Check out “Dumbleavy” the fire Mike Dunleavy song!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipZEZcPNKdY

Don’t misunderstand my comments, I have some good freinds from NZ and from all accounts it’s a beautiful place.

I live in New Zealand, and alas, we only get two televised NBA games per week. Yes, it’s like the Dark Ages here. We would never get a Clippers game televised. Be patient – I’m going somewhere with this. I was planning to go live somewhere in the United States so I could frequent NBA games, and make my soon to be released basketball blog more relevant. The original idea was a tour of sorts to take in as many teams as possible. After reading Bill Simmons’ article “The Dumbleavy Era”, I was astounded to the point of changing said original idea. Now, I want to relocate to Los Angeles, and see Clipper game after Clipper game. I support the Suns, my favourite player is LeBron, but all I want is to see the Clippers now.

I guess my point is that I am enticed by dysfunction and ineptitude, and I would pay whatever the Clippers asked for a season ticket. I must see them in person, I simply must. However, I understand that seasoned Clipper fans may have had enough punishment, and feel negotiating is warranted. However, if there are more like me who want “in”, then they may not be as malleable in terms of negotiation. Blame Simmons.

PS: And before someone points out that Phoenix are perhaps equally as dysfunctional, trust me, I know, and that reality is far, far too painful for me to see them at home. I would only cause an international incident by starting a fistfight with Steve Kerr.

Anyhow, after I get the package next week he’s supposed to follow up, but from the initial conversation there aren’t going to be any special deals offered (at least in my case – I wouldn’t expect anything else).

Don’t be in denial; poor performance on the court and a very poor economy will affect attendance. It doesn’t take a genius to figure that out. And yeah, the Inside Sales force and STH reps do care about retaining you because they’re under pressure from their supervisors to retain the base after losing 40% last year. Try not renewing and see how many calls and perks they offer you as the new season get closer. We got moved down to essentially floor seats and given free parking passes all season.

Are you even a STH?

Do you look around when you go to a game? Most of the folks there always seem to be there on the special deal of the night. Attendance is barely off from last season. Its certainly off less than the cost of a new coach and a new GM.

Look at the incentives they are offering to renew. Do they indicate to you that they REALLY care about you?

We are all so self-important around here, aren’t we?

Also, DTS has NEVER paid retail for ANYTHING, so STHs, keep negotiating down, and then negotiate some more… to the breaking point. That’s simply what he would do if he were buying something from you.

DTS will never make any moves until he starts losing money on the team, so do whatever you can to hit him in the wallet.

I’ve been of the fan of the Clippers since the Danny Manning-Benoit Benjamin-Ken Norman years (dammit that was 20 years ago!), was a STH for 4 of those years, and I can’t (won’t) go through another year of heartache like this one has been.

But what (if anything) will change? (see my post below) I think I will miss Ralph and Mike the most of all.