show it.
11. Even for me, not going to many matches, football is expensive, as i buy a shirt every year or two, going to the pub every week, subscribe six channels that might show The Arsenal, all of these cost a lot of money and this doesn't include going to matches.
13. Yes, as it gives you the chance to talk about Arsenal things whenever you want.
14. With all due respect to the gonner, Arsenal.com is THE site to go to, in term of Arsenal news. If it's not there, it didn't happen.
15. The basic site with all the big nes is free, but if a fan wants to take a closer look at the club, with highlights interviews, etc, it's obvious he has to pay for it.
16. This forum is very welcoming, i feel at home here. There are a lot of "issues" that might not include the Arsenal directly ("would you let Cesc shag your wife?"), so it does feel like a social club sometimes.
17. Very easy, the people in here were very welcoming and open to me and every other user that joined the party.
18. The only problem i have with writing online is my english. Other than that, i feel very comfortable.
19. Well my ferguscunt avatar was deleted for some reason (probably the image server), but it was to make people laugh, nothing more.
20. In terms of news, i use the goonernews.com, so i come here to talk about the news, not hearing them.
21. not really, as it doesn't have enough budget or people.
22. I don't have a a priority, i do both things.
23. No.
24. I'm not a subscriber of the Gonner yet.
2. I am not a fan of football, as much as i am a fan of the Arsenal. They are my inspiration, passion and might just be the best thing that ever happened to me.
3. I am a member of three different Arsenal forums, the Israeli Gunners (i come from Israel), Arsenal Mania (just reading) and The Online Gonner. There is nothing better than sharing your thoughts about your passion, with people that share that same passion.
4. I have been in a lot of Arsenal matches, BUT this is probably 1% of the matches that some supportes in this forum went to. To the point, i think that being a fan doesn't have to include going to all of the matches, or having the largest number of shirts, it is about how much you care for the team, how much of your life you're willing to sacrifice for it.
5. As i said in my last answer, i think you can be a supporter from a long distance.
6. Well, in my country Arsenal matches are not on telly all the time, so i have to go to the pub (with satellite dish) to see most of the matches and for me, talking about Arsenal with anybody (in person or not) is the same.
7. Of course. All the news i read about Arsenal, i read in the Internet. I can't miss one bit of news with it. Not to mention this forum, that lets you talk about Arsenal in every time of the day.
8. I'm going to the pub every week and i don't fill inferior to the fans that are going to the Grove and i don't feel like i'm a better fan than those who see the matches on the net.
9. Whenever i'm in England i go to a match and i have about 10 shirts.
10. Maybe and i don't blame them. The price of football (shirts, tickets, etc...) has risen drasticly, so why brake the bank, when you can talk about your love and show it.
11. Even for me, not going to many matches, football is expensive, as i buy a shirt every year or two, going to the pub every week, subscribe six channels that might show The Arsenal, all of these cost a lot of money and this doesn't include going to matches.
13. Yes, as it gives you the chance to talk about Arsenal things whenever you want.
14. With all due respect to the gonner, Arsenal.com is THE site to go to, in term of Arsenal news. If it's not there, it didn't happen.
15. The basic site with all the big nes is free, but if a fan wants to take a closer look at the club, with highlights interviews, etc, it's obvious he has to pay for it.
16. This forum is very welcoming, i feel at home here. There are a lot of "issues" that might not include the Arsenal directly ("would you let Cesc shag your wife?"), so it does feel like a social club sometimes.
17. Very easy, the people in here were very welcoming and open to me and every other user that joined the party.
18. The only problem i have with writing online is my english. Other than that, i feel very comfortable.
19. Well my ferguscunt avatar was deleted for some reason (probably the image server), but it was to make people laugh, nothing more.
20. In terms of news, i use the goonernews.com, so i come here to talk about the news, not hearing them.
21. not really, as it doesn't have enough budget or people.
22. I don't have a a priority, i do both things.
23. No.
24. I'm not a subscriber of the Gonner yet.
1 ) rebel gooner is a mix of where im from ie cork ( the rebel county )
2)arsenal is life, i go to maybe 4-5 games a season sometimes less but never less then 3, and yes have all the shirts
3} bought the gooner for years and used to read this site so one day just joined up
4)as long as you love your team then it doesnt matter
5)football in genral has changed
6)yes
7)spend more time online with new technology then i used to
no
9)yes
10)yes
11)yes)
12)yes
13)yes.becos you can be yourself and as long asit doesnt get racist then censorship is wrong
14)dont really go on arsenal .com as you get more from newsnowarsenal then the offical site
15)its not so bad but arsenal is a big club out to make money
16)made friends here who i now share a pint with when im at a game
17)find it easier now because i know who's up for the craic
18) same on here as i am at home
19)change my avatar every week depending on the football, ie man u playing arsenal i'l have an anti man u one
20)here is better and handy for tips for people travelling tp hames, buying a spare ticket etc
21)websites are more up to date then papers
22)prefer to watch the game but then log on
23)like everything else in life
24)i like the gooner and like been on here and both are different
2)arsenal is life, i go to maybe 4-5 games a season sometimes less but never less then 3, and yes have all the shirts
3} bought the gooner for years and used to read this site so one day just joined up
4)as long as you love your team then it doesnt matter
5)football in genral has changed
6)yes
7)spend more time online with new technology then i used to
no9)yes
10)yes
11)yes)
12)yes
13)yes.becos you can be yourself and as long asit doesnt get racist then censorship is wrong
14)dont really go on arsenal .com as you get more from newsnowarsenal then the offical site
15)its not so bad but arsenal is a big club out to make money
16)made friends here who i now share a pint with when im at a game
17)find it easier now because i know who's up for the craic
18) same on here as i am at home
19)change my avatar every week depending on the football, ie man u playing arsenal i'l have an anti man u one
20)here is better and handy for tips for people travelling tp hames, buying a spare ticket etc
21)websites are more up to date then papers
22)prefer to watch the game but then log on
23)like everything else in life
24)i like the gooner and like been on here and both are different
1) Wayno…………..Can you guess my real name?
2) Years of misery with the odd moment of magic thrown in to keep me interested
3) I’m looking to meet young college girls
4) No
5) The Premier League is watched all over the world so inevitably not all fans will be able to attend matches. I don’t get to attend many orgies, that doesn’t mean I’m not a big fan of them.
6) Technology has made it easier for fans to share their love of football.
7) It’s so much easier these days with email to complain to the club.
No not at all, the internet allows me to have access to Arsenal related discussion 24/7
9) Yes I go to games and have several shirts, including some Arsenal ones
10) Possibly but many are just not fortunate enough to have access to tickets.
11) Yes I think so, many that attended every home game say a decade ago are now limited to less matches due to cost as opposed to ticket availability.
12) No
13) The official Arsenal website is to censored, the Onlinegooner and others are less so and therefore freedom to have open debate is more apparent. That was until yesterday, but you will have to ask Gus about that.
14) No
15) Probably
16) Definitely a social experience and one that has lead many members to meet up on matchdays
17) A bit daunting at first, read posts rather than contributing but soon took the plunge and have been here every since, much to the annoyance of Smoothie the Man of Law
18) No I am the shy retiring type so struggle to express myself either online or offline. Perhaps we could meet up for a coffee to discuss this more intimately.
19) My avatar is of a very well proportioned young lady with beer pumps attached to her breasts. It is not a way of me showing my love for Arsenal, it is my way of showing that tits can be useful so give Senderos a chance.
20) No
21) Most definitely
22) I prefer to be at a game than online but when not possible the forum is a great alternative
23) No
24) They compliment each other well
2) Years of misery with the odd moment of magic thrown in to keep me interested
3) I’m looking to meet young college girls
4) No
5) The Premier League is watched all over the world so inevitably not all fans will be able to attend matches. I don’t get to attend many orgies, that doesn’t mean I’m not a big fan of them.
6) Technology has made it easier for fans to share their love of football.
7) It’s so much easier these days with email to complain to the club.
No not at all, the internet allows me to have access to Arsenal related discussion 24/7 9) Yes I go to games and have several shirts, including some Arsenal ones
10) Possibly but many are just not fortunate enough to have access to tickets.
11) Yes I think so, many that attended every home game say a decade ago are now limited to less matches due to cost as opposed to ticket availability.
12) No
13) The official Arsenal website is to censored, the Onlinegooner and others are less so and therefore freedom to have open debate is more apparent. That was until yesterday, but you will have to ask Gus about that.
14) No
15) Probably
16) Definitely a social experience and one that has lead many members to meet up on matchdays
17) A bit daunting at first, read posts rather than contributing but soon took the plunge and have been here every since, much to the annoyance of Smoothie the Man of Law
18) No I am the shy retiring type so struggle to express myself either online or offline. Perhaps we could meet up for a coffee to discuss this more intimately.
19) My avatar is of a very well proportioned young lady with beer pumps attached to her breasts. It is not a way of me showing my love for Arsenal, it is my way of showing that tits can be useful so give Senderos a chance.
20) No
21) Most definitely
22) I prefer to be at a game than online but when not possible the forum is a great alternative
23) No
24) They compliment each other well
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WengerKnows
- Posts: 419
- Joined: Fri Jul 27, 2007 7:08 am
1. What is your online name? If it is different to your real name then why is this? What is the reason for your username?
1 . online name is WengerKnows , it is a tribute to our great manager .
2. What does it mean to you to be a football fan? I.e. buy the shirt, go to the games etc
2 . to me being a football fan means feeling great joy when my team does well and agony when they dont . Since i live overseas ( Pakistan ) it is not possible for me to attend games regularly though i have been to highbury a few times during vacations in London . Almost all of Arsenals leauge and cup games are broadcast live over here and i rarely miss any of them . I have a cupboard full of Arsenal shirts , am a red member and have lots of Arsenal related dvds and books .
3. Why did you join the forum?
3 . I love discussing anything Arsenal related and this forum in my opinion has the best community . Many active members with very different opinions and a wicked sense of humour .
4. One could argue that being a real football fan has nothing to do with the internet, you cannot support a team online, do you agree?
4 . considering you can watch everygame live on the net , get all available information on your team and banter with other fans , purchase your team shirts / gear etc the internet is certainly a powerfull tool to support your team . however none of that compares to actually watching a game at your teams stadium or even watching a game on telly with mates , alcohol and screaming your lungs out with joy when your idols score a important goal .
5. Do you think the definition of being a football fan has changed? I.e. can support a team online, do not have to go to the games to be a fan?
5 . speaking from the perpsective of a overseas fan , yes i believe you can be a fan and not attend games . The fact that the premiership / champions leauge is broadcast live all over the world has changed the defination of a fan . i travel quite a bit and i have met people from all parts of the world , many of them have never been to the uk yet we can discuss for hours on end anything Arsenal related .
6. Has technology changed the definition of being a football fan?
6. answered in 5
7. Has technology changed the way you interact with Arsenal and the relationship you have with them?
7) i suppose , now i can buy my Arsenal shirts , gear , books etc online . Also i got my Arsenal membership through the net .
8. Would you say you are less of a fan if you support Arsenal online, I.e. interact with other fans online rather than at the pub or at Emirates?
8 . i would not say i am less of a fan i.e i love the club as much as anyone else . however i would be deludeing myself if i thought being an overseas fan is the same as someone who goes regurarly to the stadium . cheering with 60,000 other fans , watching your idols in the flesh , visiting intimidating away grounds are without doubt the most intense part of being a fan . another important factor is the financial one , i estimate i spend approximately 200 pounds or so a year on average on Arsenal related stuff , a hardcore fan who is a season ticket holder and goes to away games spends thousands of pounds a year . thus he is contributing far more to the club and is rightly much more important to the club .
9. Do you go to the games and have a shirt?
9 . i have many shirts , but have only seen a few games at the stadium .
10. Would you agree that some people join the forum so they can be a fan without buying into the club this way I.e. they choose to show love of club through online fan community rather than buy shirt and tickets to the game?
10 . not really . if you are not a fan at heart why waste time on a forum dedicated to Arsenal .
11. Is the issue of consumerism in sport important to fans? E.g. ticket prices, shirt prices, travel costs to games, being a fan now can be considered to be expensive.
11 . its a dilema , as a supporter you want your team to do well and have top class players , on the other hand that costs money which results in higher ticket prices etc . i can understand the disatisfaction of many long time working class supporters who cannot afford anymore to attend games etc .
12. Do you think that if some fans find supporting a club offline is expensive that they choose to show their love for their team online as a way of saving money?
12 . i suppose many do , in life one must make compromises . as much as i love Arsenal i love my family even more and if attending ever game meant my family would suffer i would pick my family everytime .
13. Is having unofficial fan sites and online forums improving the football fan experience? I.e. it gives you an alternative outlet at which to enjoy supporting your team. If so, how?
13 . yes , i have whittled away many hours at work on this forum .
14. What is your opinion on Arsenal.com? Does it offer fans a decent online experience?
14 . i much rather check out unofficial forums , they offer a more objective view and uhmm more colourfull language .
15. Would you say because Arsenal.com has directly links to the club it is out to make money rather than provide fans with a decent online experience?
15 . its not just about money . As a football club especially one with the stellar reputation of Arsenal the club has to maintain a very proper image which results in a rather boring experience on Arsenal.com .
16. Does the website/forum offer you more in terms of a social experience? Would you say the forum provides you with an online community? If so how and why? E.g. the members made you feel welcome or design was simple and laidback making it easy to interact.
16 yes this forum has a very welcoming and open minded community .
17. When you first joined was it easy to join in the different threads and interact with other members? If so how? If not, why not?
17 yes it was very easy to interact with others .
18. Do you find it easy to express yourself online? Do you behave differently online? If so why? E.g. is it because you can have different ID?
18 . no i would not say something on the forum that i would not say in real- life .
19. Do you have an avatar or a signature? If so what is it and why do you have it? Would you say it is the equivalent to wearing a shirt in real life, it is a way of showing your love for Arsenal?
19 . my avatar is the Arsenal crest . yes i believe it is a way of displaying your allegiance , similar to wearing a shirt in real life .
20. Does this website/forum offer fans with a better source of information on Arsenal and football in general I.e. would you refer to this forum/website rather than tune into Sky Sports news? If so why if not why not?
20 . Sky Sports is not focussed on Arsenal , this site is .
21. Can fan sites such as this compete with traditional media sources like the tabloids and football programmes?
21 . the thing about us football fans is we can never have enough . i like to visit this site , as well read the tabloids and watch programmes.
22. In your opinion do you prefer interacting with your team in the traditional sense e.g. watching the games, reading the sports pages rather than logging onto the forum and interacting with other fans and the team on fan sites?
22 . nothing beats watching your team , there is no substitute for that . sites like this is what gets you through the when the gunners are not on the pitch .
23. Are their negatives of online fandom?
23 . not really as long as its in moderation i.e getting fired from your job for spending too much time on forums etc .
24. How does online gooner compare to the real life fanzine?
24 . as a forum its excellent but it cant compare to sitting with mates , drinkning beers and talking footy .
1 . online name is WengerKnows , it is a tribute to our great manager .
2. What does it mean to you to be a football fan? I.e. buy the shirt, go to the games etc
2 . to me being a football fan means feeling great joy when my team does well and agony when they dont . Since i live overseas ( Pakistan ) it is not possible for me to attend games regularly though i have been to highbury a few times during vacations in London . Almost all of Arsenals leauge and cup games are broadcast live over here and i rarely miss any of them . I have a cupboard full of Arsenal shirts , am a red member and have lots of Arsenal related dvds and books .
3. Why did you join the forum?
3 . I love discussing anything Arsenal related and this forum in my opinion has the best community . Many active members with very different opinions and a wicked sense of humour .
4. One could argue that being a real football fan has nothing to do with the internet, you cannot support a team online, do you agree?
4 . considering you can watch everygame live on the net , get all available information on your team and banter with other fans , purchase your team shirts / gear etc the internet is certainly a powerfull tool to support your team . however none of that compares to actually watching a game at your teams stadium or even watching a game on telly with mates , alcohol and screaming your lungs out with joy when your idols score a important goal .
5. Do you think the definition of being a football fan has changed? I.e. can support a team online, do not have to go to the games to be a fan?
5 . speaking from the perpsective of a overseas fan , yes i believe you can be a fan and not attend games . The fact that the premiership / champions leauge is broadcast live all over the world has changed the defination of a fan . i travel quite a bit and i have met people from all parts of the world , many of them have never been to the uk yet we can discuss for hours on end anything Arsenal related .
6. Has technology changed the definition of being a football fan?
6. answered in 5
7. Has technology changed the way you interact with Arsenal and the relationship you have with them?
7) i suppose , now i can buy my Arsenal shirts , gear , books etc online . Also i got my Arsenal membership through the net .
8. Would you say you are less of a fan if you support Arsenal online, I.e. interact with other fans online rather than at the pub or at Emirates?
8 . i would not say i am less of a fan i.e i love the club as much as anyone else . however i would be deludeing myself if i thought being an overseas fan is the same as someone who goes regurarly to the stadium . cheering with 60,000 other fans , watching your idols in the flesh , visiting intimidating away grounds are without doubt the most intense part of being a fan . another important factor is the financial one , i estimate i spend approximately 200 pounds or so a year on average on Arsenal related stuff , a hardcore fan who is a season ticket holder and goes to away games spends thousands of pounds a year . thus he is contributing far more to the club and is rightly much more important to the club .
9. Do you go to the games and have a shirt?
9 . i have many shirts , but have only seen a few games at the stadium .
10. Would you agree that some people join the forum so they can be a fan without buying into the club this way I.e. they choose to show love of club through online fan community rather than buy shirt and tickets to the game?
10 . not really . if you are not a fan at heart why waste time on a forum dedicated to Arsenal .
11. Is the issue of consumerism in sport important to fans? E.g. ticket prices, shirt prices, travel costs to games, being a fan now can be considered to be expensive.
11 . its a dilema , as a supporter you want your team to do well and have top class players , on the other hand that costs money which results in higher ticket prices etc . i can understand the disatisfaction of many long time working class supporters who cannot afford anymore to attend games etc .
12. Do you think that if some fans find supporting a club offline is expensive that they choose to show their love for their team online as a way of saving money?
12 . i suppose many do , in life one must make compromises . as much as i love Arsenal i love my family even more and if attending ever game meant my family would suffer i would pick my family everytime .
13. Is having unofficial fan sites and online forums improving the football fan experience? I.e. it gives you an alternative outlet at which to enjoy supporting your team. If so, how?
13 . yes , i have whittled away many hours at work on this forum .
14. What is your opinion on Arsenal.com? Does it offer fans a decent online experience?
14 . i much rather check out unofficial forums , they offer a more objective view and uhmm more colourfull language .
15. Would you say because Arsenal.com has directly links to the club it is out to make money rather than provide fans with a decent online experience?
15 . its not just about money . As a football club especially one with the stellar reputation of Arsenal the club has to maintain a very proper image which results in a rather boring experience on Arsenal.com .
16. Does the website/forum offer you more in terms of a social experience? Would you say the forum provides you with an online community? If so how and why? E.g. the members made you feel welcome or design was simple and laidback making it easy to interact.
16 yes this forum has a very welcoming and open minded community .
17. When you first joined was it easy to join in the different threads and interact with other members? If so how? If not, why not?
17 yes it was very easy to interact with others .
18. Do you find it easy to express yourself online? Do you behave differently online? If so why? E.g. is it because you can have different ID?
18 . no i would not say something on the forum that i would not say in real- life .
19. Do you have an avatar or a signature? If so what is it and why do you have it? Would you say it is the equivalent to wearing a shirt in real life, it is a way of showing your love for Arsenal?
19 . my avatar is the Arsenal crest . yes i believe it is a way of displaying your allegiance , similar to wearing a shirt in real life .
20. Does this website/forum offer fans with a better source of information on Arsenal and football in general I.e. would you refer to this forum/website rather than tune into Sky Sports news? If so why if not why not?
20 . Sky Sports is not focussed on Arsenal , this site is .
21. Can fan sites such as this compete with traditional media sources like the tabloids and football programmes?
21 . the thing about us football fans is we can never have enough . i like to visit this site , as well read the tabloids and watch programmes.
22. In your opinion do you prefer interacting with your team in the traditional sense e.g. watching the games, reading the sports pages rather than logging onto the forum and interacting with other fans and the team on fan sites?
22 . nothing beats watching your team , there is no substitute for that . sites like this is what gets you through the when the gunners are not on the pitch .
23. Are their negatives of online fandom?
23 . not really as long as its in moderation i.e getting fired from your job for spending too much time on forums etc .
24. How does online gooner compare to the real life fanzine?
24 . as a forum its excellent but it cant compare to sitting with mates , drinkning beers and talking footy .
1. What is your online name? If it is different to your real name then why is this? What is the reason for your username?
Goonanana - Checked birth certificate and yes its different probably more a conformity thing and fi you get into an argument with a spud thug you won't get a brick through your window, can't remember how or why chose but copying the style of ulrikakaka off shooting stars
2. What does it mean to you to be a football fan? I.e. buy the shirt, go to the games etc
Means plenty, mainly a sense of belonging and comaradery, gives me something to look forward to at the weekend other than a lie in, great excuse for nights out during the week, something to talk to your mates about, I see it as the equivalent to a soap, except its real!
3. Why did you join the forum?
Because I love getting my point across, sharing ideas, listening to new ones, venting anger and sharing joy
4. One could argue that being a real football fan has nothing to do with the internet, you cannot support a team online, do you agree?
Definately not, especially for our friends overseas or those who can't get to the games i.e. online streaming, its also a fantastic forum for sharing ideas with new people and meeting new fans, where else could I go to share my idea instantly if a fantastic new signing or formation popped into my head at 11am on a thursday morning!?
5. Do you think the definition of being a football fan has changed? I.e. can support a team online, do not have to go to the games to be a fan?
You can certainly be a fan without going to the games, you must in my view take an actiev interest though which doesnt include watching the odd games, or wearing your shirt with pride only after success
6. Has technology changed the definition of being a football fan?
No, as in point 5 if you care about the team and follow it with passion yout a fan, whether you did this by peering through the gates on the odd saturday at highbury when you couldnt buy a ticket or listening on the radio
7. Has technology changed the way you interact with Arsenal and the relationship you have with them?
Yes very much, it means I can watch Saturday 3pm games when I can't get a ticket!
8. Would you say you are less of a fan if you support Arsenal online, I.e. interact with other fans online rather than at the pub or at Emirates?
Tough. I suppose you can't claim to be as dedicated a fan if its within your means to show your support so the team can see and hear it
9. Do you go to the games and have a shirt?
When I acn get a ticket and afford it. I get the shirt every year to helps the clubs coffers!
10. Would you agree that some people join the forum so they can be a fan without buying into the club this way I.e. they choose to show love of club through online fan community rather than buy shirt and tickets to the game?
Like I said some people, especially of overseas simply can't get to the games, I don;t think using a forum replaces buying a shitr because if its a gooner forum your not showing your pride to the world and accepting and stick you might get
11. Is the issue of consumerism in sport important to fans? E.g. ticket prices, shirt prices, travel costs to games, being a fan now can be considered to be expensive.
It is becoming so now, at £60 a ticket plus train costs, a trip for two is over £150! doing that 2-3 times a month on top of your mortgage is hard to justify!
12. Do you think that if some fans find supporting a club offline is expensive that they choose to show their love for their team online as a way of saving money?
No, I think they appreciate the opportunity to be able to do that but don't set out thinking its a good alternative
13. Is having unofficial fan sites and online forums improving the football fan experience? I.e. it gives you an alternative outlet at which to enjoy supporting your team. If so, how?
Yes, it gives you a nice inside scoop into the club, including injury updates and interviews which help you to get to know the players
14. What is your opinion on Arsenal.com? Does it offer fans a decent online experience?
Some parts are good but I really think it should be more bias, its not a neutral thing like the BBC!
15. Would you say because Arsenal.com has directly links to the club it is out to make money rather than provide fans with a decent online experience?
Being the cynic that I am, yes.
16. Does the website/forum offer you more in terms of a social experience? Would you say the forum provides you with an online community? If so how and why? E.g. the members made you feel welcome or design was simple and laidback making it easy to interact.
Yes, especially if you are a regular reader and opster you get to know people, also if for example I could only get one ticket for a game I'd feel comfortable at least having a ten min chat with guys I recognise from here in the rocket or elsewhere
17. When you first joined was it easy to join in the different threads and interact with other members? If so how? If not, why not?
I felt it was, over a year ago now mind, every welcome thread I read has great support
18. Do you find it easy to express yourself online? Do you behave differently online? If so why? E.g. is it because you can have different ID?
I'm quite a confident person anyway so I find it fnie putting my point across either online or in person, I suppose the benefit of it being online is that no one can interrupt you mid flow so you can get the whole point over by building up to it if neccessary
19. Do you have an avatar or a signature? If so what is it and why do you have it? Would you say it is the equivalent to wearing a shirt in real life, it is a way of showing your love for Arsenal?
I have an Arsenal badge as an avatar on MSN messenger for exactly that reason, reminding everyone i am a fan, my gooner avatar on here doesnt have the same purpose as i think people have gathered i'm a gooner!
20. Does this website/forum offer fans with a better source of information on Arsenal and football in general I.e. would you refer to this forum/website rather than tune into Sky Sports news? If so why if not why not?
Well Arsenal is unique, its all rubbish until it actually happens! I still enjoy readnig rumours wherever they are from though - yes i'm sad
21. Can fan sites such as this compete with traditional media sources like the tabloids and football programmes?
I'd say yes with programmes, I can read Wengers interviews pre game and see team news, also other articles so not much point spending money on programme when ticket was so much, and I always check online news sights rather than buying newspapers so yes
22. In your opinion do you prefer interacting with your team in the traditional sense e.g. watching the games, reading the sports pages rather than logging onto the forum and interacting with other fans and the team on fan sites?
Definately being at the game, that'll never ever change
23. Are their negatives of online fandom?
Your usually sat on your own at the end of the day
24. How does online gooner compare to the real life fanzine?
As with programmes I think its possible it will be replaced, its nice to pay for the real one though to give something back and support the media thats not owned by the big boys
Goonanana - Checked birth certificate and yes its different probably more a conformity thing and fi you get into an argument with a spud thug you won't get a brick through your window, can't remember how or why chose but copying the style of ulrikakaka off shooting stars
2. What does it mean to you to be a football fan? I.e. buy the shirt, go to the games etc
Means plenty, mainly a sense of belonging and comaradery, gives me something to look forward to at the weekend other than a lie in, great excuse for nights out during the week, something to talk to your mates about, I see it as the equivalent to a soap, except its real!
3. Why did you join the forum?
Because I love getting my point across, sharing ideas, listening to new ones, venting anger and sharing joy
4. One could argue that being a real football fan has nothing to do with the internet, you cannot support a team online, do you agree?
Definately not, especially for our friends overseas or those who can't get to the games i.e. online streaming, its also a fantastic forum for sharing ideas with new people and meeting new fans, where else could I go to share my idea instantly if a fantastic new signing or formation popped into my head at 11am on a thursday morning!?
5. Do you think the definition of being a football fan has changed? I.e. can support a team online, do not have to go to the games to be a fan?
You can certainly be a fan without going to the games, you must in my view take an actiev interest though which doesnt include watching the odd games, or wearing your shirt with pride only after success
6. Has technology changed the definition of being a football fan?
No, as in point 5 if you care about the team and follow it with passion yout a fan, whether you did this by peering through the gates on the odd saturday at highbury when you couldnt buy a ticket or listening on the radio
7. Has technology changed the way you interact with Arsenal and the relationship you have with them?
Yes very much, it means I can watch Saturday 3pm games when I can't get a ticket!
8. Would you say you are less of a fan if you support Arsenal online, I.e. interact with other fans online rather than at the pub or at Emirates?
Tough. I suppose you can't claim to be as dedicated a fan if its within your means to show your support so the team can see and hear it
9. Do you go to the games and have a shirt?
When I acn get a ticket and afford it. I get the shirt every year to helps the clubs coffers!
10. Would you agree that some people join the forum so they can be a fan without buying into the club this way I.e. they choose to show love of club through online fan community rather than buy shirt and tickets to the game?
Like I said some people, especially of overseas simply can't get to the games, I don;t think using a forum replaces buying a shitr because if its a gooner forum your not showing your pride to the world and accepting and stick you might get
11. Is the issue of consumerism in sport important to fans? E.g. ticket prices, shirt prices, travel costs to games, being a fan now can be considered to be expensive.
It is becoming so now, at £60 a ticket plus train costs, a trip for two is over £150! doing that 2-3 times a month on top of your mortgage is hard to justify!
12. Do you think that if some fans find supporting a club offline is expensive that they choose to show their love for their team online as a way of saving money?
No, I think they appreciate the opportunity to be able to do that but don't set out thinking its a good alternative
13. Is having unofficial fan sites and online forums improving the football fan experience? I.e. it gives you an alternative outlet at which to enjoy supporting your team. If so, how?
Yes, it gives you a nice inside scoop into the club, including injury updates and interviews which help you to get to know the players
14. What is your opinion on Arsenal.com? Does it offer fans a decent online experience?
Some parts are good but I really think it should be more bias, its not a neutral thing like the BBC!
15. Would you say because Arsenal.com has directly links to the club it is out to make money rather than provide fans with a decent online experience?
Being the cynic that I am, yes.
16. Does the website/forum offer you more in terms of a social experience? Would you say the forum provides you with an online community? If so how and why? E.g. the members made you feel welcome or design was simple and laidback making it easy to interact.
Yes, especially if you are a regular reader and opster you get to know people, also if for example I could only get one ticket for a game I'd feel comfortable at least having a ten min chat with guys I recognise from here in the rocket or elsewhere
17. When you first joined was it easy to join in the different threads and interact with other members? If so how? If not, why not?
I felt it was, over a year ago now mind, every welcome thread I read has great support
18. Do you find it easy to express yourself online? Do you behave differently online? If so why? E.g. is it because you can have different ID?
I'm quite a confident person anyway so I find it fnie putting my point across either online or in person, I suppose the benefit of it being online is that no one can interrupt you mid flow so you can get the whole point over by building up to it if neccessary
19. Do you have an avatar or a signature? If so what is it and why do you have it? Would you say it is the equivalent to wearing a shirt in real life, it is a way of showing your love for Arsenal?
I have an Arsenal badge as an avatar on MSN messenger for exactly that reason, reminding everyone i am a fan, my gooner avatar on here doesnt have the same purpose as i think people have gathered i'm a gooner!
20. Does this website/forum offer fans with a better source of information on Arsenal and football in general I.e. would you refer to this forum/website rather than tune into Sky Sports news? If so why if not why not?
Well Arsenal is unique, its all rubbish until it actually happens! I still enjoy readnig rumours wherever they are from though - yes i'm sad
21. Can fan sites such as this compete with traditional media sources like the tabloids and football programmes?
I'd say yes with programmes, I can read Wengers interviews pre game and see team news, also other articles so not much point spending money on programme when ticket was so much, and I always check online news sights rather than buying newspapers so yes
22. In your opinion do you prefer interacting with your team in the traditional sense e.g. watching the games, reading the sports pages rather than logging onto the forum and interacting with other fans and the team on fan sites?
Definately being at the game, that'll never ever change
23. Are their negatives of online fandom?
Your usually sat on your own at the end of the day
24. How does online gooner compare to the real life fanzine?
As with programmes I think its possible it will be replaced, its nice to pay for the real one though to give something back and support the media thats not owned by the big boys
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I Hate Hleb
- Posts: 18632
- Joined: Wed May 16, 2007 3:36 pm
- Location: London
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the_gooner89
- Posts: 643
- Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2007 1:46 pm
- Location: Peterborogh
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southampton gooner
- Posts: 540
- Joined: Fri Nov 02, 2007 3:11 pm
- Location: Southampton
- Contact:
1. What is your online name? If it is different to your real name then why is this? What is the reason for your username? Southampton Gooner, cos I’m a Gooner who lives in Southampton.
2. What does it mean to you to be a football fan? I.e. buy the shirt, go to the games etc I think it’s the sense of belonging I view gooners as part of my family I may not like all my family but we all want the same thing. And that moment you get when you see our team score a goal away at Man U or Spurs is just so good everything else in the world is forgotten you just screem and shout with enjoyment.
3. Why did you join the forum?
Wrote a letter to go in forum went on web site and found myself posting it on forum.
4. One could argue that being a real football fan has nothing to do with the internet, you cannot support a team online, do you agree?
Yes. But not all people can go to games location, money etc stop people so do what you can
5. Do you think the definition of being a football fan has changed? I.e. can support a team online, do not have to go to the games to be a fan?I think there is a difference between a fan and a supporter, a fan can be online or watching TV a supporter goes to the games.
6. Has technology changed the definition of being a football fan? No
7. Has technology changed the way you interact with Arsenal and the relationship you have with them?
Communication with the club has changed lots. I can now buy tickets online and read information 24Hrs a day.
8. Would you say you are less of a fan if you support Arsenal online, I.e. interact with other fans online rather than at the pub or at Emirates?
As I said I think there is a difference between a fan and a supporter.
9. Do you go to the games and have a shirt?
Yes to both
10. Would you agree that some people join the forum so they can be a fan without buying into the club this way I.e. they choose to show love of club through online fan community rather than buy shirt and tickets to the game? Some people may have only a passing interest in the club and like the chat online so use the forum. I don’t think you can love the club if you have never bought a shirt or been to a game.
11. Is the issue of consumerism in sport important to fans? E.g. ticket prices, shirt prices, travel costs to games, being a fan now can be considered to be expensive.
Of course ticket prices and shirt prices are important to most fans.
12. Do you think that if some fans find supporting a club offline is expensive that they choose to show their love for their team online as a way of saving money? Online chat or web use will never replace going to a game.. ever
13. Is having unofficial fan sites and online forums improving the football fan experience? I.e. it gives you an alternative outlet at which to enjoy supporting your team. If so, how?
Yes you can make friends online and then meet them at games, you can sort out tickets online and share information about club etc.
14. What is your opinion on Arsenal.com? Does it offer fans a decent online experience? Arsenal.com is fine, it has faults but it does what it should.
15. Would you say because Arsenal.com has directly links to the club it is out to make money rather than provide fans with a decent online experience?
A lot of space at arsenal.com is used trying to make you spend money store, mobile services, auctions, betting sites etc but it does provide fans with a decent online experience
16. Does the website/forum offer you more in terms of a social experience? Would you say the forum provides you with an online community? If so how and why? E.g. the members made you feel welcome or design was simple and laidback making it easy to interact.
Online community it is, it is easy to use and laidback
17. When you first joined was it easy to join in the different threads and interact with other members? If so how? If not, why not?
Very easy to join in just write what you think and post it.
18. Do you find it easy to express yourself online? Do you behave differently online? If so why? E.g. is it because you can have different ID? I behave differently because my spelling is crap so I don’t always use the words I want to use.
19. Do you have an avatar or a signature? If so what is it and why do you have it? Would you say it is the equivalent to wearing a shirt in real life, it is a way of showing your love for Arsenal? Yes but I don’t think it helps show your love for the team, it may show what kind of sense of humor you have.
20. Does this website/forum offer fans with a better source of information on Arsenal and football in general I.e. would you refer to this forum/website rather than tune into Sky Sports news? If so why if not why not?
I use sky sports news a lot because you will get a lot of news first there. Arsenal wont show it until deal is done.
21. Can fan sites such as this compete with traditional media sources like the tabloids and football programmes? No
22. In your opinion do you prefer interacting with your team in the traditional sense e.g. watching the games, reading the sports pages rather than logging onto the forum and interacting with other fans and the team on fan sites? Going to the game is number 1, 2 and 3 everything else comes way behind
23. Are their negatives of online fandom? Only some peoples opinions can wind you up. But everyone is entitled to there view.
24. How does online gooner compare to the real life fanzine?I cant read the online version while sat on the loo.
2. What does it mean to you to be a football fan? I.e. buy the shirt, go to the games etc I think it’s the sense of belonging I view gooners as part of my family I may not like all my family but we all want the same thing. And that moment you get when you see our team score a goal away at Man U or Spurs is just so good everything else in the world is forgotten you just screem and shout with enjoyment.
3. Why did you join the forum?
Wrote a letter to go in forum went on web site and found myself posting it on forum.
4. One could argue that being a real football fan has nothing to do with the internet, you cannot support a team online, do you agree?
Yes. But not all people can go to games location, money etc stop people so do what you can
5. Do you think the definition of being a football fan has changed? I.e. can support a team online, do not have to go to the games to be a fan?I think there is a difference between a fan and a supporter, a fan can be online or watching TV a supporter goes to the games.
6. Has technology changed the definition of being a football fan? No
7. Has technology changed the way you interact with Arsenal and the relationship you have with them?
Communication with the club has changed lots. I can now buy tickets online and read information 24Hrs a day.
8. Would you say you are less of a fan if you support Arsenal online, I.e. interact with other fans online rather than at the pub or at Emirates?
As I said I think there is a difference between a fan and a supporter.
9. Do you go to the games and have a shirt?
Yes to both
10. Would you agree that some people join the forum so they can be a fan without buying into the club this way I.e. they choose to show love of club through online fan community rather than buy shirt and tickets to the game? Some people may have only a passing interest in the club and like the chat online so use the forum. I don’t think you can love the club if you have never bought a shirt or been to a game.
11. Is the issue of consumerism in sport important to fans? E.g. ticket prices, shirt prices, travel costs to games, being a fan now can be considered to be expensive.
Of course ticket prices and shirt prices are important to most fans.
12. Do you think that if some fans find supporting a club offline is expensive that they choose to show their love for their team online as a way of saving money? Online chat or web use will never replace going to a game.. ever
13. Is having unofficial fan sites and online forums improving the football fan experience? I.e. it gives you an alternative outlet at which to enjoy supporting your team. If so, how?
Yes you can make friends online and then meet them at games, you can sort out tickets online and share information about club etc.
14. What is your opinion on Arsenal.com? Does it offer fans a decent online experience? Arsenal.com is fine, it has faults but it does what it should.
15. Would you say because Arsenal.com has directly links to the club it is out to make money rather than provide fans with a decent online experience?
A lot of space at arsenal.com is used trying to make you spend money store, mobile services, auctions, betting sites etc but it does provide fans with a decent online experience
16. Does the website/forum offer you more in terms of a social experience? Would you say the forum provides you with an online community? If so how and why? E.g. the members made you feel welcome or design was simple and laidback making it easy to interact.
Online community it is, it is easy to use and laidback
17. When you first joined was it easy to join in the different threads and interact with other members? If so how? If not, why not?
Very easy to join in just write what you think and post it.
18. Do you find it easy to express yourself online? Do you behave differently online? If so why? E.g. is it because you can have different ID? I behave differently because my spelling is crap so I don’t always use the words I want to use.
19. Do you have an avatar or a signature? If so what is it and why do you have it? Would you say it is the equivalent to wearing a shirt in real life, it is a way of showing your love for Arsenal? Yes but I don’t think it helps show your love for the team, it may show what kind of sense of humor you have.
20. Does this website/forum offer fans with a better source of information on Arsenal and football in general I.e. would you refer to this forum/website rather than tune into Sky Sports news? If so why if not why not?
I use sky sports news a lot because you will get a lot of news first there. Arsenal wont show it until deal is done.
21. Can fan sites such as this compete with traditional media sources like the tabloids and football programmes? No
22. In your opinion do you prefer interacting with your team in the traditional sense e.g. watching the games, reading the sports pages rather than logging onto the forum and interacting with other fans and the team on fan sites? Going to the game is number 1, 2 and 3 everything else comes way behind
23. Are their negatives of online fandom? Only some peoples opinions can wind you up. But everyone is entitled to there view.
24. How does online gooner compare to the real life fanzine?I cant read the online version while sat on the loo.
