Blazer brass faces off with the fans.

Last night the Blazers hosted their annual "fan forum". It is supposed to be an opportunity for fans to talk with management, ask questions and voice opinions. I have been to enough to know that these forums are essentially meaningless. There is nothing genuine about it. People ask questions and get answers that are very much expected. Fans are told what management thinks they want to hear and in the end, nothing is accomplished. Nothing changes.

Here is an example of how it goes:

"...They were asked three times in a span of five minutes about the franchise's decision to fire its coach and go to a philosophy of playing young players. Each time the panel bobbed and weaved, and steered the discussion toward the "exciting" future.

Yes, we know you're playing young players. Yes, we understand they're developing. What fans wanted to know is, since you've made a change in philosophy, and since you've re-tooled the roster to what amounts to a summer-league, why didn't you re-tool ticket prices?

Finally, a lady in the back row said, "You threw in the towel." (I couldn't agree more)

Patterson snapped back: "I don't agree with that at all..."
Source:Oregonlive.com

Here is a transcript from Blazers.com. This is all they can glean from the evening?

Anyone could have predicted this. What a waste of time.

I guess I will mention that the Blazers are now toting "new special ticket pricing" for season ticket holders. Yippee, what about the money I am wasting right now? It's not enough, not enough at all. We season ticket holders deserve refunds for all the games that have become exhibitions and not NBA contests.