[Carl Childress]

Originally posted by IRISHMAFIA

That is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard. We don't charge umpires for clinics, why would I or anyone else ask for remuneration for discussing rules and possibly helping someone be a better umpire or get a better understanding of a rule or different interpretation.

Everyone on this forum has some good input to help others. This is a very good forum, and I am extremely appreciative of Officiating.Com.

"We don't charge umpires for clinics?" I know plenty of umpires who wish that was true.

The point of my metaphor is being lost. What I sought to convey is that those who post messages could probably write articles, which are just lengthy messages.

I'm glad you approve of Officiating.com. Remember, though, that it's the paid subscribers to that magazine who keep this and the other boards running. But if my message is one of the most ridiculous things you've ever heard, you've been living in a controlled environment. Why, I've heard a lot more ridiculous things. For instance, it was a costume malfunction. Now THAT was ridiculous.

The teachers who instruct my grandson get paid; the doctor who's treating my atrial fibrilation gets paid (boy, does he); Gerry Davis gets paid for his clinics. Merle Butler gets paid for his clinics. I get paid for editing the articles in our magazine. You would get paid if you wrote for us.

Let's assume you have material that's worth sharing. You spend several hours preparing and polishing it. Do you mean to say it's wrong to accept payment under those circumstances?

If you're a Little League softball umpire and so do not get paid, then writing for us would be a legitimate way to pay for your equipment and uniforms. If you accept money for umpiring, though, why wouldn't you consider doing the same thing for your writing?