Fanball

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 5:14 am

I don't even know if that is true.

Even if true, one or two changes, and it's a new game.

bjoak · Post by **bjoak** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 5:49 am

Originally posted by CC's Desperados:

Bjoak-

If they doesn't sell the asset, wouldn't they retain the right to the game? I don't the answer to any of this, but it seems like it could get sticky. That was my first point--that if they're just going to close up shop, wouldn't they be happy to get something, anything for the game and/or the back-end support? Maybe it'd be cheaper than regrouping with a new stats provider.

But I agree with Doughy too. The WCOFB has essentially an identical game with twice a week pitching changes and some almost unnoticable other tweaks and that's it. Nobody suggested they stole it.

[ January 07, 2011, 11:50 AM: Message edited by: bjoak ]

ScottieBaseball · Post by **ScottieBaseball** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 5:50 am

I just want to echo Doughboys sentiments about Fanball and especially about Tom and Greg. They are without a doubt one of the major reasons these hight stakes contest continue to thrive.

I first started playing Fantasy Football about 15 years ago with CDM and they were a great company. I always enjoyed playing the Budget salary cap games, and Diamond Challenges, etc.

I then progressed into playing Draft and Plays and then in the past few years joined the high stakes contests. I have a lot of respect for the players who have been around a long time with the NFFC, NFBC, etc. and have enjoyed meeting some of them at this past NFFC draft in Vegas. Even though Doughboys and I have our differences now with the slow draft I respect what you have done in the past good sir.

This year Fanball decided to dump the Budget challenges which was a crazy move on their part. This helped introduce new players to the contests and hopefully even to the high stakes arena. It is a shame but hopefully we can keep this great community together even if there is no Fanball next week.

SS

Buster · Post by **Buster** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 5:57 am

Having not read any of the purchase agreements and/or non-compete clauses (if any), it is hard to speculate as to what Liberty owns and doesn't own. However, a few things seem to be reasonably clear:

Liberty doesn't own fantasy baseball

Liberty doesn't own 23 man starting line ups and/or a reserve roster of seven;

Liberty doesn't own the rotisserie scoring system;

Liberty doesn't own any particular payout schedule;

Liberty doesn't own the concept of message boards; and

Liberty doesn't own us as customers.

Liberty likely owns the NFBC name and website, and Liberty might actually own the customer list. However, that doesn't stop us from contacting a new provider (ie Greg/Tom), it would only potentially stop Greg/Tom from using that list to contact us. Of course, that list (or at least the customer names) is in the public domain (message board, league standings, etc.), so even that arguably is not really a Liberty asset.

Whether or not Greg and Tom have non-compete clauses is a different issue, and if so, their further participation would necessarily depend on the language in those clauses, and potentially whether or not Liberty has any business interest in fantasy sports.

Bottom line, Liberty's only real assets in this regard appear to be Greg/Tom/Geoff, etc.

Buster

[ January 07, 2011, 11:58 AM: Message edited by: Buster ]

CC's Desperados · Post by **CC's Desperados** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 6:04 am

That helps, Thanks Scott

Chest Rockwell · Post by **Chest Rockwell** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 6:06 am

Shawn and Brian,

You could do an asset only sale on this. The problem is in this specific case as far as I understand it the issue may come with you.

In an asset light company a customer list, trademark, and a group of employees is essentially what you are buying. All of those things relate here.

My first thought and something I kicked around last night is a Greenbay Packers type model. We as players own the nfbc/nffc under a different corporation and a different name- take it back to 2004 levels. You get 5 guys willing to contribute 50k each. They own preferred stock in the company. The first 250k in profits you use that to retire the preferred stock. Those guys get a small dividend from the nfbc/nffc for the rest of the existence in an effort to pay back the risk they took. The rest of the profits go back to Greg, Tom, Geoff, and a higher percentage payout to the players.

Here is the key: maybe Jack Haan or another bright lawyer can comment. As long as you disclose that owners are playing in the contest are you ok? I would hope that people would understand that as an owner you have a hell of a lot better ways to invest 50k and you are not doing this to get rich or gain an advantage. You are doing this for the love of the game, your friends in it, and most importantly it would give Greg freedom to put the best product out there and not be profit driven besides a bonus plan. I would be even willing to share financial detail with any member with the exception of Greg and Tom's comp.

Another alternative is private equity money that KJ Duke, me or many other participants could probably raise in a short period of time. Throw all assertions about not being profit driven out the window there.

Spartacus · Post by **Spartacus** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 6:14 am

All good points. However, none of us really know how this will play itself out. Like Gregg I've chosen to remain optimistic. To that end, I just booked my room at the Bellagio for the second weekend. A few days ago I received a promotional e-mail from Bellagio, room rates for that weekend were $399 a night (huge convention in Vegas that weekend, every hotel will be expensive). The block that Fanball reserved is still available for $239 a night until January 9th (the code is Fansec-Fanfir for the first weekend), that's two more days folks. Stay optimistic, you can always cancel a reservation 48 hours in advance. Don't get caught with your pants down! I hope to see everyone in Vegas in March. (Especially Sack and Haney who owe me breakfast and a coffee-danish snack on account of their foolish side bets )

LONG GONE · Post by **LONG GONE** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 6:28 am

Who ever thought Sack and Haney could be foolish. I would have never thought that in a million years.

Sack · Post by **Sack** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:04 am

"I just booked my room at the Bellagio for the second weekend."

Anything for a free breakfast,Robert!

LONG GONE: To funny Kelly. You can join us at the Imperial Palace the morning of the Main Event on my dime if you promise me that the next Auction you take part in your opening bids are more than $1 for the Albert Pujols, Hanley Ramirez types!

Keeping the faith, looking forward to seeing everybody in March. Even you, Childs......

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:32 am

Originally posted by Sack:

"I just booked my room at the Bellagio for the second weekend."

Anything for a free breakfast,Robert!

LONG GONE: To funny Kelly. You can join us at the Imperial Palace the morning of the Main Event on my dime if you promise me that the next Auction you take part in your opening bids are more than $1 for the Albert Pujols, Hanley Ramirez types!

Keeping the faith, looking forward to seeing everybody in March. Even you, Childs...... Hey, Bob said I'm invited too ! Maybe he should have cleared it with you guys first...

Sack · Post by **Sack** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:46 am

Champ, you are always welcome

Spartacus · Post by **Spartacus** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 10:05 am

........And may that be the only table I sit across either one of you at during my entire time in Vegas. Amen.

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 10:07 am

Originally posted by Sack:

Champ, you are always welcome My one regret going out to Vegas for the 1st time was not meeting the $240,000 man. I guess I got a shot now huh ?

Spartacus · Post by **Spartacus** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 10:34 am

........And may that be the only table I sit across either one of you at during my entire time in Vegas. Amen.

Sack · Post by **Sack** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 12:08 pm

Champ.......I KEN make that happen for you, promise!

Mr Spartacus - we are avoiding you this season!

Navel Lint · Post by **Navel Lint** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 4:13 pm

Spyhunter · Post by **Spyhunter** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 1:38 pm

I am off for a week and the world blows up??

Is there anyone pulling together a pass the hat to fund a split? WTF is happening?

Let me know if someone is looking to capitalize Greg and Tom