By Courtney Pike, Angling Correspondent
When it comes to winding up Norwich fans, the Suffolk Gazette takes its work very seriously. So, when we recently put some juicy bait on the line using a cheeky Twitter trick, the poor soles in Norfolk bit and were left wriggling on the hook. In fact, we reeled in a whole load of them.
The plan was simple. Using a clever piece of software, we made sure that every time a Norwich fan Tweeted using the hashtag #NCFC they were automatically added to various Suffolk Gazette lists including I’m Really an ITFC Fan. They then got an automated message informing them of this joyous news. And they were very cross.
Many clearly had no idea how Twitter lists work and seemed to think we needed their permission to add them to anything. Others thought we had somehow hacked into their account. One even wanted to call in the lawyers.
Dear @SuffolkGazette, you appear to have added me to your list #itfcfans -please remove my name ASAP or legal action may follow. Thank you.
— Diane Davis (@Canaryb1rd) July 9, 2016
They couldn’t fathom what was happening to them.
@SuffolkGazette what do you think you are doing adding me to a list of #itfc fans??!! I despise #itfc!!!
— Nick B (@cheltcanary) July 14, 2016
In fact, they were feeling violated.
@SuffolkGazette In your dreams, I’d rather eat my own spleen!! Remove me, I feel dirty and violated!! #ItfcAlwaysScum
— Julia Trotter (@juliact66) July 10, 2016
Some were very cross.
@Ncfc65 @SuffolkGazette oi suffolk gazette – stop being tw@ts! We’re not interested in you or your area.
— Nick B (@cheltcanary) July 14, 2016
But when they complained by Tweeting us directly using @SuffolkGazette, things got even worse for them…
Can you take me off the ITFC fan list you just added me to! Im Norwich fan you tools!
— Drew Collins (@collinsdrew12) July 9, 2016
… because Tweeting us automatically added them to another list called Suffolk Stars!
Will you stop adding me to a load of shitty suffolk lists! Im a Norwich fan who lives in Norwich! Back off you nobs
— Drew Collins (@collinsdrew12) July 9, 2016
Of course, all of this was being played out in front of thousands on Twitter, and Ipswich fans were enjoying the fishing expedition.
Just when you thought @SuffolkGazette couldn’t get any better, they add Budgies to Town fan lists. ? ? #ITFC
— Andrew Mehen (@andymehen) July 14, 2016
Eventually, some of the Norwich fans got the joke. At first, they were like…
Err. You can fuck right off @SuffolkGazette pic.twitter.com/Nr9sgXCSU7
— Dan Roberts (@Snakepitdan) July 14, 2016
… then they were like
Ohhh it’s a spoof account. Good craic lads @SuffolkGazette
— Dan Roberts (@Snakepitdan) July 14, 2016
And once the penny dropped, inevitably the joke was turned on the Suffolk Gazette itself, and we found ourselves being added to some lists as well.
@SuffolkGazette @JamesFinbow they’ve joined me also ? #ncfc #OTBC pic.twitter.com/0gVag3L93h
— anita byrne-phillips (@anitajbyrne) July 15, 2016
So sweet of @SuffolkGazette to join. #ncfc pic.twitter.com/Xb5zkgz00E
— Jimbob Hedgehog (@JamesFinbow) July 15, 2016
There was even a list created called “Tossers”, and the Suffolk Gazette remains the only member. And for that, we are very proud.
