On Saturday the Emerald City Supporters cheered on the Seattle Sounders at Starfire for a last “first practice” training session at Starfire. It was a time for people used to congregate on one or two social platforms to see each other in reality.
Reality is where all the virality is now – whether it was a chant using the old ads for Longacres "Longacres is the place to be" or "Jordan Morris run those cones" the 150 or so members spurred small little memories while at Starfire. They'll carry one. Like any meme, the origins will be forgotten. Someone in 10 years will claim that it was invented on JibJab or something that wasn't the reality where it actually happened.
Lots of people in the group first connected over Facebook. J and I talked about video games and jerseys. I first met K & M on Twitter. We talked about d20s and South King County.
But these connections spurred by social platforms are fading. Because there is no longer a single dominant social media platform, not that there ever was. But for about a decade Sounder at Heart dominated Twitter. ECS and its leaders dominated Twitter.
Both groups could get things trending on that platform.
Everyone is somewhere and everywhere and no where now.
D and I finally chatted about Below Deck again. We hadn't in ages because we're on different social media now. But because of the social media of reality we connected.
S and I talked ECS Pub League (well, more than just S, lots did because the season is rapidly approaching). We sometimes chat on Instagram now, but not as frequently as we used to.
T and I chatted about food, because that's what we do. We're connected on about a dozen social platforms, but the social media of soccer is where we meet the most.
This list could go on. Sounders soccer, Reign soccer – all of the teams in the area in fact – are the modern social media (no it's not media, I know). In just over one month social reality is going to take over for social diversification. Our friendships and fellowships aren't going to count on chasing each other around various platforms.
Instead we'll see each other at the Pioneer Square and Sodo establishments where we've always gathered, in the sections where we stand, in the concourses where we wait. That's part of the power of being a season ticket holder (or frequent attendee).
– Dave
P.S. You can follow Sounder at Heart on X, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, Threads, Mastodon and wherever Puget Sound soccer conversations happen, including our members-only Discord.
Catching up on Sounder at Heart
Did you step away from the computer for a bit? Here are our latest stories.
- Pedro de la Vega signing complete, will arrive on Tuesday
- An early look at the Sounders' depth chart
- Albert Rusnák has been an early standout during preseason
- Fluminense reportedly offered $4M for Léo Chú's transfer
- Seattle Reign FC will travel to California and Costa Rica for training camp
Looking back at the weekend's news
Impending MLS referee strike?
The Professional Soccer Referees Association has authorized a strike as they negotiate a new CBA with MLS. PSRA has also filed a Labor complaint.
Inter Miami begin 2024 preseason with 0-0 draw at El Salvador | MLSSoccer.com. Messi's team plays FC Dallas this afternoon on MLSSoccer.com at 3pm PT. Maybe they'll score.
Robbie Rogers is up for a Golden Globe. He was one of the first male athletes to come out.
Spokane Zephyr is focusing on equity as they build the team.
Star signings and new coaches: Why every MLS team should be hopeful in 2024. You have to believe – in every MLS team, for now.
Local author Travis Baldree won the Astounding award for best new science fiction author. His first book, Legends & Lattes finished second in the Hugos for Best Novel.
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