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Originally Posted by GarthB
Ace, you weren't around when I explained this before, so I'll give it another go.
This has nothiong to do with elitism. I volunteer my time to train youth umpires as well as our asociation umpires. I've done this for years. I have also assigned for youth leagues and supervised their umpires.
I don't mind answering questions from youth umpires (provided they ask about mechanics or about rules with which I am familiar). I get PM's and emails on a regular basis from youth umpires.
However, much like when I teach and can escape once in a while to the teachers' lounge and have adult conversations without interruption from students, it was nice to have an internet board where umpires of similar background and experience could discuss and debate relevant issues. It doesn't seem unreasonable that one internet board would be created for non LL (generic) umpires to do just that as this board was.
However, LL umpires apparently have this need to dominate every board they come across. Look at the top three umpiring sites: Eteamz, ABUA and Officialforum. LL umpires are the vast majority at the first two. They can and do ask their questions and recieve answers all day long. They "own" those boards and that's fine. I tire of some of their posts so I don't go to Eteamz at all and severely limit my time at ABUA.
Add to those boards the numerous second and third tier boards which LL umpires completely control and the options they have are incredible.
Officialforum was like a sanctuary at first. Carl sent out invites to help get a "non LL" board started.. Naively, we assumed that since LL umpires already had alternatives, if they came to the new board they would come to learn about non LL ball. No problem with that. God knows beginners need a place to learn about rules other than LL.
Gradually, but with the certainty that Tee predicted, as LL umpire found the site and got their OBR, FED and NCAA questions answered, they began bringing their LL baggage with them as well. When they ask LL specific questions, I refer them one of the predominantly LL boards where they can get their questions answered by experienced LL umpires.
Oh, well, the invasion isn't limited to the boards. I was involved with a private list that went the same route. It's as if your favorite neighborhood bar got bought out, redesigned and recruited a new clientele and went from a sports theme to a 20 something martini bar.
Now I don't expect anyone to agree with this, but I had expected some to understand. Again, I was naive.
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It's not naivete in the case of the mailing list, it was more a case of not waiting and seeing what would happen. The one member I added has asked a few questions (non-LL) and doesn't participate much. I didn't exactly go to the LL mailing list and throw invitations to all that posted there.
Sometimes, it's nice to open the door to the lounge and allow people to listen to the conversations that go on there. In your case, my friend, you left way too quickly and you'll always be welcome back.