Online Community building is an essential tool to reach out to far flung fans across various geographies of the world. The RCB has done a wonderful job in maintaining the enthusiasm levels and engaging with the community on a regular basis. Whenever a match is on, these days I start to statistically think whether an RCB player made any contribution and by the time my mind has run this query, a comment or a post is already made on Facebook by the RCB Moderator.

When the IPL started, I dont remember supporting any team. I would be happy as long as I got to watch good cricket. Even if Sachin is playing against Chennai, I would never be in a position to pray for Ntini to knock over Sachin, but all that is changing with the RCB fan initiative.

Last year when I participated for the FFC1 I thought this may be a one off initiative, but looking at the sustained efforts of the mods and the other fans, I feel this is a huge effort that has won the trust of the RCB supporter.an online family that I can connect to. A silent family member, but yes- pretty attached to the family.

The 20 20 leagues in India via the IPL has shown that incoming revenues to teams come primarily through Fan's Gate attendance, merchandise sale and TV rights. I think a larger invisible part comes by getting into the minds of the consumer and not being in the consumer's shoes. The RCB team has done well to make sure that they have been able to repeatedly engage with their consumers via Facebook/RCB Blog/Fan Summits and these contests. The investment and the effort to connect with the target base has been a huge success so far the RCB and may their tribe increase.

I find it puzzling that none of the other IPL teams have even come close to setting up a fan base. I guess this is a trick everyone else is missing, but do I really care :-)? I am so happy to be part of the fanatic fan's club which allows me to get a certain insider view which no televsion channel or magazine can produce.

When CL 1 and IPL3  were on,It was such a thrill being able to relate to a family, whom you havent met, but you know very well through their footprints on the web. Take for instance Sandeep's lovely gesture of an Audio CD or Siva covering Kumble's party during CL-1. It is these instances and lovely moments that we as fans cherish.

I think what the RCB Mods have done should be a case study at B schools as an innovative way to engage audiences, rather than a more mercenary way of just engaging via gate reciepts or merchandise. None of the franchises have showed the commitment or the enthusiasm to go the extra mile to reach out to the next door Ram or Gita.

The voice of the RCB as a unit, and the privelege of getting inside scoops from fans is exhilarating and I just hope that the RCB unit grows from strength to strength to set more milestones that the other Franchisees may follow.