Comments on: The NHL as Social Object

By: Matt_Cerms

Matt_Cerms — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 01:25:36 +0000

@JacobHoward I definitely see you point. I was just trying to think of it in a similar but different way. Thanks for the response!

By: JacobHoward

JacobHoward — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:15:00 +0000

@ScottCason We like to think the fan’s reaction had something to do with it.

By: JacobHoward

JacobHoward — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:14:16 +0000

@Matt_Cerms ginidietrich Hi Matt,

Thank you for your comment. I very much see your point, but I would not go as far to say the restaurant is a social object.

The way I see, social objects are activities, places, or ideas that bring people together. Everyone loves their own restaurant, but it’s not like this restaurant is garnering the masses and sitting around a table to just talk about the restaurant.

Hockey, on the other hand, brings together thousands of fans each year. People identify themselves as hockey enthusiasts. When the lockout occurred, needless to say, many were angry. They gathered together and took their outrage online and offline. The lockout brought these people closer.

I don’t see anything occurring at the restaurant, unless it was about to close and the entire community came out to protest, making it into a social object.

Do you see my distinction?

Once again, thank you so much for your interest in my story.

By: Matt_Cerms

Matt_Cerms — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 23:31:57 +0000

Interesting post, Jacob. “Social objects” are the key to word of mouth marketing. But I guess there are different levels and definitions of what a social object is and can be. The NHL lockout was a world event with world coverage, so it’s going to generate that buzz on social platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

I am just trying to wrap my head more around what you are trying to say about social objects.
I’m thinking about this at a completely different level. There is this Korean Vegan restaurant I’ve been going to the past few months. The place is incredible — the healthiest and most calming place you could go to. And there is such a physical word of mouth buzz around the northwest side about it. The customer loyolaty is second to none. You walk out of this place just ranting and raving about every little detail about the place. So, there is a lot to talk about it. Eg; appetizers, sauces, music, service, water temperature, etc. Like the NHL, the conversation can go on. Am I making sense?

So you have the Korean Vegan restaurant on the Northwest side and the World NHL Lockout — both attract rapid attention but just at different levels. Both social objects? ginidietrich am I nuts or on to something? Or just typing out of thin air…

By: belllindsay

belllindsay — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 21:48:06 +0000

@sydcon_mktg @ScottCason LOL!! Yup. 100%. Though if the Leafs ever won it, holy hannah this city would erupt!

By: sydcon_mktg

sydcon_mktg — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 21:13:15 +0000

@belllindsay @ScottCason LOL! We have talked ages before!! 3 years ago I was in a similar boat with the Blackhawks. Its just proof positive that hockey fans are gluttons for punishment (like Cubs fans!)

By: belllindsay

belllindsay — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 21:07:49 +0000

@sydcon_mktg @ScottCason Awwww, Mats! Here’s s little bit of trivia for you: the year the Leafs last won the cup? The year I was born.

By: sydcon_mktg

sydcon_mktg — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 21:04:25 +0000

@belllindsay @ScottCason LOL…Blackhawks fans used to be bitter all the time too. In fact back when that was the case in our houes we followed the Leafs & our sons favorite was Mats Sundin!

By: belllindsay

belllindsay — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 20:59:08 +0000

@ScottCason @sydcon_mktg I tried to stay bitter too. I’ll probably be back to bitter if the Leafs play as per.

By: sydcon_mktg

sydcon_mktg — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 20:49:35 +0000

WOW, ginidietrich never ceases to amaze, a post about the NHL, are you reading howiegoldfarb ?

I am the hockey mom in this community & we have a few other die hard hockey fans around here as well. I can say we are all thrilled it was back. My 11 yr old hockey player is thrilled its back & is having great fun with his fantasy hockey team.

The NHL and select teams do a fantastic job with social media. The Chicago Blackhawks (and no Howie I am not bias) do a fabulous job during the year & the season.

Hockey fans typically have it in their blood and would return even if begrudgingly!