The University of Louisiana? Only if it acts like it...

[Turbine]

_ I guess I am going to have to explain this a little better. Its not about the name its about earning a respect no matter what you call yourself. My point about Harvard and Yale wasn't about the name its about respect and reputation which you earn over a long period of time. So many people on here believe that some how if we are called the University of Louisiana we will automatically gain that respect. Well that's not the way it works. This isn't McDonald's were you just drive up and get what you want. You have to earn it so quit worrying about the name. Accept UL and move on toward gaining respect not just in athletics but in the most important area and what a university is for academics. So many people associated with UL spend way too much time on the name and not on what can make the university better in all areas. If they put this much effort into athletics as they do with the name the football team would go 12-0 and the basketball team would win the national championship. ULL should just go with UL on everything and worry about more important matters. _

I enjoy your posts and see you as a voice of reason.

One thing many may not realize is how much coverage the Advertiser and other papers nation wide used to give the Ivy League in the first third of the 20th Century. I know the schools were already well established, but I found it interesting in my research that it was sports that kept putting them in the frontal lobe of society.

Now they seem to be a perpetual motion machine.

[DestinCajun]

So many people associated with UL spend way too much time on the name and not on what can make the university better in all areas. If they put this much effort into athletics as they do with the name the football team would go 12-0 and the basketball team would win the national championship. _

If you're speaking literally, you are full of skat.

If you're speaking figuratively then I understand your message.

But, I cannot actually tell one way one the other.

[4LSU]

_ When it comes to this issue....yes.

Seriously, look at the hatchet job Ted Lewis did when he wrote the stories for the TP leading up to the first Ul v LSU football game a few years back. I was there and heard the interviews with a half dozen folks at my table and the adjacent tables. What they said and what he wrote (that is , emphasised and selectively quoted) were two entirely different things. The other papers mentioned have their own agendas of either ignoring accomplishments by UL. News Star only seems to cover UL if the Warhawks win but then when they turn around an lose to UL the next day no stories to be found. Or how about the case of the Advocate changing direct quotes from UL to add the extra city tag "L"?

Now I've given you some concrete facts to back my assertion. I'll be glad to listen to any you have to make your case. _

"When it comes to this issue....yes."

Ok, that's pretty much what I though.

"...look at the hatchet job Ted Lewis did..."

Gosh, I have a hard time recalling a story penned 6 mons ago, much less 7 yrs ago. I thought Lewis was the Tulane beat guy for the TP? Was it an opinion thing or a game write up? Anyway, I don't know if you can paint a paper as bias cause a guy writes a story 7 yrs ago you don't agree with or doesn't reference your school as you think he such. It might be an easy call for media in Lafayette to make and not so easy for the media outside that area to make.

I don't agree with changing quotes and if that happened w/o some kinda notice to the reader, then it was wrong to do so.

Good luck in your quest..........

[racajun54]

_ If you're speaking literally, you are full of skat.

If you're speaking figuratively then I understand your message.

But, I cannot actually tell one way one the other. _

OMG of course I meant it figuratively. What I mean is the efforts and thoughts about what name to use should be put into things more constructive.

[racajun54]

_ I enjoy your posts and see you as a voice of reason.

One thing many may not realize is how much coverage the Advertiser and other papers nation wide used to give the Ivy League in the first third of the 20th Century. I know the schools were already well established, but I found it interesting in my research that it was sports that kept putting them in the frontal lobe of society.

Now they seem to be a perpetual motion machine. _

I try to be and thank you. Don't get me wrong I think sports are an important part of any instution of higher learning and you are right one about the Ivy League. Sports did keep them at the fore front for many years because in their time they were the LSU, Florida, Ohio State, Oklahoma, etc. of that era. I just meant it took many years for them to gain respect and they didn't do it by having a certain name. Many alumni and supporters of UL/L just put way too much emphasis on a name and need to put that energy into other areas of support for the school. We should just use UL/L or Louisiana Lafayette and move on.

[DestinCajun]

OMG of course I meant it figuratively. What I mean is the efforts and thoughts about what name to use should be put into things more constructive. _

Okay. But don't you see that away from these forums very little energy and effort are spent on "the name". Maybe the real amount of attention it gets is somehow greatly magnified on forums or fan boards. Actually, it's only a few people who keep "the name" stuff going while many of the rest of us just try to balance the representations being made.

[Hammer58]

_ "When it comes to this issue....yes."

Ok, that's pretty much what I though.

"...look at the hatchet job Ted Lewis did..."

Gosh, I have a hard time recalling a story penned 6 mons ago, much less 7 yrs ago. I thought Lewis was the Tulane beat guy for the TP? Was it an opinion thing or a game write up? Anyway, I don't know if you can paint a paper as bias cause a guy writes a story 7 yrs ago you don't agree with or doesn't reference your school as you think he such. It might be an easy call for media in Lafayette to make and not so easy for the media outside that area to make.

I don't agree with changing quotes and if that happened w/o some kinda notice to the reader, then it was wrong to do so.

Good luck in your quest.......... _

The Ted Lewis story was one example. And it was not an opinion piece it was a pre-game write up. Cajunsmike was one of the people (among several at our table and adjacent tables) interviewed. I was sitting next to him during the interview. His thoughts conveyed to Lewis were much the same as he posts here, very well thought out and reasoned. Mike gave a good analysis of the history of the "rivalry" (best term I can think of though some State fans will not like that term applied here) between the two school, his outlook on the game and his prediction for the overall season. Lewis kept turning the questions back to the name issue. Mike did finally briefly answer his question. When the story came out the main focus was all about our fans "obsession" with the name issue.

Again that story was one example. You can look at the TP on a daily basis and find that UL gets very little coverage even when playing UNO or in our conference tourney even though the conference is headquartered in NO.

As for the Advocate, I've had e-mail correspondence with one of their reporters ( I believe it was Rabalais) concerning the name issue. We discussed severel points including thier use of the three letter designation and changing quotes. Over the course of our discussion I suggested that they use UL with the city tag spelled out if they felt they couldn't accomodate our (the fans) wish to use UL. He basically admitted that the paper's policy was that they would use the three letter designation regardless of the university asking for it not to be used. We also discussed the issue of changing quotes and while he indicated that it didn't really fit the mold of "journalistic integrity" it was a conscious decision by the paper's management to do that and it was out of his hands.

My point in replying to you on this is that it isn't paranoia if they really are after you.

[DestinCajun]

_ The Ted Lewis story was one example. And it was not an opinion piece it was a pre-game write up. Cajunsmike was one of the people (among several at our table and adjacent tables) interviewed. I was sitting next to him during the interview. His thoughts conveyed to Lewis were much the same as he posts here, very well thought out and reasoned. Mike gave a good analysis of the history of the "rivalry" (best term I can think of though some State fans will not like that term applied here) between the two school, his outlook on the game and his prediction for the overall season. Lewis kept turning the questions back to the name issue. Mike did finally briefly answer his question. When the story came out the main focus was all about our fans "obsession" with the name issue.

Again that story was one example. You can look at the TP on a daily basis and find that UL gets very little coverage even when playing UNO or in our conference tourney even though the conference is headquartered in NO.

As for the Advocate, I've had e-mail correspondence with one of their reporters ( I believe it was Rabalais) concerning the name issue. We discussed severel points including thier use of the three letter designation and changing quotes. Over the course of our discussion I suggested that they use UL with the city tag spelled out if they felt they couldn't accomodate our (the fans) wish to use UL. He basically admitted that the paper's policy was that they would use the three letter designation regardless of the university asking for it not to be used. We also discussed the issue of changing quotes and while he indicated that it didn't really fit the mold of "journalistic integrity" it was a conscious decision by the paper's management to do that and it was out of his hands.

My point in replying to you on this is that it isn't paranoia if they really are after you. _

I happen to have a copy of Ted Lewis' article "UL-Lafayette remains up in arms about name" (09/02/06)very handy.

I also happen to have a copy of one by Juli Metzger (10/23/04) titled "UL name recogniton important to us all" and one of the same date by Marsha Sills titled "Univeristy fights for identity".

[DestinCajun]

_ The Ted Lewis story was one example. And it was not an opinion piece it was a pre-game write up. Cajunsmike was one of the people (among several at our table and adjacent tables) interviewed. I was sitting next to him during the interview. His thoughts conveyed to Lewis were much the same as he posts here, very well thought out and reasoned. Mike gave a good analysis of the history of the "rivalry" (best term I can think of though some State fans will not like that term applied here) between the two school, his outlook on the game and his prediction for the overall season. Lewis kept turning the questions back to the name issue. Mike did finally briefly answer his question. When the story came out the main focus was all about our fans "obsession" with the name issue.

Again that story was one example. You can look at the TP on a daily basis and find that UL gets very little coverage even when playing UNO or in our conference tourney even though the conference is headquartered in NO.

As for the Advocate, I've had e-mail correspondence with one of their reporters ( I believe it was Rabalais) concerning the name issue. We discussed severel points including thier use of the three letter designation and changing quotes. Over the course of our discussion I suggested that they use UL with the city tag spelled out if they felt they couldn't accomodate our (the fans) wish to use UL. He basically admitted that the paper's policy was that they would use the three letter designation regardless of the university asking for it not to be used. We also discussed the issue of changing quotes and while he indicated that it didn't really fit the mold of "journalistic integrity" it was a conscious decision by the paper's management to do that and it was out of his hands.

My point in replying to you on this is that it isn't paranoia if they really are after you. _

I happen to have a copy of Ted Lewis' article "UL-Lafayette remains up in arms about name" (09/02/06)very handy.

I also happen to have a copy of one by Juli Metzger (10/23/04) titled "UL name recogniton important to us all" and one of the same date by Marsha Sills titled "Univeristy fights for identity".

It's a shame old Ted didn't read them too. Naaaw, something tells me it wouldn't have made a difference.

[4LSU]

_

....Over the course of our discussion I suggested that they use UL with the city tag spelled out if they felt they couldn't accomodate our (the fans) wish to use UL. He basically admitted that the paper's policy was that they would use the three letter designation regardless of the university asking for it not to be used.

My point in replying to you on this is that it isn't paranoia if they really are after you. ....._

As in this headline from the Advocate: "UL-Lafayette opens Sun Belt play with win"? Or this one: "UL-Lafayette, UL-Monroe ready for SBC tourney"? Or this one: "Baylor beats UL-Lafayette to win regional"?

How, to be fair to your "paranoia", I say that in humor and with a wink, there are headlines with "ULL", "Louisiana-Lafayette", and "Cajuns". So, the Advocate seems to be a mixed bag of results for you, but they seem to have at least partially met your rathers...yes?

If all is as you say and I'm sure it is, then it appears Lewis had a slant to his story in mind before the discussions with you guys and your term for the story seems correct.

BTW, the Advocate penned at least 14 stories bout your school from 5-16 thru 5-24. Far more than on any other school in this state but LSU.

[Hammer58]

_ As in this headline from the Advocate: "UL-Lafayette opens Sun Belt play with win"? Or this one: "UL-Lafayette, UL-Monroe ready for SBC tourney"? Or this one: "Baylor beats UL-Lafayette to win regional"?

How, to be fair to your "paranoia", I say that in humor and with a wink, there are headlines with "ULL", "Louisiana-Lafayette", and "Cajuns". So, the Advocate seems to be a mixed bag of results for you, but they seem to have at least partially met your rathers...yes?

If all is as you say and I'm sure it is, then it appears Lewis had a slant to his story in mind before the discussions with you guys and your term for the story seems correct.

BTW, the Advocate penned at least 14 stories bout your school from 5-16 thru 5-24. Far more than on any other school in this state but LSU. _

True, the Advocate does give the most coverage of UL outside of Lafayette. Of course they also market an "Acadiana" edition and have a bureau here so you would expect some coverage. And while they do use "UL Lafayette" they still use the three letter abbreviation repeatedly. The point I was making with Rabalais was that while not what we fans would like to see it would still be in keeping with the university's request if they would use "UL Lafayette" instead of any use of the three letter designation. But they ignore those wishes.

Again, my point is we are not totally off base in our thinking towards the state media as your initial post implied or suggested.

[TillmansNumber1]

Many intelligent thoughts and responses have been posted to the original thread. As is usually the case, the debate drifted to a UL over Louisiana'a Ragin Cajuns, even though the original thread had absolutely nothing to do with the name debate. The concern about the name in local areas only reinforces the main point of the original post: The Cajuns are far too focused on local, when they want to be the university of the entire state.

If the Cajuns want to be known as the University of Louisiana, and it seems at least their fans do, each decision made from an athletic and marketing standpoint, must reinforce the Cajuns status as the University of Louisiana, and must grow the image of the University of Louisiana.

As it stands, though the Cajuns want to be known as the University of Louisiana, and have part of their goal (University of Louisiana) in their name, the Cajuns do many things which send the following message: a good, local, four year university in Lafayette.

When the Cajuns mention, during their athletic games, only local sponsors which can only serve local patrons, the Cajuns send the following message: a good, local, four year university in Lafayette.

SOLUTION: Develop a five year contract with five Louisiana wide businesses (4 businesses and a bank, each with branches throughout Louisiana). At each branch, information about Cajuns athletic events, including chances to purchase tickets, merchandise, and donate money, will be available. At all Cajun sporting events, only the logos on these five companies will be visible, connecting the Cajuns (athletically and academically) to the following 5 businesses in Lafayette and Louisiana. The Cajuns might get shut out of Baton Rouge. OK, then move to surrounding suburbs. If this is the University of Louisiana, fans throughout the state need to be able to get information beyond visiting the website.

When the Cajuns have commercials on ESPN, like during the 2006 football game (A 6-3 win) in Florida, which have a female with a thick Cajun accent saying, "All my friends go here," the Cajuns send the following message: a good, local, four year university in Lafayette.

SOLUTION: Promote the University in a broader sense to a wider audience. Lafayette born and raised students and student athletes attending the university does not hurt the university, but this is the University of Louisiana, and not a four year university in Lafayette. The Cajuns need a larger presence throughout the state, using billboards in larger cities, commercials at local movie theatres, commercials on local radio stations, and constant contact with principals of Louisiana high schools. The few times the Cajuns are on national or regional TV, the commercials need to promote the University's status as the University of the entire status. Goodbye girl with thick, regional accent. Hello, broad mix of races, backgrounds, hometowns (throughout LA and the southern region) and welcome to being the University of Louisiana -- the entire state.

When the Cajuns games are only available on Lafayette radio and TV stations, the Cajuns send the following message: a good, local, four year university in Lafayette.

SOLUTION: The Cajuns need to get on radio stations in every large city in Louisiana, and try to snag some in Texas. AM works, too, for recruits, their parents and coaches. This is the University of Louisiana (the entire state) and currently games are only available in Lafayette. Worried about non-Lafayette radio stations saying what about sponsorship? The new five year contract with 5 Louisiana wide businesses means the businesses will have branches in the cities where the Cajuns want to broadcast. Connects local branch with university and brings advertising dollars to radio station in non-Lafayette town.

When tickets to athletic events can only be purchased in person at the Cajundome, ticket renewals still have be snailmailed, and RCAF donations must be check only, the Cajuns send the following message: a good, local, four year university in Lafayette.

SOLUTION: Tickets to all events must be available for purchase online. Tickets, depending on the day of purchase, can be mailed or picked up at the game. Ticket renewals can be made by email, phone or snailmail and credit and debit cards must be accepted. Furthermore, ticket renewals or new season ticket purchases must be confirmed early. A friend, after a poor Cajuns baseball season, wants to be baseball season tickets. He was informed by the university he would know in December if he got tickets. For the Cajuns' sake, this poster hopes the fan doesn't find something else on which to spend his money. The Cajuns might lose 2 season ticket purchases for this season and 2 or 3 to come. Lastly, donations to RCAF must be available in all forms: cash, check, credit and debit. If RCAF is to help the Cajuns fund their underfunded program, money must be accepted in all forms.

A name change alters the letterhead of a university, jerseys and also the responsibilities of the University. USL, the university where STM and Lafayette Public school students attended, is now the University of Louisiana -- the entire state. The University now -- if it really wants to be the University of Louisiana and doesn't want only the name -- must serve all of and promote to all of Louisiana.

Unfortunately, little has changed from USL (The women's basketball gym STILL has Southwestern above it). The Cajuns are still local in broadcast and scope, and there is nothing outside of Lafayette promoting the University of Louisiana.

Being the University for the entire state is a large undertaking. It doesn't happen with just a name change. If the Cajuns really want the UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA tag without at Lafayette, the Cajuns now have different obligations and responsibilities. Sadly, from the looks of it, the University and the athletic and marketing department may not be prepared emotionally, psycholigically or strategically to be the UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA.

Until it is prepared to embrace that role, the Cajuns will still be what many people think the university currently is based on the messages the University sends: a good, local, four year university and not the University of Louisiana.