POINT BLANK MANIFESTO: On conflicts, comments, stats, the past and the future. Warning: 2,800 words
Around the three-hour mark of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play August: Osage County, the matriarch of the dysfunctional family decides to cut through all the BS. “It’s time for some truth-tellin’,” she says.
Same here at Point Blank. I’ve always tried to have an open dialogue with our readers, but I feel like it’s been a while. The time is now because it’s been a few weeks since the end of the season and the rhetoric in the Comments space and in the emails has intensified to the point where I want to address some issues.
This is going to be long, long-winded, blunt, defensive and maybe at times offensive to a few of you. Just putting it all out there, folks. I will cover a whole range of topics, so pull up a chair and bear with me. Thanks.
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Sponsors: You may see some ads on the site over the next few days. Our hope is to prove the value of the blog to potential sponsors. I would be indebted if you would please click on these ads from every computer you have access to, patronize the sponsors and spread the word. It could go a long way in keeping us running longer.
Support Drive: There’s a likelihood that if the blog continues into next hockey season, I will run a support drive in the form of a deal on tickets to one or two Islanders games during the season. Consider it (hopefully) one giant Point Blank group sales night. Perhaps it’s an opportunity for many of you to meet up at a game. I understand some readers may be season ticketholders and many are not from New York, but I certainly would appreciate the support of anyone in position to get involved.
PB Night III: If we’re back for another season, it’s a lock that the next Point Blank Night will be at R.C. Dugan’s on Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow. Thank you, Jay, for your dedication to the cause.
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“Conflicts”: I realize some of you missed this when I wrote about it in the early days of the blog, or did not see when I spoke about it with C.J. Papa on the Islanders telecast. So that there’s no misunderstanding, let me make a few things perfectly clear.
The idea for Point Blank came from Islanders President Chris Dey about a month or so after I left the organization last May 5. The team and the sport was in need of more coverage. Fans hungered for non-stop reporting on the Islanders and Dey wanted to deliver it to them. I was available! It was Dey who understood that it would only work if the blog was run independently of the team. For the record, Dey has stood by his end of the bargain, and I applaud him and am thankful to him for it.
The New York Islanders are the primary sponsor of Point Blank. Newsday refers to PB as the “team-sponsored blog” - as opposed to the Rangers-sponsored newspaper - and I’ve never hid from that.
Some facts: the Islanders have never asked me to write a story or not write a story. The first time Islanders management sees a post is the same as you: when it’s published on the site. I’ve never been asked to take down a reader Comment about members of the organization, and there have been plenty of vicious ones.
In 2009, more than three-quarters of sports journalism is touched by some conflict of interest. Leagues are in bed with networks. Writers from major magazines and newspapers serve as paid talking heads on league-owned networks. Two of New York’s top sports radio voices receive checks from the companies that own major league sports teams. Sportswriters have publishing deals with the coaches and athletes they are supposed to cover.
Long Island’s newspaper is owned by the company that owns the Knicks, Rangers, Madison Square Garden and MSG Network. Neil Best, one of the finest media columnists in the U.S. and a man of impeccable honor, covers one of the major holdings of his boss. So do the Newsday writers on the Knicks and Rangers. Wally Matthews blistered Charles Wang last summer, has plenty of tough opinions on the Steinbrenners and at times has been vicious toward Jeff Wilpon. As for the Dolans, Wally doesn’t seem to have much to say.
I stand by the facts I’ve written, and the opinions that have come from the heart and the mind.
Town of Hempstead: Before I ever wrote my first critical word of Kate Murray’s handling of the Lighthouse Project, I called Town spokesman Mike Deery three times and left him three voicemails. I attempted to start a professional relationship, but the Town did not have the time nor the interest for this blogger and resident. I don’t expect them to ever want to deal with me now. Should the Town of Hempstead ever make its first right move - like maybe Murray showing up at a meeting - I’ll be the first to praise it.
For now, that Islanders Fan First website and mailer fiasco - the project they aborted after three days - remains the Town’s signature moment. To those of you who believe I just get my kicks bashing the Republican side of this issue, you don’t know anything about me or my other projects. By writing the facts, and writing what I feel, in this brutal economy I’m potentially costing myself income from some of the PR consultant jobs I’ve been up for. That’s about as far as I can take it.
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My Background: Other than knowing I worked for the team for a while, understandably most of you don’t know my background and how it relates to the blog. So here’s a bit about my career in the game.
In my senior year in college, I worked full-time for the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1986-87 season, the year they went to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. Along the way, the Flyers defeated the Rangers, Islanders (right after the Easter Epic) and Montreal before Wayne Gretzky took over in the final period of the deciding game in the Final. I did not get a Cup ring, but I made countless friends and contacts with the Flyers and around the league, most of them still in the business.
Six months later, I was hired by the Islanders to edit a monthly newspaper, Islander News. Among those on my first Islanders team: Trottier, Bossy, Denis Potvin, LaFontaine, Brent Sutter, Morrow, Flatley, Billy Smith and Kelly Hrudey. Along the way, I managed the team’s publications, sold group tickets and even served as radio color commentator for a year and a half after Bob Nystrom left the job (yup, it was a major step down in the booth, but I tried). I went into PR fulltime in the mid-90s, was named VP in 1999 and stayed in that position for 9 years.
So many of the players and coaches on those early Islanders teams are spread out around the league as scouts, coaches and broadcasters and remain good friends and invaluable contacts. On the 1992-93 team alone, former players are now near the top of directories with NHL teams and the Players Association. My favorite time was working for Al Arbour and the ‘92-93 team, the second was the mini-revival in 2001-02 under Peter Laviolette and watching the Coliseum come alive again.
For more than a decade, I managed a press box that hosted scouts from every team in the league and elsewhere. Most of those relationships are still in place today. Naturally, I’m still in contact with many of my former colleagues in the Islanders front office.
So when I rank prospects, I may not always be bang-on, but understand I’m not throwing paper darts into the wind. When I write that the majority of scouts I’ve spoken with say Drew Doughty will have a better NHL career than Victor Hedman, it could ultimately be wrong, but I’m not listening to the voices inside my head. I’m a reporter who listens to dozens of men who do this for a living. Turns out the amateur scouts on the Point Blank speed dial knew almost all season Matt Duchene was 2 or 3, even when The Hockey News had him at 6.
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Blog Stats: With each month, the Page Views and Visits for Point Blank grew in leaps and bounds, peaking (of course) in March with Gueringate. The drama got so big, the numbers on Sunday - when everyone thought Bill was going to be traded - actually were better than the day of the Trade Deadline.
The really good news is that the stats in April barely dropped off. Lottery day was a good one, but it was so gratifying to see all the new readers we picked up in March seem to be sticking around.
When you consider the Islanders did not play an important game for the purposes of playoff contention since the holidays, the numbers have been remarkable. The credit goes to you for your dedication to this team and for spreading the word about the blog.
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Comments: One of the reasons why the Page Views of Point Blank have grown beyond my expectations is because of your efforts in the Comments space. I spoke with a top guy at NHL Security the other day who told me he is as interested in reading all the Comments as my blog entries. I wasn’t offended. That’s the way it should be on a good blog.
If many of you believe I’m a nut about moderating the Comments space, I take the hit but also have no regrets. We have all seen how the blogs of many talented writers have been almost destroyed by the nonsense that goes on in the Comments. I refuse to let that happen. For everyone I’ve ticked off, I still believe the Comment Guidelines are a vital reason why the site tends to get at least 100 legitimate, passionate, insightful Comments (and often a lot more) after each story. I want as many readers as possible to feel like they can share their opinions.
On criticism of my work, I have no problem when a reader disagrees with me, tears me apart or even plays the ever-popular shill card. (The son of a friend of mine posted from his college dorm a while ago that I was still Garth’s boy). I love that stuff.
To be candid, the only ones I find personally annoying are the ones that say something like, “I don’t care about this subject” or “Don’t you have anything better to write about”? One of my favorites was when I broke the news the Islanders had signed third round pick Mark Katic and a regular reader of an Islanders blog said he didn’t care and it was just “fodder.”
If you are the kind of person who actually takes the time to post on an Islanders blog that you don’t care about stories on Mike Bossy, Kirill Petrov, Denis Potvin, the Lighthouse - after all, it only determines the team’s future - prospects and small anecdotes from behind-the-scenes, I encourage you to go somewhere else for your daily Islanders reading.
Now that we’ve been at this seven months and I have regularly asked readers to review the Comment Guidelines, I’m done with warnings. If you go off-topic, write not a comment but a full-blown blog entry, post more than 3 per thread, are profane, call your fellow readers “idiots” and “morons” and the ever-popular “___ clowns” or give me other reasons to be cautious, your Comment posts are going to moderation. If you’d like to address this issue, please send me an email so we can work it out one-on-one.
Effective today, while some readers may have their Comments go to moderation, no one is on permanent block any longer.
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The Year in Review: After working for the team for so long, I was more comfortable transitioning to the media side than I expected. It probably helped that there was a new head coach and some key players (including Doug Weight) that I had never worked with.
Scott Gordon and I didn’t have much to do with each other for about two months mid-season. He didn’t like some stuff I wrote. I didn’t like the way he handled it, so I passed on many of his media scrums because he wasn’t saying much. In the final 4-6 weeks of the season, the working relationship improved. I stubbornly believe Scott has a few things he needs to work on. He stubbornly thinks I’m wrong and everything is okay. Scott works his tail off, is extremely bright and is a very talented coach. Time will tell how it works out.
Garth Snow was irritated with me for a few weeks, primarily because I wrote my 8-year old twins did a better job of staying on the same page as the Islanders were on the Rick DiPietro injury stuff. The Islanders stood by their version of the story. Over time, we moved on. As I wrote when I was in timeout, I do not need complete access to write the blog. When you shut out the media, it usually hurts the team more - especially when that team does not boast bountiful coverage. Felt the same way when I was the PR director.
I especially want to mention youngsters Josh Bailey and Kyle Okposo for their professionalism during a difficult season. Think about Bailey. He knew about the immediate fan and press reaction when the team went from 5 to 7 to 9 and drafted him. I wrote that he should go to juniors, and then to the World Junior Championships. Yet through it all, he answered the questions and handled himself like a 15-year pro. My experience tells me that’s a good sign.
All of the veterans were very good with the press, most notably for me Weight, Brendan Witt and Richard Park. The team’s PR staff - Seth Sylvan, Corey Witt and young Josh Bernstein - are good men and made me feel comfortable in my new gig. I thank them for that.
Other than a few hours one Sunday early on when we battled over the “team-sponsored” thing, Greg Logan and I got along really well. He is a friend, and I have learned a lot from him. The days when Dan Martin of the Post and Peter Botte of the Daily News attend practice are always good days.
I also want to thank the MSG Network crew for putting me on the pre-game show and Howie Rose and Billy Jaffe for mentioning Point Blank more than a few times. Same to Steve Mears and Chris King for their support on the radio side and their assistance. Thank you to Lisa and the moderators at Islandermania for always linking to my stories. That’s a huge help, and especially was early on when the blog was trying to get off the ground. Thank you to Roseanne and the crew at Gabrielle’s for their amazing generosity as our unofficial watering hole.
In the world outside the Islanders, thank you to Don La Greca for guiding this novice on ESPN Radio. Thank you to Hofstra University for the opportunity to see if I can teach. Thank you to Stan Bratskeir for his PR guru-ness.
Thank you to Kevin Schultz of Barry Melrose Rocks for getting behind the Gran Torino when I had to step away. Thank you to B.D. Gallof for his help in the early days and best of luck with his new venture. Whatever happened in between, I wish him well in doing his best to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
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Future: As of this date, there’s a commitment to write this blog until the NHL Draft in late June. After that, I do not have any guarantees. It is my sincere wish to run Point Blank for at least another year and hopefully a lot more beyond that. I hope to know in the next few weeks if I’ll be around past June. For now, please click the heck out of any sponsor ads you may see.
One thing is certain: the only way I will ever do this blog is if I’m provided the opportunity to cover the Islanders 24/7/365. From time to time readers suggest that if I move into another full-time career that I pop in and write once or twice a week. This franchise has been my life’s work and a bit of an obsession now for 21 years. When I worked for the Islanders, I thought about my responsibilities every hour for two decades. It’s impossible for me to picture doing this blog half-way. In fact, I’m sure I will never do it that way.
One more time, thank you to all of the Point Blank readers for checking out the site, sharing your insight, passing along your knowledge and keeping me in line. Here’s hoping we can keep this going for a long time.
Since I went long, the 100-word limit is waived for this Comments section - as long as you stay on topic!
I need to take a personal day, maybe two, so I will miss the U.S.-Russia game on Friday morning. Unless there is any breaking Islanders news, I’ll be off the laptop. I’m sure Greg and the Times blog, among other sites, will be on the Worlds.
Please feel free to submit any questions you may have related to this post and I will address as many as I can as soon as I return. Thanks…CB
266 Responses to “POINT BLANK MANIFESTO: On conflicts, comments, stats, the past and the future. Warning: 2,800 words”
Please Wait
CB- Keep on keeping on brother!!!!!
cb what a well written piece.i love how you speak your mind and try to clear the air on any subject.much respect..jim
awesome
Fantastic job this season CB, I hope you choose to stick around and keep it going next season.
CB, I came away with more respect for you after this than ever before.
No matter what you choose to do, The best of luck to you sir!
Cudos to you my friend. You have done a great job with this site and provided us with the most up-to-date, accurate, and in-depth info that any hockey (or sports fan for that matter) could hope to acquire. I think it speaks volumes that when I sign on everyday, the first website type into my search bar is PB. When I want the latest Islanders news I dont go to nyi.com, i dont go to hockeybuzz, i dont go to thefourthperiod, i dont go to tsn.ca. I come to islanderspointblank.com. Why? Because no matter which way you look at it, this site is hands down the best on the web for anything and everything hockey or Islanders related.
Because of you, I no longer read the HB site nor keep track of Ek’s stupid E-scale rumours. Keep up the good work, and I hope that you get a “new lease on life” for another year of PB.
How come you don’t get to be a special guest on NHL Radio’s NHL Live at noon weekdays? You’re certainly more entertaining to listen to than Neil Smith or Sam Rosen.
Thanks for all the great reads CB! No other fan base in all of sports has been as lucky as we have been in receiving such incredible coverage of our favorite team this year. I hope this can continue way past TavHedDuch-Day. Good luck!
Snow and Gordon need thicker skin if they can not take some heat over this seasons disaster.
Chris,
You were a professional to me when I worked at ESPN and also when I was one of many mail messages in your in-box to NYIPB. Like most good things, I hope this blog never comes to an end, but I will respect your decision regardless. Between Islander Mania, NY Islander country and Greg logan, I find myself coming here first for what you will say next. And next to Greg Logan, I am a big fan of what you do. And I really mean it when I say I am an even bigger fan of why you do it. Thank you. Joe Bondi.
CB, I am afraid I have to utter a 4-letter word to describe this last blog, ‘CLASS’.
Your topics always are right on, whether you agree or disagree, you give us Isles fans a chance to voice an opinion. Although both sides of some issues are not fully explored,you give us readers the space to ‘fill in those blanks’. Click on, Garth! (sponsored ads!)
Fantastic job Chris. I visit your site many times each day looking forward to your next post. With all the “issues” surrounding the Islanders we need you more than ever. Hope you stick around.
You are one of my heroes. I am prepared to click the ads for 2 hours a day. Watch me.
Great work CB.
You are appreciated more than you know.
Chris, this blog has been a godsend. Going to school in Mass, and being a very diligent student, I am normally one of the first to read and comment one of your new posts at 1 AM. I agree with doing this blog all or nothing. To have the coverage you have had over this past season, and then some, it is a full time job at least! However, please know that if you do move on from Point Blank, this past season would have been A LOT worse than it actually was if we didn’t have your insight and coverage. I speak for myself (and I am sure a tall majority of PB readers) when I say thank you for all of your hard work. Thanks Chris.
-AJ Siringo
“HilbertSnipe”
CB:
This blog was a blessing for all hard-core Isles fans. I hope that it continues for many years to come.
DC
Great post Chris. I really, sincerely hope you get another year at this, as things really came together once the season got rolling. I spend most of my 8 hour workday on the internet, and I scour the internet for Islander coverage and your blog is indefinitely the best. Logan is a good writer but his stories are more subjective where I feel you provide clearer information and better insight.
Seriously, if you aren’t around to cover what is going to be a really exciting season, I will be really disappointed. When anything happens with the team, I generally check point blank first, then Logan, then an outlet like TSN. That’s primarily because I tend to agree with your perspective on the team but really, your blog is usually updated as soon as things happen, with reliable information and disclaimers when you think something might be speculation, but still worth hearing about. So please, show this post to Dey. One more year.
Great job CB.
I come here at least 5x daily. Your work is really appreciated. It’s tough to find solid Islanders coverage especially when the newspapers in town don’t cover the Isles much and the main one that does, is owned by the Isles big brother/rival.
Keep it up.
As i have said before this is the best place for islander news and have found myself glued to this team even more so knowing I can be on the inside of things due to your great posts. I hope u stick around for time to come and can find a day when u are posting about a winning team and some playoff victories. P.S. I will click on all the ads just don’t send me off to some adult site where my wife catches wind and gives me the back hand to the back of the head. Thanks CB, keep it coming.
GREAT STUFF CB
I feel privileged to have this coverage of the NYI. I hope to God you can keep this going next season. I have this site as my homepage I will gladly click the sponsors every chance I get.
great piece CB!! I check your information before I check any other source!
Chris, as an avid Islander fan who could never find balanced coverage of the team, I would like to thank you for this blog. It has been great to read and is now on my favorites. I hope you stay on for many years to come!
so far all i read is the prologue and it’s pretty scary.
I am a full season ticket holder and actually got wind of your blog from my seat neighbor the night where they pulled Guerin off the ice. I really enjoy your blog although I don’t agree with everything you say. It is definitely the first place I turn to now for Islander news and I think you are pretty fair in offering the positive and negative. I hope your blog continues into next year.
CB,
Thanks for this blog. I haven’t been this in-tune to the Islanders in many many years, and I thought I was very in-tune. I hope this blog continues in perpetuity. As readers, we should do all that we can to make sure that happens.
I dont understand why you get so much backlash. The whole organization should be extremely thankful that you provide the fans with so much information and insight on every little issue regarding the team. Ive been waiting for something like this forever. I cant tell you how much it sucked to open up a Newspaper for the last 10 years and see nothing on the Islanders. Now, b/c of this blog you give the fans more information on our team than probably any other team does in the league. I understand some of the animosity when someones opinion or point of view does not agree what you say, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion. If they have a problem they have a voice to address their side of something. This blog does way more good for the team and the franchise than it can ever do bad. I hope for all of us that you continue to blog and keep us updated on everything Islanders. We all appreciate what you do. Thanks
Chris you have captivated me for as long as you have written this blog. I am a diehard Islander fan and I think with the state of the franchise right now we need you to stay on. You keep us up to date with accurate info and great insite. I hope this site has finally proven that there are Islander fans out there and they are hardcore. Keep up the great work CB, we need you.
Thanks for the hard work and dedication Chris. I promise not to call anyone an ***clown anymore, not even Brain Burke. Here’s to PB and CB being around for another season at least.
Great stuff. Stumbled on this site a few months back and have never left.
I’ll keep it short and to the point!
Thank You CB For making a Hard Year an Enjoyable One….point Blank Rules!
As a uprooted Islanders die-hard living in Boston this is the ONLY place I get my Isles news. Thanks for all the good work, Chris.
hell of a job.
Thank you sir! I thoroughly enjoy reading every blog you post. I hope you continue this wonderful blog and perhaps put a book together in the near future about your hockey experiences behind the scenes.
Without this blog I would have lost interest in this team throughout this hard season, but thanks to you and your hard work, I have gained more interest. Keep up the great work!
Thanks CB for keeping us out of towners up to date on our love for the Isles! Question: Do you and Matt Cerrone from metsblog.com have any type of relationship? just curious.
I never thought I’d get pulled into the geeky world of blogs and boards but this site has been fantastic. I live on Long Island and struggle to get any real news about the team from traditional outlets, so this has become my primary source.
Consistently superb work. Thanks!
The wife and I both hope it works out and you can keep doing it, as long as it’s right for you, whether the team drafts Tavares, Hedman or Duchene.
Thanks.
Your blog got me through the stress of nursing school. I appreciate it. I don’t plan on quiitting the addiction any time soom.
I’m always appreciative of place like this that keeps an out of town like me plugged in.
CB: Your blog has been an absolute pleasure to read since its inception. This is just a humble “thank you” for all your hard work. Your stories are amazing, your insight is remarkable and above all, your sarcasm is flawless. Here’s hoping that we have many more years of Point Blank!
Keep this thing going man. It is one of the best things to happen to this team in a long time. Where can you get talk about the Islanders all year long, where else can you get anything close?
I hope this site keeps going. It is the first site I go to when I turn on my computer.
Chris, you are a gentleman and a scholar for sure.
If out of this horrid season the Isles can go into next season with 4 things, I, Peter N, will be happy
1-Draft Tavares, Hedman or Duschene
2-Make Weight captain
3-Get another Streit like signing on d (komi??????, ohlund????)
4-Lighthouse guaranteed to be built, with Kate Murray crying in a corner somewhere
as a regular poster on another “nonofficial” isles/nhl/hockey board I and my fellow posters really love to read your blog and hope you continue after June (I am not the official board spokesman though)
One question Chris, I took in a few of the Islander prospects open skates at iceworks last year…will you be gracing us with your presence?? (i do know its after the draft and all and who knows what will happen to this blog)
Once again thanks for covering the team on one dark year (although not as bad as say ‘94-’00)
-Peter N
aka Pnut
Wonderful job CB. I need to thank you for this blog. For years I hadn’t payed as much attention to the Isles as I once did because it got frustrating seeing no hope year after year. I keep an Islander hat that I bought in ‘84 in the back window of my car, its deterioration can mirror that of the team, and it long since has weathered and faded. When asked when I was going to replace it, my answer was always “I’ll geet a new one when they get good again and I have my team back”.
During that time the Yankees and Giants got good and then great and there was also that little thing called “real life” that interfered. I always followed them, just as not as closely as I used to. Then came the revival in 2002 and I started following closely again.
Once again after that real life interfered and I didnt follow as closley again.
Strange as it might seem, Nolan’s firing, the coaching search, the commitment to the rebuild and the discovery of this blog last summer once again have brought me back, this time I hope for good (lets NOT go to Kansas City).
CB, this Staten Islander fan can’t thank you enough for that, maybe its time for me to buy that new hat.
Dont go anywhere chris.. the franchise and it’s starving fans need you.. it’s your blog, your rules. plain and simple. keep up the good work.. maybe you can entertain me with a hextall story from that 87 series!!
CB, I am also a transplant living in VA, Thank you for a terrific job with this site. If you discontinue this site in June, please promise you will run against Kate Murray for the TOH sup job! Thanks again for your insight on an organization that has very passionate fans. Probably one of the most loyal, passionate and dedicated fans in the league!
I hope you stay on the blog….its the only place to go for up to date info!
btw what is your true gut feeling about the lighthouse?….i think they will approve it to some extent
Thank you.
Honestly Chris, I cant imagine a better Islanders blog than yours. I check your site numerous times a day, every day. I love that you write about the big issues that affect all of us, as well as discussing the smallest of details- ones that diehards truly savor. I love that you back up what you say with facts, as all good and responsible writers do. I love that you have no qualms with expressing criticisms. And I love that you share your insights with all of us.
And at this point, I can no longer imagine Isles coverage without PB… or, better said, I dont want to.
Good job Chris, keep up the good work I hope u dont stop doin this blog cuz i’ll be pissed, nobody else does it better
CB,
Great piece….WOW…Don’t post much, but read everyday….ONLY place I come to get Islanders news….I will click away as best I can….Lets keep this going.
Hopefully our team next year can play as good as you write.
C.B. - You are a Godsend for people like me who love this team and read about it 365 days a year. As a 26 year old now living near Princeton, NJ with a nice job I would trade it all to have the experiences you had with the Flyers and NY Islanders. I really hope you stay one for many more seasons and will gladly support your website and ticket drives next season. Lets hope the following happens over the next year…
1. Tavares is drafted by the Islanders
2. The Islanders get a permenant home at the LH or in Queems.
3. The team improved next year
4. Point Blank lives on!!!
Keep on rocking brother!
Been reading since the trade deadline and am grateful for this great Islanders coverage while i am in school in philly
Chris-
Please stop making your devoted followers beg you to stay online. This is what, the third time in a month youve said this may be it… Cmon, your starting to sound like the very team your covering. Sorry, but just my objective opinion.
How much emotional battering can one fan take?
CB Keep on Trucking. In a season of misery you’ve brought a glimmer of hope to this isles fan. I just hope your around when this ship finally starts making some waves.
ps Chris…double jameson up def helps
Please continue. I love this site. Only site worth a damn Isles related. First site I check in the morning and last one at night. I am going to be a clicking maniac. Thanks Chris for everything. Kevin in Virginia
CB -
Like many of your readers have already commented, your work is immensely appreciated. The first time I came across your site was about four months ago, and I was impressed with the way you hold yourself and the way you write; ultra-professional and always insightful. I no longer read Hockeybuzz anymore, and your blog is clearly the best amongst any Islander blog. I hope you do this a long time, because I legitimately come to this site at least 3 times per day. Good luck with all you do, and I’ll be sure to keep reading.
great job chris, i never left and i must check this blog 10 times a day
CB, you have raised the bar so high and set the new standard so that to call it a “blog” seems to do be unjust. THIS is the official Islanders website! I sincerely hope that you can/will/do benefit as much from doing this as the Islanders organization does, and that you continue to provide us fans with your service. You have given us fans a voice that is heard through this site that we would not have had otherwise.
THANK YOU!
PS. Hopefully you have, directly or indirectly, influenced Mr. Snow, Mr. Jankowski, and Mr. Wang into selecting John Tavares first overall at the draft. Sorry, couldn’t resist.
This message is to Chris Dey, Charles Wang, Garth Snow
Chris Botta and islanderspointblank.com is the best thing that has happened to NY ISLANDERS die hard fans like me since 4 Stanley Cups in a row.
CB, you are great, keep on keeping on.
Chris, great job with the blog, I hope it keeps going, I check it a few times daily-at work, home, etc. Great insight. We’re like The Little Rascals’ “Woman-Haters” club here.
CB, thanks for everything this season..your work and dedication has been unbeliveable….This website is the first thing check in the morning and the last thing before I go to bed…please keep this for the future…its what keeps the fan base together and will be important in the Isles revival
Thank you so much Chris! I have to say that I am on this site atleast 5-10 times a day. I love reading all your articles and all the comments the readers make. Keep up the great work!
Once again..thank you for all your dedication and hard work!
Thanks for doing this. Hope you keep it going for a long time. And as for people and the “don’t you have anything better to write” nonsense, for those that love something (hockey, football, flowers, whatever) there is never too much info to take in, it’s all welcome.
CB- I don’t have 100 words, but I’m sure this will do. I have been with you since day 1 and hope to be with you for day 10000. I enjoyed every story you wrote about and even though I may not have left a comment on every story, I visited this site at least 5 times a day waiting for the next update. Thank you for everything this season. Here’s to you and the future of Point Blank.
Being a fan up in Ulster county (originally from Queens/Westchester), this blog keeps the Islanders in the media during the dry times, and enhances the Islanders during the season. This is one of the few blogs that I visit multiple times a day. I was disappointed when PB 1.0 was shutting down, but then ecstatic when this version appeared. Please keep it up, CB. I don’t always agree with your views, but that is why I keep coming back. Get those links up for us to click!
CB, thanks for your honesty most of us know whether they agree or disagree with your stories, your passion is very obvious and contagious
thanks
Thanks for the great coverage of the isles.
Thanks for the great reads
I check this site at least 3 times a day since late feb.
Thank you
As a ranger fan and hockey nut I really enjoy this site - keep up the good work. Wish we had something similar.
Mr. Botta,
I’m pretty sure I was directed here by Michael Fornabiao’s blog the first time he ever mentioned you…and I have never left. I have never written a comment, but I have come on multiple times a day to check out what is going. Like others here have stated, there are times I don’t agree with you…but you say what’s on your mind and you give good reasons for doing so. I can certainly respect that and certainly take to heart what you say because you have been in this business for so long. You give not only Islander fans, but hockey fans in general, a place to come to to see what’s going on in one aspect of the hockey world. You’re presentation and information is impeccable and I thank you for that. Keep up the fantastic work and enjoy your personal days; you certainly deserve them! Here’s to hoping the best is yet to come.
Thank you so much for your hard work and effort. I’ve been reading from the beginning, and the blog has come a long way. I’d say I’m proud of you but I’m not sure if that’s appropriate. This is the only source for my Islander news. Maybe Logan is your friend but I can’t stomach the garbage the sports people write for that paper. Hey man, kudos to you I hope you figure out how to make some money from this.
keep up the good work chris. hope this blog keeps going for a long time.
Excellent job Chris, this in my opinion is the best sports blog on the net. Balanced, insightful, and extremely well written. Next year could be very exciting for the Isles, I hope your there doing your usual fine work.
I swear to God Chris Botta if you ever stop writing this blog I’ll hunt you down and go all Vukota on you. I love this site!
Keep bringing it CB! The Islanders and their fans need you! Oh, and I will click, and I may even occasionally buy.
The word limit on comments is the only reason I don’t post, but I read daily. (great site).
One thing I’m wonder is your thoughts on what the Phoenix Phiasco means to us, if anything.
Chris, I’ve been a PB reader since the very first post and I realized that I never said thanks. So thanks! I thought about what life was like pre-PB and I don’t wanna go there again! I love reading the comments, too. Yay for CB and the PB commentators!
Well lets hope it all works out for you. I very much enjoy this blog. As a passionate Islander fan, its nice to have this forum to stay on top of Islander news and read the comments. I find myself continually coming back to the site for the next article.
And Bravo!!! to the commenters….well most of them. LOL!!!
LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!!!!
CB ~ You know where I stand on continuing this blog … and like I’ve said before … if you need to make portions of this site a premium service … I’d be a happy customer.
****
Your full disclosure manifesto was not only entertaining … but also educational … It made great reading.
****
I have to say … your explanation for the reasons for your comment guidelines shows us the recipie that you use to maintain the quality of the blog. Just from being a regular on the Newsday site for a long time and watch Greg Logan’s blog break down to a juvenile rant box I have to agree 10000% … 3, maybe 4 comments per thread is all we need to make our opinions known … even at times when I wish I could use more than 100 words … I understand the need for pithyness.
****
I just want you to know that you haven’t let me down with any of your thread topics … I don’t know what people want you to write about a month after the Isles’ season is over … quite frankley … I think this is the perfect time of the year for these side stories … and I thought the Katic signing was a great thread … and pieces like today’s Potvin thread was also a great thread…. lots of great topics … you don’t owe explantions to the descenters … the amount of returning readers says it all … I’m glad that you are seeing a high level of hits … and I’ll be more than happy to support the sponsors that support you.
****
I love it that you don’t want to do half a job with this blog … as a labor of love … and you’re as passionate a blogger on the Islanders as we are passionate about our team … that makes us readers / commentors a great team to make this a great site. It’s the first site I come to in order to get info on the Islanders … I come here before I go to other sites.
*************
Don’t feel bad about your long thread … you gotta see what I left on Nick Classic’s blog today … Novelesque … LOL!!
Chris,
I still remember my first interaction with you. I was getting sick of watching Steve Stirling as coach (seemed like a really nice guy, but not ready for the NHL) and I sent an email to the Islanders voicing my displeasure. You wrote back that I should watch the news that morning. That was the day that we not only lost a coach, but a GM as well.
Best of luck in whatever you do, and keep up the good work here.
CB - can’t believe it took me until february or march to find this blog, but it’ll be even more disheartening if you have to leave us. really hope you can stick around and provide us with the same excellent coverage i’ve quickly come to expect. as you said early in this entry, there is a market for round-the-clock islanders coverage….and nobody does it better than you. stick around!
Chris, I love the blog and you dont even no how much the fans appreciate your hard work and dedication. Everytime I go on the computer I check the site first. You get us right into the action and you give us so much inside access. I tell all the hockey fans in my high school about the blog and all the isles fans love it even the rags fans will stop in to check it out from time to time. This is one of the best sports blogs, please keep it going
CB,
Keep it going….down the Jersey Shore…all I read is NYI PB….screw TSN.
Good Stuff…but it was 2,901 words not counting the title and the comments in bold…LOL
CB, this site rocks and you make it happen by providing the goods and keeping us fans informed on a daily basis. Here’s hoping that you keep it going strong.
CB. This season would not have been the same without your consistent and interesting coverage of the Isles. Mr. Dey’s vision has been served by you giving Isles fans a reason to check in on their favorite team daily, no matter if they were winning or not. To be honest, you blog is the first place I go for Isles news, then Logan, then Islandermania, and then the Isles website. I read many blogs every week but this is one of a select few that compel me to participate and add comments now and then. I really hope you are back next year and can find a way to monetize your efforts beyond the Isles “sponsorship”. To repeat, this season would have been totally different without your coverage! You made it interesting and when times where tough, tolerable. Congrats on your hard work and success which is surely measured by the “attention”, “engagement”, and “happiness” you brought to many die hard Isles fans. Thanks!
************STANDING OVATION************
Well delivered stat of the union. You rule, and so does this blog. You are my lifeline. Keep it going brother!
You’re a good man CB, you’re a good man!
Another thank you from an Isles fan in TO. You’ve made this season a pleasure in spite of the team record. Your passion for the team shines through and I hope you can find a way to be able to continue, otherwise it will be a huge loss to NYI and hockeys fans alike. You have set the bar for sports blogs - absolute quality job CB.
Don’t you have anything better to write about”? ; )
Just kidding of course. Here’s hoping this blog has a long life. Its the best hockey team blog we have come across. Keep up the excellant work!
CB, you da man
Great work, Chris. You are singlehandedly strengthening and growing the Isles fanbase. This is daily my first site visited, and several times throughout. Your common sense blog is a must for this franchise.
You did not mention, however, why you left the team?????????
Obviously I want to start out by thanking you. And thanking you isn’t even enough. My dad and I read your blog everyday at least 5 times a day. You’ve become a big part of our day and without you there would definitely be a gaping hole.
Its nice to actually read stuff about the team we love from someone who loves that team just as much. We have never frowned upon your honesty and we have respected every opinion you have shared, even if occasionally, and it is very occasionally, we don’t agree.
You can guarantee that I will be clicking on every sponsor ad you put up and if there is ever a Point Blank Telethon, you can be sure I’ll have my piggy bank out to help this site go on. You’re one of a kind CB. Your blog is one of a kind. And I hope to see it continue that way for a long time. Thank you again on a great season.
TWO WORDS - WORLD CLASS!
CB,
YOU’RE TOP SHELF WITH ME!
Really enjoy your writing and reporting. There are a lot of Long Islanders who are devoted to this team, and want to keep up with all the news, good and bad, which your blog does. Thanks.
You’re doing a great job. I check this site more often than I check my email. You’ll never make everyone happy, so just worry about yourself and keep doing what your doing.
Thanks for all the time and effort you put into this site.
The last few months of work, school and mediocre Isles hockey have been a drag, but finding this sight made the winter much better…thanks CB for your dedicated work, thorough analysis and the daily entertainment you offer for FREE.
I can honestly say I’ve been either informed or entertained on 99.9% of your threads and I thank you for that.
Best of luck to you wherever life takes you after the draft. I truly hope you will be able to keep this Point Blank train rolling.
CB I have been a fan of this team since the beginning. PB has been one of the most enjoyable stops on my computer,(Although some of my comments have disappeared from time to time!LOL) since I first heard about it. Agree or disagree, You feed my daily need for an Islander fix and the knowledgable, passionate, devoted Islander fans that post here, remind me that I am not alone in rooting for this team as we try to keep our heads above water! Truly comforting!The site just get’s better and better!All I can say is Thank You!
Also if you think “Gueringate” resulted in site traffic, I would rest up in anticipation of Draft week! I would expect the hits will be enormous, preview,draft, results discussion! It will be huge!!
I tell you what, I look at this site many times per day. I bookmarked the site after the second post. It has always been a good read. I tell you what CB, I am hoping to get a job offer from a company in Bethpage this summer, if it happens and you run the site for one more year, I’ll take it over for you… I kid of course. I’m pretty sure that no one could run this type of blog without having had extensive experience with team management. In any case, I hope you will decide to run the site for another year or two at least. We the fans are going to need insightful coverage during that time and I’m sure that Logan is not going to be able to do the job himself. Keep up the good work.
Chris thank you for the time you spend doing this, your knowledge and opinions. As mentioned many times earlier whlie this season might have had many bad points to it your blog was not.
I almost had a chance to meet you at an islander practice but I was to star struck I suppose. I was there getting my picture taken with the team as part of the online auction I won. I do truley regret not saying hi.
Please keep up the great work!!!!!
Recently moving to Chicago has made it even harder to get real news on my favorite team, but this site has made it easier than ever. So a huge Thank You Chris. I’ve even got some non-Islander fans (mostly Blackhawks) reading the site and they now wish they had something as good.
CB-
I’ll spare you the details of my own Islanders fandom, but this blog is the best thing to happen to us fans in a long time. You have done as good a job as anyone possibly could, you’ve kept me locked in to the heart of this team even after we tanked the season: while my Ranger fan friends are bragging about making the playoffs, you’ve got me bragging about how Aaron Ness and Travis Hamonic are going to be great. You got me to understand the “system,” given me insight on how, why, and what is going on not just behind the scenes but even on the ice. I’ll admit that I’m not the most knowledgeable hockey fan (I always say I’m an Islander fan first, and a hockey fan second), but I’ve learned so much just about hockey through reading this blog. And you’ve kept us so up-to-date on everything Lighthouse-project better than anyone else, that even as voters we trust you more than any other news source.
I really hope that you can come back for years and years. I know I wouldn’t be the fan I am without you, and thank you for everything if this is it. I wish you the best of luck in everything you do, and after reading this, I wish I had your job!
CB, your best blog to date. Loved reading every word of it. To quote Tina Turner “You’re simply the best.”
This is the only site I trust for complete and accurate Isles info.
A great big THANK YOU.
CB. This sight is the first thing i go to when i wake up and the last thing i read when b4 i got to bed and also 10 times threw out the day LOL. Youre writing is great and the fact that you are giving us fans basically a minute bye minute keep of our favorite team is insane and it is all because of you. Thank you very much and i hope i can keep reading my favorite blog and going to my favorite site for years to come
Dave
CB Love the blog love the insight the view and the stories. I find myself coming here more than the islanders website. Great job! Looking forward to More Lighthouse news and the draft.
CB,
Great work as usual. I hope this blog lasts for many years to come. Your work is professional and fanatstic. I am always checking this site for updates. In addition you deserve to cover the Islanders when they are a playoff team contending for a championship after many disappointing years. I just pray they are in Long Island.
As an ex Long Islander Please don’t leave. This site gets me all my Isles news and helps me get through my work day. CB I dedicate my Hockey teams playoff win this Sunday to you. (I’m pulling a Ewing I guarantee a win)
great site, and you do an even better job. luck and fortune in whatever you do in the future. this is one of those places. once you find it, is there any good reason to leave?
Cheers, and here’s to the coffee rings and empty wine glasses next to your laptop.
You’ve had a wonderful rookie campaign and it’s not even over yet.
I’ve been a fan for over thirty years and I’ve never felt so engaged with the team as I have in this LAST PLACE season. Thank you for that. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your comittment.
I hope this endeavor has afforded you more time with your family, as that can be the only reward which can truly compensate your superlative efforts creating this fine product.
Good luck to you in whatever you do in the future. If it’s moderating my comments, all the better.
CB,
All I can say is Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. I really wouldn’t mind writing thank you more than 50x just to go past the word max since you lifted it for this thread just to show my appreciation.
While I may not comment in each and every thread, I do read every single one of them. Your blog is one thing I’ll check multiple times each day because you provide so many different insights into the team, whether it be something on-the-ice related or off-the-ice.
I do hope you stick around doing rh blog for as long as you wish to continue to do so. If it means clicking on some advertisements, you got it…..it’s a small price to pay to again showing our appreciation for your hard work and dedication.
Again, I just want to say….
Thank You!
Chris, I have to say that I find your attitude toward the comments and your belief that the guidelines have made them popular is misguided. Some degree of control is obviously necessary, but even if the guidelines ARE perfect, the popularity of the comments has increased with the popularity of the blog. I find it pretty hard that there’s any other cause than that one. That said, I think it’s a good move to have moderation be the worst thing that can happen to anyone here.
In general, I still think you’re a bit prickly and inclined to take stuff too personally, but this blog is the best thing going in Isles coverage and I’ll keep visiting several times a day so long as you keep posting.
CB, Found PB mid-season and I will always come here first for Isles news as long as you are up and running. Here’s to more PB entries and Stanley Cups for the Isles.
This is not only the best Islanders blog, but I believe it is the best pro sports blog on the internet. Everyone appreciates when you do for us CB. Keep up the incredible work.
Love the site CB, i go to it a few times a day. You cant leave us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’ve said it many times, thank you for doing this. As a long distance fan up in Canada, your blog is a life line to getting to know my team better.
I hope you can continue to do this and we can continue to enjoy your work.
Thanks for all you do - best of luck in whatever you choose - one of the best sports blogs out there
Keep this blog going CB! I sign on everyday and read every article…even though I may not comment on them all, I am a loyal fan and reader. This is easily the best Islander coverage on the net and I want this to stay around for a while!!! I’ll be clicking the ads
I forgot what article I was reading but they were quoting your site and the line went something like, “the spiritual leader of the isle fanbase”. Seriously man, you really helped us during this dark season. Thank you.
as a day 1 reader I would like to join in and just say thanks for all your hardwork, i really hope you keep it up next season
This site has been terrific. Your reporting and insights are unparalleled, and I join the others in hoping that you continue with this for the long haul.
“Effective today, while some readers may have their Comments go to moderation, no one is on permanent block any longer.”
Peace.
hip hip
What I appreciate the most — besides the fact that I have no mirrors in my house — is that unlike the various message boards and mailing lists that are all over the Internet, this one keeps the anonymous cowards and bullies from poisoning us with their sociopath personalities. Thanks, Chris.
Best of luck, always.
Thank you Chris Botta, for this “PHENOMENMAL” site this is the ONLY source for The Isles news and LHP information I need…Ever since I found this site a few months ago I have not stopped visiting and obsessing over your blog and the Isles and the LHP…
We NEED you to keep this blog going…The longer it goes the “BIGGER” it will get…
Keep up the great work and keep on “FIGHTING the GOOD FIGHT”!!!
“LETS GO ISLANDERS”!!!
In the beginning when I saw other posters saying they would pay for this blog I thought they were just kissing your @ss but after reading for the last few months I am now in agreement…
Thanks again, CB…
Thanks CB. The Islanders organization from Wang on down should be indebted to you. I honestly feel that your site and blog held Isles fans together in what could have been an otherwise catastrophic season which could have seen fans run farther away. Instead, fans showed up at games and supported this team and it’s direction. I think a big part of that is due to your work.
Thanks again.
Thanks Chris!! : )
Your 110% right , sorry for the way I might of posted in the past! Look foward to a fresh start , it was just pure FRUSTRATION!
Thank you for PB!! I visit this site more than any other and always look forward to your insight and coverage of all that is Islanders hockey. I hope this site will take the next step, you certainly deserve it. Congrats! Let go Islanders!
Once again, great piece - I hope you keep this blog going past June !!
Well done, Chris. Hopefully Wang, Snow and the Team are smart enough to understand your true value to the Islanders organization.
Nice manifesto, Chris! I’m now ready to drink the Botta-flavored Kool-Aid!
Well done, CB. I don’t know what I would do without your blog.
Since I’m comment number 128 or so, it’s all been said before, but let me add the following:
First of all, I’m 47 yrs old and have been a fan since 1972. This blog has become my first resource for all things “Islanders” (sorry Newsday). It is witty, insightful, and on the mark, and it has made the Islanders relevant again, even in a small way. I do not know whether other teams have a similar outlet, but this blog should be a template, particularly with the way you have designed the “monitoring” function re comments, so that the story doesn’t get overshadowed by flaming, nonsensical debates.
Sorry if this has reached into “love letter” territory, but this blog is an important link between the fans and the team.
Quite simply, this has been a well-planned and better-executed venture. I applaud your efforts, your insights, and I certainly hope it continues.
CB - I dont always post, and sometimes when I do, I rant, but this is the best site any “true” Islander fan can have. Although I disagree with you a lot, I love the site, come here 5x a day minimum, and hope that it all works out for the future. We need this site as Islander fans, and keep the stories comin (yes, Katic signing, Striets dogs, etc) we love em!! Now lets get Hedman
CB - this is the only blog I read when I want to know whats going on with my Islanders. I appreciate all your efforts and insights. Hope you keep it going for many years. Best of wishes.
Thank you CB. Great job all year round & the Isles are lucky to have you covering them on a daily basis because now the Islander fan base at least has a clue as to what is going on there.
And to note, the NHL needs more people like you to make this game more fan friendly.
You need one additional rule!
You must include one ice Girl picture for every 500 words.
BTW, this was a nice read.
Hey CB thank you for a great year of extra coverage. Its been honest and thoughtfull and satisfying
Thank you CB. I made this website my homepage at the start of the season and it continues to be the first thing I read when I log on in the morning. All the best!
As another exiled Long Islander (Ohio) and former season ticket-holder (1972-78), I want to also express my gratitude for this site. It has been my primary source for all Isles news.
I hope they stay on LI. I would have to start following the Blue Jackets (I live in Red Wing territory, but….no way)if the Isles were no longer on The Island.
Thanks CB for this extremely well-written piece…I find its funny that fellow readers still are follow the 100 word limit…thats how much you have instilled the rules into us…
I really really hope you continue to cover the Isles next year because when I’m away at school, this is this the only place to get my need for Isles news…as I write this I’m sitting in english class right now!
Hey CB, I can’t say I can spend money on your sponsors, not these days. I’m struggling everyday which gives me a need for the LHP besides for just keeping the Isles here I could use the job opurtunities but if clicking on the links will help I would do that for you.
Does just clicking on the links do much for you???
CB,
I don’t think I can say anything that hasn’t been said by my fellow commentors.
You have done an OUTSTANDING job providing us with info that we can’t get anywhere else. Your insider knowledge, exceptional writing style, and, most importantly, PASSION for this team are what makes Islanders Point Blank work. You have built a community here where we can talk about our favorite team, discuss/debate the merits and performance of players, and provide our insights during a long season. Thank you for that place, so many of us rely on.
The crazy thing is, you have only tapped the surface. There are probably 1000’s of Islander fans that still haven’t had a chance to check out this site. Die hards that don’t have the time or don’t realize what you’ve created here. I say give it another season, if you can. This thing of yours will be amazing.
To my fellow commentors:
I think we should let Chris Dey know exactly how we feel about this blog. Write him a letter, email, whatever. Let’s do everything WE can to keep this thing going.
- Derek
23 dose on May 7th, 2009 20:15:45 said:
so far all i read is the prologue and it’s pretty scary.
when i wrote this i was a little …rearranged, and i got the idea you were pulling the plug. i was scared to read on. now, after reading the whole thing - again - i just want to echo what so many have said perfectly. CB is THE MAN for islander fans. i didn’t even know the team was the blog’s primary sponsor. your objectivity here is a sign that real journalism can still flourish.
i cannot imagine my daily routine now without this source.
Thanks for the great work
I hope you blog for another 10 years and beyond, Chris. That’s all I have to say.
I love the site, Chris. Wish I knew about it sooner. Didn’t get on until the end of the season. This is the place to be for real Islander fans. Islanders website is basically propaganda and advertising. You tell it straight and we appreciate that.
2 QUESTIONS!!!
1) do we stay on LI?
2) Hedman or Tavares?
Your gut feeling?
Chris,
We are spoiled with all the content you provide us here at point blank. It’s been an absolute pleasure reading your blog on the day-to-day and I hope things work out so that you can stick with it for years to come. Good luck either way, and thanks for all the excellent coverage, it has been unmatched.
Chris, thanks for everything you do. It is much appreciated. This blog is the first (actually, now that I think of it, the only) place I go for Islanders news. I certainly hope you keep it going well beyond June.
This is by far my favorite web site. i check it all day at work, home, mobile phone. I hope you can continue this blog as long as possible. I think the ticket prommotion is a great idea. I frequently let the Isles orgineyezation know how great this site is. Chris, THANK YOU!
Chris Botta, that was the best entry all year.
Thank you.
Chris, This is my first choice in all things Islanders. I have said before that I would be willing to pay a premium for your services and time. When I read you site I feel part of a community and would love to contribute financially.
Another that other idea “free” sites have done during these hard times is start a paypal donation link. At the very least, we could help with the burden of paying some of the expenses. You set it up and I promise to be one of the first contributors.
Thank you again providing me with hours of up to the minute news and entertainment.
What will I do at work all day if this site is not continued? Only one of the sponsers was “clickable”
As far as Garth and Gordon - I really worry that the Islanders will base their draft pick on the system as opposed to the overall player talent. What if Duchene fits the system better?
Gordon’s system is somewhat unique, if it fails this coming season he will likely be fired and a new system will be put in place. The last thing we should do is draft a guy based on the gordon system.
Awesome job. I suggest charging a subscription fee in the future. If the rest of the readers are like me, they wouldn’t mind at all paying a few bucks a month for access.
If you just don’t want to do this anymore, then best of luck in whatever you do and thanks for the great coverage.
Thanks Chris please keep the blog going. Found you half way through the season and have been reading everday since.
CB… 100 words not necessary here. I pray this isn’t “an obituary” as PB is the 1st site I hit on a daily basis.
This Isles (or anyone else) would be making a HUGE mistake by letting this activity fall by the way-side.
I personally commit to hitting all sponsored-blogs as often as possible, as well as partaking in any ‘community drives’ to support this site — if and only if I know EXACTLY where the money is going! (Sorry, just a personal peave seeing and hearing where donations go — e.g. Kars For Kids. I don’t want to be padding Wang’s pocket… he’s wealthy enough.).
The paypal idea is good but to motivate readers to donate funds you should give other options to those who donate. Even if its a personal Avatar or just put under there names “Pointblank Supporter”. I got the idea from the “Stern Fan Network” the other greatest forum on the interwebz.
Just a thought.
Chris, I’ve said it before and I will say it again — This site is the absolute best source that has ever existed for up-to-the-second Isles information. I check in for updates numerous times throughout the day, and really enjoy all of your insight and commentary. The best part about it is that I know it’s credible information coming from you. Do everything in your power to keep the blog going into next season and beyond, knowing that you have my full support along with many others. LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!!!!
Chris,
I have been an Islander fan for over thirty years and this is the only place I go to for news on the Islanders. The rest of the blogs and newspapers do not even come close to the type of information that you provide. Your writing is first rate.
This is directed to the Islander organization: If you beleive DP is our future on the ice between the pipes, them CB is your future for information to your Islander fan base!
Chris, keep up the good work, it is what keeps us coming back everyday.
Thanks for the personal insight on team, the information asscertained through the site is really top notch.
While I have hope for the future for the site as well as the team, we all realize that life must move forward…hopefully not to KC.
thanks Andy
My question is, why wouldn’t this blog be continued beyond Draft day?!? I check your blog for updates at least 3 times a day, CB! It’s the equivalent to crack for me. Great Job!!!
Please don’t take away my homepage! Ive been reading since Point Blank 1.0. This is my sports section, my local topics, my celebrity column and my world news all wrapped up into one. Thanks for everything so far CB! Keep on Truckin!
I wondered about that “team-sponsored blog” comment when I was on the Newsday site the other day.
Anyway, I’m new to this blog, but I do enjoy it. Keep up the good work.
CB! I for one would “PAY A SUBSCRIPTION FOR POINTBLANK” just to help keep it going!!
Who else is in?
This is the best outlet for Isles coverage anywhere, bar none. You should be justly proud of the blog and all the hard work you do, CB. First star of the game, man.
Re: comment guidelines - you get more comments per post than I do in a good month, so whatever you’re doing, keep doing. It obviously works. I for one appreciate that someone’s keeping order in here. Comboxes get very loud very quickly if nobody seems to care, and everyone who’s on the Internet long enough can name old favorite sites that were completely ruined by flame wars and such. I never want to see it happen here - and I say that as someone who had an O/T comment or two spiked.
Long live Point Blank.
Chris, Keep up the great work. You can’t stop the blog now, might actually be good next season or the one after that. I am willing to pay a fee, even if it doesn’t get me cheaper Islander tickets.
Never mind. I don’t have to pay a fee. Just notice ESPN is one your sponsors. They have enough money to keep you up an running.
Just a heads up to everyone that’s supporting the advertisers. Please make sure you click further into the site, not just click and bounce out, that doesn’t help at all. Actually check out the site, be it ESPN or whatever.
Chris,
This blog was a bright spot — perhaps, the lone bright spot — in a dismal Islanders year. The combination of insider access with outsider freedom was unique in the sports world (at least, as far as I know).
I sincerely (and selfishly) hope you keep blogging for years to come.
Thanks again!
Chris,
Not sure why all of this was necessary. Those of us who are your loyal readers (i.e. check your blog first in the am), we don’t need an explanation. We have been with you day one, and know what this is all about. We don’t give a rat’s … about what others say about it (especially Newsday). We know that provide the best news and info about the isles, without bias. We don’t care who helps you pay the bills. It is NOT relevant. Keep providing us the great info and news that you do. That is all we care about. We trust you.
Chris… your insights are wonderful… the blog is well written… and from an Islander fan that is nowhere near New York… the best source of info. Hopefully you’ll be back next year. Not doing this blog sounds like it would be a loss for you… but it would be a major loss for us.
Chris, just wanted to honestly thank you for all the hard work, and great articles that you have produced. I really hope that this is able to continue for years to come. I would be willing to contribute in any way possible to help keep this going. Thanks again for all the effort and hard work you have put into this.
To get the Info that CB gets and Knowledge he has of the Isles, i am willing to Pay to help keep Point Blank going!If it gets to that!
Love the blog. I would definitely buy tickets thru PB if you had a drive.
CB -
1. thanks for your efforts
2. couldn’t agree more on Bailey, kid’s won me over and it will be a treat to see his continued development
nowhere to go but up people! we start fresh in 7 weeks!
Yes, Wallace Matthews is a douche.
CB Excellent summary of where you see yourself and the team and the rest of us in the general scheme of things. I think like all of us that the thousand pound gorilla in the room is a new arena for the team. Bettman repeated the need for a new building just a couple of days ago. What about a house to house petition throughout the county? Maybe 100,000 signitures might get the politicions attention.
Keep up the great work!
Great job, as always, Chris. It’s interesting to get a glimpse of what you go through with sources, subjects, etc., before you post. Your loyal subjects are indebted to you because there is nowhere else to go for this coverage. Agree or disagree, it’s always a good and informative read.
For your own benefit, you need to continue PB. You can’t go out after a season like that. You too can be Ray Bourque (obviously, that would entail you being around for a while yet).
Chris - your blog is by far the most interesting blog on the Isles, and the only one with any real inside info. Please keep it going!
CB- You should run against Murray. That would be hilarious!!
Kyle Okposo just scored to make it 2-2
this just in, KO scores to tie it at 2-2 in US v RUS game
Chris, the blog is the best source for Islander news and stories and thank you.
Chris, Who do we email to be absolutely sure you are blogging well into the (better) future? I’ll write , I’ll call. Do we chase Chris Dey?
CB,
You may think im crazy but i think you could get a monthly fee from all of the regular visitors. I know that doesnt offset sponsors but it could make the site a little more beneficial for you.
I for one (only speaking for myself) would gladly fork over $5 a month (just throwing a number out there) to read your blog.
It is informative, entertaining and a great escape from the daily grind.
Great job
CB - this blog made it feel like the Islanders mattered to someone besides me. It is often lonely being an Isles fan. I hope you keep up the awesome work. I learned a ton from this blog this season, about the organization, about prospects and about hockey. As a 25 year devoted fan, this has been a big surprise. Thank you and best wishes for the future - blog or not.
Great job Chris. First time poster even though I visit the site everday. Love the blog and it would be a shame to lose the great coverage and stories you provide….
Best of luck
I wish the PB presents will never end. There is realy no other. The writer, the bloggers, the comments, the knowlege, the news, and the insights - sould not be stopped! I have enjoed this site since the first time I discovered it. I hope you(Chris) will find the way to push it forward.
As of your today’s post - Thank You!
Vlad
Maybe we all can barrage the team with E-mails to keep this site around? we might not be able to get through to Kate Murry, but maybe we can make inroads with the team??
This is the only site I still check really, more so the the teams site..
any one who is against this site continuing is well, I hate to say it, but they are A**clowns!!
Dude, you’re awesome. Without you and this blog, there is next to no good Islanders coverage. You better be here for years to come! Keep up the awesome work
USA lost to Russia 3-2……KO got player of the game for USA….good game for him.
Nice blog. Good points. A couple of my own:
1) Town of Hemp-head has to get it together. Pronto. It’s not like Al D’Amato’s running it anymore and can, uh, get his way with anything.
2) If the TOH doesn’t get it, the worst of being a third team in a three-team market with an old arena that’s not easily accessible by anything but a car will be realized. Kansas City has a nice arena and a hell of a lot of parking.
3) Any brand of Potvin still sucks.
CB… This blog should be a model for all sports franchises. It’s absolutely necessary for fans to get independent-minded coverage of their favorite teams, not the pedestrian coverage from TV, and local paper. Great job, CB….
CB,
Well done! Sorry I did not make it to the meeting on Tuesday, but I heard it went well!
Thanks for the insight. We all should appreciate it - and support it however we can!
Thanks,
Gary
CB- Your the first sight the mouse clicks on to start the day; and the last to end the night(and practically every hour in- between!) Great stuff, keep it going, as you said- hopefully for many seasons to come! THANK YOU
Chris: If the Isles have any common sense, they’ll continue (and expand) supporting this blog. You’ve done a tremendous job bringing insightful, honest information and commentary while fueling interest in a team that generally can’t catch a cold in the mainstream media.
best blog/site out there in a ny sport - bar none - thx CB
CB - I look forward to reading this blog every day and check back for new storie several times during the day. this is my first time posting. I just wanted to show my support and thank you for doing such a great job.I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this blog keeps going. I’d be lost without it. How else is a guy in Horicon, WI supposed to keep up with his favorite hockey Keep up the good work. you are doing a fabulous job. Thanka!!!
Die hard living in Edmonton. I check PB daily. Been to LI area few times on business. Seen only two games at NVMC & every game when they play locally. Many times I’ve looked at business opprtunites on LI just to own season tixs. I can only be hopeful for the Isles future. Thank-you for this sites and everyones comments. I know the Isles better than I do the Oilers or any other CDN team. Cheers.
Thank you CB! I hope you are around for many more years. Think about how you kept all us Islander fans into this “losing” season. Can you imagine if they turn it around and start winning. You will attract more people, not just he die-hards. I visit your site and bypass the islanders site 3 times a day to see what great piece you will be writing next. If they dont keep you, they are shooting themselves in the foot and will only be another reason to look at the Isles with a tilted head.
Hey Chris,
I respect that you feel as if you had to fire back at those who have taken issue with the objectivity you have on the blog and the perceived conflict of interest in terms of having the Isles as a sponsor.
It’s not as if you did not disclose that relationship from the get go. In a perfect world - you would not need to have the relationship with the team - but - if its disclosed - then people can factor this in to their overall thoughts.
The times are changing. There is a lot of consolidation in many fields - the media included. Witness the interrelationship of Cablevision - the Ranger$, MSG, FSNY, The Islanders and Devils TV rights, etc.
I think people understand this and factor this into their participation and utilization of these events and services.
Plus - there is always the “no good deed goes unpunished” aspect of the world - that no matter how noble and true you are - a certain percentage of the people will just find negativity.
I did not see the C.J. Papa show as I was at that game….but my advice would be to be true to your vision of fair and impartial wall to wall coverage of the team. People will vote with their feet - and clicks - and THAT will be the tangible proof you will need that you are executing on your vision.
Its clear to me that this is the place for total Isles coverage. While people are sweating out the baseball pennant races - I worry about whether we signed last year’s 7th round pick and his prospects for the future ( let alone all the others ahead of him)
Now I am sure that you would give space in your column to Kate Murray, a responsible group that opposed the Lighthouse and related contrarian issues - if these people would ever make themselves available - and that is information that would make this site even better and answer those who feel this site might not be objective.
Sponsorship is important - as this blog ia a business - not a charity or labor of love. Don’t apologize for that. I am sure people would pay to subscribe if that were the more profitable way to go.
Keep up the good fight. I am a big supporter of your site. I want to say a big “me too” to many of the posts where folks say its the first webpage I go to each day. Here is hoping that you can find a suitable arrangement to keep it going. For if Point Blank was not here - you have just created a huge void in the media by us not having access to a terrific read with great info on the Isles. Keep up the good work
Pat
CB,
I heard about your blog through BD’s blog at the beginning of the season and have truly appreciated the quantity and quality of the insight you have brought to the attention of us Islander fans (not to mention the commentary among the fans which has been outstanding at times and has woven itself as an integral part). I don’t know of any other sports blog this successful and interactive with its fans, so thank you for that. I sincerely hope you continue this blog prospectively and wish you much success.
Regards,
Jon
CB,
A very thoughtful entry. I am curious as to why you left the organization to begin with?
Thanks CB, great in-depth writing and analysis of the topics, great blog. I really hope you’re able to continue, now that I’ve seen the type of Isles coverage I’ve always hoped for, not sure if I want to go back to the old ways. To anyone who has a say, keep this site going!
great job CB. keep the blog going!
Bravo!!
I back post #166 I as well would pay a Subscribtion fee to help Point Blank if needed.
I pay for Islanders Illustrated and get half the info and NO subjective criticism.
Point Blank is worth it!
Kudos to CB!
Just want to say, growing up in Setauket as an Islanders fan and now living in Boston, I’m thrilled to have point blank! Please keep up the great work! ( ‘ :
Well said CB, once again you prove that you are in a class all by yourself. Here’s to many years of Point Blank!
I agree with post #166,I as well would pay a fee to help point blank stay around.
It is 100% better than Islanders Illustrated and i would gladly cancel it for PointBlank!
Great Job CB!
Everyone go on multiple computers and click on the ads please!!! Keep this site going!
CB , you the man
your blog allowed me to follow the isles while i spent this semester abroad in Australia… cheers mate and keep it coming in 2009-10
CM (202) - Good see another Edmontonian on here!
If I was not able to come to this site 20 times a day to read blogs I don’t know what else I would do. Good Job CB. It is nice to have such good coverage of your favorite team.
Love the blog. It is my first stop on the internet super highway.
CB,
Great work this year.
Keep the blog going.
There will always be Islander fans.
We have had some tough years, and are still coming back!
superb blog. keep it up. build the lh.
awesome stuff all year round!
wow, i’m not banned, anymore!
I am addicted to this blog like a drug. I will do my best to click on every ad I come across here.
it doesn’t get better than this site. reliable info as soon as news break, and inside articles. i check it 10x a day even during the off season. GREAT WORK CHRIS!
I am also addicted to this blog. CB I hope you continue. All year long the first thing I did in the morning was go on this blog to get any Isles info.
CB,
If the Islanders don’t give you a 15 year extension. Then it’s the last straw for me and I will quit on this team. I mean it!!!
Thank you Chris for this wonderful site. I found this place last year and come back every day. Being 4 hours away its tough getting Islanders info. Your blog has renewed my love for this team, even though we had an awful season.
No matter how much longer you continue doing this, I will always be thankful for the time and effort you have put into this.
Thank You!
Oh look! A Kohl’s ad! click.
Chris - If you need us to call or email anyone to demand that this blogs keeps up for next year, just let us know. Heck, I’ve been calling the ToH everyday for 4 months now. I think I can take a break from them to help you out.
I quote David Volek from post 189…
“CB - this blog made it feel like the Islanders mattered to someone besides me”…
I stole this because it describes the essence of what makes this site “the best” for die hard Isles fans alike…
Pay for a blog?
Don’t take this the wrong way because I really love this blog. But, I wouldn’t pay two cents a month let alone a matter of dollars to read from it. I know, I know, it’s probably the wave of the future. After all, a lot of newspapers are talking about charging for their online editions too, but I won’t give them any of my money either.
Chris, with all the hits you get on this site, I’m sure obtaining sponsors will be doable enough not to have to resort to charging money to the fans who have way too many free options remaining. Sorry, but I’m almost as cheap as I am ugly.
MarcN, No dont stop!!!
Keep calling, keep calling!!!
honestly cb you’re the only person that is keeping the islanders on the island now. if you leave so will the team
Stand up job, CB. On this post, and on the entire blog. You’ve made a difficult season for all Islander fans more fun and interesting, and for that we commend you. Hope to see you back!
There’s a reason my wife thinks I’m an Islanders addict, and it’s initials are CB’s PB. Bring on the banners, i’ll click where necessary. Can’t afford to actually buy anything on them, but I’ll click like nobody’s business.
Please think about the fans, CB. What would we do without you? Go back to Logan’s comment section? I think not.
So much has gone wrong with this franchise and there has been such little media coverage. It is great to have a place to come for everyday information about the team.
i agree with you jay, its great having media coverage like this with inside info, old stories and more…
Just to keep you updated: despite a disappointing 3-2 loss to Russia, Okposo did score a beauty (great pass from Hainsey) in the second to tie it 2-2 at that juncture. He was also named player of the game. After some initial problems with consistency the first few games, his two best games of the tournament were the final two, against Finland and Russia.
Cheers, CB. I’d just echo nightfly’s comments at 167 about the blog and the guidelines. You have a smooth running machine going here.
CB I can’t add much more to what everyone has already said. Bottom line is we love you man and hope you can keep the blog going. I’m not from the Island but get down there at least 8 times a year for games and I will support your efforts every way I can. As soon as the sponsored ads hit the blog I will click them and tell everyone I can to do the same. Thank you CB!
CB- great job this year. This is the place to come for Islander news, talk, opinion.
I will click the sponsers,and use their services.
I want to see this continue.
Consider making it a subscription site, maybe $100 for the season.
To throw in my 2 cents. I’d glady pay for a subscription to your sight if it means you keep it up and running. But… you have to tell some stories from “the Vault”.
This is the best Isles site hands down, no contest…nothing else is even close to it! CB, I hope you stick around, and I’m more than willing to buy tickets for a Point Blank night, or even pay for a subscription.
In case the Islanders PR machine hasn’t figured it out yet, this blog fills a major need for the fan base that has never been acknowledged until Mr. Dey got this thing moving. Kudos to him for that decision, and to Mr. Wang for supporting this team and the Long Island community. I mean that…they are a big part of why this blog exists, and I appreciate it.
…in the mean-time, your paying sponsors will benefit from their decision to support the site, as will the NY islanders organization. Go Lighthouse!
“nuff said.
CB,As a very new reader to this blog,I certainly hope you can continue for the forseeable future. The work as truly been a godsend for this Isle’s fan[since day 1 in 72}Everything that needs to be covered is covered,even if it is not considered exciting or sexy,it needs to be covered. Where else can you get Islander info in May. Keep up the great work.
CB:
I feel more connected to this year’s team than any other because of your blog. Keep up the great work!
CB, your site is wonderful. It has quickly become my favorite Isles destination on the web. Your articles are pretty much always insightful and enjoyable, and more often than not I find myself agreeing with them. Perhaps more the sign of a good writer, even when I disagree I always find myself respecting your opinion and how you arrived at it. It would be a crying shame if you stopped! Might I suggest that you open up message boards here, rather than just comments to your blog posts? Though you’d have to moderate it (don’t fear, I’m sure there’d be no shortage of volunteers to help you!) I cannot believe the traffic and eyeballs would not make it worthwhile for you, Isles sponsored or no. I’m reaching for ways to convince you to keep up Point Blank, as I would sincerely miss it and your insights if it left!!!!
ONE MORE YEAR! ONE MORE YEAR!
That was awesome, very interesting CB. Thanks, and good luck to you.
2,800 words well spent! This one of the most comprehensive sources for Isles news.. keep it up!
I know, Mr. Botta that the Isles put alot towards this first year and they could not have spent the money any wiser. I sure they know by now the value of this site for the fans of this team. Mr. Dey, be smart…re-up for a second year and beyond. The team might take hits here and there, but it is done by fans that love our team…and is starved for the kind of information on the team that we get here. Love to see a double play on draft day…John Tavares, and Point Blank, year II.
CB…Wow…thanks for the background info about, well, everything. I’m a 28 years old Islander fan. I recently moved all the way to Seattle, about the same time you started this blog. I can’t tell you how cool it’s been to have a place like this to keep track of my #1 passion. This blog is truly like no other. Thanks for your dedication, passion, insight & hard work. It is truly appreciated. This team was once the toast of the biggest sports town out there…and throughout the years they have faded away. The way you structure this site really helps increase the franchises overall awareness. I know I’ll still be in Seattle next season, and I truly hope Tavares is taking our opening faceoffs…and you’re still behind the Gran Torino…good luck.
CB -
I don’t want to rehash what’s already been said. So I’ll literally just say ditto to all that.
I will add one thing. This blog has enabled me to tell the Texans with whom I interact every day that share no love of hockey and not even an inkling of a clue as to who the Islanders are, that not only does hockey matter in the Northeast, but the Islanders matter. Whether or not that’s true, of course, is semi-irrelevant.
Keep up the good work. Good luck in everything that you do from here on out, Islanders or otherwise…
Great work CB. Pointblank is the best thing that has happened to Islander fans. Islander fans are very passionate and have a great deal of PRIDE. Your writing and contributions help keep our heads held high.
I can’t imagine the Islanders would want Pointblank to dissolve. Your site is a great tool to gauge the pulse of your fan base. It is one of the only sites that provides coverage year round (we hope). The Islanders themselves should be advertising on your site. Keeping the fans interested in the team in the offseason generates build up to the draft, free agency and the regular season which can only help generate interest in ticket sales. The way it used be was you would know nothing about the Islanders offseason until camp opened. Baseball, football and basketball all get year round coverage from Newsday, The Post, Daily News etc. It helps in building anticipation and excitement for the following season. We Islander fans expect the same treatment and your site provides this.
Keep up the great work. You know we all will do whatever it takes to help support the site. I have to imagine that networking amongst your bloggers would have to generate some leads. There has to be someone on here who has a background in advertising who can put you in touch with the right people who could possibly sponsor. Good luck!
This site is good, but I won’t get all misty eyed in praise like others. Chris Botta worked for the Islanders for a long time, and in my mind, he still may be employed by them. 99% of what he writes is ridiculously positive. The negatives really aren’t that negative. He’ll right something negative, but they’ll always be a positive way to spin it. Could the Islanders possibly have this many elite prospects? Seems so if you read this Blog For instance, this kid Dibenedetto put up the same exact numbers he put up last year. It’s not like his stock has grown from his sixth round selection last year (based on the numbers). But according to this blog, we have an elite prospect brewing. Also, its easy to kick Milbury when he is gone….. but I don’t see much( correct that, I don’t see any) criticism of Garth Snow who inherited a playoff team and now has the Isles at the bottom of the league. I understand they are rebuilding, but rebuilding teams do not have to embarrass themselves, either. And the Isles did this year. Yet, no criticism. Just my 2 cents.
Justin DiBenedetto wasn’t even in my ranking of the top 10 Islanders prospects in junior college and Europe for most of the season. You’ll have to point out where he was ever referred to as an elite prospect, or even a top one. Snow did not inherit a playoff team and I’ve written countless times - including in this article - that the Islanders are the primary sponsor of the site…CB
CB Keep up the great work. I check the blog everyday from my smartphone and has provided great coverage on the team that we all can’t live without. Hope the blog continues for years to come.
CB Both you and the Islanders need to stay put! The future looks very bright!
Go Islanders and CB keepup the good work!
Just a quick note to tell you I read every word. Might not always agree 100% but I support you 100%
Chris, Thanks for a great year of Blogging and keeping us up on all information in the background. I really hope you around after June 26th. Especially once we hear that Garth traded the top pick for the third pick and a #1 next year. Taveras who?
Chris, I’ve commented here twice, but read the blog almost every day. I think that you are providing a valuable resource to fans, and the team as well. Do I always agree? No, but that would make for a pretty boring blog. I hope that you are able to continue the blog next season, and beyond. And I’ve already started clicking those ads. Mmmmmmm, Ragu!
Thanks to everyone for the incredible kindness and generosity of your notes. I’m blown away by the response. Okay now, back to blogging…CB
You’re welcome Chris.
I don’t post often, but I read everyday. This is a great site and I for one thank you. Let’s go Islanders
After reading this whole thing and thinking about All the horrible things I have written in the comment space I actually want to thank you for the work you do. Sorry if I come off pissed all the time. I almost never agree with what you say CB but you do a great job. Thanks again.
I really hope you keep this blog going, I think it is great. And I would love as many Bossy blogs as possible : ).
i hope your here next year and beyond, awesome coverage, and your not a shill in my books. KEEP UP THE AWESOME WORK!
CB:
This blog is the gospel. We need it. At the bottom of your heart, you know that. If it fulfills you in any way whatsoever to continue, I implore you to do so.
If you need more traffic, or more donations, or anything else we could possibly provide to continue the charge, then by God, we’re gonna find a way.
You’ve done a tremendous job so far, that much is for DAMN sure. Thank you for everything.
Hey, keep up the good work, I read the blog almost every day to see whats really going on. You are no shill and Islanders managenment should be on thier collective knees begging you back, you have shown them that there are islander fans, lots of them out there, who care about the Islanders and whats going on. I look forward to this blog continuing, Scott Gordon, Garth Snow we know you read the comments so you know how much we love the blog and it’s growing….
Good job , and Much more success to you !!!