Covid 19 and footy - season (suspended) now resumed

[KSAS]

Thought this thread is the most appropriate to post this story which caught my eye, regarding the Sydney Opera House Trust are now going to charge sporting clubs $50k which uses their logo, which includes us of course. This has caused cash grab outcry particularly during these difficult economic times. We've had the Opera House logo incorporated in our jumpers since 1987, so I'm guessing we be might the first to have done so. My guess is the club/AFL will pay the $50k fee when the push comes to shove, but as an old South supporter would love to see us returning wearing the big red V!

Sydney Opera House Trust under fire for logo licensing fee

[dejavoodoo44]

Thought this thread is the most appropriate to post this story which caught my eye, regarding the Sydney Opera House Trust are now going to charge sporting clubs $50k which uses their logo, which includes us of course. This has caused cash grab outcry particularly during these difficult economic times. We've had the Opera House logo incorporated in our jumpers since 1987, so I'm guessing we be might the first to have done so. My guess is the club/AFL will pay the $50k fee when the push comes to shove, but as an old South supporter would love to see us returning wearing the big red V!

Sydney Opera House Trust under fire for logo licensing fee

While reading what the opera house spokesperson has to say, suggests that the fee is neither new or $50,000, I wouldn't mind ditching our current jersey design. Every time that we play a heritage round, I prefer that game's jersey. Even the old red sash.

[dimelb]

This is the Opera House people trying to make up what our various governments aren't prepared to do - decent support for the arts.

And in the club's position I wouldn't pay a cent. Have a slightly bigger swan on the jumper in front of a Harbour Bridge!

[Ruck'n'Roll]

I wouldn't mind ditching our current jersey design. Every time that we play a heritage round, I prefer that game's jersey. Even the old red sash.

Why stop there?
Maybe go the full deal, drop Albert Parks colours for the heritage round and play in the blue and white hoops of South Melbourne?

The Australian sports museum actually has an original South Melbourne playing cap in the blue and white in it's collection.

[KTigers]

This is the Opera House people trying to make up what our various governments aren't prepared to do - decent support for the arts.

And in the club's position I wouldn't pay a cent. Have a slightly bigger swan on the jumper in front of a Harbour Bridge!

The SOH receives $70M of government (read taxpayer) money every year and still manages to lose money. They've been charging others
to use the logo for years.

[dimelb]

The SOH receives $70M of government (read taxpayer) money every year and still manages to lose money. They've been charging others
to use the logo for years.

I didn't realise they fetched that much. All the more reason for the club to go elsewhere.

[mcs]

The SOH receives $70M of government (read taxpayer) money every year and still manages to lose money. They've been charging others
to use the logo for years.

Without knowing the ins and outs of the latest shennanigans, I fail to really understand the general outrage about charging entities, including our Swans, to use a branding/trademark/IP (I don't know what its precise characterisation is - but you get my point I'm sure) that has a genuine commercial value to it.

The SOH is a not-for profit trust entity - if it was meant to make a profit it would be set up as a Government Business Enterprise. That isn't to say it shouldn't seek to balance its books - but profit is not its primary motive. But likewise, it should seek to make money to offset its costs wherever it can - including in spaces like this. And while there are plenty of things where I feel strongly that the Govenrment pisses a lot of money up the wall for very little public benefit, I find it difficult to make an argument that the SOH doesn't make a very large economic contribution to Australia - both with its primary purpose as an arts facility, but also the tourism factor associated with its iconic status. There aren't many iconic Australian landmarks in the built environment (not with a truly global standing), but it is one of them. (noting of course in the current circumstances, that value is limited)

That doesn't mean they should charge exorbinant prices for the privilige of using their IP - but market rates broadly should apply, and despite how much I love our Swans, I see very little true basis for suggesting somehow they are an 'exception'.

[KTigers]

I guess I was saying the SOH charging for use of their imagery/logo is nothing new. It's been limited to more strictly commercial use in
the past but now they want to expand who they charge. As far as international recognition goes the building itself is probably the most
well known Australian landmark/image. That is worth far more than the $70M of taxpayer money keeping whatever is going on inside
the building afloat. I've always liked our jumper, it's very "Sydney". Maybe as the Swans are a bit tight on money at the moment, they
can get a pass on paying the 50K. We are sort of a cultural institution too if you ask me.

[barry]

The swans should be charging the NSW govenment (and SOH) for all the promotion they do for Sydney and the opera house.

Usually the issue of trade mark (which the opera house silouttee is) is to protect the organisation, not to generate revenue. Eg. if the melbourne opera house starting using the logo, or some dodgy business.
The swans arent a competitor to the opera house, and it would be mutually beneficial to both organisations.

However, in tough times, everyones counting their pennies, so stuff like this will come up.

[stevoswan]

I agree. SOHT didn't build it, they didn't pay for it and WE are a billboard for them and a building they were gifted....if they persist with this economic opportunism, we should just drop the logo from our jumper. Stuff them.....

[KTigers]

I think Barry & Stevo have put forward very valid points. How much does QBE pay to be on our jumper? Maybe the Swans should send the
SOH Trust an invoice for the past 30 something years. BTW, the SOH cost $100M to build in the 60s/early 70s. The initial estimate was $7M,
so we can see nothing much has changed with governments trying to work out how much stuff is going to cost to build.

[goswannies]

I wonder how many aged ex-AFL footballers have been lost to Covid so far

I see that we sadly lost Frank Brew (87 games for South Melbourne) to Covid yesterday - Frank was aged 92

RIP

[Ruck'n'Roll]

I see that we sadly lost Frank Brew (87 games for South Melbourne) to Covid yesterday - Frank was aged 92

RIP

Black armbands of course, but I wonder how much it actually means to the current players?
I wonder if the Swans would consider having young Dylan Stephens lead the team out or toss the coin or something - how would he feel about that?

[stevoswan]

Black armbands of course, but I wonder how much it actually means to the current players?
I wonder if the Swans would consider having young Dylan Stephens lead the team out or toss the coin or something - how would he feel about that?

It would mean something to any Swans player who is invested in the Bloods culture.....ie: hopefully every Swans player. As for your coin toss/team lead out suggestion......is that even relevant? Is Dylan related to Frank Brew? Otherwise, this is a pretty pointless question.

[Aaron]

I guess Bell will have the honour to toss the coin!