Dan, THANK YOU for this post. I am also a long-time NFBC member who has multiple teams and significant money invested this year. Like all of you, I have been frustrated beyond words with the first week's failures. I felt better this year than any other season with the teams I have drafted and like all of you, I am in constant doubt about the validity of stats, FAAB, and general functionality from day to day. I composed a rough draft post similar to yours but it sounded too negative and angry. Out of respect and genuine admiration for Greg, Tom, and Geoff I decided not to post. I am not as eloquent or concise as yourself. I think everyone in the NFBC agrees on two things: 1) We all LOVE and respect Greg, Tom, and Geoff and appreciate their efforts. 2) Fanball has dropped the ball BIG time. Personally I was caught off-guard because in 5 years with the NFBC, I NEVER once experienced ANY major concern or glitch (other than my strategies and execution
). That's a bold statement and a testament to how competent and special Greg and co. have been (and maybe STATS too). This year I expected more of the same, and invested accordingly. Thus far, we've received more wrong than right. I have faith that Greg will eventually work his magic and make things right, but thank you again, Dan, for the catharsis. The rookies have been most vocal with their displeasure but I knew that the respected veterans were thinking all of the exact same things and holding their position out of respect to Greg. Greg, I'm not in a position to tell you how to run your business but I hope you take a couple of things from this loud and clear. It's obvious that the vast majority think very highly of you and trust you (myself included). I see practically ZERO criticism directed at you. I hope you are able to read these boards and perceive them as the rest of us do. I also hope that the fanball team outside of yourself, Tom, and Geoff care as much as you do. If they do, this will all be a distant memory soon enough. If they don't (and we'll know soon enough), fanball is in a lot of trouble. You have built an outstanding competition that is the highlight of ours every year. I feel like Ryan E and the rest of fanball don't get how important this is and that's the real frustration- how do we get through to them? Profit will increase easily as long as you're running the show and we have a clean and effective interface. Diamond leagues, Rich Gannon dinners, and flashy graphics mean very little to this demographic. If there's one thing that would alleviate my fears (other than correcting and implementing everything), it would be an emphasis on the game itself and the NFBC community. The Bellagio's bling is impressive, but I couldn't care less about ANY of that when expected things like stats and FAAB aren't easy and correct. Perception is reality and the perception is that fanball has (or had) the wrong priorities and was focused on the wrong agendas. I understand wanting to make a statement and go over the top this year, but you already had the right plan and momentum. Fanball acquired something close to perfection. There wasn't that much to upgrade or improve IMHO. Gorgeous graphics in video games can't hide or make up for flawed gameplay. Gorgeous and talented actors and actresses can't hide or make up for terrible plots and bad screenplays. Barry Bonds' talent can't hide or overshadow bad team chemistry or bad defense. I don't need to be "wowed." Greg, Tom, and Geoff's customer service as well as the level of competition has already wowed me out of my money. Substance over style. I can't stress enough that this is not directed at "the good guys who are on our side, G, T, and G". Mr. Houston, these questions and perceptions are directed at you. Wow us with the most efficient, clean, even if downright BORING stats service and interface imaginable. If you can avoid problems on the technical side, your business will grow faster than any celebrity endorsement, or elegant surroundings could ever begin to inspire. Word of mouth may be the most important aspect of growing a business. Please show us you have learned that. Your post above is wrong in one respect: You said you're not as eloquent a writer as Doughboys. I think you outdid him!! You hit all the points on the head and we hear you.It's put up or shut up time, plain and simple. The standings are working fine. The stats need fine-tuning, but the numbers are accurate. I'm with you: Today is the day to get this sh*t done and I'll keep saying that all day long. I'm with you. You are spot on.