I do these online chats myself. I read the questions and try to respond to as many as I can in an hour time frame. I type the answers out myself. There are tons of mistakes and typos so forgive me.
I tried to answer as many questions as I could.
I was surprised at how many questions were generated by fans from other cities this session. I had some truly weird questions thrown my way this session, most of which I ignored.
I think in the future when I do such a session I will ask that people introduce themselves, offer up their name and where they live and try to pierce the cloak of secrecy that some people hide behind on the internet. We should all be friend’s here. You know who I am and what I stand for. Perhaps we are owed the same courtesy back?
I also received about a dozen emails post the session. Some that were nice, some that were weird, and one that was name a calling- cuss word which is par for the course.
That is a small price to pay though for the opportunity to hear what is on your mind and for me to try and remain interactive and connected to the community.
I just ask that some folks try to maintain a bit of decorum. I believe that mingling and listening and talking to everyone is the right course of action for an owner. I won’t be chased away by the few of you that for whatever reason take the opportunity to try to push me away from interactivity. It won’t work. Be nice. Try to be happy. You can do it!
Mr. Leonsis,
I am a life long Caps fan and I appreciate all you have done for this team and this city. I enjoy your honesty and your level of activity with the fans. Please don’t let a few bad apples ruin your experiance with the fans. Keep up the good work and I look forward to you and the Caps bringing a Stanley Cup to D.C.
Ted,
I am fascinated by your philanthropic spirit. Many non profit leaders don’t understand why people like you, with wealth and a lot of other interests are motivated to give. I have a luncheon meeting called Non Profit Thursdays where non profit leaders come to the Washington City Club to hear high profile speakers. I think you would bring great value to the non profit world if you would agree to come and speak on April 22 or April 29 to talk about why you give and what non profit leaders need to know about major gift donors. Can you put me in touch with your point person so I can send a formal letter?
Many thanks,
Gasby
Don’t worry about it Ted, unfortunately the Pens fans / Caps haters are on overdrive right now. It’s the (un)fortunate side effect of being open and accessible on the internet – every moron has a voice.
If it makes you feel any happier (is that possible?), I don’t see ANY other team owners with blogs or emails that are accessible to their fans. Thanks
I’ve seen this same sentiment elsewhere around the web, where more and more people are trying to get more of a sense of community with people offering up a bit more than the anonymous username in any given discussion board/blog/what have you. The draw of anonymity is obvious, be allowed to say what you will without consequence, but it keeps true interaction at arms length, even when it’s just words. A shame really, as there is so much opportunity to create and build a persona more true to your values by giving a little insight into your true self.
Mr. Leonsis, this is not about your typing but I just want to say as a D.C. sports fan that you have made watching hockey here absolutely incredible. I have been to Nats games, Wizards games (including playoffs), and of course Redskins games but going to a Caps game is like nothing else. I work with children and its so great to talk Caps with them (there are a lot of young Caps fans at my school)whether we win or lose. I really wish you luck with the Wizards and please keep up the good work with all that you do.
Thank you for rolling with the punches and remaining fiercely inclusive. It is challenging to constantly put one’s self out for everyone and have some individuals try to cut your head off. However obvious; laughable, obscene, embarrassing for the other party, we are human and we have an instinctual reaction, fear perhaps, just a drag in an other wise sunny, chirping-birds, day.
Ironic because this reaction I pin on the elemental fear of exclusion by an attack from another; of being at risk, rejected, shunned. At one time, when the Catholic Church ruled the world, that was the ultimate punishment was it not? Exclusion. Elimination. Excommunication.
We may take a note here of the way in witch you have come to respond to these “threats to the instinct.” To yourself remain fiercely inclusive thereby taking control and securing your own inclusion and participation. Because of your behavior, skills; way-of-being you may not be eliminated. You are included.
And there you are.
Success! ;-D
A society type will be accustomed to introducing him or herself at a public even such as a lecture, talk, book signing
et. al. In fact; it is a step toward confidence and value in one’s self to do so. Most definitely. Really; it is a courtesy extended to the discussion participant by the host, speakers, and others in attendance; following the blog, listening to the radio.
Just thinking about it as I write. I have noticed that the first individual to ask a question or avail him or herself of the microphone; room; blog space; TV/radio show will set the model for others to follow. May have few at the ready to participate up front to set the tone and ennui.
To remain anonymous is a great dis-service to one’s self.
Villains hide themselves with the cloak of anonymity and conformity. The righteous walk about in the sun as themselves and present to others with delight ;-D
Brief anecdote –>
One evening this past Summer after a late night bike run to the fountain at the Base of the US Capitol and back; I stand on a sidewalk in Clarendon, VA (my hood of 13 plus years; am now
It is post midnight. I am one of the few out and about in the community at the hour. I stand next to my bike and think about something that makes me laugh. I stand there beside my bike, laughing softly to myself; happy. In my brilliant space; running with The Lines of the World.
A pick up truck pulls to a stop from a side street.
turns onto the street toward me. I am aware. Pay no mind. Laugh softly to myself standing beside my bike in the early morning hours. Remind myself to remember this remembrance. I am happy.
Suddenly, I hear gruff, shockingly hateful voice shout in my direction, “Hey! Nice helmet!;-/”
My chin drops, mouth agape; brows furrow up and down at the same time. Whhaaa?
I look down at the helmet I hold in my left hand. Had forgotten it was there; regular ‘ol bike helmet.
I am in awe. Amazed. Laugh heartily out loud now and look around as one does to ask the world, “Did anybody else just see that. Can you believe that?”
It was amazingly obvious to me that this peer of mine came driving down the street; saw me; saw my happiness, and with some kind of deep hate held within somewhere he instinctively attacked me as an abuser; without thougt; just that he held this hate and he drove down the street I was standing on that night; happy.
It didn’t even make any sense. It was just a bike helmet. His words nonsense, he simply was incapable of stopping himself from lashing out to attack my happiness as an abuser.
I have great compassion for my young peer. I can’t imagine living life in such a state of mind and heart. I just can’t imagine it. It must be torture.
I forgive him and hope he defeats the hate that holds him such prisoner.
My primary directives for my life; two –> to Fight and to Run. that’s it; to Fight and to Run. My sworn mortal enemies I battle to my grave, no person; never a person; hate, fear, doubt, and arrogance. Sworn mortal enemies to my grave. My to closest allies; FEARLESSNESS and LOVE.
To paraphrase something you said Wednesday evening, [It's not always easy or smooth going. Sometimes it's a real struggle; a real struggle.]
To FIGHT and to RUN
FEARLESSNESS
LOVE
TAKE CONTROL
Whatever happens works out to my advantage :-j
With LOVE, COMPASSION, and ENCOURAGEMENT – jeff
Mr Leonsis,
I think you have done a great job with the Capital but as as season ticket holder for the Wizards, before I commit again to this team I need to know whether or not you will be the new owner. The Wizards have been run into the ground by the current GM and are viewed as a laughingstock around the league. I understand that you all felt the need to blow up the team but to practically give away everyone and leave us the fans with a subpar team is disheartening. Last year Ernie Grunfeld through away the season by having a coach with no experience run the team, he allowed Gilbert to run around like a wild man untethered and look what happened this year. I am truly disappointed and am embarassed at the state this team is now in. We are currently viewed as the worst team in the NBA! Worst than the Clippers and are constantly the butt of jokes on TNT with Barkley. (see Wizards Insider) Is there relief coming??