Of course. Before this is possible we would need permission. Does anybody know if there's a rule against this? IF not I see no reason why not to ask for permission and give it a go.

Alumnus, not a student either here.

And once again - we are WAY too paranoid about this!

UC or Cincinnati?
UK or Kentucky?
BG, BGSU, or Bowling Green?
USC or Southern Cal?
University of California, Cal, or UC?
Washington, UW, or University of Washington?

On & on ad nauseum............

In the 40 years since I became aware of Ohio University - I have NEVER spoke to ANYONE who did not know what institution I was speaking of, or what institution was being discussed when "OU" was used, or when Ohio University", or when "Ohio U" was used. "Ohio", maybe a few times. And those few times - it was because they did not even know Ohio University existed - so how could this "Ohio" branding initiative change that at all? I support the "branding" and increased use of "OHIO", but this trying to deny the other appropriate, affectionate, historical references is about as insane as denying climate change.........

In the 40+ years I’ve been on this planet I’ve never spoken to anyone who didn’t know to whom I was referring if I said “The Cincinnati Bungles” or “The Cleveland Clowns,” but I’m pretty sure those organizations don’t want to be known by those names. : ) You are correct when you say the “Ohio” branding initiative won’t change the fact that a lot of people know who you’re talking about if you say “Ah-Hiya Yew” as a certain portion of the local population says. (No offense to the local population – my father and mother grew up in Glouster and Trimble respectively.) Some people are gonna use whatever name for us they choose, no matter what they say. In the 1960’s the Pontiac Motor Division would have preferred the GTO have the nickname “The Great One,” but guess what – people started calling it “Goat” and it stuck. To this day, if a car guy tells me he saw a really nice Goat last night I know what he means. None of this means that those of us who can serve as ambassadors for our alma mater should not try to promote what I think is a brand (“Ohio”) with a lot of equity. If you don’t agree with that, I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree.

Anyway… I don’t think I made my points clear, so let me try again. I’ll start with my secondary point, with I think you misunderstood. I don’t have any problem with “OU” as long as it’s used similarly to “OSU,” “MSU,” et al. “Ohio U.” is what I have a problem with. Let me modify your straw man argument by adding a third option (and I’ll add some schools at the end). Tell me which of these three “doesn’t belong” (as the old Sesame Street song says):

UC, Cincinnati, or U. of Cincinnati?
UK, Kentucky, or U. of Kentucky?
BG, BGSU, Bowling Green, or Bowling Green State U.?
USC, Southern Cal, or U. of Southern Cal?
University of California, Cal, UC, or U. of California?
Washington, UW, University of Washington, or U. of Washington?
U of M, Michigan, or U. of Michigan?
MSU, Michigan State, or Michigan State U.?
OSU, (The) Ohio State University, or Ohio State U.?
ND, The University of Notre Dame, or U. of Notre Dame?
FSU, Florida State University, or Florida State U.?

Now for my primary point... When the students do the chant in question, they seem to be doing the Ohio State U. shtick of spelling “O-H-I-O” with their arms and just adding a “U” on the end. It’s a bit ironic, but to me it looks as though we don’t have an original thought and we’re ripping off Ohio State U. It reminds me of seeing a high school fan base that’s adopted the Florida State U. “tomahawk chop” arm motion.

When people complain about using Ohio U it is a waste of time. I would rather have people know us as Ohio U than get us confused with Ohio State. Stop acting like we are as much a household name among casual sports fans as Ohio State.

In a perfect world we would be the only school people think of when someone says "Go Ohio", but that isn't the case and it will never change. Why not embrace trying to be the second school in Ohio instead of trying to fight a losing battle with Ohio State?

"Ohio U." is indeed a pet peeve of mine, but the main point of my post was the "O-H-I-O-U" chant and arm motions. I wasn't a music major but you don't need five syllables there to go along with the five beats you hear there. How about just a rest (silence) on the first beat? Possibilities include, "(Rest) O, U, Oh, Yeah!" and, "(Rest), O, H, I, O!"

Now, because I am OCD and I didn't write exactly what I should have before, AND for the poster who thinks "Ohio U." is just fine,let me try this again:

UC, Cincinnati, or U. of Cincinnati?
UK, Kentucky, or U. of Kentucky?
BG, BGSU, Bowling Green, or Bowling Green State U.?
USC, Southern Cal, or U. of Southern Cal?
University of California, Cal, UC, or U. of California?
Washington, UW, University of Washington, or U. of Washington?
U of M, Michigan, or U. of Michigan?
MSU, Michigan State, or Michigan State U.?
Princeton or PU? : )
OSU, Ohio State, or Ohio State U.?
ND, Notre Dame, or U. of Notre Dame?
FSU, Florida State, or Florida State U.?

I like the pause - "OU Oh Yeah" suggestion

When I was doing the dirt sheet, I debated putting it online but ultimately decided against it because sometimes (looking at you Kent) the dirt was pretty heavy hitting stuff.

I have ZERO problem publishing serious (a la various criminal charges) info when I find a newspaper article or county court records site online that verifies the charges. In fact, the more of this kind of stuff the O Zone leaders can find the better the environment in the Convo usually is...

That said, I would be careful in putting the O Zone dirt sheet online. The sketchy backgrounds some of our opponents have could easily go viral and could cause some blow back on Ohio University or the O Zone.
In particular, I fear someone on this board might write a strongly worded letter..

I listened to the Marietta game online. It sounded as though the O Zone made some sort of organized noise on most possessions. So the cheerleaders have been moved back in front of the section? Hmm, seems as though it would be awfully crowded with the Bobcat Black seats. Anyway, from a noise perspective, the O Zone came through clearly over the radio. Nice job.

Have to agree with this. Born and raised in Athens, but I really don't see the big deal in being called Ohio or Ohio U...Just as long as people know who we are. I'm not sure we would be settling for being second place because of this, I actually think Ohio U. rolls off the tongue better.

Now on the other hand, I've never NEVER called Ohio State, "Ohio" either. It's always been OSU or Ohio State..