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Brad

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Blog Entries posted by Brad

  1. Brad

    "SNORTIN FIRE AND BREATHIN' SMOKE"

    By Brad,


    Site Archives
    Seems we're finally getting old enough as a football program or athletic program overall for people to start appreciating the retro or vintage Bulls logos.  I grabbed this page off the internet archive site.  It was created quite a bit ago from an old basketball media guide I bought.  Best part is it includes our boy, @smazza in it!  
     
    Please allow load time for this graphics intensive page

    A look back at Bulls teams of yesteryear
     
    "SNORTIN FIRE AND BREATHIN' SMOKE"
    In this feature you will find selected pages taken from the 1976-77 USF Basketball Press Guide. 
    The Bulls (known then as the Golden Brahmans) were entering their sixth season of basketball, the second under Head Coach Chip Conner - the Brahmans' third head coach in their brief history.  Sadly, the Brahmans would only manage a 9-18 record, losing 11 of their final 14 games, including a first round loss in the inaugural Sun Belt Tournament.  This followed a 19-8 showing just the year before. 
    Led by Dave Niemenn, Penny Greene, Steve Sanford, Rick Wagner and Cal Glover, these Golden Brahmans were Bulls Basketball pioneers.
    I encourage you to click on the thumbnails below to open up the full page scans.  They are easily readable and offer some outstanding history on USF Basketball.
     
    A full color, full page scan of the front cover of the Bulls 76-77 press guide. This is the first page of the press guide.  It provides a real feeling for the times as it discusses a range of issues from the formation of the Sun Belt Conference (who knew it was initially a six team conference that included New Orleans?).  Good reading, and who can resist the green bull?
    Had to include a thumbnail of these middle pages.  If you click on the thumbnail, it will take you to the full size version of the right hand page.  Notice the finger image pointing to the green highlighted picture?  Click on this thumbnail to find out whose picture was in the "Name that Bull" contest at the message board!  He's a previous basketball manager, a member of our message board and an ardent USF Supporter. To think that 25 years ago, USF games were carried on WFLA radio and on WUSF Channel 16 on a tape delay basis....is anyone getting any ideas here? Check out the nice suit on Jack Harris, the original "Voice of the Golden Brahmans." 
    A two-page pictorial that really places you back in the mid 70s.  Even the Sheriff will like a couple of these! Some curious pictures here:  Head Coach Chip Conner performing Seth Greenberg poses before there was a Seth Greenberg.  And look at that Brahman mascot in the picture on the left...that is scary.  Both thumbnails open up to full size page scans. 
    The Brahman Bull Horn Band, the Commuter Rooters, the Green Scream Machine, the Brahman Cheerleaders, the Herd and the Bullettes all led the way in rooting for the up and coming Brahman basketball program. The Bullettes vs. Sun Dolls...who'd win?
    "SNORTIN FIRE AND BREATHIN' SMOKE"?? A nostalgic Brahmans press guide cover, with the "Snortin fire and breathin' smoke" cheer.  A must read for any Bulls fan born after 1960.
    Note the USF logo at the bottom of the page.
       
    What do you think of this feature?  Would you like to see more "Vintage Bulls" pictures and information?  Player pictures?  Please complete this form with your feedback:
    <form>
  2. Brad

    2001 Article - USF Official Site Problems

    By Brad,


    Site Archives
    In a recent discussion about local coverage of the USF Bulls football program (What’s with Knight and the McNeese State references?) I mentioned some of the involvement of former beat writers Brett McMurphy, Greg Auman and Jeff Odom having interaction with TheBullsPen.com.  In fact, I recalled how the relationship benefited both parties as TBP promoted McMurphy and Auman in the days of USF's rise to national awareness.  Both McMurphy and Auman frequented the board and from it gathered story ideas.   All did chats or Q&A.  In looking back at past interactions, it reminded me of  some of the articles written that mentioned SouthFloridaBulls.com/TBP.  Starting with this blog entry, I'll post those that are available.  Good reading, not just for a TBP reference but to get a better feeling for those days.  
    This first article is pretty eye-opening.  In fact I remember the time period well.  No official site.  I remember talking to the SID at an earlier time about the importance of an online presence.  Back in the early days, communication was typically by fax.  But the web had been around for a handful of years and teams were doing different things.  Ultimately, USF lost its official website.  

    Sun, Aug 19, 2001 – 42 · Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Florida) · Newspapers.com
     
    Note:  The blog entry cover photo is of the early days of http:/usf.edu/athletics.  Note the story displayed from June 13, 2001.  
  3. Brad

    2005 Article on Message Boards

    By Brad,


    Site Archives
    Another clipping from the very early days.  The writer mentions three Bulls fans all of which were members here back in 2005, our 5th/6th year of existence.  If you have trouble reading, let me know I will try to add a screen grab easier on the eyes.  

    Tue, Feb 15, 2005 – 21 · Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Florida) · Newspapers.com
     
    Tue, Feb 15, 2005 – 24 · Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Florida) · Newspapers.com
  5. Brad
    Located on line, via the internet archive:
     

    SouthFloridaBulls.com seeks to deliver new ways for Bulls fans to come together, while cultivating as many new fans as possible.  We are committed to building a strong online Bulls presence.  Please spend some time with us and become apart of the Bulls community.
    SouthFloridaBulls.com Turns 5!
     
        SouthFloridaBulls.com Turns 5!
    Brad Meyer
    I’m not one that usually does much to celebrate or commemorate certain dates or events, but because of the good fortune I feel being the “founder” of SouthFloridaBulls.com (SFB), I felt it worthwhile to elaborate on the fifth anniversary of its creation.
    The site debuted on August 31, 1999, just as the Bulls were to begin their third season of football.  The site started as – and remains – a hobby.  It seemed like the perfect hobby.  I could learn a little HTML, express my thoughts on the World Wide Web, and more important than anything, make sure that there would be a consistent Bulls presence on the Internet.  All three concepts came together in a site that prided itself on being a fans site.
    As a fans site, I have tried to shape the site in ways that Bulls fans would find it informative, maybe get a laugh or two, even find it useful as an archive.  There are over 85 gigabytes of Bulls data, images, video and audio now resident on SFB’s server. 
    Over the years there were less than successful features like “Voice of the Fan” in which a fan could call a local phone number and leave an audio message on the site.  I thought it was a great new feature, but I was apparently alone with that thought.  There was the online crossword puzzle, the Bulls Nostalgia features, GreenbergOpolis specials, the online store, auctions, trivia, polls, chats, photo galleries and audio and video from press conferences and other special events.  All designed solely to catch the eye of the passing Bulls fan – or potential Bulls fan.  Other “sticky” features offered over the years include free email, a free newsletter and of course the message board.
    Important in building any online community is the message board.  SFB’s first message board was very simple and allowed very few user options.  The second-generation board opened up in late 1999 and lasted until mid-May of 2000.  It had more bells and whistles, but also numerous glitches.  In May of 2000 the current message board, known as TheBullsPen.com was opened.  It has grown to become the centerpiece of the SFB site, virtually becoming an entity of its own when the domain  “TheBullsPen.com” was purchased and hosted separately in August 2003.
    The reason for it all?  To build a vibrant online Bulls community – a place where we can all go to catch up with each other, read and post about our Bulls and attract other potential Bulls fans.  Building the Bulls fan base is job #1.
    The site is achieving success in that job category.  With over 1100 message board members and 500 email users, it is clear the Bulls online presence is strengthening.  The members themselves have been integral to the growth of the site.  Site members have provided strategic advice, technical management, content creation, and audio/visual material to the site along with voluntary financial contributions. 
    Most importantly however, the site’s members and guests have provided a wealth of camaraderie – which is what provides me with the feeling of good fortune.  Five years doesn’t just mark the anniversary of the site, it also reminds me of how long I have known many of the visitors, members and guests of the site and its message board - the friendships that have been built and the good times shared. 
    We need only build on this as our Bulls enter the Big East and take a more prominent position on the national stage.  Together, we can build an even stronger online community and find new ways to attract and expand the Bulls fan base. 
    Now, let’s invite few more Bulls to the party and cut the cake!
     

  6. Brad

    Andre Hall and The Heisman Hope

    By Brad,


    USF Athletics
    It's been a long time since the word Heisman and Bull was mentioned in the same conversation.  In 2017, Quinton Flowers has been referred to as a candidate for the honor, even if just a "dark horse".  The first ever chatter around a USF Bulls player breaking into that club was with RB Andre Hall.  Hall was an offensive MVP and 9th in the nation in yards per game as a junior.  He was hyped as a potential All-American and yes an outside shot at the H trophy.  USF never took that leap, but many South Florida fans did.  Below is a limited edition, unofficial and unlicensed, bumper sticker that was distributed to help hype Andre Hall in his senior year:

    ESPN felt a little of the Hall excitement as the Bulls made a historic move to the Big East:

     
    Hall did not get Heisman consideration, but he went down in history as one of 10 Essential Bulls as compiled by Jim Louk in 2014.  What's more, I had a chance to select him in my fantasy football league when he was with the Denver Broncos!

     
    16,026 ADDS
  7. Brad

    Around the site...

    By Brad,


    Site Archives
    I know a lot of people bookmark the Main Page and reach it directly, often on mobile, but there is more that the site has to offer to our USF Bulls online community. 
    Of course the message boards are heating up with talk of the new season, but there are other pages and links I think you'd enjoy, including:
     
    Gallery set up for season
    Media Guides, wallpapers and other digital downloads
    Consolidated video collection of past games
    Twitter feeds from top beat reporters
    New RSS board gathering USF Bulls news across the net
    Not to mention the chat room, holding up to 250, will be ready to roll at kickoff.
     
    We have a small group including JimUSFSig and JoshuaG that will be providing content updates as the season starts.
     
    We also have the Prediction Contest thread posted for the Bulls vs. Towson.  For the winner?  A $40 dollar decorated USF Bulls artisan pilsner glass.
     
    Off site, we have fantasy football leagues firing up and our first annual TBP office pool for NFL weekly picks.
    Much of this can be reached on your mobile, including photo galleries (uploads too) and the chat room, but everything is available on desktop. 
    I ask that you look around at the various pages linked in the main menu bar at top of the site.  If you see something you like, let me know.  If you think of something that should be added, please let me know.  We have just under three weeks to go before kickoff and I hope to improve the site as its members suggest.
    There is more to come, including a new updated theme.  I appreciate the members of TheBullsPen.com and I look forward to hearing your feedback on this thread.
     
  8. Brad

    Artifacts

    By Brad,


    Site Archives
    Not too long ago, someone suggested posting some of the old stuff from the early years.  I have probably 5 hard drives of stuff, but three of those hard drives don't seem to want to work.  Anyway, a more recent one had a mini-trove of interesting stuff I thought I'd toss out here to get it started.  Please feel free to add your own and to comment so I know someone is seeing this stuff!
    First, I have a circa 2005 Athletics Master Planning image you'd probably enjoy seeing considering today's efforts towards an OCS and the nearly complete IPF.
     

  9. Brad
    Continuing to inventory relics of the old SouthFloridaBulls.com takes us to one of the more offbeat things a young USF fan base did.  After about 4-5 years of football we decided it was time to erect an online "Hall of Fame".  Since we're a fans' site, fewer rules got in the way.  This allowed us to induct anyone that was making a difference at that time for the upstart USF Football team or elsewhere within Athletics.
    Ancient html makes this a less than pretty page, but take a look.
     
     
    In 2002, SouthFloridaBulls.com established a virtual Hall of Fame to recognize South Florida's outstanding players, coaches, administrators and fans.
     
    Introduction: Each Year SouthFloridaBulls.com will nominate and induct into the Hall of Fame a select group of USF fans, players, coaches and administrators that most exemplify what it means to be a Bull.
    The next class of Bulls honorees will be inducted in the Summer of 2006
      Atkins        Henry        Hope        Leavitt        Lucas        Mitchell        Plaisted        Price 
    Blackwell       Bradley       Dobras       Selmon
      Current nominations for balloting in 2006:
    (as selected by SouthFloridaBulls.com visitors):
    Click here to make your nominations
     
    (by category, bios to follow): Fans:                   Mitch Rebenstorf
    "the Reaper"
     
                      Players:                   Kawika Mitchell
    Football
     
      J.R. Reed
    Football
     
      Hakim Shahid
    Men's Basketball
     
              Coaches:                                       Administrators:                                        
     
    Nomination Form: Selection Criteria to consider:
    1)  Commitment to the University
    2)  Performance while playing at USF
    3)  Interaction at TheBullsPen.com and related events
    4)  Attendance at Bulls games and functions
      Recent Nominees July 13, 2006
    Eddie Cardieri
    Mary Dooley
    Jose Fernandez
    Reggie Kohn
    Herd of Thunder Band
    "mutt and Bubbles"
    Scott Hemond
    Brandon Faza Andre Hall
    Solomon Jones
    Jack and Janis Boyd
    "Turkeysoup"
    Dr. Michael Robinson
    Don Barr
    Ken Ericksen
    Brittany Link  
    Would you like to nominate someone for future inclusion in the SouthFloridaBulls.com Hall of Fame*?  Please complete this form
    Nominee:

    For Fan nominee, you may use proper name or message board username
    Reason/Significant Feats/Stats:


        The 2006 voting schedule will be posted soon.
      of 13 nominees, the following were selected by SouthFloridaBulls.com visitors. Charlie Bradley
    Men's Basketball
    -All time leading scorer with 2,319 points
    -Averaged 28.2 points per game in sophomore season
    -Three time All-Sun Belt selection and member of All Decade Team
    -Led the nation in scoring for 11 weeks, ending 5th in 1983
    Marquel Blackwell
    Football
    -USA Today Division I-A National Player of the Week (09/08/01)
    -Career Passing leader (9,108 yards)
    -Selected to multiple I-A All-Independent Teams
    -Team Offensive MVP three consecutive years (2000-2002)
    Radenko Dobras
    Men's Basketball
    -The only Bulls to lead the team in scoring all four years of career
    -Career average 17.0 points per game
    -Led the Bulls in first ever NCAA Tournament appearance against Arizona
    -First Team All-Sun Belt and First Team All-Metro
    Lee Roy Selmon
    USF Foundation Partnership for Athletics
    -Joined USF in 1993 as Director of External Affairs
    -Three years as Athletic Director, eight years as Associate Athletic Director
    -Catalyst in Bulls' invitation to join Big East Conference
    -Key figure in foundation of Bulls football program
      of 15 inaugural nominees, the following were selected by SouthFloridaBulls.com visitors. Chucky Atkins
    Men's Basketball
    -Member of USF 93-97 team
    -NBA member of Magic, Pistons, Celtics and Lakers
    -Bulls' 3rd all-time leading scorer
    -Bulls all-time leader in three point attempts and 3pt FG  made
    -Finished with 519 assists
    -Named All-Conference in 1996
    -Averaged 19.3 ppg. and 4.0 apg in final season
    Anthony Henry
    Football
    -Second ever Bull to be selected in NFL Draft (2001, #97)
    -As a Bull, tied for most INTs in a season with 5
    -Currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL
    -Recorded 10 interceptions in his NFL rookie season
    -Holds Bulls career interceptions record (10)
    Jim Leavitt
    Head Coach, USF Football
    -Bulls first and only Head Football Coach
    -Led the Bulls to National I-AA rankings (ranked as high as #17)
    -35-20 overall
    -Led the Bulls to a 2001 upset over the Pitt Panthers
    Vicki Mitchell
     Associate Athletic Director for Development
    -V.P. USF Foundation
    -Ardent supporter of GreenbergOpolis
    -Attended numerous watch parties
    -Participates on Message Board
    -Provided numerous updates to Bulls fans at site sponsored events
    Terry Lucas
    aka "The Sheriff"
    -Former USF football player
    -Founder of GreenbergOpolis
    -Leader of numerous road trips
    -Allowed all to live vicariously through him
    Brian Hope and Walter Price
    aka "the Green and Gold Guys"
    -Dedicated supporters of USF Sports
    -Frequented numerous USF athletic events
    -Engaged fans during game to boost vocal support for the Bulls
    -Recognized by President Genshaft at halftime of basketball game.
    -Most featured USF duo on ESPN telecasts.
    Gary Plaisted
    aka "el toro"
    -One of most traveled Bulls fans in history
    Highlights:
    1997: Drove down from Ohio for the Inaugural game
    1998: Drove from Georgia to a number of home games in Tampa - 350 miles each way (Slippery Rock, Valpo, Citadel, Elon, WKU) Went to GSU on the road
    1999: Went to San Diego St (away), SW Texas State, S Illinois, Liberty, Illinois St, New Hampshire, JMU (Away), Hofstra.
    2000:  Traveled to J'ville State, Kentucky (away), JMU, Troy St, Southern Miss (away), U Conn (away), WKU, Mid Tenn State (away), Austin Peay.
    2001:  Made it to Pitt (away), Memphis (away), N Texas, U Conn, Houston, Utah State
    Click Image Below to see 2002 cyber plaque honoring our inductees
     
     
     
     
  10. Brad

    Brett McMurphy On Bulls in Auburn Pregame Feature

    By Brad,


    Program Artifacts
    Brett discusses the Bulls on local Tampa radio prior to the trip to Alabama and the huge win against Auburn, take a listen:
    It's eleven minutes long, feel free to open up the Bulls at Auburn gallery and look at some images from the game.  You can find them here
  11. Brad

    BullsGallery.com is back

    By Brad,


    Site Archives
    I have been working on restoring the latest version of BullsGallery.com.  Not yet finished, but you are welcome to take a look.
    BullsGallery.com

     
    Right now, there are nearly 12,000 images ranging from 1997 to 2014.  There are still many to enter including Bulls @ Penn State and sets from 2015 and 2016.  There are sets taken back in the 1999-2002 era.  Granted the image capabilities are much better now, but it gives you a look at some of the older, early games of the Bulls.
     

     
    So, not only are is there or there will be coverage over 21 years of Bulls Football, but you'll also find WBB, Soccer and some great moments in MBB.
     
     
     

     
    Now, even though there are nearly 12,000 loaded, there is still work to do in culling out some pictures and uploading remaining full sets.  I also hope to get the 2015 and 2016 sets here soon.  For 2017, our site photographer will be able to upload an unlimited amount of photos per game.  The navigation also needs a little work, but we'll get there.
    If you like a picture or two, please use the built in twitter, Facebook, etc social buttons to share and invite more Bulls fans.  Again, the BullsGallery.com is documenting the history of the Bulls dating back to the 1997 football album vs. Kentucky Wesleyan.  
  12. Brad

    BullVenturesInc.com

    By Brad,


    Site Archives
    How about a look way back at the early days and origin of The Bulls Pen, saved from the internet archive.
     
     
     
        This site, bullventuresinc.com, was the lead site in the sprawling internet based empire led by the former entrepreneur known as Bulliever. Bulliever incorporated a company known as "Bull Ventures, Inc. (BVI)  It was a company whose charter and mission would lead into unknown recesses of the internet while spearheading efforts at building a USF Fan base online.
    After a rough experiment in the internet retail business (specifically in selling South Florida Bulls gear), Bull Ventures, Inc. folded.  What's left is this name and this site out in cyberspace - so we might as well use it.
    Still remaining of the empire is SouthFloridaBulls.com, the flagship site of the former BVI and pride and joy of Bulliever. 
    At SouthFloridaBulls.com, you will find numerous features, articles, etc. on South Florida Basketball and Football.
    Hosted at this site are two main features of the complete online Bulls experience.
    First,
    The largest online Bulls Message Board Community.  Please click on the image above and see for yourself. 
     
    Secondly (to be opening soon),
    The only online Bulls auction site.  The site is open for bidding right now, with a Grand Opening announcement scheduled for the week of 09/16/02.
     


    Home to:
         The Bulls Pen Message Board    Bulliever's Auction House Visit SouthFloridaBulls.com for:
       Bulls Football    Bulls Basketball    Scores, Stats, Stories    Image Galleries    Free Email Accounts    Online Store (pending)    Athletic Calendar    Fan Polls    Updates on former Bulls    The Bulls Network    Links to official and unofficial     South Florida Bulls sites    and Much, Much More...  
  13. Brad

    Coach Leavitt comments on freshman QB Matt Grothe

    By Brad,


    Program Artifacts
    During early 2005 press conferences (seems to be on National Letter of Intent day), Coach Jim Leavitt speaks about the incoming freshman Matt Grothe.  He talks about something we all came to observe and treasure - Matt's confidence. 
    It's a quick clip, I think you'll like.
     
     
  14. Brad

    Dog Days of Summer, Part I

    By Brad,


    Site Archives
    As we await fall practices, one thing always gets lost in the shuffle - the message board's birthday on August 31.  Founded in 1999 (between my sons born in '98 and '00 - now you know why I looked tired going to Saturday games, it wasn't the kids), the site will be celebrating it's 17th birthday next month.  It's been a pleasure and a struggle establishing and maintaining a site throughout the ups and downs of the program and the rudimentary technology available back in the day. Oh, and the summers when no one would post for weeks at a time.  We're still off of peak by a large margin, but it looks like Willie and Company might be re-igniting the program and the community.
    It's the latter that I have been committed to.  We didn't even run ads until about 7-8 years ago, around the 2007-08 seasons when we were reaching more than 1,000,000 page views monthly and between the software glitching and the hosted web site package locking up, we had to pay for our own server, hosted at Velcro's place, then later our our own managed server.  Who remembers the days of having to shut the site off to non-members because we were running the machine too hard?  We paid for a lot of ads though, in the Oracle, the USF Magazine, on Bay area radio stations, Google, etc.
    The dropoff since 2010 has helped with the server costs as we have been able to downgrade while we wait for the uptick.  We're on a flexible cloud plan now and that helps a lot.
    But what this is about is what we need to do.  We need to repeat the stuff the old hands on this site did back in the years of 1997-2005 and that is get others involved, no matter how hard the work.
    Today's tip is the obvious, some have heard it before.  A couple real simple things are:
     Word of mouth.  Tell your friends to join up and engage now, get woven into the Bulls community  Use the Twitter and Facebook (and other) buttons to share with your friends on those social platforms  Where you can, use the referral buttons the site "handcrafts" for you in the main title bar.  If you are on another social platform or message board where it would be acceptable, you can grab the referral code - image or text - and put in your signature elsewhere.  You can use it many places and if others click on it they will be brought to TBP. Just do what you can to help others get involved and get connected to other Bulls fans.  We have a chance this season to build on a solid second half of last year.  It would be nice to see us hitting back into the big boy league with page views and members and a lot of activity.
    I'm working on a couple other things to try to drive engagement.  I also welcome your thoughts and opinions on ways to do so.
    Thanks for being a member here and many more thanks for supporting the Bulls.
    Brad
  15. Brad
    I can't even remember much about this any more.  But I guess we took action to contribute towards the now named Lee Roy Selmon Athletics Center.  It was very nice to receive this letter in appreciation:

     
    As best as I can remember, this was probably something that came out of one of the original iterations of the Bulls Backers Club.  If I had to guess, Eric is @E.T., Steve is @ZeroBullChip, Richard is @Ricky the Bull.  I'm not sure who Jeff is but have some ideas.  Jeff (and maybe Steve) may be the guys from the Carraba's at 56th and Fowler where we hosted many watch parties.
    Please remember, we are also raising funds for the future On Campus Stadium.
    Along with this, I remember here was a campus celebration for the athletic season in which we officially joined the Big East.  Member @HowieP went to it to ensure we had a picture of the Big East flag being raised.  To the right is the facility and in the background you can see the football team at practice.
          
     
     




     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    This may be going be going a bit far, but Howie also was our incognito photog capturing pictures of the LRS center as it was being built...seems similar to our fascination with the IPF today.
           
     
     
     
  16. Brad
    Hey Members and Bulls fans, 
    I have been in touch with some of the folks in the media that follow and report on our USF Bulls.  Looks like we'll have a handful with interest in being introduced here and getting to know us while we get to know them (better).  
    For the group, it's looking like the range of questions can cover a lot of ground.  I have asked for collaboration with a broad range from beat writers to USF Administrators.  Instead of asking you to provide questions to specific individuals you can ask questions across the range and I can direct them to the best to answer.  If you do have a specific individual, then feel free to name.  If I don't have them joining us for an interview, chat or Q&A, I'll see if they can.
    Please list your questions here in the response box.  Feel free to ask questions if you have any.  Or, offer solutions on who/what you would like to see.  If you remember Jeff Odom, did a Q&A last season around this same time.  I'll be gathering these questions over the next three-four weeks so keep them coming as guests are scheduled to join us.
    Don't be shy, we'll need dozens of questions if we get the collaboration I am expecting.  Ask away.  
    Thank you.
    Brad
     
  17. Brad
    A while back when the site was spending some dollars to help rally the USF Bulls community, we put out a radio ad to attract additional members.  Initially, I used the Google radio advertising service that allowed access to dozens of stations across Florida.  I remember UCFers posting on the board they heard an ad for TBP in Orlando and it grinded on them a bit.  Ultimately Google closed down that part of the business.  I later worked with a local Tampa station to run the ads - I think it may have been 1010.  The site, TheBullsPen.com, was well known and spent time on the radio with Mike Pepper and Jim Lighthall.  
    Anyway, I paid for a "professional voice" to do the ad.  It turned out okay I guess.  But here it is...I'm guessing it was from around the mid 2000s.
     

     
  18. Brad

    Improving TheBullsPen.com

    By Brad,


    Site Archives
    Since we are still in the slow months and there is time to get ready for the season, I'd like to get some things done around here. 
    We've been on this board software for about three years now.  There is a lot of flexibility and functionality, but I'd say we don't use a majority of it. 
    I've been out of commission with a bad back the last few days and have been looking over some possibilities.  Being immobile left me staring at my screen longer than usual.
    Regarding board applications and functionality:
     What do you like about TheBullsPen.com? Can you tell me what new things you would like to see at TheBullsPen.com?  What would you like to go away? What suggestions to you have to make it a better place?  Sky is the limit.  Not everything will be available or afforded, but why not throw the idea out? 
    Please take time and five me your input.  Together we can catch the wave of 2016 Bulls Football and hopefully get our more fans talking more Bulls.
  19. Brad
    Attached is a document from 15 years ago showing the Bulls rating in the BCS, as well as #1 ranking by the computers.
     
    The document is store in our Media Library.  Please click above to view
    By the way, BullsGallery.com, our on site image gallery, has a 2007 collection of USF Football here:
    https://www.thebullspen.com/gallery/category/54-2007/
     
  20. Brad

    Invite system

    By Brad,


    Site Archives
    I am very pleased to announce that I have purchased a member invite system that is now integrated into the board.  You will see the changes if you look in the upper right section of the screen.  You'll see something that looks like a ticket.  If you click that, you can enter into the app and invite people you know to TheBullsPen.com. 
    You simply enter email addresses and the system sends out an invite (pictured below, looks better live) that allows the receiver to click to go to TBP and automatically includes the invitation code. 
    http://bullsmedia.com/TBPimages/tbpinvite.png
    As your invitees join, they will appear in your invite system.  We will tally the total members "recruited" and it will post in the right hand column on the main page. 
    I will build some type of reward system for those recruiting members.  I'll post that within a few days, but anyone you invite that joins will count in your total.  So don't delay.  You can start inviting today. 
    In fact, the first member to have THREE registrations credited to their account will win a $25 Amazon gift card.  That should get us started.
    I think this can be very helpful in getting other folks involved with the Bulls and the board.
    Please let me know if you have any questions.
     
    Brad
     
  21. Brad

    Jim Leavitt on new QB Matt Grothe

    By Brad,


    USF Athletics
    I'm not sure Coach Jim Leavitt knew exactly what he had when Matt Grothe arrived on campus.  But one thing he got right, was Matt's confidence.  It carried him.  Take a quick listen to Jim Leavitt discuss Matt Grothe as recorded at Bulls Media Day by board member Gene Haines.
     

  22. Brad

    Member Leaderboard functionality

    By Brad,


    Site Archives
    If you look across the top of the site (desktop mode) in the main title bar, you'll see tabs for "Browse", "Activity", "New & Info" and so through "More".  Some of these have sub-menus with other content or links.  Under "Members" is "Leaderboard" and "Member Map".   For mobile version, click on the three bars in upper right corner to see the menus.
    Leaderboard lists the "top rated members" by content for the day, week month or custom period.  If you look at last week, I Bleed Awesomeness took the award for most voted up content for week ending June 18-25.
    I Bleed Awesomeness thread was the much enjoyed My son already making me proud, even before he's born. featuring the ultrasound of his boy putting up the horns while resting comfortably.

    When members read content and rate with the up or down arrows:

    It becomes feedback for the content poster and feeds into the totals that outline popular threads and popular contributors.
    The Leaderboard awards gold, silver and bronze awards for rated content.  It's something fun to look at.  
    For the last month, NewEnglandBull has been ahead of the pack a seen below:

    Furthermore, under the "Past Leaders" tab you can see the daily winners of the Gold, Silver and Bronze trophy each day, dating back some 300 pages worth!
    Anyway, I encourage your involvement in the community to not only rate others contributions to the board, but look to build your own ratings.  There will be some upcoming changes to the rating system, but it will also be more tied in to a merit system that provides some perks to those that are providing highly rated content.  
    Take a look around the Leaderboard and share your thoughts.
     
  23. Brad

    Menu Change

    By Brad,

    As you can see above, the menu operation has changed.  Instead of clicking on the main topic like Clubs, Browse, Activity and being presented with a secondary row of options, I've opted for the traditional drop down.  I'm interested in your thoughts, if it works better for you.  I think there was confusion with the old menu, hopefully this makes more sense.
  24. Brad

    New Members To-Do List

    By Brad,


    Site Archives
    I've noticed quite a few members that have joined recently (and some members that have been so for longer periods) have not personalized their profile picture.  Using the default profile image is okay:

    Those are some nice horns, but take a little time and you can break from the herd with your own image. 
    If you look in the upper right corner you'll see your screen name.  Click on the arrow next to it and select Profile, under Content.
    On your profile page, you'll see an icon to change your profile avatar.  I have included a look at mine below:

    The highlighted picture icon is how I added that BRAHMANS logo patch as my avatar.  There are multiple choices to add your own avatar, including the two most popular, adding via a URL (image already hosted on the internet) or uploading from your computer.  Both work just fine.
    Try updating your profile picture and give yourself an image others will come to recognize you by.  If you have any questions or need any help whatsoever, please reply to this blog entry.
  25. Brad

    Ok, now we're ready...

    By Brad,


    Program Artifacts
    Not too long ago, someone suggested posting some of the old stuff from the early years.  I have probably 5 hard drives of stuff, but three of those hard drives don't seem to want to work.  Anyway, a more recent one had a mini-trove of interesting stuff I thought I'd toss out here to get it started.  Please feel free to add your own and to comment so I know someone is seeing this stuff!
    First, I have a circa 2005 Athletics Master Planning image you'd probably enjoy seeing considering today's efforts towards an OCS and the nearly complete IPF.
     

     
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