Should we start our own Supporters Group to Replace STAR???

[Wimb]

Floyd and TSW have summed up in short exactly what the problem is with this and while I agree with some of what Hoop's said I really can't see how STAR is so broken that it needs another group set up.

There's only so much that any supporters group can do to make a difference and I'm happy with this Supporters Trust who have generally represented the fanbase well over the years, at least to an extent that we could reasonably expect any supporters group to do so.

STAR will hopefully have learnt that their communications and PR might need a bit of an overhaul but beyond that I think they've done a good job for the general fanbase and as an open and elected body there are chances for a group who wants change to go in and make a difference if they do have a mandate to do so.

[floyd__streete]

All fart and no poo so far.

Agreed. Tbh, half our fanbase can barely bring themselves to stand up and clap when we score a goal so forgive me if I am cynical about the prospects of setting up a good, campaigning fans group at Reading.

[RoyalBlue]

STAR will hopefully have learnt that their communications and PR might need a bit of an overhaul .

If so, I hope they don't intend to take guidance from their close friends at RFC!

[Royal Lady]

Ah well, I just started up a group on FB to gauge opinion amongst my RFC supporting FB friends to see if an alternative group would be a goer. At least I did something - even if it doesn't ever take off!

[TFF]

Ah well, I just started up a group on FB to gauge opinion amongst my RFC supporting FB friends to see if an alternative group would be a goer. At least I did something - even if it doesn't ever take off!

linky?

[Royal Lady]

I made it a closed group.

"Alternative Supporters Group for Reading FC" - I'll make it open - but not sure what you're hoping to find!

[TFF]

I'll make it open - but not sure what you're hoping to find!

pictures of Muddyfers in her bikini

[floyd__streete]

I made it a closed group.

"Alternative Supporters Group for Reading FC" - I'll make it open - but not sure what you're hoping to find!

You made a closed group to guage opinion as to whether a RFC fans organisation should be more open?

[Royal Lady]

It's not her profile pic gr8 m8!

[Reading4eva]

StarLiason is online... lets hope she will bring some light on our conversations here, and what they can do to fulfill our concerns

[Pepe the Horseman]

I made it a closed group.

"Alternative Supporters Group for Reading FC" - I'll make it open - but not sure what you're hoping to find!

ASGR ain't really as catchy as STAR.

[Reading4eva]

What about ROAR?

[HoneyRoastHoax]

What about ROAR?

Ask what your source thinks first

[glenroyal]

The key words in STAR are Support and Trust.

It's not about "militant grievances". If we had a permanent arrangement for fans grievances "vs" the club it would seem a very unhealthy situation. Individual campaigns on specific issues, sure, but hardly the point of a long-term supporters club.

As for STAR not doing what fans want - that's about volunteers getting involved and doing stuff to help, other than wingeing or splintering.

As for the forum "scandal" - a storm of miscommunication in a teacup.
It was always mad to see it as actually "behind closed doors".

[Platypuss]

For all those advocating change because they feel STAR isn't militant enough sometimes, it's perhaps worth bearing in mind that this is RFC we're talking about. Under Mr Mad's tenure have they ever given the impression that they give much of a stuff about what the "ordinary fan" thinks? This is the plc that gave us "For every yob we get rid of, we gain a family of four".

STAR obviously took the approach that you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, and as a result have taken a hit in the credibility stakes with the rank and file. However I'm not convinced there's any viable alternative tbh.

It's pleasing to see some sensible frank and open discussions now starting to break out - if something useful comes out of this, it will have been worth it.

[Geekins]

What about ROAR?

What is it good for, absolutely nothing, sing it again.

[melonhead]

All fart and no poo so far.

Agreed. Tbh, half our fanbase can barely bring themselves to stand up and clap when we score a goal so forgive me if I am cynical about the prospects of setting up a good, campaigning fans group at Reading.

^^ this

[blindedbythelights]

looking forward to this group taking shape so you too can be trolled into oblivion

[STAR Liaison]

For all those advocating change because they feel STAR isn't militant enough sometimes, it's perhaps worth bearing in mind that this is RFC we're talking about. Under Mr Mad's tenure have they ever given the impression that they give much of a stuff about what the "ordinary fan" thinks? This is the plc that gave us "For every yob we get rid of, we gain a family of four".

STAR obviously took the approach that you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, and as a result have taken a hit in the credibility stakes with the rank and file. However I'm not convinced there's any viable alternative tbh.

It's pleasing to see some sensible frank and open discussions now starting to break out - if something useful comes out of this, it will have been worth it.

I would endorse all that, and I personally welcome a discussion on what else could be done.

I would also welcome the chance to let you know exactly what and what is not practical from my experience so far. For instance, the shirt and hoops; every year before the design is decided we stress the need for hoops, but we are not allowed to actually be involved in the decision, so what else would you suggest to get the decision for hoops. Last time they did actually tell us that they get more complaints about not reading the number against hoops than complaints about not having hoops; and giving them the results of our survey helped but it we need the ammunition.

[The Rouge]

Out of interest, what were the results of your survey re: hoops?

It is for the club to realise that using complaints statistics is not an adequate way of understanding fan opinion.

PS - At the risk of going all Snowball, Research is my area of work..