Anyone who has worked for a sizable corporation knows the drill. A new boss arrives with an agenda for change, and he or she assembles their team. Occassionally, they get it right. Sometimes, the wrong move turns out right for all the wrong reasons.
And sometimes, they screw up royally and irrevocably.
The resignation earlier this week of Chris Botta as Islanders vice-president of media relations is an example of what happens when a new boss comes in and tries to reinvent the wheel without understanding what makes the car go. The new boss in this case is Chris Dey, the son-in-law of owner Charles Wang and senior vice-president of sales, marketing and operations.
Forget Dey’s relationship to Wang. It’s irrelevant. Dey is an intelligent and capable executive. I know he has an extensive background in sports marketing because Chris Botta told me so.
This is a classic case of philosophical differences. I can’t tell you exactly what they were because I’m not privy to details of the Monday morning meeting between Dey and Botta, who chose to take the high road when he announced his resignation.
I only know the bottom line, which is that the Islanders just lost a gem of a public relations man. In 35 years as a sports writer, I’ve met a lot of them, and I honestly can say I’ve never met one who was better or more trustworthy than Botta.
What difference does a management change like this make to the average fan? You’d be surprised. Botta’s departure won’t hurt the actual product on the ice, but it certainly could have an impact on how the franchise is perceived.
In more than 20 years working for the Islanders, Botta learned how to roll with punches to the gut resulting from a precarious ownership situation, and he developed survival instincts that helped the franchise weather the toughest of times. Did he make too many excuses for the foibles of former general manager Mike Milbury? Yes. He was charmed by Milbury like a lot of others.
But Botta also had a penchant for telling it as it was without applying the usual coat of varnish. There have been plenty of times in my past two seasons on the beat when Botta’s assessment of a particular player or situation was far more harsh than my own. We had our disagreements, but when he offered opinions or insights that ran counter to what I might have considered, I never dismissed it because I knew Botta could be relied upon to furnish more than the usual p.r. pap.
Some might say Newsday’s reporters have been too cozy with the Islanders over the years. But I can tell you that, in my case, Botta was instrumental in intervening to facilitate communication on the beat whenever it threatened to break down. I’m sure reporters from other newspapers that have covered the Islanders would say the same. In fact, when I moved to the Islanders beat, Marc Berman of the New York Post told me Botta would be an invaluable resource, as he has been for anyone reporting on the Isles.
Berman covered the Islanders in the days when the four major New York newspapers, Newsday, Post, Daily News and Times, all traveled with them. But the newspaper market has changed dramatically in the past decade, and NHL coverage has suffered terribly. Now, Newsday is the only one of the four that travels to all Islanders games. The Times and Daily News no longer travel with either the Islanders or Devils, and the Post only travels with the Rangers and Devils.
Unless a p.r. man can influence newspaper stock prices, dwindling space or NHL TV ratings, that’s not going to change. But Botta understood those things don’t accurately measure the deep and abiding passion hockey fans have for their teams. He understood because he grew up as a lifelong Islanders fan. His concerns are the same as those voiced by fans who fell away from a team that struggled through seven straight losing seasons starting in 1994-95. There simply wasn’t enough lipstick to make that pig look good.
Now that Wang’s ownership has provided a measure of stability – though some might argue with his non-traditional approach – the marketplace has changed. Botta tried to adapt this past season by tapping into that fan passion by creating the Blog Box to allow rabid fans to fill the local coverage void. It’s a challenge to traditional media, but it definitely generated increased attention for the Islanders.
Dey won’t have any trouble filling Botta’s position, but how will he replace Botta’s reservoir of experience and insight with the Isles? How will he fill the credibility gap created by Botta’s absence? Good luck with that.
As for Botta’s future, maybe some other new boss will get it right by hiring a media relations executive who comes equipped with a wealth of professional respect among those he served. Judging by the e-mail I’ve received since Botta announced his resignation, I know I can speak for my colleagues at Newsday and for quite a number of fans he touched when I say, “Thanks for a job well done.”
Comments (29)
I just read Botta's Blog box, and in typical Islander fashion, all the guy did was talk about the Rangers. Look for yourself. Rangers, Rangers, Rangers..... always worried about the Rangers. Again, look for yourself.
Jay.
Not sure where you are getting that idea....but thanks for making me go over and read Botta's blog.
First off, there is SOME mention of the Ranger's over there. So what? It's all in context with the Isles.
Secondly.....I am sorry for waiting until now to read Botta's blogs. They are outstanding. Like Greg outlined in his blog above, based on what little reading I have done, Botta impresses me as being the antithesis to the classic "Corporate PR Shill" that I have encountered WAY TOO MANY times in my life.
In fact, I generally DESPISE people with those titles. Cuz they are all BS.
Reading Botta's blog reinforces what Greg writes in his blog above.
The Islanders will miss Chris Botta.
Another tough loss for the Isles.
Thank you Greg, that was beautiful. No the average fan doesn't know what impact this man actually had on the franchise, and they may not care to think about it. But anyone who had the pleasure of dealing with him in any capacity certainly will feel the loss. I hope he continues to write, because it would be a shame to waste that talent.
Greg you obviously think very highly of Botta. I hope if you do find out the reason for his "resignation" you will share it with us.
Greg, that was wonderful. It couldn't have been said any better.
I credit Chris with opening doors for me that have been previously unopened and as someone who has never really dealt with the "Major League" media, he certainly made it easy for me.
Chris will be missed, and I would love to join you in saying "Thanks Chris."
Greg, you've been the best beat writer the Isles have had in a long time and I'm sure Botta leaving won't affect your coverage.
However, he will be missed and it's a shame.
As for Wang, he has brought stability and resources the franchise did not see in the gloom and doom days, but he has made some questionable decisions over the years.
Home games are no longer exciting to go too, actually they are not fun at all. Especially the past two seasons. Chris Dey's marketing approach does not appeal to the hockey fan, and he's certainly not bringing hockey fans into the building.
It's too gimmicky and it feels more like an Elementary school marketing for "Bingo Night".
Jack Dagnese:
I think thats less a symptom of the marketing team and more a symptom of the product on the ice. When the team is struggling to score goals and there aren't many fights or big hits, what is there to cheer about? If the Isles had put some more pucks in the net and had another Steve Webb type player I bet we would all view these promotions as nice window dressings rather than something to particularly focus in on. Every NHL team has promotions, if the team was competing more consistently, I don't think we would notice ours as much.
To the team's credit, I think they are taking the right step in growing both the game of hockey on long island (hosting youth leagues) as well as getting teens and young adults to the games by offering discounts. I think a great way to grow the fanbase is to market heavily to the next generation of Islander fans, they will be the ones supporting the team if/when the Lighthouse gets built.
Steady doesn't post here for a few days, and several other names disappear from this board and the Ranger board as well. Gee, wonder why?
Maybe because hockey season is over in New York and there isn't as much to talk about till the draft?
Anon:
Another reason for the disappearance also depends on what we are all talking about on these boards. If the Ranger fans are on here just to attempt to annoy us, then we usually just don't respond. Many of the regular posters just read and do not respond.
Ranger Fans Are Arse Wypes
Okay all you mini Garth Snows out there..
I noticed on the Ranger board yesterday there is a lot of interest in trading up for Filatov.
So I gave them a scenario.
What would the Rangers offer for the Isles nbr 5 pick in the draft?
It's the Isles turn to pick at nbr 5 and Filatov is still available and Snow gets a call from Sather with an offer (actually 2) for the nbr 5 pick.
1st offer from "bob" on the Ranger board.
Betts, Dawes and Prucha plus their 1st round pick (20th)
for our 1st round pick (nbr 5) and one of our 2nd round picks.
2nd offer from dude on the Ranger board:
Dawes OR Callahan and Korpikoski and their 1st round pick
for our 1st round pick and one of our 2nd round picks.
What say you mini Garth Snows?
Counteroffers?
(oh, and you have 4 minutes).
One other thing....
I initially threw Dubinsky at them in any possible scenarios....
That has been pretty much rejected as Dubinsky is declared untouchable.
505
Wow..... That's interesting. I wouldn't mind taking Prucha off their hands and Dawes, switch first round picks.
Heres' my offer to the Sather....
I'll offer our 1st round pick (NBR 5), our 2nd pick in the 2nd round (we have 2) and Bruno Gervais for...
Dubinsky, Korpikoski, Callahan and your NBR 1 (the 20th pick).
Dubinsky is a MUST....or no deal...(Unless Drury is available)
What scares me about Filatov is his size. The guy is a twinkie at 5'11'' and only 159 (according to super out dated hockey's future). He needs to gain a good 20 pounds of muscle and the Isles need to add some more toughness to protect him. I say we stick with Filatov as while I think Dawes is great and the draft is deep, Isles really need a pure goal scorer and Filatov is projected to be a phenom. A lot of draft predictions have this guy going to the Islanders but I think he may go even sooner.
Why are we debating this? We all know the organization is going to choose a non-hyped-shot-in-the-dark player that will ultimately be a bust while someone we could have taken excels. (Still mad a Parise). Though before the trollies start with Mueller vs. Okposo crap again, we've yet to see what Okposo can do yet. Hopefully this is one of the picks management has gotten right!
So in other words....give me your top prospects or forget it?
I like that. I think Prucha has been misused by the Rangers, and Dubinknsy will take over his spot, if not more of role if Shanahan does not return next year.
Good job 505 (Garth)
My logic....
We need a 1st line centerman.....The Rangers are loaded.
Pony up Dubinsky or Filatov is not in their future.
(Korpikoski was their NBR 1 in 2004......after seeing him on Sunday......gotta love a guy who's 1st NHL game is a must win scenario and he showed NO HESITATION in getting their 1st goal against the Pens------he starts right away next year).
Healy....
THEY'RE the guys who want Filatov.....
I don't know about you....but the "prospect" of another Russian model chaser on Long Island just doesn't appeal to me.
If we can improve our center position as well as add a potential 40 goal scorer....a former NBR 1 pick with Korpikoski.....well...
I'm listening..
505
I'll go one step further....we need a 1st line......period.
Can we recall the last really good first line on this team?
That's another topic for another time, but we need to get a line going. Personally I don't care who we start off with in getting a first line. If Okposo is on the first line, then I agree with 505 and get that Center, and get it soon.
Dude has flatly rejected any offers for Dubinsky.....no deal.
Bastards are loaded with centermen over there.
Has the Trottier/Sillinger Centerman Summer Camp been opened yet? Is Comeau the first and only Enrollee?
505
who would you draft?
I'm hearing on the rumor mill some interesting thoughts on the upcoming mock draft:
1. Tampa - Stamkos, Stamkos, Stamkos
2. LA - will likely pick Doughty. Don't discount them taking Schenn here, he was D partners with Hickey, last year's 1st.
3. Atlanta - reportedly love Bogosian, will likely take him here. Expect them to take Doughty if Schenn goes to LA.
4. St. Louis - Reportedly really like Luke Schenn.
5. Islanders - Imagine that, Bogosian off the board....that leaves us with Pieterangelo, Filatov, Wilson, Mikkel Boedker, Cody Hodgson, or if we really want to stretch, Tyler Myers (6'7, really raw...I'd say no).
People are very concerned about the (lack of) size and speed on Filatov, and it makes you wonder the best course of action. Unless the Rags or someone else want to give us their farm for the pick, I'd lean heavily toward Pieterangelo, who's been compared to Pronger, with an eye on Filatov's conditioning plans for the off-season. If the kid looks like he can put on the weight, he might be just the ticket for the team.
However, I'm still pre-emptively hoping for Tavares next year, so I don't really know what the hell I want. We all bash Garth pretty easily, but I'll tell you I wouldn't want to have to make this decision on Draft Day.
Speaking of Draft Day - it looks like work will be sending me to the Northern part of NY during that timeframe. That means I can head to Ottawa for the draft - anybody interested?
Would Dubinsky be the answer to our center problem though? I take nothing away from him (he is a good player) but the guy is a rookie and I think the play and lessons of Jagr were a big reason for his success this year. In his sophmore season would he be able to hold a first line together? I think thats an unfair expectation for any youngin who isn't a Crosby, Toews, or Ovechkin. Thats what makes this center situation tough. I think a more proven commodity would be better placed there.
Which is why one of 505's earlier requests of Drury would be a better fit (especially since the rangers wouldn't give up their "Dubie" anyhow). He can handle the first line and will also be a teacher to the numerous youngins we have. So in this imaginary trade tale: Swap first round picks, trade Drury and Korpikoski for Gervais. Seems a little lopsided at first but the Isles are giving up a chance at a great player while giving the Rangers a bit more cap room to gun for their next big offseason signing.
Netminder...
I am leaning to either Pietrangelo or Hodgson. I'd be happy either way.
Reality??? I'd kinda like to see us trade the pick for a coupla (2) bonafide current YOUNG players like a Dubinsky/Korpikoski or
Higgins/Komisarek (HEY I can dream), or ...who else is out there? Preferably A NUMBER ONE CENTERMAN included.
Healy....if you can get Sather to trade Drury AND Korpikoski for Gervais (that's all?), well....you already have my vote for Salesman of the Year.
505
I like Pietrangelo, but I think I would like to see Wilson, instead of Hodgson. I like Wilson's size, but either three would be a good move....
As far as trading, i wouldn't trade the pick unless I'm blown away with a steal of a deal.
I'm curious more about the free agency.
Please no trading of this pick. Take Pieterangelo or Filatov and begin the necessary restocking of this franchise's farm system. We're most likely not going to see this player for a few years anyway, so I would say that Tavares or Hedmon is not completely unlikely next year when we finish somewhere in the lottery.
Honestly, in looking at this team in the current state, I'm not enthusiastic about the immedidate future, BUT if the cap is managed properly and we hit on a few of these early picks we might have something. Look at what Philly did, drafted well with Carter and Richards, made some nice pickups (Zhitnik for Coburn) and signed young players (Hartnell, Upshall) and all of a sudden they turn it around. I realize the PIttsburgh model is tough to reproduce as getting lucky with the Crosby pick and hitting on a player of Malkin's caliber with the 2nd overall pick is unlikely in back to back years. By the way, I'm of the belief that Malkin is the better player than Crosby and would take him over Crosby if I were starting a team.
Anyway, love the draft talk, actually looking forward to see what direction the team takes.
Healy, I understand your point, but I would like to point something out to you.
The atmosphere at the Coliseum in the 2000 season and onward (until Milbury and co managed to screw it up) was the best it had been in at least a decade.
Yes, we had the player personnel to create the atmosphere like that, but we also didn't have shows like "Shakin it up with Shakey" and other lame, and childish acts. Actually, I don't even think kids find it amusing.
Of course we need a better on ice product. No doubt, the team doesn't score, hit or fight. I agree, but the entertainment at games needs to change to also create a better mood. I'm sick of being embarassed by ice girls waving flags...How am I supposed to get ready for a game when I see that?
We need to bring back the 25th anniversary video with the NFL Eqaulizer song and the old music instead of this punk rock stuff.
f5