axelogo100.jpg    The Ottawa Invaders are having an early-bird season ticket sale. Two sets, two shirts,  $49.00.

Click here for full details.

Well, maybe "frequently" is a bit of a stretch...but I have been asked these questions at one time or another, in one form or another.  In many cases, I'm posting these in order to avoid confusion about some of the content.

Let's start with an easy one.

  • "Who are you?"

Just a fan.  I've never played or coached or been directly involved with a team until the Invaders asked me to manage their website.  And I don't seek to be.  I spent enough time trying to help the Renegades in their last year, then demonstrating support for the new franchise and renovation of Lasndowne Park, that all I want to be is a fan. 

  • "Why did you start this site?"

I managed a site about the Ottawa Renegades because that team's site was poorly maintained.  When they folded, I turned my attention to the university and junior levels because it seemed more beneficial to growing the sport here, and restoring a pro team, than supporting a CFL franchise in another city.  I became hooked and because not all teams and/or leagues record their history (at least publically), I became interested in doing it for myself.  This is basically a huge notebook that other people can access if they happen to share an interest.

  • "If you give me access, I can help you update such and such a page."

Thank you, but no thank you. I've put a lot of work into this and I'm far too paranoid to give up access to it to someone else.  I've deleted information by mistake in the past and know how easy it is to do.  This is my primary hobby and it isn't work if you enjoy it. :-)

  • "Why don't you include other levels (bantam, junior high school)?"

Primarily due to time.  To have nothing else to do, I would follow those a little closer as well. 

  • "Why do you post more about Team-A than Team-B?" Or "You're biased for/against this team"

Probably because "A" makes it easy.  For example, the Sooners update their website, are active on Twitter and show up in local media.  For that matter, their league sends out a newsletter regularly.  The Jr Riders do not have a website (as I write this) and barely make use of social media.  Also, some teams respond to e-mail inquiries, others don't.

I do have my favourite teams among the various levels but at the end of the day, I want Ottawa area teams to succeed at every level.

  • "Why did you put down team-X or player-Y?"

Quite a few hours have gone into this site.  I certainly don't do it with the intention of tearing down local football players, coaches, organizations, etc.  There may be times when I seem critical but my goal is always for it to be constructive.  My tone may not always give that impression, but in some cases it's an ongoing frustration.  Right, QJFL? ;-) 

  • "Do you have the schedule for such and such a team or league?"

If I did, it would be posted.  I look forward to getting schedules as much as anyone so when I do locate or receive one, it goes up that night.

  • "That statistic is wrong."

That could be, but if so, please support your claim.  I very much want the site to be accurate, but I'm not going to change something because someone is "pretty sure" they remember something from 25 years ago.

  • "Can you help me find information about a relative who played in the 1920's?"

I've helped a number of people locate information about relatives going back as far as the late 1800's.  I don't mind helping but am more willing to do so for someone who actually introduces himself (or herself) and explains why they're asking.  I'm not a volunteer researcher.  Someone who writes nothing more than "Hey, I need this guy's career stats ASAP" is welcomed to do his (or her) own digging.

  • "Do you know how I can contact former player such-and-such?"

No.  And if I did, I'm not sure that it would be wise for me to share it with strangers.  You're probably best-served to get in touch with the CFLPA or some such.

  • "Can you add a link to my site?"

Is your site about Ottawa tackle football?  Then sure!  If it isn't, no.  I'm not going to include a link to junior teams in Alberta or to a soccer club for the simple reason that they are not relevent to capital region football.