MBB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[HOPEful]

Albion is not streaming the game from Kresge tonight for free.

Wow. They used to stream but it appears on both the MIAA and Albion websites that they dropped it this season. I'm not at all learned in this area... so how much does it cost a school to operate and stream a lone camera from the top of the bleachers? For example, Adrian's feed is terrible, but at least I can watch without having to spend 5 hours in the car heading to and from Adrian.

[Gregory Sager]

Albion streamed video for the Brits' game against North Park a few weeks ago sans broadcaster(s), which is the main reason why I made the trip with the Vikings to Kresge to call the game via NPU's online audio feed. AFAIK, that video stream was free -- because I certainly would've heard about it from North Park fans if it hadn't been free.

[realist]

Albion is not streaming the game from Kresge tonight for free.

Wow. They used to stream but it appears on both the MIAA and Albion websites that they dropped it this season. I'm not at all learned in this area... so how much does it cost a school to operate and stream a lone camera from the top of the bleachers? For example, Adrian's feed is terrible, but at least I can watch without having to spend 5 hours in the car heading to and from Adrian.

Just checked the MIAA site, and it shows LS for the men's Hope/Albion game.

[HOPEful]

Albion streamed video for the Brits' game against North Park a few weeks ago sans broadcaster(s), which is the main reason why I made the trip with the Vikings to Kresge to call the game via NPU's online audio feed. AFAIK, that video stream was free -- because I certainly would've heard about it from North Park fans if it hadn't been free.

This is exactly what I remember. The only noises being the squeaking of sneakers, muffled voices of players, referees whistles, horn, and the occasional chants from the under-dressed (overalls with no shirt), portly "gentlemen" seated under the basket.

[sac]

Albion still had a few students around when North Park played there, they aren't due back until something like the 19th or later.  Its possible they find someone to run the camera back and forth and they stream tonight, just hit one of their other video links and it should pop up if its available.  I just wouldn't count on it.

[realist]

From my experience, the number of teams charging for streaming is down and continues to go down. That doesn't mean some schools, like Mount, wont change course and start charging... the tendencies and pattern are just going in the opposite direction. Again, Mount didn't want to do it... but those responsible for streaming felt they had no choice and having talked to them about it, I understand their predicament.

The other thing that is interesting is the new options out there for schools through companies to try and get some kind of money back for the investment. There are schools who have put in 5-6 figures worth of money into these efforts and when done right that is NOT a one-time thing. The good schools have yearly budgets and plans to keep their streaming top-notch. Some streaming entities (like Blue Frame) are coming up with advertising options that may help schools out. It may add in more media timeouts (though, those are becoming popular for teams when media isn't even there), but we can handle that if it gives schools a few bucks to stream better quality.

The irony on the game you wanted to watch: Williams charges as well and they have never been worth the cost of watching. Some schools, like Williams, have their heads in the sand about it (just like coaches and archiving video - I need to see if I can speak to the coaches association about this, actually)... at least schools like Mount understand the ramifications and didn't make the decision lightly. There are D1s who charge a lot who don't provide much in return. Sadly, some schools see that model and run to it. The idea of charging more to parents of students who are already paying a lot... or to alums who already paid a lot... for education seems completely backwards to me... but some schools don't see it that way ... or care.

Dave.  You have more experience with this than I do, but the people you really need to talk with about this issue are those responsible for collecting donations, and dealing with alums.  I served on a fund raising board at Calvin, and it was repeatedly mentioned at these meetings that live streaming pays dividends.  Live streaming is not limited to sporting events.  Calvin does a number of other events, and they are well received.  Use of live streaming is only limited by copyright in some cases, and the creativity of the school and individuals involved.  In today's world students need to learn about video conferencing, and all the resources that are available to communicate with various public's.  Schools that view it only as a cost item or the "property" of the athletic dept. are missing out on one of the most cost effective ways to get a message out.

[Flying Dutch Fan]

Still time to join the MIAA Pick Em contest (we've currently got 14 people playing)

[nescac1]

Dave, Williams hasn't charged for streaming for several years now, fortunately.  Also, this year the quality of the webcast is MUCH better. 

[pointlem]

For example, Adrian's feed is terrible, but at least I can watch without having to spend 5 hours in the car heading to and from Adrian.

I sympathize (and will now watch Hope at Kalamazoo online rather than drive the 2 hour round trip) . . . but, of course, that's a financial incentive for schools not to stream . . . if it costs them some ticket sales and attendance. Even so, I suspect most who watch online would not be there w/o the streaming, and it's a nice service for fans. 
Hope, btw, does a first class streaming job, with multiple cameras, replays, and announcers . . . and perhaps gives real time TV communications experience to the students in its TV communications program (if they're the ones doing it).

[sac]

The non-conference portion of the schedule did nothing to separate teams for me.  Hope's the favorite and going by fancy stats a large one, though I doubt that's really the case.  After that I think anyone is almost as likely to finish 2nd as 7th.

My stab and it is a complete guess.  I can come up with a viable reason for each team from #2 to #7 to make and miss the conference tournament, its a little bit bonkers.  Even Olivet and Kzoo are improved in a couple areas that make teams competitive.  I don't think you'll find a truly easy road trip this year in the way this league has often had easy road trips.

1.  Hope
2.  Trine
3.  Alma
4.  Calvin
5.  Albion
6.  Adrian
7.  Kzoo
8.  Olivet

I have zero confidence in this

[Roundball999]

For example, Adrian's feed is terrible, but at least I can watch without having to spend 5 hours in the car heading to and from Adrian.

I sympathize (and will now watch Hope at Kalamazoo online rather than drive the 2 hour round trip) . . . but, of course, that's a financial incentive for schools not to stream . . . if it costs them some ticket sales and attendance. Even so, I suspect most who watch online would not be there w/o the streaming, and it's a nice service for fans. 
Hope, btw, does a first class streaming job, with multiple cameras, replays, and announcers . . . and perhaps gives real time TV communications experience to the students in its TV communications program (if they're the ones doing it).

I was always critical of Hope for being late to the streaming game, but as you said they now do a first class job.  I do note that last year, despite streaming almost all men's and women's home games, they continued to lead D3 in home attendance for both genders.  Hard to tell what impact streaming had on home attendance.

[oldknight]

The non-conference portion of the schedule did nothing to separate teams for me.  Hope's the favorite and going by fancy stats a large one, though I doubt that's really the case.  After that I think anyone is almost as likely to finish 2nd as 7th.

My stab and it is a complete guess.  I can come up with a viable reason for each team from #2 to #7 to make and miss the conference tournament, its a little bit bonkers.  Even Olivet and Kzoo are improved in a couple areas that make teams competitive.  I don't think you'll find a truly easy road trip this year in the way this league has often had easy road trips.

1.  Hope
2.  Trine
3.  Alma
4.  Calvin
5.  Albion
6.  Adrian
7.  Kzoo
8.  Olivet

I have zero confidence in this

I have confidence in your choices for spots 1, 7 and 8. As for 2-6, you could just as well throw dice and be likely to get them correct--and maybe you did.

[Winifred Durfee]

For example, Adrian's feed is terrible, but at least I can watch without having to spend 5 hours in the car heading to and from Adrian.

I sympathize (and will now watch Hope at Kalamazoo online rather than drive the 2 hour round trip) . . . but, of course, that's a financial incentive for schools not to stream . . . if it costs them some ticket sales and attendance. Even so, I suspect most who watch online would not be there w/o the streaming, and it's a nice service for fans. 
Hope, btw, does a first class streaming job, with multiple cameras, replays, and announcers . . . and perhaps gives real time TV communications experience to the students in its TV communications program (if they're the ones doing it).

I was always critical of Hope for being late to the streaming game, but as you said they now do a first class job.  I do note that last year, despite streaming almost all men's and women's home games, they continued to lead D3 in home attendance for both genders.  Hard to tell what impact streaming had on home attendance.

1. Thank you. We work hard to make the stream as close as possible to a game you'd watch on ESPN (although there is obviously room for growth). That is another huge benefit to streaming games regularly and for free. As a senior at Hope, it has provided me valuable experience that truly can't be replaced by something learned in a classroom. I know five alums who graduated last year and were involved in our broadcasts that have already earned jobs in media/broadcasting related fields. This should be added incentive to find a way to make streaming a regularly occurring and free thing (I understand this is easier said than done... thank you Lorence and Vander Zwart Financial Planning). Let me know if you have any requests or suggestions for broadcasts of any Hope athletic events (i.e. get rid of that awful play-by-play guy  ).

2. Hope, as many know, has a large local fan base, including hundreds of season ticket holders, that a lot of other D3 programs don't have. In general, if people can make it to the game, they will. Because of this, I think streaming doesn't keep anyone at home that intended on going the game. It simply allows alum and family that are out of town to watch... at least in my experience. I'm not sure how attendance at other D3 schools is affected by streaming, but I am sure that it is the right step for any program to be streaming all games for free if they can, and I believe most schools can... but then again, I don't know much about other schools. Anyone care to weigh in?

My final takeaway is that schools should make a point to create a program (typically within the Communication department) that provides broadcasting experience to students. It can be a club, a few classes, or just a few on-campus jobs. Our broadcasts are made possible by students, and it provides real-world experience that leads directly to careers. It starts with a camera, someone who can move it, and someone who can talk about sports. Games can be streamed for free via YouTube and we know student workers don't make that much. That's what it was when I started, it's grown to a four camera broadcast with replays, and we hope to continue growing. The point is: it starts with the students (and a couple grand for a camera and some cords ).

[Winifred Durfee]

There shall be video! Link to Hope @ Albion:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJyOy-qDxNo

[Roundball999]

For example, Adrian's feed is terrible, but at least I can watch without having to spend 5 hours in the car heading to and from Adrian.

I sympathize (and will now watch Hope at Kalamazoo online rather than drive the 2 hour round trip) . . . but, of course, that's a financial incentive for schools not to stream . . . if it costs them some ticket sales and attendance. Even so, I suspect most who watch online would not be there w/o the streaming, and it's a nice service for fans. 
Hope, btw, does a first class streaming job, with multiple cameras, replays, and announcers . . . and perhaps gives real time TV communications experience to the students in its TV communications program (if they're the ones doing it).

I was always critical of Hope for being late to the streaming game, but as you said they now do a first class job.  I do note that last year, despite streaming almost all men's and women's home games, they continued to lead D3 in home attendance for both genders.  Hard to tell what impact streaming had on home attendance.

1. Thank you. We work hard to make the stream as close as possible to a game you'd watch on ESPN (although there is obviously room for growth). That is another huge benefit to streaming games regularly and for free. As a senior at Hope, it has provided me valuable experience that truly can't be replaced by something learned in a classroom. I know five alums who graduated last year and were involved in our broadcasts that have already earned jobs in media/broadcasting related fields. This should be added incentive to find a way to make streaming a regularly occurring and free thing (I understand this is easier said than done... thank you Lorence and Vander Zwart Financial Planning). Let me know if you have any requests or suggestions for broadcasts of any Hope athletic events (i.e. get rid of that awful play-by-play guy  ).

2. Hope, as many know, has a large local fan base, including hundreds of season ticket holders, that a lot of other D3 programs don't have. In general, if people can make it to the game, they will. Because of this, I think streaming doesn't keep anyone at home that intended on going the game. It simply allows alum and family that are out of town to watch... at least in my experience. I'm not sure how attendance at other D3 schools is affected by streaming, but I am sure that it is the right step for any program to be streaming all games for free if they can, and I believe most schools can... but then again, I don't know much about other schools. Anyone care to weigh in?

My final takeaway is that schools should make a point to create a program (typically within the Communication department) that provides broadcasting experience to students. It can be a club, a few classes, or just a few on-campus jobs. Our broadcasts are made possible by students, and it provides real-world experience that leads directly to careers. It starts with a camera, someone who can move it, and someone who can talk about sports. Games can be streamed for free via YouTube and we know student workers don't make that much. That's what it was when I started, it's grown to a four camera broadcast with replays, and we hope to continue growing. The point is: it starts with the students (and a couple grand for a camera and some cords ).

Well said, kudos to you and your fellow students for a really excellent job, and great points about the benefits of streaming these games not just for the audience but also for advancing the career prospects of the student involved.  Well done!