My first question is quite simple. The perception given by some members and indeed some non members of SOS is that the fans union is a bunch of lads who if you agree with are fine, but if not then you are at best shouted down or a worst accused of being a Yank Lover or whatever.
What plans if any do SOS have to address the problem of perception ?
I totally accept that SOS cannot be held responsible for the one off comments made by some members nor can they be held to account for any behaviour that may transgress normal debate, by disassociating itself from this behaviour SOS would be able to take the moral high ground. Action can be taken ( A Bit like the watched system on this site) against and member who screams "If you dont agree with SOS then fuck off" or words to that effect.
The fact that a union is required is a sad inditment of our times and as SOS is the leading fans Union for our club, if it took a lesson from the "The Liverpool Way" the the advancement of the union would in my opinion hold no bounds.
I have seen this mentioned a few times.
Firstly, as I am sure you'd accept we cannot do anything about non members and what they say about the Union, whether they agree or disagree with what we stand for.
Secondly, all Committee members where possible (and not all post to websites) say time after time that all we do is represent our members and do not profess to represent all fans. If I had a pound for everytime that I had read from a non-member that "they don't represent me" then we'd have bought the Club months ago.
You have to balance free speech as well. If a member enters into a debate with a non member and they have an exchange of views that the mods on here feel does not transgress site rules then I don't see why we would step in. However there's no place for abuse or aggression and no doubt a member stepping over this line could be reported to the Union. We have a disciplinary process (which is to be updated).
Let me give you another example - on one of the Hicks Junior threads on here Fat Scouser clearly got irritated about people making negative comments about the removal of Tommy Junior and the Union's role. I don't know if he's an SOS member but he was dissmissive and quite short with those criticising the Union. Some said he was stifling debate, for me, he was showing irritation and didn't cross any line.
The bottom line is that if you review Committee member's posts (and PMs and emails from Committee members) you will see critics being dealt with constructively and asked to come to meetings and join the Union and let their voice be heard.
At the end of the day one person's debate is another person's abuse.
My Second question is given the nature of the support that Liverpool FC receives from all around the world and given the revenue strams available to the club, would it not be worthwhile for SOS to tap into those revenue streams thus creating a fighting fund for members and or funds for exclusive use of the Union in promoting the message worldwide. What is the view of SOS
The Union has significant funds at its disposal from its membership funds, donations and funds generated from events. Grant aid has also been obtained and we expect to see an increase in our merchandising during this year to also raise funds.
With all the community work that SOS is undertaking has SOS applied for CIC status
This is out of my area of expertise but I am sure that Paul Gardner will read this and respond as our Community Officer.
The present owners will not be here to eternity, how do SOS see themselves post H&G
We will not disband.
Going forward we see a vibrant supporters' union as essential to hold whoever owns the Club to account and to assist and campaign on a range of supporter issues relating to both Liverpool Football Club and football generally.
