Does anyone really care how we are perceived? I just want to start winning, or at least playing well enough to feel like winning is a possibility. I don't care what anyone says / writes from a media perspective.
I've been in NYC / NJ for the past 12 years, I'm mostly indifferent, but have found myself rooting for the Giants once they're in the playoffs. I can still dig up the Giants hatred whenever I see a clip of Super Bowl XXV tho'.
This can definitely work to get you the best $, but it can also backfire. I work at a big company and we have guidelines for salary that are pretty set in stone. My old boss would not take the time to interview someone until it was confirmed that the salary would work out.