Since I am a gnostic . . .
I have asked myself that exact question over the past two years.
I have come to the following conclusions:
1) There needs to be an ability to separate levels of play for discussion. Having Little League Umpires, FED umpires, college umpires, professional umpires posting to the same page is impossible.
2) There needs to be an "even" tone of the board. There is nothing wrong with disagreement . . . some of what we talk is subjective. There needs to be a way that thought counter to the norm is respected even when not accepted.
3) There needs to be a wide range of documented experts that post at times. Since Jon Bible is a member of the establishment of URC I would not expect to see him participate @ McGriff or here. There still needs to be noted experts.
4) For what ever reason this board seems to run lean on the personal attacks seen on at least two other boards. This is good. But there needs to be thought counter to the accepted for a group to grow.
5) Since I am considered a gnostic I can only ASK that people believe what I say . . . therefore I should not be considered an expert. But we need experts that are from divergent groups and backgrounds not all from one small contingent.
6) Openness. We need to deliver an attitude that allows people to disagree and not have others attempt to intimidate them into submission. The funny thing is that at this precise moment some of you have decided that I am talking of Carl or the UT members . . . that is NOT who I am talking about. They are the ones that have, so far, given us the clear, researched and correct view of many issues.
7) New topics. I have been on most of the pages for about two years and often mention that umpiring is not rocket science and there are only so many things to write/talk about . . . that is why my column on URC mainly kept to personal observations rather than being "How To" in nature.
While it is obvious that I need to learn all I can from all the rules books it does become dry when we reach a discussion about "Last Time By" for the 6th time . . .
This site can become an all-knowing, complete site . . . it would be nice to have a column that is more than rules, mechanics, and administration.
As Dr. Ron would say,
Peace
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