pjennings
Well-Known Member
First of all I will say I generally love listening to the Ramble. However, I do have a few of observations about active support raised because of the WSW TIFO.
As way of background I originally started in the Bay during the CWC playoffs and a bit in the early seasons and then moved from there to the prawn sandwich area. I'm not going to tell people what they should do in the Bay because I'm not there - I'll just make a few observations.
1) I don't believe there are 'more important' members or fans. The NT in Melbourne and the RBB at WSW seem to think it is all about them. It's not - it's all about the football. While visually the RBB is impressive I find them quite boring, repetitive and for want of a better word orchestrated. From days of watching Apia and Northern Spirit in the NSL and the beginning of the Mariners I find the best 'active support' is that which is proactive and reactive to the game. If the team flagging it's time to step it up. If something happens on the field - respond with a relevant chant. The RBB do not do this - they just focus on themselves. I seem to remember there was to be a minutes silence before our Champioship win (my memory could be wrong). My memory tells me it was almost over before the RBB noticed. This just reflects their attitude of 'it's all about me'.
As an aside I do think that the Ramble is rather condescending towards non-active support.
2) I didn't laugh at the WSW TIFO nor did it offend me. I didn't laugh at it because the humour is dated. It didn't offend me because I ignored it because it was boring - but I can definitely see how it could offend some. The fact that the RBB cannot see this again reflects their 'it's all about me'. attitude. It is interesting that they have a splinter group that dresses all in black. TBH I would not be surprised to see a section of the RBB boycott the HAL similar to the NT.
3) As an OSC member I like the idea of some money going towards TIFO's.
4) I don't like the band as a stand-alone entity. They should be either part of or working closely with the yellow army. It is hard enough to hear the yellow army in the stands (though apparently quite audible at Point Frederick - another good reason for a roof) without them having to battle against rather than with the band.
As way of background I originally started in the Bay during the CWC playoffs and a bit in the early seasons and then moved from there to the prawn sandwich area. I'm not going to tell people what they should do in the Bay because I'm not there - I'll just make a few observations.
1) I don't believe there are 'more important' members or fans. The NT in Melbourne and the RBB at WSW seem to think it is all about them. It's not - it's all about the football. While visually the RBB is impressive I find them quite boring, repetitive and for want of a better word orchestrated. From days of watching Apia and Northern Spirit in the NSL and the beginning of the Mariners I find the best 'active support' is that which is proactive and reactive to the game. If the team flagging it's time to step it up. If something happens on the field - respond with a relevant chant. The RBB do not do this - they just focus on themselves. I seem to remember there was to be a minutes silence before our Champioship win (my memory could be wrong). My memory tells me it was almost over before the RBB noticed. This just reflects their attitude of 'it's all about me'.
As an aside I do think that the Ramble is rather condescending towards non-active support.
2) I didn't laugh at the WSW TIFO nor did it offend me. I didn't laugh at it because the humour is dated. It didn't offend me because I ignored it because it was boring - but I can definitely see how it could offend some. The fact that the RBB cannot see this again reflects their 'it's all about me'. attitude. It is interesting that they have a splinter group that dresses all in black. TBH I would not be surprised to see a section of the RBB boycott the HAL similar to the NT.
3) As an OSC member I like the idea of some money going towards TIFO's.
4) I don't like the band as a stand-alone entity. They should be either part of or working closely with the yellow army. It is hard enough to hear the yellow army in the stands (though apparently quite audible at Point Frederick - another good reason for a roof) without them having to battle against rather than with the band.
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