Wwf open letter to internet sites

[Guest buffybeast]

If this has been posted some place else, please forgive me.

 

Sports Entertainment is big business. Nowhere is it more readily evident than in the proliferation of professional wrestling newsletters and websites that are dedicated to covering the field. We commend all of you for your enthusiasm. Notwithstanding our obvious conflict of interest - you attempt to “scoop” story lines and concepts, we attempt to execute our story lines and concepts in a surprise fashion.

 

However, the most difficult thing for us is your reliance on “sources” to develop the overwhelming majority of your material on our company. Despite our efforts to make ourselves available for official comment, it is the rare occasion when you call to confirm your facts or to get official comment before publishing information about the WWFE. As a result, many times what you report is more rumor, innuendo and speculation than fact.

 

This has caused several problems. Because of the heightened interest in the World Wrestling Federation’s activities, some people have begun using your newsletters and websites as sources of information on our company. We spend much time correcting information these people believe the WWFE has provided to you.

 

We would like to have had a positive working relationship with you. However, because of your preference to use “sources” (who often have other agendas at play other than providing facts), we can’t have people think that we are providing information for your newsletters and websites beyond what is readily available to the public from our official websites and news releases.

 

We wish you continued success. However, please understand that we will be notifying our associates and fans that information in your newsletters and on your websites is published without comment and verification from World Wrestling Federation Entertainment.

 

 

 

 

[Guest goodhelmet]

who was this letter sent to?

[Guest]

Thx for posting this, I was trying to figure out what 1wrestling was talking about.

 

Peace

[Guest goodhelmet]

So the WWF is finally taking 1Bob to task for rumours and half-baked truths.

[Guest Tony149]

I don't 1wrestling is the only place who got it.

[Guest buffybeast]

"who was this letter sent to?"

 

Goodhelmet, it was an open letter placed at WWF.com to all the net reporters.

[Guest]

Yeah, him and every other site. If I read that correctly it seems they (the wwf) are simply stating that they will tell all their fans and associate's NOT to trust anything they read in the "dirt sheets". Stupid really if you ask me, I mean we all know that the sheets don't always get it right BUT, often they nail it! Just corporate B.S. really. The WWF can't control the news, especially when they do stupid crap like P.O. Steve Austin and Fire Jerry Lynn. People are going to talk, and sheets are going to Post it to the interweb, that's life.

 

I knew as soon as the wwf was the only game in town that they would clamp down. Too bad for them that it will do zero good to stops leaks. :0

[Guest notJames]

I guess, in a way, I feel for them. In terms of spoilers and such, trying to put out a product with lots of surprises and other gimmicks to keep their audience riveted is kinda hard when stuff gets leaked out. And you can only say "Oh no, it's not true" so many times before people start calling you a liar and a hypocrite.

 

But that's the nature of the beast we call the Internet, I guess. Otherwise, we wouldn't be so interested, would we?

[Guest Human Fly]

Why is this really a big deal. I wonder why the WWF even felt they had to issue this. It's not like they've been feeding info to sites for the past 5 years, and all of the sudden it's going to stop.

[Guest Tony149]

Since business isn't booming like it once was...I think it's starting to get to the WWF. I also don't think the WWF is happy with the way nets fans are reacting to their product.

[Guest RavishingRickRudo]

I dont really go to the newsboards, I find that most info I can get on messageboards and its usually more accurate because its filtered.

 

Wwf should spend more time trying to write a good product rather than complaining that their surpises are being ruined.  They should either stop bitching or actually EVOLVE/ADAPT and find a way to keep secrets within company walls.

 

Plug the hole in the boat rather than whining about your feet getting wet.

[Guest goodhelmet]

"Since business isn't booming like it once was...I think it's starting to get to the WWF. I also don't think the WWF is happy with the way nets fans are reacting to their product."

 

then they should start rethinking about how they go about putting the product. If the fans think something is crap, then it's up to the WWF to change their minds. The fans shouldn't have to accept every angle, matchup, or interview because it's the WWF way. If their product sucks, then they need to adjust their way of thinking.

[Guest Brian]

If they can eliminate news sites, they have a chance to increase hits on their site.

[Guest Anglesault]

And then only WWF.com can tell us how INTENSE Hunter is.

 

Oh..they are the only ones anyway? Damned un informed News sites.

[Guest Some Guy]

This is stupid.  If a small # of fans, like us are "in the know" and we have a forum to discuss it like the Smarkboard, the WWF should use this to their advantage and read what we say.  There is a pretty broad spectrum of opinion here, it's not all "HHH sucks", "Angle Rules", and "Hogan is too old".  Although those seem to be the prevailing themes there are now 1730 registered users, that's a pretty good sample for a polling pool if you ask me.  Rather than try to stop "leaking" they should embrace it and use it to their advantage.  Some times the majority of us are wrong, we (the majority of us, not all) were wrong about Hogan, but we are also dead right about Angle.  So maybe rather than try to mute us they should listen up. Just a thought.

[Guest goodhelmet]

excellent point, Someguy! And they almost got it right on RAW. Steph off of our tv (maybe). Debuting new talent (Lesnar). Going ahead with the draft. Turning the Dudleys (maybe). The biggest glaring prolem was the lack of wrestling and the WEAK finish to the NWO match (1997 all over again). But the stories were moving along nicely. And many of these things, we had been screaming for months!

[Guest TheMikeSC]

I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned that almost all of the net "journalists" have mentioned that getting a WWF official to comment on anything is nigh impossible.

 

You don't see Ross granting interviews to Meltzer or Keller all that often, do you?

                   -=Mike

 

...Who thinks "Tributes" might be "Booger Red"-worthy, but definitely isn't "Slobber-knocker" worthy.

[Guest Mystery Eskimo]

the WWF needs to stop whining and pay more attention to the product than net reporters.

[Guest]

I guess, in a way, I feel for them. In terms of spoilers and such, trying to put out a product with lots of surprises and other gimmicks to keep their audience riveted is kinda hard when stuff gets leaked out. And you can only say "Oh no, it's not true" so many times before people start calling you a liar and a hypocrite.

I don't udnerstand man. "Oh no its not ture" about what?

[Guest]

And then only WWF.com can tell us how INTENSE Hunter is.

 

Oh..they are the only ones anyway? Damned un informed News sites.

Hey Anglesualt stop trying to suck up to Bps. Its pathetic.

[Guest]

There is a pretty broad spectrum of opinion here, it's not all "HHH sucks", "Angle Rules", and "Hogan is too old".  Although those seem to be the prevailing themes there are now 1730 registered users, that's a pretty good sample for a polling pool if you ask me.  Rather than try to stop "leaking" they should embrace it and use it to their advantage.  Some times the majority of us are wrong, we (the majority of us, not all) were wrong about Hogan, but we are also dead right about Angle.  So maybe rather than try to mute us they should listen up. Just a thought.

What about Angle were you right about?

 

Also they might not wnat to listen up because most of you just bitch about everything. Like Jay said a few days ago. I've lurked here sicne this board opened and don't remember too many times when most posters were satisfied with a part of the product. I am not talking abotu everyone but it seems alot of you bitch no matter what the WWF does. They shouldnt listen to you too much because you will never be satisfied.

[Guest MARTYEWR]

Eh, to a good extent, I can see where the WWF is coming from. Besides, the only news sites I go to anymore are the Observer and the Torch.

[Guest]

One last thought on this, I for one have a self imposed rule about spoilers. I DON'T READ THEM!!! The WWF thinks all their fans are Rasslin' idiots, I'm convinced of that. If its news or leaks I do read it and take it with a grain of salt. If it's an "outright spoiler" I don't read those. I still like to be surprised.

 

An example...I could have viewed a "rough copy" of the next Star Wars movie before its released in May. I chose not to because I want to see the finished product. This applies to Smack Down as well. I would only read spoilers if I knew I would miss the program.

 

This self imposed blackout keeps me happy. Why can't the WWF just understand that those that want to read spoilers do and those that don't want to, don't? It's not rocket science and I bet I'm not alone in this. Also if you read a spoiler and its sounds really good you'll probably watch the show anyway. If you read a spoiler and its more of the same WWF crappy storylines you probably won't watch. To me this goes back the point that if the WWF wants viewers THEN F'N write shows that people want to watch!

 

...end of rant.

[Guest mastermind]

Actually, I can see where the wwf is coming from here. I do think the wwf listens to the net, but they don't want to give it credibility. It's sort of a kayfabe. I also think the wwf should increase the magic they once had and try to learn new ways to keep the secrets and surprises. SOMEONE has to be leaking it in their company. It's really just public affair crap anyways with this letter for unknowing fans to discredit rumours and such.

[Guest Brian]

Jim Ross was in the last Torch Talk before Jim Kettner, and he's done it before.

[Guest Tony149]

Vince McMahon, I belive has also done interviews with Keller & Meltzer. They seem to avoid 1bob (I know).

[Guest RedJed]

I don't know about removing all websites, but I agree that the ones they have already shut down deserved it, if its a copyright violation. The WWF is going to far here, IMO. Are they going to sue 1wrestling if they report a guy has signed a contract before they "officially" announce it (which could be after they even debut)? That's ridiculous and I don't even understand the reasoning behind this "letter." Is it because the WWF's ideas are so predictable nowadays that they need to resort to something of this nature? Who knows.......frankly, whatever the case is, it's sad and pathetic on their part.

 

Dirt sheets are avaliable to those of us who are interested in the dealings of wrestlings, the back and front of it. To some that doesn't interest them and they can simply stay away from the sheets and the sites. But abolishing them all is an extreme violation of free speech, to say the least. If they were gone, would I enjoy wrestling more? Hard to say, since I was in total mark mode for Mania and still didn't particuarly think it was great. I really don't see any problem with them myself, they don't really ever ruin any tremendous surprises anyway, since the WWF hasn't had any lately.

 

Do you see movie companies trying to tear down upcoming movie news sites or whatnot?

 

I think the bottom line here is that the WWF is upset that their "surprises" in the past year haven't really generated any revenue, and, much like Linda stating the spoilers on the net affect the Smackdown rating, they are putting the blame on things being leaked that created less interest to the fans in their eyes. I feel they are totally wrong there, but that's a whole other story in itself. I just feel this is a clear example of the WWF not taking a look at their product. Instead of pointing fingers at others, they should just work on their own product internally. All of these rumors, gossip, etc have been around the wrestling business for years and years. It's not until now that the WWF says something.....when there is a clear frustration level and book by the fly more than ever with the current direction. How ironic. Their logic at this point is that it's all the internet's fault for the stagnaity. Whatever......instead of fighting the internet, they should do something that was a major reason why the WWF became so successful years ago.......Shane started a high maintenance website that constantly strived for feedback from the fans, etc, etc. He and other WWF staff like Russo actually LISTENED to the fans. The WWF, to me, is no longer fan friendly after crap like this.

[Guest dreamer420]

It seems like the WWF has gotten tired of the stupid rumors floating around and is trying to put an end to it.  I doubt the WWF gives a shit if 1wrestling reports that a new talent has signed with the WWF.  They don't want rumors like that crap with Austin that is going around, or all the false news reports given during the nWo's first weeks getting spread.

[Guest mastermind]

You see I say I understand where they are coming from for this reason. So, Austin caused the change in the storyline and sat home this week. Did this change your opinion on his match and the person. Yes. Why? Because of the leak. Does this effect your viewing habit or does it really add to the entertainment of the show? No. It just gives a person a reason to bitch about the wwf. I'm guilty of this I agree, but I see what they mean. When I watched Off the Record some things are just better not known. I mean Jericho's interview really made him look like a paper champion talking about being GIVEN the title two weeks before the event. Then having Hunter come out saying he is a notch below the top of the card. This just gives off negative vibes. It ruins things. Do we REALLY need to know this? Jericho is screwed as being a notch below no matter how many #### wins he gets against Rock. The interviewer even took Jericho as world champion as a joke. He pretened he was joking around, but he wasn't with remarks like having an unpopular guest on his show.

 

That someone his size isn't really seen as world championship material. Way to go and you wonder why there was no heat for the main event. The only good thing out of that interview was Jericho defending the wrestlers when the interviewer said the boss recently came out and said wrestling was fake(which is a big source of their problems imo). I blame Vince Mcmahon for taking his product for granted and overexposing it. Vince Russo is another "cancer" that did too much to expose the business. That's another story in itself. Yeah, I'm going to contradict myself and say the wwf is trying to blame their lack of old school esthetics on the falling interest in the business. The wwf is just doing damage control. I found it funny when the interviewer talked about #### in a cell and the "script". You could see Taker was kind of pissed he said that and didn't even refer to the script comment. I mean he's there trying to put over how dangerous the match was and what Foley did for fans and the man brings up a script taking away the actual work ethic making it seem like a play. Okay, this topic is just my disgust with how the wwf over exposed its product to casual fans who STILL will never understand why the business works the way it does. and get no respect.

[Guest Brian]

You know, I wish they were more kayfabe every once in a while.