Quote:
Originally posted by Rich Fronheiser
Why don't we just ask Brad since he OWNS the site?
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It's true. Brad owns the site. He owns the domain name. It's his IP address. The hardware it runs on belongs to him. I'd like to thank Brad for creating this site. And I would never argue that he doesn't have the right to impose whatever rules he desires.
However, the hardware, software, and internet resources alone are NOT what makes this site worthwhile. What makes this site really worthwhile are the community of people who gather here to share their knowledge and experience and passion. Because of this community questions get answered, new officials get encouragement and instruction, we learn from one another, we laugh together, sometimes we mourn together, we vent about insufferable howler monkeys, we cheer each other on. Where else can you go for a guaranteed attaboy when you've finally mastered something difficult or been assigned a big game? And when you get that attaboy, it means somthing because it's coming from friends, people all over the world whom you have come to know and trust and respect through their posts, people you've developed a relationship with through discussing topics related to officating, and other topics as well.
Let me add one more observation. As a newcomer to this forum, you are presented with dozens of often differing opinions on myriad topics. It is through observing the interaction of the community members that it becomes obvious who the well respected and knowlegable members are, who the controversial members are, and who should be avoided. I've been to other officiating forums, forums that are sponsored by the biggest names in this game, but they all lack the community we enjoy here.
Unfortunately, this community, as a whole, is diminished when one moderator unilaterally imposes restrictions on what can be talked about without regard to the community.
None of us wants this forum to devolve into a mire of off-topic nonsense. But I would hasten to point out that that hasn't happened--not even close. This forum has successfully withstood the ravages of the Yankees and the BoSox for years, without being censored. Do we really need to start now?
On the other hand, I think we can agree that you have to draw the line somewhere. Where should the line be drawn? Sometimes it is obvious--personal attacks, obscenity, offensive posts should be removed. Beyond that, the line is less obvious. If the number of off topic posts is truly becoming a problem, then it should be addressed. However the question of whether it is really a problem ought to be directed to the community. And if it is the general feeling that there is a problem, the general will of the community should give guidance to where the line is drawn--not just the secret complaints of a few. Even if one of the moderators personally agrees with the complainers.