Airplane banner to keep the team here: Who will donate $$?

Speedcat · Joined: 13 Mar 2007 Posts: 656

There has been a lot of discussion/interest of late about flying an airplane banner with some kind of message to help keep the team here. I'd like to offer this thread as a place to consolidate these messages, as they're currently spread throughout various other threads. I'll copy and paste what's been said already (that I have seen anyways).

It's hard because some posters never get to these "Message Boards" at the back end of the site. Many posters spend all their time on the "Main Blog" at the front of the site. I'll try to post links to this thread at the Main Blog in an attempt to keep the discussion in one place.

One main question is, who is willing to donate $$ to this cause? I will.

Another question - what will the banner say? See below for some possibles.

Speedcat · Joined: 13 Mar 2007 Posts: 656

Recent quotes RE: banner:

Sonicsman Says:
January 21st, 2008 at 10:32 am
"I think Mark Cuban’s comments need to be a wake up call for loyal Sonics fans. We have done a ton to support this team ans show we want them, but like Cuban said, we have not made enough noise. We need to work together and get loud. We can put it all on Brian Robinsons shoulders to make things happen. We need to all pitch in whether it be the net, makings signs are find out the cost of flying a banner of Seattle that says “We Love the Sonics, they are Seattle team” and get the news stations to cover it. We need to make some noise and fast. It is amazing what we can do if we just start to focus on making noise.!! I think we should avoid attacking Bennett directly and focus more on getting the word out that we love the Sonics and we want the city of Seattle to do more to save this team!!! "

SeaSonics Says:
January 21st, 2008 at 11:13 am
"I agree completely. A large banner, several thousand SOS posters to hand out at the games, more gatherings. We need to be heard by our fellow seattlites and the nation. Brian is doing everything he can behind the scenes but we need to start picking up the weight and really start rallying behind this cause.

“A failure establishes only this, that our determination to succeed was not strong enough.”

We need to act now and not bullshit anymore. We don’t KNOW if our team is leaving forever..but we know they are here now and that there is a chance they could stay. We need a plan ! We We need it now! Hallelujah to the KING! Hallelujah to the Seattle Sonics! "

Sam K Says:
January 21st, 2008 at 11:21 am
"Heavy, how much would it cost to fly a pro-Sonics banner around the city? I just received a nice windfall and think this might be a worthy cause. "

Seafan Says:
January 21st, 2008 at 11:51 am
"Yeah, we need a new banner, “Fire Clay!” Has a nice ring to it too. "

Wiff Says:
"Maybe it's time for another banner claiming how the fans are getting the shaft?

Thursday Feb 21 Sonics are on TNT at Portland. But maybe if we did it the game before at home on Tuesday the guys at TNT would run it?

Anyone else tired of Clay and the City at odds with out a single sit down to try to work things out?"

Speedcat Says:
"Wiff - last time the confrontational nature of the banner was what helped to get the press & keep this in the news. Free did that press release, interview, etc to make a story out of it. This time around, it would have to be equally confrontational and organized to get any play. What could be said, succinctly, that would capture the sentiment and yet also be highly confrontational?
"STOP CLAY - SONICS MUST STAY"
"GO SONICS - BUT NOT TO OKC"
"STOP THIEVES WE LOVE OUR SONICS"
"SONICS = STOLEN LEGACY"
"SONICS: SEATTLE DOES CARE" - with a background story about Save Our Sonics or something, highlighting those individuals/groups who have continued rallying around this issue, referencing all the national media that has glommed on to this story about Seattle fans not caring about their team.

The way I see it, the more we keep this story in the news, the more likely it will get a groundswell of sentiment going. It is true that the general public thinks the team is a goner. If they see that people are still fighting the issue, perhaps we can spark some hope for keeping the team."

"If my memory is correct Heavy got a hold of the pilot, R Kelly made a press release and sent it to the TV stations. Plus I thought Free did a good job in front of the camera and did a great job holding on to the money. Any chance you guys might be willing to donate your time again? I know you guys are as fed up as I am.

I like this banner suggestion the best so far.

"STOP THIEVES WE LOVE OUR SONICS"

I think it paints Clay in the proper light. And it still mentions our love for the Sonics.

I definately think the word "GO" should not be in the banner just in case any moron doesn't quite get the drift.

I also like

"STOP HI-JACKING OUR TEAM CLAY"

Mostly because that's how I feel about the situation even though there are plenty of fingers than can be pointed at numerous people.

But I still like Speeds better."

Heavy says:
"Free & I would be more than happy to work behind the scenes with Brian if asked, but he's the man now. He knows how to contact me. If he wants, I can go up to Payne field again & talk to Wayne. But I'm just a worker bee now."

RRWRAYIII says:
"I like the "Sonics: Seattle Does Care" one the best. I dont know how much attention that would gain though.

Or how about a:

"Bennett: Please sell our Sonics" "

Wiff says:
"[quote="Heavy"]Free & I would be more than happy to work behind the scenes with Brian if asked, but he's the man now. He knows how to contact me. If he wants, I can go up to Payne field again & talk to Wayne. But I'm just a worker bee now.[/quote]

Heavy I know you and Brian had a run in over Nate a long, long time ago.

In the past this was SFU's baby. But if Brian wants to take the reigns on this, go for it. I think SOS has done a fantastic job with all their efforts. However I don't see a reason we can't chime in with our two cents though. And obviously we'd love any support from SOS."

Speedcat says:
"Yeah, I agree with Wiff. There's no reason not to work on two fronts. However I'd say as SFU we'd have to do everything we can to coordinate / not step on toes with the great work that SOS is doing. I don't think that would be too hard to do. I think most of us supporters would agree that keeping the fans on the fire, placing blame where it belongs, and making our case to the nation would be a positive effort; Brian no exception to that list.

I'd be willing to donate again. I think we still have the email list of former donators. I thought THE ALASKAN, McNuggit, and Big Spoon were on that list also. If ALAKSAN is still in Central Am at least he's been on the boards here & there. McNugg shows up here and there. I don't know how to get in touch with Big Spoon, but Heavy probably does. There were others... (Sonic Comic?) I think Free probably has the most comprehensive list.

If anyone needs to reach me on this issue write to sonicsfansunited@yahoo.com. I check it like once a week. Or Heavy & Free have my regular email address.

Cheers,
Speed"

Speedcat · Joined: 13 Mar 2007 Posts: 656

Sam K: to answer your question, I think the banner budget last time was $1000 or so. I'm sure Heavy can give you more specifics as soon as he's back online. A lot of us donated like $50 or $100, with some key folks donating $200 or more. It was a very democratic process as far as choosing the banner text was concerned.

samkidder · Joined: 13 Oct 2007 Posts: 48

I will pledge $300 to the cause. I have a couple friends who I am sure will donate $50-100. Anyone else willing to step up?

-Sam K

Speedcat · Joined: 13 Mar 2007 Posts: 656

Rock on Sam!

I'll donate $100, so we have $400 so far. I've emailed the former donation group "Sonics Fans United" as they were called. I'm sure Wiff, Heavy, Free and others will be glad to put in.

Hell yeah, let's keep the fire on! :)

samkidder · Joined: 13 Oct 2007 Posts: 48

So far my two favorite messages are "Stop Clay - Sonics Must Stay" and "Stop Thieves - We Love Our Sonics!" But I'm definitely open to suggestions.

Once we get $1,000 in pledges (or whatever the estimated cost is), I'll gladly send my check to Heavy/Speed/whoever is stewarding this process.

Eric E · Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 150

I love the airplane idea. I start up working again tomorrow so I don't have a lot to donate but I will do whatever the hell I can.

Another idea, is there anyway we could get a flag on top of the Space Needle much like the 12 the Seahawks fly up there? I have no clue how much it would cost and what it would take but that could be cool too.

Disheveled Defender · Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Posts: 67 Location: Auburn

I will chip in something. I am also willing to sell one of my kidneys if it saves the Sonics.

wiff · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 113

It's my slow season but I can cough up 50 bucks. I know last two times Free handled the money, and I can say he is a very trust worthy person.

So far we have $150.00 and one Kidney.

Maybe they can remove the kidney for a half time show. Then we can "you tube" it

samkidder · Joined: 13 Oct 2007 Posts: 48

Make it $450. I'm in for three hundo.

wiff · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 113

that is actually $750.00. Sweet!

samkidder · Joined: 13 Oct 2007 Posts: 48

$750, really?? Maybe you're double-counting my donation, but if not that's freaking sweet. Let's rely on Speedcat for the official tabulation.

wiff · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 113

whoops I did count yours twice Sam.

Any chance you grew up on Lake Tapps Sam?

samkidder · Joined: 13 Oct 2007 Posts: 48

Nope, never been to Lake Tapps

Speedcat · Joined: 13 Mar 2007 Posts: 656

OK, we have $450 and one kidney, plus some unspecified $$. Excellent! Alex Chan also said he'd be willing to do $100-$150 if the message is positive enough.

Freespeech has posted here a few times, and I'll be in touch with him. He may be willing to be the collection point. As wiff notes, he did it last time around. Otherwise I could do it, or Heavy would likely do it. Sorry to volunteer you guys! ;)

Speedcat · Joined: 13 Mar 2007 Posts: 656

McNuggit got me on the email; he's in for $50.

$500 and one kidney... in less than 2 hours! Woah, imagine what we'll have by next week.

We could consider one banner here, perhaps prior to the All Star game, to get the buzz going, then another one elsewhere to cap it off? Based on the interest today, it seems like we may end up with $$ for more than just one banner.

wiff · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 113

Prior to the All-Star game would be freakin' huge!

SeaSonics · Joined: 21 Dec 2007 Posts: 27

This is frickin fantastic!

I agree with multiple banners. I also think it would be a good idea to make posters and give them to some fans prior to a big game.
Put me down for $100.

Keep it coming sonics fans!

Speedcat · Joined: 13 Mar 2007 Posts: 656

Thanks SeaSonics!

Wholly crap... $600 in less than 2 hours. We be rockin' here! :)

Eric E · Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 150

If there's enough money then I think we need to try for an airplane banner AT the All Star Game in N.O.

That would make a statement and get people talking nationally. I guarantee it.

wiff · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 113

If we could hire a Pilot in New Orleans to fly the banner on the Saturday at All-Star Weekend? Holy Cow, that way it might get run Saturday during the dunk and skills competition and the game on Sunday.

Plus the whole league would see it with all of its owners

EDIT: Maybe if we raise enough money (and I think we will) we can hire the plane for Friday before the Rookie vs Sophmore game, since Durant and Green should be playing in it.

Speedcat · Joined: 13 Mar 2007 Posts: 656

All Star Game? Sounds intriguing... what are the risks?

Obviously we'd have to find someone in N.O. that we can trust.

wiff · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 113

Well this link list some prices but I didn't see a contact other than the author of the article. I'll keep looking.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4200/is_20030428/ai_n10173184

wiff · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 113

Here is another link to an Air Banner company.

http://www.usairads.com/index.html

Speedcat · Joined: 13 Mar 2007 Posts: 656

wiff, that first article is interesting. "Stop Clay - Sonics Must Stay!", including spaces, is exactly 30 characters. Per the article, "We can do a 30-letter banner for one hour around Jazz Fest for $500 or a two-hour pull for $750." That seems reasonable - right in line with what we paid last time, I think.

Where is the All Star Game held, in relation to Jazz Fest?