Sonic Survey Results Comment Count

Brian

After about a week we had just over 3000 responses, 2983 of them male and 120 female. We are all dudes.

Age

  • high school or younger: 16
  • undergraduate: 287
  • 22-34: 1874
  • 34-49: 760
  • over 49: 166

Attendance

  • Student: 283
  • All or almost all games: 659
  • A few games a year: 1173
  • Every once in a while: 920
  • Never: 68

If anyone wants the full dataset it is available as a csv here.

Graphs? Graphs. I had to shorten some of the Qs so they'd fit on the axis.

Piped In Music: If And When

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AFTER THE JUMP: DO PEOPLE LIKE POP EVIL OR NOT?

Things To Play Or Not Play

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Volume And Band Stuff

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Jumbotron Matters

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Comments

gajensen

October 5th, 2011 at 4:52 PM ^

I didn't know that the name of the Pop Evil RAWK song was "In The Big House" so I read two of the questions as "Do you like being in the Big House?" and "Do you like being in the Big House before the team exits the tunnel?"

I was like, ya obvi.  I also like being in the Big House after kickoff and during halftime and even when I have to run to take a dump after the third quarter.

Needless to say, I have rendered this survey moot.

empee

October 5th, 2011 at 11:30 AM ^

While I'm a big fan of the White Stripes in general, and that song specifically, I'm strongly opposed to playing it in the Big House.  Is everyone else aware of just how often they play that at the Horseshoe, and how all of the Buckeye fans make a little "O" symbol with their hands? I believe they stole that from Oregon, maybe? They definitely didn't come up with it on their own, as usual, but they do it.  As do countless other schools.

When we're rawk-ing out to something that has been appropriated by our biggest rivals, who have been doing it for at least a year or two (if not longer), I think it makes us look foolish.

I know it won't be a popular opinion around here, but I prefer "In the Big House" being played if only because it is unique to us.  I'm in full agreement with the poster above who said that they'd prefer it came from an anonymous source rather than Nickelback's mascara-loving guitar techs, but at least I don't cringe and have "O-H.... I-O" flashbacks every time I hear it.

turd ferguson

October 5th, 2011 at 11:39 AM ^

Seven Nation Army isn't just an OSU thing. I've heard it in European soccer stadiums as well as other American football stadiums. Plus, with Jack & Meg White being from Detroit, we have as much of a claim to that song as anyone.
<br>Oh, and Pop Evil sucks.

Fredgoblu

October 5th, 2011 at 1:21 PM ^

...I had was walking up the main street of San Gimignano the day after Italy won the World Cup...and there on the street was a group of 4-5 still-drunk guys in their jerseys doing the SNA chant and playing a lone snare drum. If we didn't know any better, we would've thought Seven Nation Army was the Italian national anthem.

msoccer10

October 5th, 2011 at 11:48 AM ^

Two years ago OSU took over the Big House and they LOVED it when we played Seven Nation Army. I think we should definetely avoid playing it for that game. I know that song is popular in a lot of other stadiums too, but since they are a Detroit based band, I think we can "take it back" to some degree. But completely endorse how the  poll stronly favors U of M developing its own set of songs rather than just borrowing songs other venues use.

I know Brian hates RAWK, but he is in the minority. I think the bigger issue is timing, song selection and sound quality/volume.

Colin M

October 5th, 2011 at 2:29 PM ^

I didn't realize that SNA is played at stadiums all over the world. I like hearing it because it's an awesome song and WOOO DETROIT. I also voted that we should have songs unique to Michigan because that is a good idea. In my mind, SNA fit that mold because I didn't know it was the exact opposite of that. I'm guessing there are other people out there who are at least as foolish as me.

bronxblue

October 5th, 2011 at 11:43 AM ^

Not going to lie, but the fact that the vast majority of respondents are under 34 (and probably closer to mid-20s) and yet totally agree with playing Journey and Neil Diamond at games makes me sad.  Eminem and White Stripes are at least contemporary; the other two bands were at their acme when most of us were still toddling around. 

I love the band, the crowd noise, the fans finding a way to entertain themselves for 30 freaking seconds between plays or during two-minute timeouts.  Piping in crappy rock and rap to keep them quit is sad for a team and school that prides itself on being better than that.

Now please get off my lawn.

G-Man

October 5th, 2011 at 11:44 AM ^

I like when they play Seven Nation Army and it is effective at getting the crowd going during a long timeout, review, etc.  It obviously looked great during the ND game when the atmosphere was bonkers and ESPN had a long timeout where the announcers just marveled at the crowd going nuts during it.  

But it appears to those of us watching on TV like they play it every couple of minutes and even the fans are tired of it now.  I wonder if its too much of a good thing and they're driving it into the ground.  

Long story short: I'd have voted differently on a question of frequency of the piped-in music.

bubblelevel

October 5th, 2011 at 11:48 AM ^

but the songs at least as far as the Journey, Neil Diamond, etc is cliche'  Everybody plays the same songs at their stadiums.  It's Michigan, be a little creative.  There are many songs by these artists and others that would work that are not what you'll hear at every D3 field on Saturday mornings...  Many with hooks/chorus's that all know. This isn't hard.  Just work at it.

Feat of Clay

October 5th, 2011 at 11:53 AM ^

I would have liked the chance to add my own conditional clauses to these questions.  It would be a lot easier to answer, "I like piped in music IF DONE WELL AND IN DEFERENCE TO THE BAND'S PLAYING"

And "I'm okay with 'ITBH' being played as players gather in the tunnel AS LONG AS THEY CUT IT OFF IN TIME SO THAT THE BAND PLAYS WHEN THE TEAM ACTUALLY RUNS OUT"

and "I like Neil Diamond BECAUSE I AM OLD AND UNCOOL but actually I dislike that people associate it with Fenway Park and would buy that argument for never playing it, but if pushed, YES IT'S OKAY TO PLAY IN MICHIGAN STADIUM because c'mon, it's NEIL, man"

For an old lady I sure do shout a lot.  *Fist bump to the 119 other broads who answered*

AMazinBlue

October 5th, 2011 at 12:34 PM ^

Feat of Clay, I completely agree with everything you said.  I tried to add comments when I took the survey, but they wouldn't post.  I like ITBH, but it MUST end before the players come out of the tunnel.  I'm OK with Neil D and Journey, just not when the game is intense or close.

I'm a season ticket holder and I'm 46.  My 13-yr old loves ITBH and it gets him fired up.

beenplumb

October 5th, 2011 at 11:55 AM ^

Note to Brian:

If you want a truly representative sample of the blog's opinion, you should've somehow randomly selected participants, instead of leaving it open to anyone and everyone. The way it was done, you're much more likely to get responses from people who have an extreme opinion.

I know this is difficult to do and greatly reduces your number of responses, but it's more scientific and probably more accurate.

*pushes glasses up bridge of nose*

Feat of Clay

October 5th, 2011 at 4:01 PM ^

Jeez, don't apologize; if it weren't for obnoxious hair-splitting there'd be 1/8 the content on this blog & boards, and THEN where would we be?

And mgoblog readers flock to statistics like bears to honey.  Or, if you prefer, like OSU players to improper handouts.

Callahan

October 5th, 2011 at 11:57 AM ^

My problem with Seven Nation Army, and many of the selections played, is that they are songs you'd hear in virtually any stadium in America. I'm not a big fan of In The Big House, but at least it's unique. That Lupe Fiasco song that steals the hook from Float On is far more annoying than In The Big House. 

UMAmaizinBlue

October 5th, 2011 at 12:00 PM ^

Interesting stat from the entire survey was that 120 ladies responded. Hello ladies ;-) Can I get you a drink? Oh that? That's just my Al Green, Marvin Gaye and/or Barry White record collection, no big deal. Care to listen?

MGoKereton

October 5th, 2011 at 12:13 PM ^

I don't have a problem with Seven Nation Army and the like when the songs are actually used at reasonable moments.  Playing it against Minnesota when we're crushing them does not get us "fired up" and leads to the song becoming stale.

Seven Nation Army was fantastic against Notre Dame because the crowd got jacked during our comeback.  Having that song play during the 3rd/4th quarter when we just scored to tie it or when we clearly just swung momentum back in our favor is better than "whenever I feel like it".

Also, *soapbox*:  Especially at the Minnesota game, piped in music was being played OVER our drum cheers.  This happened at least three times.  It needs to stop.

jamiemac

October 5th, 2011 at 12:16 PM ^

I like the piped in music, enjoy the SNA--I've seen Blue Hairs in my section go nuts when its played, instead of telling me to sit down, so I'm sold there--, hate ITBH, would prefer MICH to develop their own piped in music traditions, dont like the Journey or the Neil Diamond* and think the AMPED UP MMB flat out rocks the house

I am months shy of being, gulp, 40. Add these into the equation and proper demographics please. Sounds like I am a typical respondent to this survey

* I LOVE it, though, when the MMB plays Sweet Caroline. I just do. So bite me....also love the Blues Brother Band stuff in between the third and fourth quarters. I know its a Yost Tradition, but I love how its developing its own tradish at the football games.

Brady2Terrell

October 5th, 2011 at 12:16 PM ^

Most on here are interpreting the data wrong.  Brandon's marketing (roughly meant to encompass the various music piped in, Pop Evil track, thoughts of a mascot, etc.) isn't trying to find "what do a majority of people want" - with a fanbase as large as ours, that's impossible.  What he's trying to do is (a) preserve the central draw (this is MICHIGAN, MClub Banner, band, etc.) while (b) adding new elements that'll draw and entice NEW audiences.

I don't necessarily agree this is the right path, FWIW - the Michigan gameday experience is unique and I'd like to see it preserved.  That being said, from a "growing the brand" perspective, these actions can be disliked by 80% of the fanbase, but if it doesn't damper their attachment to the brand, then strengthening the bonds of the 20% who do like it is worth it.

There has to be a breaking point, and clearly some things are in direct conflict (ITBH during the team taking the field, for instance - that is in direct conflict with The Victors while they take the field).  Other than those few places, however, it's possible to both pipe in Neil Diamond and Pop Evil and have the MMB playing Varsity.

Just saying - strong numbers "against" don't necessarily mean the marketing department is "ignoring the numbers" when they're making these decisions.  Given Brandon's experience at Dominos, I'd be shocked if they didn't have a much more nuanced idea of the brand and how to build it than we do.

M-Wolverine

October 5th, 2011 at 3:05 PM ^

And one the poll backs up. Most of this stuff isn't things that really piss people off, as much as annoy some. So they can do it to gain the 20% and the rest learn to deal with it. But it also shows what they maybe should really cut out, which is the stuff pretty well hated, like playing ITBH before the team comes out. Cut out the stuff that drives people completely up a wall, and you get more complacent people and less headaches. Think of it as the OSU game - people went nuts when it was going to be moved from the end of the season, but accepted a not so great compromise when it stayed at the end, but ended up being out of the division.

Brady2Terrell

October 6th, 2011 at 10:04 AM ^

If they manage how they do some of this stuff a bit tighter, we'll tolerate the not-so-bad parts and embrace the pieces we really like (bigger video boards probably upset some blue-hairs, but plenty love them, for instance).  Nothing will please everybody.  I get the sense the athletic department is "trying and adapting" with some of this stuff - the ITBH seemed to end a bit earlier when the team took the field this last week (differing from SDSU, when it rolled right through the team hitting the banner) -- maybe they'll eventually remove it, and they're just experimenting a bit with the "when" and "how".

Wado

October 5th, 2011 at 12:41 PM ^

When and where was the survey posted or was it sent by email? I missed it and would have liked to chip in my slight distaste for piped in music outside of some situations listed and strong distaste for "in the big house." I'd like to be on the ball if theres ever another one.

Speaking of that, do you think it's possible to get enough people booing every time "in the big house" plays (maybe not when the players take the field for obvious reasons) to convince other people to join in and convey our collective negative opinion?

Tacopants

October 5th, 2011 at 2:35 PM ^

Undergraduates also get full season tickets for $250, or the minimum cost for 3 games for everybody else.  Even the most cash strapped undergrad would get student tickets, if only to sell off the biggest games and make a profit.  There is literally no reason not to.

lhglrkwg

October 5th, 2011 at 12:53 PM ^

I'm mostly ok with ITBH in theory, but I hate that DB is trying to make it Michigan's new theme song. I even saw it in a mgoblue.com commercial for Michigan volleyball

Fredgoblu

October 5th, 2011 at 1:04 PM ^

...In the Big House that they play between the end of the video and the player entrance has to be hands down the WORST 5 seconds of my game day experience. Somebody should tell the team not to wait...so that they just segue from the video direct to the MMB and The Victors. Or maybe Dr. Boerma needs to cue the band directly at the end of the video...and just seize the moment.
<br>
<br>Second worst is playing Seven Nation Army before the first offensive play of the game, as they did last weekend. I like SNA and all, but c'mon, a little moderation is in order. Save the pump up music for times when we really need pumping up. And save it for the defense, when we need noise.

CRex

October 5th, 2011 at 1:08 PM ^

One other comment, during the Minnesota game:

Minnesota would be lined up, set, 7+ seconds into the snap clock, and we're still blasting Seven Nation Army.  This struck me as extremely poor sportsmanship and I'm really shocked no coach has complained about this.  If a coach does call us out for it, we deserve it.

Undefeated dre…

October 5th, 2011 at 1:35 PM ^

Piped In Music In General:

Most Pro: Undergrad or younger, attend most/all game

Most Anti: 22-34, attend few games

Commentary: Interesting split here -- it's the immediate postgrads who hate the most

Enjoy "In the Big House":

Most Pro: Over 49

Least Pro: Undergrads

Commentary: ITBH = Lawrence Welk?

Enjoy 80s Rawk:

Most Pro: Undergrads

Least Pro: 34-49, few games a year

Commentary: Cool for some is cliche for others

Enjoy the Song Every School Plays Everywhere:

Most Pro: Undergrads

Least Pro: Over 49, Never go to games

Commentary: Jack White still winning with the youngsters

Enjoy Eminem:

Most Pro: Undergrads

Least Pro: Over 49, Never go to games

Commentary: Get off my lawn! And I don't go to games anyway!

Music Too Loud:

Most Pro: Over 49, Never go to games

Least Pro: Undergrads

Commentary: What? I'm listening to the game on my headset radio.

Prefer Band Amplified:

Most Pro: Older, Attends many games

Least Pro: Undergrads

Commentary: Undergrads, try sitting in section 5 and answering this question