James Dolan doesn't often put much stock in what the newspapers have to say about the Knicks, but there is reason to believe he's interested in what his customers are thinking, especially if he still is weighing his decision on Isiah Thomas' future with the franchise.

As if the "Fire Isiah" chants, signs and catcalls at the Garden weren't enough, the Knicks have issued e-mails to season-ticket subscribers to get a sense of the pulse of the fan base. The e-mails link to a marketing survey that includes some very direct questions about the fan experience and how much team performance is a factor. Several times throughout the survey, which was obtained by Newsday, the season ticket-holder is asked if "team direction" and the team's win-loss record are critical decision-making factors in renewing for next season.

The survey, which is to be completed today, is being conducted by InsightExpress, a marketing research company based in Stamford, Conn. It was e-mailed to season-ticket subscribers last week with the explanation: "The information you provide will be used to help us serve you better in the future."

One longtime season ticket- holder, David Nusbaum of Roslyn, said he informed the survey that he does not plan to renew his seats, which he and his brother have owned since 1986. "We have made the decision that we won't renew our seats unless Isiah is gone by the time the team demands the first payment," Nusbaum said. Renewals go out in May and the first payment usually is due in early July.

After the survey is informed that the customer does not plan to renew, the question that comes up is: "What is the main reason why you do not plan to renew or are considering not renewing?" The choices are: Price, seat location, financial reasons or team performance.

Nusbaum chose the latter. "Every time there was a chance to put in extra comments in addition to the multiple choice, I put in 'Please fire Isiah Thomas and [Garden president] Steve Mills,'" Nusbaum said.

Later in the survey, the subscriber is asked to rate the satisfaction level of 14 questions on a scale of 1 to 6. Three of the 14 were directly related to the team as far as win-loss record, whether the team is "headed in the right direction" and "the feeling you are valued by the organization and team."

The Knicks enjoyed a 91 percent renewal rate this season after last season's 33-49 record. This season the team is 19-50 and is going to miss the playoffs for the seventh straight season.

A great deal of the Knicks' season tickets are corporate-owned, and that is a big factor in such a high renewal rate. But many of the private individuals who own tickets might base their renewal decision on whether Thomas still is running the franchise this summer, when the payments are due.

"Clearly Dolan hasn't cared about the fans and doesn't seem to care about losing," Nusbaum said. "So maybe he will care as people stop renewing their seats and it becomes tougher, particularly during a time when Wall Street is under pressure, to find other people willing to take our seats."

Posted by arkrud:

Posted by sbensol74:

Oh man, I wish I thought of taking screen caps for my survey. I didn't hold back and at any point where they allowed comments I let them have it.

Did you use F-word or B-word more?