JJ, here.

RW and I were at the game today. Even though both of us were sitting in different sections (not Press Row, since neither one of us are journalists), both of us observed the same behavior from fans around us.

You remember that time when you didn’t have a ticket to the game, but your friend did. So, you were watching the game at home and you saw your friend on TV. Thinking it might be kind of cool, you decided to call your friend’s cell phone. While on camera, you told your friend to do something stupid as a sign to you.

That was so like…yesterday.

Now, everyone is texting. And you’d think judging by the sheer number of fans texting that they all had a live blog of text messages. Or something like that.

Well, RW and I thought that might be an interesting idea. So, here’s the transcript of our version of a live game blog:

[Editor's note: Yes, we noted the blowup toy that was making it's way around the student section at the beginning of the game. But we're family-oriented here. So, all I'll say is that if I was security, there is no way you could have got me to remove that thing.]

JJ: “Wonder Twin powers activate!”

RW: “Porter’s back”

JJ: “No Doublemint”

RW: “Stanford is average without the twins”

JJ: “So is Nelson”

RW: “True. Did you see the recruits over in section 14 right under CBS”

JJ: “Met our unicycle quota for year?”

RW: “Fo sho”

JJ: “Makeup”

RW: “Refs are bad”

JJ: “But handicapped?”

RW: “Yeah, come on. Thats going a little too far.”

RW: “Take your tights off fred”

JJ: “Nutmeg!”

What text messages did you send during the game?

- JJ

Jonathan Stewart’s press conference declaring for April’s NFL Draft.

You’ve heard of the 24-hour news cycle, right?

Well, some people think we’ve entered the 24-second news cycle world.  And they might be right, because I’m already tired of the Jonathan Stewart story and it’s a little over 12 hours old.

Here’s why.

Over the course of today, DSN has received some criticism for our handling of this story.  Not shying away from criticism, here are some comments from Christopher:

how many people do you need to hold your hand? this is stupid. you filter comments, you don’t like what people say about you on other sites. your reputation is TARNISHED if you can’t handle the weeeeeee bit of flack accompanied it. now it’s off to make as many “admin” posts as possible and appeal to the masses for help. do what you do best and don’t ask questions. your either in it for all the right reasons and should expect hard times or you don’t have a clue what you are doing.

Christopher, you bring up some good points:

- Do we filter our comments?  You bet.  Our filtering, moderating, and monitoring of comments is no different than most other websites.

-  Do we like what people are saying on other sites?  There’s an interesting discussion going on here at eDuck.  But do we like it?  I don’t think it’s a matter of “liking” or “not liking” it.  It’s interesting that we’re at the center of a discussion.  But I don’t think we have a preference either way.  Although, it would be nice if it was accurate.

- My wife and I have a few frames that are tarnished, but I think that’s it as far as anything tarnished.

- Did we make “admin” posts?  Yes.  But it was more a commentary on the development of the story surrounding the Stewart story.  “Admin” is simply the way our screen-name appears.

- Did we appeal to our visitors for help?  Sort of.  I guess if you call feedback help.  We’re always interested in improving our service and what we do.  And your feedback, Christopher, is important to us.  We’re not satisfied with remaining the same.  We want to grow and change in order to provide the best service we can for Duck fans.  Can other sites out there make that claim?

- Don’t ask questions.  OK.

- We’re in it for the right reasons.  There’s a need and we would like to think that we’re doing a good job so far.  And trust me, we know about hard times.

But Christopher wasn’t done.

it’s not that you guys BROKE the news, it’s that you thought it would be cool to go and spam all the other sites with your breaking news. so you got some flack and now you are asking for forgiveness on shooting the messenger? did ANY of you take a journalism class ever? doesnt’ seem like it one bit.

why not STICK TO YOUR GUNS, report YOUR story and not worry about what other people think? does ESPN have to go tell the world on their sites when news breaks? NO. the commentary updates are embarassing.

I can’t tell if this is DSN or the oregonians CANZANO reporting.

REPORT the story not the drama. if you dont like people shooting the messenger this isn’t the job for you.

good job in getting in right before anyone else but no need to get defensive after your henchmen were sent out to tell the world.

Now, Christopher, this is where you lose me just a little bit:

- Actually, we did break the story.  No one else was reporting it before us.

- I don’t know what you’re talking about when you refer to “spamming” other sites.  If someone who visits our site wants to take our news to other sites (quite efficiently, from the sounds of it) where Duck fans flock, they are free to do so.  Can’t really do anything about that.  Actually, kind of sounds like a good idea.   What’s the problem with taking the news to Duck fans and not waiting on them to come to us?

- Yes, I took one Journalism class at the University of Oregon.  Christopher, we are not journalists.  We have never claimed to be journalists.  But I do cook, occasionally.  And I don’t have to be a chef to do that.

- Now, Christopher, please.  When ESPN breaks a story, which one of their many media outlets does not promote or report the story?

- DSN?  Canzano?  Wow.

- Last night, we reported the story.  Then, the reporting of the story became a bit of a story in itself.

Christopher, thanks for the parting compliment.  We’re not defensive.  This is a dialogue.  It’s a conversation.  And we’re just happy to be a part of it with Duck fans.

Now, I ‘ve got to go and take our henchmen out to eat.

- Jay Jones

Duck fans, I’m afraid that’s as close as Jonathan Stewart is going to get to the Heisman trophy.

Good luck, Mr.Stewart. Go Ducks!
- JJ & RW

Feedback? We don’t need no stinkin’…

Actually, we do. More specifically, we want feedback from you.

Our coverage of Jonathan Stewart’s decision to enter April’s NFL draft has given us the opportunity to think about what you, the DSN visitor, expects from us.

Several friends of DSN have emailed us to inform us that we’re taking a bit of a beating in the forums and on the message boards for reporting this information from a very trusted anonymous source. I know they are just message boards and forums, but it got us to thinking about a couple of questions:

- Should we stay out of the “reporting” game altogether and leave that to the pros? Is simply linking to their stories without assuming their journalistic responsibility is good enough for you?

- If we do get information, do we just report the good news, not the bad?

- Do you want more? The ability to comment on stories? Email links? Get discussions going?

So, here’s a quick poll to get things started. But we’re always interested in hearing from you. And we’re always looking for ways in which we can make this site the best site for Duck fans.

- JJ

	What do you want DSN to do best:
	Just the facts, ma’am. (Report)
	Headlines! Get your headlines! (Aggregate)
	Beaver Bash. (Comments/Message Boards)

UPDATE: 10:27 a.m., January 11, 2008

Rob Moseley confirmed what we were reporting last night: Jonathan Stewart will be going pro.

- DSN 

Duck Sports News has learned from a source in the University of Oregon’s Athletic Department that Jonathan Stewart will skip his senior season and opt for the NFL Draft.

Developing…

UPDATE: 8:03 a.m., January 11, 2008

The Oregonian’s Aaron Fentress suggests that with the January 15th deadline for declaring for the NFL approaching, Jonathan Stewart does not have a lot of time to make up his mind. He suggests that there could be announcement today.

UPDATE: 12:19 a.m., January 11, 2008

Well, I guess Duck fans are shooting the messenger. And that would be us, Duck Sports News.

Sorry, Duck fans. We’re not trying to rain on your parade. We’re only interested in conveniently making the most Duck news available to you. And it just so happens that on this occasion, we’re the shortest distance between two points.

But it looks like we’re getting a little backlash here for stating what was passed along to us. If it turns out we’re pulling a Herbstreit, we’ll probably not attempt the “reporting” business again and just stick to the “reporting on reporters” business.

I don’t think we are. If I had any reason to not trust my source, we would not have posted it.

UPDATE: 10:56 p.m.

Our source did not say anything about when he will make his announcement or the circumstances of his announcement. Duck Sports News simply received news that Jonathan Stewart has decided to turn pro.

Bertram emailed us with this information and analysis:

Ducks are 12th in final overall computer rankings, as shown at:

http://masseyratings.com/cf/compare.htm

This is an average of 71 computer rankings, which is, in my opinion, the very best way to use computers. Each formula has a different emphasis, and one can quibble with each. But the average of all of them best captures the entire amount of information. (And apparently the computers are smarter than coaches and journalists in seeing Oregon’s impressive performance across the entire year…)

Thanks, Bertram.

- JJ

Media Release
UO Athletic Deparment
January 8, 2008

EUGENE, Ore. – Following the University of Oregon’s 56-21 Brut Sun Bowl victory over South Florida, the Ducks (9-4, 5-4) earned a spot in the final Associated Press Top 25 of the season, taking over the Bulls’ former spot at No. 23.

Oregon was ranked 24th in the USA Today (Coaches) poll. Both finishes are the program’s highest since 2005, when the Ducks were 12th in both final indexes.

UO is one of four Pac-10 teams in the final AP poll, behind No. 3 USC and No. 16 Arizona State – two teams the Ducks defeated during conference play – and two spots ahead of No. 25 Oregon State. USC (second) and ASU (13th) were the only other Pac-10 schools in the coaches poll.

Oregon spent seven weeks in the top 10 this past season – its highest total since 2001 – and reached the No. 2 position on Nov. 11 before losing senior quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Dennis Dixon to a torn keen ligament.

The Ducks have a balanced corps of returners in 2008 with eight starters on offense and seven on defense slated to be back. Oregon hosts rival Washington to open the season on Aug. 30 at Autzen Stadium.

By Don Smalley
DSN Contributor
January 7, 2008

After watching the first weekend of action in Pac-10 men’s basketball, I’ve learned and noticed a few of things.

No gimmes

This league proved just in the first weekend that there are no easy games and no one is to be taken lightly.

One just had to go to the state of Arizona to see this as proof. Oregon went to Tempe and played horribly and the result was a loss. Everyone wants a split on the road in this league and when it comes to the desert, Arizona State has always been the best shot at a win. But when the Ducks dropped a game to the Devils on Thursday, that split became unlikely, or at least history says so. But Oregon picked itself up, played a tremendous game and beat the Wildcats in Tucson and got that all-important split. Phew.

Arizona also proved that no team is to be taken lightly. Before the season started, I believe the Beavers would be the first Pac-10 school to go 0-18 in league play. But after watching most of their games this weekend, I might change that idea. The Beavers do play hard and they try. The talent level is well below the other nine teams, but they do try. I can’t say that for Arizona the last 90 seconds of the Oregon game. They quit.

A Love-fest

I’ve only seen bits and pieces of Kevin Love’s game over the past few years. I’ve just heard how great he is. I took people at their word. I’m sure he is great, but UCLA and the Pac-10 is vastly different from Lake Oswego. But he really impressed me Saturday. Cal has some good big men in Anderson and Hardin and Love was the best post player on the floor. Love also handled Stanford’s Brook and Robin Lopez. He is a great passer and he can knock down the three. He’s just has a good basketball sense.

Meet the Parents

Fox Sports really needs to stop showing players’ parents in the stands while the game is going on. I quickly got sick of seeing the Lopez twins’ mom in the stands during the UCLA game. Also, I don’t want to see any more of Chase Budinger’s crying because his little golden boy didn’t get a call or Stan Love’s smirk because he knows how great his kid is.

First weekend at Mac

It should be an exciting weekend at Mac Court. The kids will be back, the Pit Crew will be in full force. I look for Oregon to beat Cal, but have its hands full Sunday against the Cardinal. It’ll be a close game.

Does anyone else find it odd that the number-one rated high school player, Terrelle Pryor still lists Oregon as one of his college choices? He’s already said he does not have time for a visit to Eugene, and the schools he’s going up against (Ohio State, Florida, Michigan and Penn State) are the best around. Why are the Ducks still on his list?

It was reported late last week that because he was not to make an official visit to Oregon, he had taken them off his list, but after he won the MVP award for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl he insisted that was a mistake and Oregon was still in the mix.

What’s your take? Where do you see Mr. Pryor ending up?

	Where will Pryor go to college?
	Ohio State
	Michigan
	Florida
	Penn State
	Oregon