Forum Ettiquette

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

But when I log on and see a few tidbits of off the topic material from other Forum members, maybe funny, or an inside joke, or something else along those same lines, then I feel that I have the right to join in.

Actually, that not what happens.

The majority of the time, your off topic remark, joke, "funny" pic, etc. is the FIRST such post in a topic. Many times it completely derails the topic of discussion or ends the discussion. That's the real issue I have with such posts.

For years, I've complained about jokes and off topic crap that derails good discussion. I started the notorious "Moderators" thread in September 2008. A couple of people didn't speak to me much after that and basically I stopped visiting the site. Even now, I don't visit more than once or twice a week, perhaps a little more during the season. I'm sure that makes some people happy. But for me, the fact that the OT posts derail good discussions is why I don't visit like I used to.

Billy Mac, I'm sure you're a good guy and a great official but your off topic posts annoy the hell out of me. I probably miss out on some good stuff you post but I can sort through the other stuff to find it. No offense meant to you, that's just how I see it.

Just my 2 cents.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

I started the notorious "Moderators" thread in September 2008. A couple of people didn't speak to me much after that and basically I stopped visiting the site. Even now, I don't visit more than once or twice a week, perhaps a little more during the season. I'm sure that makes some people happy. But for me, the fact that the OT posts derail good discussions is why I don't visit like I used to.

While we've certainly had our differences and I'm sure I have annoyed you a time or two, I've always respected your input and opinion here. The site could certainly use more participation form officials like you! Come back soon!!!

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

The majority of the time, your off topic remark, joke, "funny" pic, etc. is the FIRST such post in a topic.

Point taken, but I was talking about the Forum in general, how off topic jokes, tidbits, comments, etc., seemed to be accepted. If the Forum wants to go 100% serious, and the moderators followup on that policy, then I will still post, I can be 100% serious, but life's too short ...

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Point taken, but I was talking about the Forum in general, how off topic jokes, tidbits, comments, etc., seemed to be accepted. If the Forum wants to go 100% serious, and the moderators followup on that policy, then I will still post, I can be 100% serious, but life's too short ...

Billy, you know there is a middle ground. I think you just refuse to look for it.

[JeffM]

I find most of BillyMac's posts amusing. He has posted a couple lists which will make me a better official.

I read the forum to become a better official. As long as the majority of the posts are serious, I don't mind a few jokes mixed in.

It is a little disappointing to open a thread with new pages of comments and then to read those comments and not read anything that is serious

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

Billy, you know there is a middle ground. I think you just refuse to look for it.

I don't refuse, I just have problems finding a balance. Gray areas are gray for a reason (Sorry about the mixed metaphor) otherwise they would be black, or white.

Note: My spell check always changes BadNewsRef into Badnesses, so if I ever quote you as Badnesses, I'm not trying to be funny.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

If the Forum wants to go 100% serious, and the moderators followup on that policy, then I will still post, I can be 100% serious, but life's too short ...

Nowhere in this thread and nowhere in the "Moderators" thread from September 25, 2008 did I ever say I think the forum should be 100% serious.

What I've said is:

I object to off topic posts, lame jokes, pics, etc. that DERAIL a good discussion. I object when a newbie asked a question but gets such posts instead. I object to such posts hijacking threads. I object to such posts resulting in a second conversation within a thread.

This same basic discussion occurred in the 2008 thread. It would seem we have the same issues now as then. Promises made but with time, people revert to who they are. For example BillyMac, you posted:

"In my case, I determined that my actions were unwelcome, and that I was not a good citizen of the community, with some input from several Forum members, including some moderators. Over the past several weeks, the posts criticizing my image posting seemed to get more serious, and less good natured. I decided that I did not want to be viewed as an obnoxious Forum member, so I made my own decision to only post infrequent, on topic images. I thank those that advised me to tone it down."

I wonder how long that lasted? Shrug. I don't know, but I do know I have no desire for you to leave or to be 100% serious. But I don't think asking for 90% serious is too much.

Here's a link to that thread for anyone who would like to read it. Meanwhile, I've said my piece. Gotta prepare for a Sunday football clinic. Thanks to Smitty, Bob and Camron for the supportive comments. Later!

Moderators

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

I wonder how long that lasted?

In reference to frequent (maybe more than frequent), off topic, images? It lasted a long time, and continues. Especially in terms of frequency.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

Actually, that not what happens.

The majority of the time, your off topic remark, joke, "funny" pic, etc. is the FIRST such post in a topic. Many times it completely derails the topic of discussion or ends the discussion. That's the real issue I have with such posts.

Agreed, with all of the post. And, he's been given many hinths / chances over the years but still reverts to his prvious behavior.

That said, I'm sure all of us have personality / posting issues that annoy others.

I stand by my "posting rules" post made many years ago here (althogh I forget the specifics):

1) No more than 1 post per thread per person every x hours
2) Auto close a thread after x posts (if it hasn't been resolved by then it wont be)
etc.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

He's been given many hints / chances over the years but still reverts to his previous behavior.

Agree with many chances, many of them by bob jenkins when he was a moderator. Disagree with reverts. Anybody want to compare the number of images, and videos, that I posted a few years ago with those that I post today? Thanks to bob jenkins, and a fair, and reasonable, suspension of Forum privileges, I did make some changes in my posting behavior.

[Smitty]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

Actually, that not what happens.

The majority of the time, your off topic remark, joke, "funny" pic, etc. is the FIRST such post in a topic. Many times it completely derails the topic of discussion or ends the discussion. That's the real issue I have with such posts.

For years, I've complained about jokes and off topic crap that derails good discussion. I started the notorious "Moderators" thread in September 2008. A couple of people didn't speak to me much after that and basically I stopped visiting the site. Even now, I don't visit more than once or twice a week, perhaps a little more during the season. I'm sure that makes some people happy. But for me, the fact that the OT posts derail good discussions is why I don't visit like I used to.

Billy Mac, I'm sure you're a good guy and a great official but your off topic posts annoy the hell out of me. I probably miss out on some good stuff you post but I can sort through the other stuff to find it. No offense meant to you, that's just how I see it.

Just my 2 cents.

This is the byproduct that bothers me the most. I have missed BktBallRef's opinions and insight. I still carry copies of his Myths writeup in my bag to hand out to people on occasion - it is outstanding. The selfishness of one person. who a few posts back wrote paragraph upon paragraph about himself to make excuses for his annoying behavior - falls on deaf ears for me. This post by BktBallRef is the fallout from the nonsense that is allowed here.

[asdf]

In prior years, we'd preach to our newbies that there are excellent resources out there above and beyond the books provided to them. We caution them to choose carefully, but historically encouraged them to visit this site for solid answers.

We aren't doing that any more as the feedback from the class is less than complimentary. Some examples are....

Useless after 5-7 posts on a particular subject
If I wanted a warm-up act at the Funny Bone, I'd go to the Funny Bone
My teen-aged daughters act better than this
Moderators employ the old "do as I say, not as I do" method
If I wanted to go to a pissing match, I'd find a campfire......

...amongst others....

Sad to see this going the way of McGruff's and the FED forums.

[Welpe]

I'll add a few thoughts here:

We always seem to be working to find the right balance. Some perceive us as too lax, others as too heavy handed. Sounds pretty similar to working a game, doesn't it?

There are a lot of OT posts that get removed as it is but clearly it is not enough.

We really are trying as a group of moderators to keep things running smoothly here. We are constantly discussing this forum and how to best keep it running.

Thank you for sharing your feelings. I certainly don't like reading that we have long time members leaving and reluctant to return.

[tomegun]

Originally Posted by Welpe

I'll add a few thoughts here:

We always seem to be working to find the right balance. Some perceive us as too lax, others as too heavy handed. Sounds pretty similar to working a game, doesn't it?

I would say that I see it as selective. Some things don't seem to apply to everyone across the board. I have also seen - before your time as a Mod - when certain members are coincidentally (not really) allowed to have the last word and the thread is locked.

To me none of this is a big issue though.

[tomegun]

I have to agree with many of the comments I've seen. Topics used to be more about officiating. "In my little corner of..." wasn't funny to me the first time and it was pretty annoying the 3,000th time.

Having said all of that, I can appreciate it when someone takes all the punches that life has to offer and fights back. I pray that you continue on the path to emotional and physical health. I would suggest you leverage the internet and find other forums that fit some of your specific needs. That way this forum will be a part of your day along with other forums.