Here's what I mean when I write that the NHL has lost complete control of the message about the game. Here's a short that's running on Current TV, the network founded by Al Gore that's driven by user-generated content, bashing the league for its microscopic television ratings:
When you think about it, these guys have some nerve, don't they? While Versus might not be in a lot of homes, it isn't like Current TV has the greatest distribution either. But what really irks me is that this segment is co-sponsored by Google. Which leads me to ask, if Current TV is so concerned about the Internet, why not focus on the reams of user-generated content created by hockey fans around the world?
Wouldn't that have made a more interesting story? You know, despite the fact that the NHL has suffered through historic low television ratings, there are plenty of indications that hockey is alive and well on the Web -- especially outside that video that they end the piece with that we've all seen a million times already.
Why not feature user-generated content like this:
I guess if it doesn't happen on Current TV it doesn't happen.
As far as I'm concerned, all this piece proves is that the folks at Current TV are as lazy as their counterparts in the MSM when it comes to constructing a storyline about the league.
I knew it — the Web-only, non-MSM folks have become the elitists!
Holy Hell, what was up with that host’s face?! It’s like his lips and teeth are bigger than the width of his face as a whole! That’s just the epitome of a staggeringly massive, shit-eating grin right there.