Isles-Bloggers-Botta
When you were in high school, did you ever have two really good friends that just couldn't get along because they knew each other before you came along and you liked both of them but maintaining that friendship was sort of-- difficult? Yeah, that.
Over the last two days I have been asked repeatedly what my thoughts are on the Isles/Botta credential situation. I have answered in emails and private messages but have been reluctant to do an entry on it due to the fact -- see the first paragraph. But this situation has taken on a life of it's own and the media has deemed it more than newsworthy. More than likely not because it is the plight of one talented writer, but could impact the entire industry.
It has become such a hot-button topic that Mike Francesa had to field phone calls from Islanders fans for a few hours after having Chris Botta on his WFAN radio show yesterday. I was sure his head was going to explode having to talk hockey for more than a nano second. But the sheer volume of calls proved his statement that the hockey audience was small (very, very small) to be erroneous.
Botta himself tried to keep the situation from getting out of control by "laying low for 48 hours" as he put it on Billy Jaffe's new Versus NHL Overnight show. But passionate hockey fans wouldn't let that happen when he posted a "Closed" sign on his blog. Lack of information from the involved parties always causes a snowball effect of speculation. (Gotta say, I'm getting a good giggle out of some of the rumors.)
Media became news when Neil Best decided to cover the situation not only on the internet but also in the print edition of Newsday which was then picked up by every hockey website and journalist including Sports Business Journal. (Note: Their story was punctuated by an NBA reporter having his credentials stripped for vulgarity against a player on Twitter. )
By the time it reached that height, I realized this was no longer just a private business matter which both parties were actually trying to keep it as. Somewhere along the line, the NY Islanders were vilified and Chris Botta reached rock-star status. Pretty interesting considering how everyone says the Islanders have no fans and no coverage.
Wow, tell one new media type they're not welcome and it becomes a hot topic throughout North America. I think if they both knew that, they would have done it long ago. (Chris Botta's Twitter followers have increased in double digits.)
Okay, I'm making light of a tough situation. But without knowing the true reasons the NY Islanders felt that it is in their best interest to no longer welcome Mr. Botta into their press room, we should all only look at two things.
1) The NY Islanders have the right to pull credentials at any time. It's written on the back of the credential itself. "Credential is not transferable, may be revoked at any time at the sole discretion of the Club and will automatically terminate if any term is breached."
Have you seen the back of a media credential? It's the land of "NO." There is also a sentence regarding player interviews, non-editorial, commercial and unauthorized use of information. These are broad guidelines that so many infractions can potentially fit into.
Since my start with the Blog Box and the privilege (yes, PRIVILEGE) of locker room access, I was read the rules and abided by them. No unauthorized conversations/interviews in the hallway, no photos or recordings in restricted areas and never sit in a players stall. Now, I don't know if that last one was just a joke or not, but it's still something I won't do.
So, the credential itself acknowledges the club's right to revoke it for any reason they deem fit. It is their sole right. There have been nights they wanted to revoke mine strictly for my outfit. (Again, I'm making light of it - but there is truth in humor. ahem)
2) Chris Botta is a well respected, talented journalist who has devoted countless hours to hockey coverage for the Islanders as well as the NHL. He has a loyal, passionate following and has given the Islanders more press coverage than Newsday, NY Post and NY Times combined.
I used the analogy that when Scott Gordon was released, it was Chris Botta that did almost a dozen guest spots across the hockey universe. The Islanders one beat writer did none. Chris has established relationships through his 20 years of PR with countless media outlets that rely on him for an Islander voice for their audiences. That has immeasurable worth in a town that lacks press coverage.
While the ultimate outcome of this situation that is currently being hashed out with the PHWA, the NHL and the Islanders, it has the potential of effecting both new media and mainstream media. And THAT is the real reason that one writer for the 30th place NHL team has become news.
This is not the first shot in a war against Bloggers. This is a single case with a boat-load of history behind it. Like everyone else, I'm hoping for a professional, equitable resolution to a very sticky situation.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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