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[12thMan]

I really think if we had the legal wherewithal to fight this, the NFL wouldn't stand a chance in hell. It's just that, in a situation like this, you have to weigh what's really important and simply move on.

Some fights just 'aint worth fighting.

[12thMan]

See, this is really making me upset now...

Here it is the NFL, who can't take care of it's on retired players adequately, and what do they do, snoop around the internet to see who's breaking the rules? Give me a break.

[diehardskin2982]

Snyder and his army of minions stikes again!!!! I think someone from the site that shall not be named was upset that more and more people are comming here and not going there. Clicks = big bucks, and although you've never proposed doing this if you were to take your click numbers and market them to a company to purpose advertising on the site, you would make a strong case. Just sale the site to snyder and make a couple million matty! (Just Kidding) I'm sorry to see the site get lowered with the smackdown, the growth over the past few years has been amazing!

[celts32]

I didn't realize that the site changed from thewarpath.net in the first place. I don't think these changes will have any affect on the site...no videos and logos is not a big deal.

[SmootSmack]

I think it's just dumb luck that we got singled out. But I have heard of other cases where it's happened. Either way the NFL has very strict rules about logos and online video use (including links), particularly when the league and official team sites are not credited. MLB is heading in that direction as well.

Trust me, it's extremely difficult and restrictive for me at work. It's an uphill climb to get permission for things so I can't imagine what it's like for Matty and a fan site.

NFL is protecting its brand the way it best sees fit. But again, we're going to be fine. Let's just take the high road on this and continue being the best fan site in the world.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I think it's just dumb luck that we got singled out. But I have heard of other cases where it's happened. Either way the NFL has very strict rules about logos and online video use (including links), particularly when the league and official team sites are not credited. MLB is heading in that direction as well.

Trust me, it's extremely difficult and restrictive for me at work. It's an uphill climb to get permission for things so I can't imagine what it's like for Matty and a fan site.

NFL is protecting its brand the way it best sees fit. But again, we're going to be fine. Let's just take the high road on this and continue being the best fan site in the world.

I can understand where the NFL is coming from, and I can respect that. But I think for me at least, this seems to be a growing narrative; Corporate America clashing with a growing internet culture - a community.

Is it just me or does anyone else feel like some of their liberties have been violated some?

[cpayne5]

I don't feel like any liberties have been violated (in the end, its theirs, no doubt - other than the domain), but I do feel like the NFL is just being a giant jerk about it. They need to realize that sites like these most likely do more good than harm to their image and bottom line. I would bet these little sites, by generating and promoting fanaticism, actually increase the league's revenue.

[rugged d]

you gotta do what ya gotta do i guess mattly will evolve us and lead us to greener pastures

[cpayne5]

I found this article. It's pretty old, but it shows the league has been doing this kind of stuff for a while.

The Big Picture: NFL crackdown on Web sites aggravates Steelers fan

[marius]

Jeez, the No Fun League must have a lot of time on it's hands in the off season - haven't they got better things to do, like take care of retired players? The changes shouldn't be such a big deal in and of themselves but it is the principle of this action that really stinks.

The giant corporate monopoly flexes it's considerable might to pick a fight with the little guys.

NFL = No F#cking Loins.

[cpayne5]

I found an interesting quote in this article...

''To the extent that it's purely a non-commercial site devoted to commentary about the team, we're supportive and happy that fans are excited about our sport,'' says Paula Guibault, NFL senior counsel. ''It's not an issue for us.''

[hail_2_da_skins]

The NFL is shooting itself in the foot with this policy. Don't the NFL realize that sites like this stimulates interest in the teams and the league. We are more likely to be season ticket holders and purchase licensed merchandise. This is stupid.

[Skins fan 44]

As much money as the fans spend each year on the team this is crazy. Makes you now want to spend less money.

[Monkeydad]

CRAZY.

I was just reading THIS before I logged on and saw this thread.

[Monkeydad]

Hmmm...

Maybe another blog with JLC is needed...or at least an email to him.