Changes are afoot...

100 percent agree...clean up the joint Ray...

 

All in all I think this is a fine idea. If I may make one suggestion -- maybe there's a single vent post for people to vent (without attacking one another, mind you). This is especially true on game day threads (live posting to the game thread) where people are caught up in the moment (For: This sucks. That sucks. That dive play sucked. That play action on third and long sucked. This announcer sucks. That ref sucks. These refs suck. What's the point of instant replay if they don't overturn that! Replay sucks! This coach sucks. How can the same player have two personal foul penalties on back to back kickoffs in a single game?!? He sucks! Everything sucks. Yadda yadda yadda).

 

No I totally agree. They were reporting based on the information they had at the time. I’m not trying to bash them at all. I’m sure that they are frustrated with the way things went down.

 

You might be missing the point. I don’t think the intent is to create a happy go lucky sunshine pumping board.

As just one example, I think the idea is to discuss things like Mac’s shortcomings without mocking his teeth. That was a regular theme on the board and popped up again yesterday. It’s demeaning and ugly and makes the board a worse place to be. Yes, some folks think it is funny. But it is mean first and foremost.

There are typically pro-staff posters that can get snide and highly provocative. One writes for the site. I’m certain that mean spirited sunshine pumping will get the same moderation as mean spirited criticism.

I would venture a guess that a lot of posters have engaged me in lively and lengthy debate on these boards over many years. The vast majority of the time I participate vigorously without being ugly. Sometimes I cross a line. Nunzio and others have rebuked me over the years. They’ve been right every time and every time it happened I expected it to happen. It isn’t really hard to know when we’ve switched from arguing a point to attacking a poster, player or coach.

This is going to be hard for the mods to make happen. I don’t envy them. But, I do appreciate the attempt and thank them in advance for the time and effort it will take to balance spirited debate with dialing down the uglier things that creep into discussions.

Good luck mods.

 

I'd like to discuss things the way I would with my friends...which includes normal profanity...maybe we can disguise it so Ray will feel more comfortable...i.e. WTF was he thinking ? is that ok?

 

outright prolonged laughter ...thank you I needed that after this week

 

agree...IMO mild profanity is part of every day life....I think it is way worse to denigrate players personally or insult coaches who are trying their best...or to insult personally other members...way worse

 

I think the rules are common sense. Have never had a problem with following; however, when people lose it a little bit it shows passion and I find it entertaining. I draw the line at personal or racial attacks which I have been the victim of and which made me laugh hysterically.

Previously I proposed a Gator Country Safe Space Forum with virtual puppies. Members would receive virtual adult diapers. If you disagree with someone, you should first ask permission before offering any alternative ideas. Likewise, the forum would have a committee that would meet in a chat room with the offender to re-educate zir on how to be part of a village. Eventually we could evolve and have premium members subsidize the non-premium members.

 

Amen to civility, maturity, and meaningful discusssions, which don’t, incidentally, preclude passion.

 

Thanks ! Glad to see this!

 

I don't post here much mainly because of all the negatives listed. I find it repugnant that keyboard cowboys can be so vicious and cruel about our players. OUR players. OUR family because isn't that what they are? What we SHOULD be? The coaches get paid and they are open to criticism but again THEY are the professionals and with that commitment to their profession we should all realize they know quite a bit more than even the most astute football fan. Don't get me started on bashing insiders mainly because of a personal agenda or some just don't like the message.

The key word in Ray's post was "discussion". I like discussion. I like debating intelligently AND passionately. I like people with manners and manners are grounded in respect. As dedicated and loyal citizens of Gator Country and the Gator Nation as a whole we have to treat each other with respect and consideration.

Bravo Ray! I want a more civilized environment here at Gator Country. I love the passion here but leave the venom behind. Bring back the love... and the passing game.

 

I barely say anything because it's always a problem. I also never try to "attack" anyone, and I'm all for order. Can some things get a bit out there and crazy, sure. But, I do wonder why the need to try and micro manage/censor everything. This isn't bible study. Argumentative? Infighting? Sheesh. Hurt feelings from internet words are a real thing? Hm.

Just dont know how this internet thing got so serious. Just offering my peaceful, mature, cordial, and civil disagreement.

 

Ray, so you knew about Mullen yesterday afternoon?

 

When posters feel the need to get personal and insulting correcting that is not "micro-managing or censoring". It's simple bulletin board housekeeping. I have seen message boards totally hijacked by trolls. I have seen them blown up by the pettiest of behavior. Just like in the real world don't say anything you wouldn't say in person and everything is cool.

FWIW it's not so much the "internet" thing that got so serious as it is the sports thing. Never in my life I have ever heard so much angst over sports. I am talking about Tennessee of course. BTW, I am not above petty behavior myself. I got the Paul Finebaum show set to RECORD tomorrow so I can catch the cataclysmic meltdown of Phyllis of Mulga. It's going to be epic.