Restore Big Blue Interactive's Credentials

We, the undersigned members of BigBlueInteractive (BBI), urge you and the Giant organization to reconsider the shocking and disappointing decision to eliminate credentialed access to the Giants for BBI staff. BBI is a rapidly growing Internet site with over 5,000 members and over 20,000 distinct readers. It is, without doubt, the best Internet source for passionate Giant fans to discuss their favorite team, to obtain information about the team, and to develop relationships with others of a similar mind. These are patterns that surely accrue to the benefit of the Giants organization, and as the BBI membership continues to grow, its support will become more valuable over time.

Sadly, instead of building on the goodwill BBI has generated in promoting tailgate events, training camp events, and providing an outlet for the fan base to voice opinions, you have taken steps backward. Surely you must know that there are some who retained their credentials in the aftermath of these changes who are far less deserving, in terms of the quality of information, the way they treat their readership or the size and quality of their members and readership.

We find it inconceivable that by granting Eric/BBI ONE media credential, an alternate "legitimate" media source will lose an opportunity to cover the team. We recognize that you have to limit access, but to take away the privilege from someone who has only been a benefit to you is an extraordinarily poor decision, any way you look at it.

Pat, surely you are aware that BBI has become an important link for some Giant fans who are forced to be overseas during the Football season, including several who are in the military in Europe or in the Middle East.

We urge you to please ask the individuals who were responsible for this wrongheaded decision to come kicking and screaming into the 21st century. As was noted in a cover story in Business Week last week, the world of media is changing rapidly. Internet-based sites such BBI are part of this brave new world. Indeed, BBI, which is filled with passionate Giant fans and Internet savvy individuals, can help provide the Giants with a portal into this new world, at no cost to the Giants except to reinstate the Giant credentials of BBI staff.

This we urge you to do, as rapidly as possible.