1/1/16

Dear ESPN:

Cord cutter here. I must admit I miss sports, just a bit, but binge watching Netflix more than makes up for it. While I find your stranglehold on sports draconian, I can see you are trying to evolve. Thank you for allowing me to watch UM vs. PSU and MSU vs. OSU, back to back. And thank you for the Citrus Bowl, UM vs. FLA.

I thought I was blacked out of the Rose Bowl, but then I tried that “Skycam” thing (that remote controlled camera that floats in the middle of the field, for those not aware.) Expecting a Goodrich blimp view of the game, I was treated to a 21st century view of a football game. In addition to a new camera view to the game, I only had to listen to Brett Musburger out of one ear, and virtually no commercials. You seem to be trying to degrade this experience, but you can make this the future of football.

“Skycam” is the future of football, with a couple of tweaks. First, you should hold a wider camera angle, you completely missed Stanford’s second touchdown. Less camera movement would be a better viewing experience. Second, an offensive and defensive angle would be awesome. Let me watch the game from the perspective of my home team. Maybe show the replay from the opposing view, or best view. The coverage of Stanford’s 4th touchdown was awesome.

Whatever you do, you need to monetize the experience. I get that. I got a free lunch watching “Skycam.” I’m sure you lost money showing me the Rose Bowl. Having said that, I gave up on cable and network television when you went to 3 minute commercial breaks. Too much of a good/bad thing, depending on your perspective. I’m willing to pay, but I’m willing to pay only so much.

I feel the cable industry has long enjoyed the opportunity to charge me twice, once for the subscription, and once for the commercials. I’ve cut the cord, see ya! It’s up to you to earn me back. You need to run the numbers, but today is different than yesterday, you know that. A cable subscription is WAY too much, but I’m willing to pay more than it cost me today.

It’s half time at the Rose Bowl and the Iowa marching band is playing Another One Bites the Dust. Most of you missed that, and most you probably don’t care. But that, to me, that’s college football. ESPN, here’s hoping the target of the song is not you. I was distracted during what happened next, but now I’m listening to the “B” track interviews on the field. You didn’t really want me to here this, did you?

OK, Brett’s back. Iowa’s 3 and out. This one’s over.