[PeteBooth]

The 2 most recent threads on this Forum have prompted me for my latest thread. Peter's thread on "Balk during a dead Ball" and "carrying a rule book on the Field of Play"

On the surface one would think that the aforementioned threads would receive "some action" but not the plethora of responses they received. Peter's thread if not a record is right up there. In addition someone posted his thread on another Board and again a plethora of responses.

Then we have the threads called "Wierd Plays" better known as "Third World" and again a "ton of action" on those threads. We have a better chance of hitting lotto then encountering some of these plays on the playing field.

What does all this mean? IMO, it means that the internet has become or always has been as Peter commonly says a form of entertainment rather than a learning place etc. Even if individuals don't post, it "tweeks their fancy" because in addition to the responses look at the "views".

I found the internet Umpires Message Boards by accident. I was surfing the net looking to upgrade my equipment and find the best buy out there. My first Message board was called TeamDiscovery better known today as eTeamz.

I visited McGriffths but never posted there. I basically stick to three message Boards - This one, eTeamz and the URC.

IMO, although it will probably not happen it would be nice to have 1 all Encompassing message Board with a list of "Experts" in which to learn from, a list of Umpire clinics, Equipment purchases and also a discussion section as one can only talk about the concept of "last time by" for so long. Also, if you don't want to use your name then we don't want you.

I enjoy the URC, because I value Jon Bible's commentary although he rarely posts anymore. I don't like the "ANON" Posts. It's one thing to "bash" someone but not have the guts to sign your name is another.

Also, I know Carl has been busy writing another book and his UIC duties, but it appears that he will not be as directly involved with the Boards as he once was. I don't know where Bob Pariseau went as he also used to be a regular as well and I enjoyed his commentary.

So what do you think the future of the Message Boards holds? Do you think it will get "so low" and eventually we will have Ciber Umpire?

If you could design YOUR OWN message Board how would you run it or how would you like it to function? Also, things would probably be different if we were "mono on mono" or Live and in Person.

Pete Booth