Thought this was a good idea so quite disappointed to see so many people buying programmes and refreshments. I realise that you can't persuade everyone to follow but for one game it doesn't seem too much to ask. Its been said that people won't know about the idea but there was leaflets given out explaining the plan. There are plenty of places to buy food and drink outside the ground so don't see the problem.
But there is no way of guaranteeing that every one who attended, were either handed, read a leaflet, or are on social media.
I think our leaflet and sticker coverage of those fans entering the East Stand was pretty effective with the vanguard volunteers doing a good job at the Harvey Gardens / Charlton Lane junction with a second wave backing them up near the turnstiles. Understandably however as it got closer to kick off, the less fans wanted to be stopped in their tracks and the flyers may also not have been read until half time giving some reason for pre match purchasing at the kiosks. Still a very satisfying outcome for me being able to do something towards the cause. No let up now, keep the momentum going everybody.
Not a criticism, just pointing out to angrybird that leaflet handout or not, you can't guarantee 100% coverage or readership.
The queues were shorter at half time, takings would have been down.
I'm a scab here though because there is no way I'm not having pint and my son isn't having a hotdog at half time. Both of us would go mental otherwise.
We support the team, we protest together before (disappointing not to have a before protest) and after (had to leave after the flares, which should have Been later I think) but this not enjoying your day out so as to not influence the regime at all bull shit is rubbish.
I was proud of the way we got behind the team today, my son expected that we would lose by at least 3
This is not the end, not even the start of the end. Duchatelet doesn't want it to end and so we need to keep pressure on to make sure he thinks again.
You'd "go mental" if you go without a beer for 90 minutes ? Really ?
As for, "not enjoying your day out so as not to influence the regime bull shit" - stopping people's enjoyment was not the reason for the refreshments boycott. The aim is to hit the owners in the pocket.
Well done to today's organisers. It was far from "bull shit".
There was a group of about half a dozen young blokes behind me in the North Upper most wearing Black & White scarves “giving it large” about the 'regime' for most of the first half but who then disappeared early before half time and came back late second half somewhat more 'refreshed' than they been before.
WTF...
Smoking in the bogs.
But unless they were smoking something other than tobacco that wouldn't account for them being significantly more 'refreshed' (a couple of them almost 'leglessly' so) when they came back than when they left......
Thought this was a good idea so quite disappointed to see so many people buying programmes and refreshments. I realise that you can't persuade everyone to follow but for one game it doesn't seem too much to ask. Its been said that people won't know about the idea but there was leaflets given out explaining the plan. There are plenty of places to buy food and drink outside the ground so don't see the problem.
But there is no way of guaranteeing that every one who attended, were either handed, read a leaflet, or are on social media.
I think our leaflet and sticker coverage of those fans entering the East Stand was pretty effective with the vanguard volunteers doing a good job at the Harvey Gardens / Charlton Lane junction with a second wave backing them up near the turnstiles. Understandably however as it got closer to kick off, the less fans wanted to be stopped in their tracks and the flyers may also not have been read until half time giving some reason for pre match purchasing at the kiosks. Still a very satisfying outcome for me being able to do something towards the cause. No let up now, keep the momentum going everybody.
Not a criticism, just pointing out to angrybird that leaflet handout or not, you can't guarantee 100% coverage or readership.
I agree you can take a horse to the trough but you can't make it drink the water and I didn't interperate it as a criticism .
The sad thing is there's people Starving and I fully support the strategy of not giving him money, but I can't stand to see waste like that,
I know what you mean but then again it's not exactly health food...
Trust Me, homeless people are more than grateful for ANY food.
Pret a Manger are very good for this. They deliver all fresh left over food to homeless groups around town I believe.
Before I became the international, jet set captain of industry that now walks among you I worked in McDonald's. The amount of stuff that we were told had to be thrown away literally a number of minutes after being cooked was criminal. Disgusting organisation that it is.
I volunteered for Fareshare back in the 90s...Pret gave us all their leftover sandwiches for distribution even then.
Thought this was a good idea so quite disappointed to see so many people buying programmes and refreshments. I realise that you can't persuade everyone to follow but for one game it doesn't seem too much to ask. Its been said that people won't know about the idea but there was leaflets given out explaining the plan. There are plenty of places to buy food and drink outside the ground so don't see the problem.
But there is no way of guaranteeing that every one who attended, were either handed, read a leaflet, or are on social media.
I think our leaflet and sticker coverage of those fans entering the East Stand was pretty effective with the vanguard volunteers doing a good job at the Harvey Gardens / Charlton Lane junction with a second wave backing them up near the turnstiles. Understandably however as it got closer to kick off, the less fans wanted to be stopped in their tracks and the flyers may also not have been read until half time giving some reason for pre match purchasing at the kiosks. Still a very satisfying outcome for me being able to do something towards the cause. No let up now, keep the momentum going everybody.
Not a criticism, just pointing out to angrybird that leaflet handout or not, you can't guarantee 100% coverage or readership.
Are there plans to continue this? From far away it sound like it was successful for a flash protest, but now that the idea is widely known, can it be sustained for the rest of the season. Once people get used to the idea, the better the chance of more participation.
Done this before to mention the vegetarian options, seem to remember getting a reply so probably worth contacting them with any concerns or even questions about Toe Knee in the Cojones. might be a good idea to clog up their inbox or system, if they email the club regarding it, it won't be read or answered anyway.
how about this for a future protest : all fans where a black top ( being it a club shirt - t shirt - training top - or any other black top ) at next home game backed up with leaflets showing the club is dieing under the current owners!!
Thought the protest was an excellent idea and had no problem avoiding the kiosks at all. I didn't pop downstairs at half time, so no idea what the impact was, but there seemed fewer people using it before the game when I went in.
There were plenty around me with flasks & snacks from home, but then I've moved from North Upper to the Lower West this season, so I think that's actually the done thing
Done this before to mention the vegetarian options, seem to remember getting a reply so probably worth contacting them with any concerns or even questions about Toe Knee in the Cojones. might be a good idea to clog up their inbox or system, if they email the club regarding it, it won't be read or answered anyway.
Sent a message ta. Suggested this won't go away and that their outlets won't be viable and they should bring pressure to bear on our beloved CEO to help her to wake up before there is no more coffee to smell.
I'm worried that this could escalate and that Roland might hit back by banning rugs and thermos flasks in the west stand. If he decides to raise the stakes where do we go from here? #WhenWillTheMadnessEnd
I'm worried that this could escalate and that Roland might hit back by banning rugs and thermos flasks in the west stand. If he decides to raise the stakes where do we go from here? #WhenWillTheMadnessEnd
He might do a Leeds . Increase ticket prices to include a pie .
I'm worried that this could escalate and that Roland might hit back by banning rugs and thermos flasks in the west stand. If he decides to raise the stakes where do we go from here? #WhenWillTheMadnessEnd
Trust you lot over there to make life difficult for us opposite in the cheap seats
I'm worried that this could escalate and that Roland might hit back by banning rugs and thermos flasks in the west stand. If he decides to raise the stakes where do we go from here? #WhenWillTheMadnessEnd
He might do a Leeds . Increase ticket prices to include a pie .
For a flash marketing initiative the response seems to have gone well. Anything above 10-15% reduction in income will have hit profit margins. It seems to have been notably larger. I have known many a corporate marketing team wet themselves over a 3% response for any such communication exercise.
Targeting catering outlets dealing with perishable products and who have fixed operating costs to meet was absolutely right.
It was a good simple message and another step in the escalation. The campaign continues to grow and all those involved should feel very pleased with their contribution to the cause.
We need some patience as there have long been those who go to games for a bevy with the lads, and family groups enjoying a pie & beverage who will have no easy alternative catering options. Do not alienate those who chose to continue their usual match day routine. It is no big deal. Maybe next time they will think twice.
Equally many have a natural tendency to support the establishment so they will hesitate to go against the regime. They are not your enemy - they are your future recruits. Others will always focus on their own interests and even more will be ambivalent to the whole thing. Such is their right but every step in the process applies just a little more pressure.
Each initiative presents a challenge for an executive who have shown remarkably little managerial ability. They chose to operate with reduced staff numbers losing a number of experienced employees. Every challenge creates a new pressure and a potential for another public mistake.
The banner incident. the photography, the hassling of members of the press and linked aggressive stewarding are all cases in point.
The Louis Mendez decision is another. There is/ was always a potential conflict of interest to be managed but so poor is the management they choose to silence anyone drawing attention to their failings. It appears balance, openness, transparency, client engagement have very different definitions in the Belgian dictionary.
Another flash protest target, the programme, presents a more interesting proposition. Remember it is reportedly under threat presenting another forthcoming blunder in the communication war and a reduction in the match day service. I would argue there is the potential to produce an unofficial "VOTV/ CARD programme/ team sheet" reinforcing our aims regarding this regime but that is for another thread.
So a well done to those who acted in support of CARD and the campaign to preserve our club. Keep up the good work. There will always be the "naysayers" in life and on occasions they can contribute to any debate but for now they offer absolutely nothing of value in this process.
For me, this should not be a one - off but an ongoing initiative. I understand it means people making changes to their routine and small sacrifices, but we are in this for the long haul. There are pubs, cafes, stalls and supermarkets in the immediate area to provide alternative refreshments.
Also just wondering if we have any insider information on the impact beyond a bin bag of burgers?
I noticed the very low jackpot ticket amount and this demonstrated to me that today's action worked. You're never going to get 100% support for these actions but, reading the thread, there is a certain amount of hypocrisy with black and white scarf and sticker wearers buying beers and pies, which is a bit disappointing. We're famous for our thermos flasks at Charlton! Can't you sneak your half time beer inside the ground in one of these or do they check the contents? I really don't know having never owned a flask in my life.
Possibly, but it was a very small home crowd too. We didn't target the Jackpot - but that's a whole other subject!
I think most who were boycotting would have thought the Jackpot was included, irrespective whether it was on the leaflet. Personally I think it's great the numbers for the Jackpot reduced
Yep I thought it included the jackpot. When I went into the East stand the sellers were trying hard to sell them but having no luck
I too assumed jackpot was included so didn't get our usual 2 tickets on Saturday. The fact that the prize is put up on the big screen also means we get instant info on how successful any boycott is. I'll continue to opt out of jackpot tickets as well as programmes. We don't buy food inside anyway so want to be able to continue the pressure albeit in my own small way!
For me, this should not be a one - off but an ongoing initiative. I understand it means people making changes to their routine and small sacrifices, but we are in this for the long haul. There are pubs, cafes, stalls and supermarkets in the immediate area to provide alternative refreshments.
Also just wondering if we have any insider information on the impact beyond a bin bag of burgers?
I've mentioned it above, but I genuinely think there's a trick to be had regarding making this an ongoing form of protest and using it to support local businesses too.
I haven't really seen it mentioned at all, but how many of the businesses on Charlton Church Lane and up the hill in The Village use match day income to supplement their usual sales? If you walk down to The Valley at 2pm or so you can see kebab houses, fried chicken shops, fish and chip shops and newsagents all with people queueing to get in. The same goes for the food stalls outside the ground.
These local businesses may not directly be fans, but they are more a part of Charlton Athletic than the Belgians who own it. Supporting these guys is a brilliant side effect to boycotting the regime. After all, you'd visit another restaurant if you weren't happy with the one you used to go to.
Not to mention, despite the queues to get in these places (which is understandable) I reckon you get served quicker in most of them and get far better portions for a smaller price. There really is nothing gained by buying food in the ground.
@rikofold for information DNC will work to an across the board cost of sales of around 30% on food & beverages, therefore a 70% margin is maintained on most sales. They will also aim for something like a 12 - 15% staff cost on a match day. Clearly if there was a 50% reduction in sales it will significantly impact on the profitability of the catering operation.
Wow that's much higher than I imagined, thanks. 30% cos is an admirable aim but there's a critical mass in terms of revenues therefore. Do you know on what basis the outsource is arranged - fixed club fees, or percentage of profits/revenues? I've presumed the former based on agreed volumes, which no doubt are already lowee than expected.
I noticed the very low jackpot ticket amount and this demonstrated to me that today's action worked. You're never going to get 100% support for these actions but, reading the thread, there is a certain amount of hypocrisy with black and white scarf and sticker wearers buying beers and pies, which is a bit disappointing. We're famous for our thermos flasks at Charlton! Can't you sneak your half time beer inside the ground in one of these or do they check the contents? I really don't know having never owned a flask in my life.
Possibly, but it was a very small home crowd too. We didn't target the Jackpot - but that's a whole other subject!
I think most who were boycotting would have thought the Jackpot was included, irrespective whether it was on the leaflet. Personally I think it's great the numbers for the Jackpot reduced
Yep I thought it included the jackpot. When I went into the East stand the sellers were trying hard to sell them but having no luck
Yeah, not going there (it's Valley Gold funds rather than directly to the club).
Comments
might be a good idea to clog up their inbox or system, if they email the club regarding it, it won't be read or answered anyway.
There were plenty around me with flasks & snacks from home, but then I've moved from North Upper to the Lower West this season, so I think that's actually the done thing
Didn't prepare well to boycott the food and drink this week.
Can promise will not be buying anything from the club going forwards.
Targeting catering outlets dealing with perishable products and who have fixed operating costs to meet was absolutely right.
It was a good simple message and another step in the escalation. The campaign continues to grow and all those involved should feel very pleased with their contribution to the cause.
We need some patience as there have long been those who go to games for a bevy with the lads, and family groups enjoying a pie & beverage who will have no easy alternative catering options. Do not alienate those who chose to continue their usual match day routine. It is no big deal. Maybe next time they will think twice.
Equally many have a natural tendency to support the establishment so they will hesitate to go against the regime. They are not your enemy - they are your future recruits. Others will always focus on their own interests and even more will be ambivalent to the whole thing. Such is their right but every step in the process applies just a little more pressure.
Each initiative presents a challenge for an executive who have shown remarkably little managerial ability. They chose to operate with reduced staff numbers losing a number of experienced employees. Every challenge creates a new pressure and a potential for another public mistake.
The banner incident. the photography, the hassling of members of the press and linked aggressive stewarding are all cases in point.
The Louis Mendez decision is another. There is/ was always a potential conflict of interest to be managed but so poor is the management they choose to silence anyone drawing attention to their failings. It appears balance, openness, transparency, client engagement have very different definitions in the Belgian dictionary.
Another flash protest target, the programme, presents a more interesting proposition. Remember it is reportedly under threat presenting another forthcoming blunder in the communication war and a reduction in the match day service. I would argue there is the potential to produce an unofficial "VOTV/ CARD programme/ team sheet" reinforcing our aims regarding this regime but that is for another thread.
So a well done to those who acted in support of CARD and the campaign to preserve our club. Keep up the good work. There will always be the "naysayers" in life and on occasions they can contribute to any debate but for now they offer absolutely nothing of value in this process.
Also just wondering if we have any insider information on the impact beyond a bin bag of burgers?
I too assumed jackpot was included so didn't get our usual 2 tickets on Saturday. The fact that the prize is put up on the big screen also means we get instant info on how successful any boycott is. I'll continue to opt out of jackpot tickets as well as programmes. We don't buy food inside anyway so want to be able to continue the pressure albeit in my own small way!
I haven't really seen it mentioned at all, but how many of the businesses on Charlton Church Lane and up the hill in The Village use match day income to supplement their usual sales? If you walk down to The Valley at 2pm or so you can see kebab houses, fried chicken shops, fish and chip shops and newsagents all with people queueing to get in. The same goes for the food stalls outside the ground.
These local businesses may not directly be fans, but they are more a part of Charlton Athletic than the Belgians who own it. Supporting these guys is a brilliant side effect to boycotting the regime. After all, you'd visit another restaurant if you weren't happy with the one you used to go to.
Not to mention, despite the queues to get in these places (which is understandable) I reckon you get served quicker in most of them and get far better portions for a smaller price. There really is nothing gained by buying food in the ground.