The Boneyard is in danger of turning into the Summitt

[Bestiarius]

What would be a help is a Moderator Society. An organization that establishes posting rules that are enforced universally. I realize this probably isn't possible, but when a site, like this one, is well managed and others exist that don't play nice, the urge to retaliate is difficult to quell.

For instance, and this isn't the worst example, on the free Volnation site, there is a thread TN and UConn in talks to resume series. http://www.volnation.com/forum/tennessee-lady-vols/216991-tn-uconn-talks-resume-series.html This thread was started by the site's Moderator. Some of the comments in this thread would never be allowed here. Sites that allow this tend to corrupt well monitored sites. People read these threads and assume they can act in kind on their site. If bogus charges go unchallenged, people tend to believe them, particularly when they would like them to be true.

The only way I can think of to prevent this behavior would be to set universal posting standards.

 

[RadyLady]

Putting the Boneyard and that other forum in the same sentence just made my skin crawl. True, there have been some rather icky posts at times, but at no time has this place come close to some of the stinking vitriol that is posted over there...

That said, we do have very responsible moderators who police this forum and keep it in line - although I do NOT understand why that "rumor" thread was found to be necessary when the previous thread got locked (and rightly so) - but I digress.

I am glad, too that fans of other teams come to visit and chat, except when they tell me I don't know anything about basketball.

 

[Samanthabrown3]

The NCAA tournament run on both sides brought new posters to the Boneyard--not just fans of other teams, but UConn supporters with 10, 20, 30 posts and unfamiliar names. I note that most every responder to this post is someone whose name I recognize and with thousands of posts.

I think, Bestiarius, that Nan's point, as well as UcMiami's and Sonny44's, is that we should call out one another, not wait for a moderator to do it.

 

[reno tony]

HN you forgot one - name calling and insults aimed at fellow BY members simply because you disagree with what they have to say. Not arguing the content of what they post but attacking them personally. I often posted deliberately provocative topics, with the intent of creating a discussion.
It's why I left the BY after so many years.

Then you should be flogged for doing such, keel-holed if necessary, and then tarred and feathered. You Civil War Buff you.

45 TO GO​

 

[UConnChapette]

Thanks Nan. As I posted yesterday we need to get rid of the mean spiritedness. I've been guilty too. We just don't need this. If you see any of this on my posts, please correct me ASAP and I will apologize immediately.
Can we all try our best to buy into this?
Who's in?

As long as you are willing to accept or at least acknowledge an apology when directly offered....

 

[HuskyNan]

But there are off-setting encouraging signs as well. We seem to be attracting more and more participants who are fans of other teams but who come here to rationally and cordially discuss wcbb in general, the Huskies prospects, their own teams' strengths and weaknesses, and the like. And by-and-large, I think that they continue to be treated with cordiality and respect, and that their contributions are appreciated.

I must disagree. We have driven off (or driven into silence) several LV fans and UConn fans continue to mock stwain's stilted English even after I point out English is that poster's second language. I hate that we are so arrogant that we drive off fans that can't find a civil board for basketball discussion.

 

[UConnChapette]

Agree with the OP in many, many aspects. I have recently been chastised by a moderator (and rightly so!) for a comment that was perceived as an attack against a certain segment of society and which some posters were offended. I readily admitted to the moderator that I was wrong, deeply embarrassed and ashamed for making a comment that was taken in such a way. One response to my post, directly or indirectly, called me a bigot. I have apologized both to the entire board, and directly to the poster through PM. I made a mistake in which someone who knows NOTHING about me as a person and my beliefs implied to the entire board I was something which I abhor. And that was VERY hurtful. So, yes, I know about the hurt that can be caused by both making a harsh and/or poorly phrased comment as well as the ensuing backlash.

 

[UcMiami]

The NCAA tournament run on both sides brought new posters to the Boneyard--not just fans of other teams, but UConn supporters with 10, 20, 30 posts and unfamiliar names. I note that most every responder to this post is someone whose name I recognize and with thousands of posts.

I think, Bestiarius, that Nan's point, as well as UcMiami's and Sonny44's, is that we should call out one another, not wait for a moderator to do it.

Two things I find useful that may not be generally understood or used by many posters: the private conversation capability - click on a posters name and you have an option to 'start a conversation'. I have found this occasionally very useful either to take a conversation to a personal level inappropriate for the general board, or to very occasionally ask that a poster or more than one to reconsider tone/content of a single post or a back and forth. This is a private way to keep things civil and to at least help others to get a different perspective on something they may be enjoying, but might be turning off others.
The second is the 'report' button on each post and I used that on one or more of my own posts that I thought might be out of line and wanted a moderator to at least review. There are thousands of posts here but only a few that need review - if you think you may go overboard or get into touchy territory - flag it for review. I have never used that flag on another posters post, but if you see something truly inappropriate - don't get angry, let the mods review it.

And yes - most complaints that start 'but this is a sports forum' are from new visitors who are used to different standard from other forums - I seldom if ever read the comments on ESPN stories, and while I visit a Patriots forum from time to time, 99% of what is posted there is worthless. This is not a typical forum and visitors need to understand that or leave for more vitriolic climes.

 

[HuskyNan]

What would be a help is a Moderator Society. An organization that establishes posting rules that are enforced universally. I realize this probably isn't possible, but when a site, like this one, is well managed and others exist that don't play nice, the urge to retaliate is difficult to quell.

For instance, and this isn't the worst example, on the free Volnation site, there is a thread TN and UConn in talks to resume series. http://www.volnation.com/forum/tennessee-lady-vols/216991-tn-uconn-talks-resume-series.html This thread was started by the site's Moderator. Some of the comments in this thread would never be allowed here. Sites that allow this tend to corrupt well monitored sites. People read these threads and assume they can act in kind on their site. If bogus charges go unchallenged, people tend to believe them, particularly when they would like them to be true.

The only way I can think of to prevent this behavior would be to set universal posting standards.

I understand your intent but in practical terms this wouldn't work. Each board has its own personality because there are different numbers of posters with different interests and perhaps different demographics. For example, even here on the Boneyard the women's board is different from the men's hoops board which is different from the football board and that's fine. The women's forum is mostly older folks with a higher percentage of women than the other boards while the men's board is generally men under the age of 40 or so. Completely different people with different needs and styles.

 

[Sonny44]

This is obviously just my opinion, but I think the only thing that matters is inter-personal civility.

Different people have different styles of fanhood: optimistic vs. pessimistic, casual vs. serious, and all of that is fine. Ribbing opposing coaches, players, recruits, fans (from afar), is fine. They don't read this board; none of that matters. If you don't like a certain thread, don't read it.

The only thing we have to be careful about is being civil to each other and to our visitors here on this board.

I think you're dead wrong on this. First, because the ribbing we're talking about is really more like ripping. And second, it's irrelevant whether the targets read it, the BY'ers read it and it contributes to the trash talk and lowers our culture. In other words, it spreads like a disease.

 

[DaddyChoc]

I must disagree. We have driven off (or driven into silence) several LV fans and UConn fans continue to mock stwain's stilted English even after I point out English is that poster's second language. I hate that we are so arrogant that we drive off fans that can't find a civil board for basketball discussion.

thought I posted this earlier, glad I right clicked it!

the Summitt was good to me... but its difficult to be civil when your team is rapidly falling from the top. Some tend to think you're trolling.

the Vol fan that comes here and post a simple response about the LVs or Candance gets bombarded with comments. I dont think this fan wants to go back and forth but our posters seem to be looking for any LV fan to crush. I feel bad for the guy/gal but it seems to have no effect on them.

 

[UcMiami]

I forgot one item in my list of things I love about this forum:

The wicked humor and biting sarcasm!!!

We have some really funny and witty people posting here (and some who just think they are!)

That can also be a problem - Triad is the butt of many jokes and returns as good as he gets. Some of those posts taken out of context might be considered inappropriate and misinterpreted as a license to be negative by infrequent visitors.

 

[Alexmia]

If we don't heed HN's plea, then she will have no recourse but to have the boss Chris Daily come here and straighten everyone out, and you don't want that.

 

[intlzncster]

And I see signs of this creeping into the Boneyard. The checklist of symptoms:

1. 
   [ ]Calling opposing coaches or players childish names - check
   [ ]Scouring the Internet and news articles for perceived insults or - more importantly - a lack of appropriate reverence for the Huskies. And heaven forbid an opposing player believe their team might have a chance to win - check
   [ ]Harassing and insulting visiting fans, not for what these fans say but for the fact the fan might have Vol or RU or Card or whatever as part of their handle - check
   [ ]Drowning out people that want to discuss possible team weaknesses or who would criticize Geno - not really, although some threads trend that way. This is actually a Boneyard strength but I would be happier if people could argue or disagree without being insulting
   [ ]Trashing recruits for not choosing UConn - oh, check this one a dozen times. That's what put me over the edge and made me want to write this post.

Completely agree on #5. It's weak and smacks of sour grapes. The thing I hate the most is when posters claim that so and so didn't choose UCONN, because they don't want to be the best they can be or don't prioritize basketball over everything else (heaven forbid). Oh and the kid is selfish, a drama queen and doesn't have what it takes to play for UCONN anyway. Makes UCONN fans sound like a bunch of wankers.

I don't have a problem with semi childish names (of coaches) in rivalry situations, as they can be funny. But to each is own, and I've no problem with Mods encouraging different tone.

Also one more gripe: any critiscm of Geno or his coaching is followed by: "geno knows best and you don't know what you are talking about". Newsflash: Geno is human and makes errors too guys. I may have said "Geno prefers this way" to try and imply that I am correct on occasion. I'll try not to do, but everybody slips.

End kvetching.

 

[intlzncster]

Putting the Boneyard and that other forum in the same sentence just made my skin crawl. True, there have been some rather icky posts at times, but at no time has this place come close to some of the stinking vitriol that is posted over there...

That said, we do have very responsible moderators who police this forum and keep it in line - although I do NOT understand why that "rumor" thread was found to be necessary when the previous thread got locked (and rightly so) - but I digress.

I am glad, too that fans of other teams come to visit and chat, except when they tell me I don't know anything about basketball.

When someone has some inside information, even if it is a rumor from a well placed source, I want to hear about it. That's interesting stuff, and Nan posted it because some of us are interested.

The other thread was closed because it devolved in a name calling thread. Posters have to be better, it's simple as that.

 

[Tenspro2002]

I think you're dead wrong on this. First, because the ribbing we're talking about is really more like ripping. And second, it's irrelevant whether the targets read it, the BY'ers read it and it contributes to the trash talk and lowers our culture. In other words, it spreads like a disease.

Well, then we'll just agree to disagree. I respect your opinion and hope you respect mine.

 

[HuskyNan]

I posted this in another thread and brought it over here so people understand that I'm talking about tone and attitude, not the subject of the threads themselves.

To clarify - there's no problem with being glad UConn whupped up on ND or disliking what Muffet said and expressing your displeasure at it. Nothing wrong at all. I object to the Little Miss Muppet name that started showing up as being too juvenile. The insults towards McGraw started to get personal and the whole thing just screamed "middle school", classless, and arrogant to me. But if fans want to glory in the beatdown, I say go for it.

 

[Zeeman007]

Well, then we'll just agree to disagree. I respect your opinion and hope you respect mine.

What I especially detest is attacks on posters not part of our little club. ND'ers who are trying to defend MM and have a point of view. Someone from Volnation who thinks our future in the AAC is doomed. I like these people. Regardless of whether I agree, their posts are so much more refreshing -and original - than your standard Geno is god, Steffie is perfect, blah blah blah

Do our guests and our moderator a favor. Regardless of how vociferously you disagree with a rival post.....pause.....and write the following

"Thanks for posting on the BY. We believe a free exchange of ideas makes this Board the best in women's basketball. Please write again soon........."

Then explain to them why their post was flawed


Z

BTW. I think we at Uconn should bend a little when it comes to Tenn and renewing the rivalry. We are in such a position of strength. Why demand "scorched earth"?
I can say this right? Hee hee

 

[HuskyNan]

Z

Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in.

 

[UcMiami]

Nan - wonder where you come down on the UNC that has been around for a while (and mostly from Duke visitors) - I find this as it is referring to a University as a whole that has been caught in a very serious academic fraud to be more acceptable since it is a. true, b. not specific to a coach or a group of specific players. I agree on the other 'silly names' issue. Just wondered on something like this.
(I do not personally use it, but do find it amusing coming from North Carolina rivals.)

 

[Zorro]

Well, the rumor rules are clear and well-defined (correct me if I am wrong). As I understand it, it is perfectly ok to post a rumor as long as'
1) The rumor is identified as such;, snd
2) It is not scurrilous. i.e., it does not involve a denigration of an individual's character.

Examples of the kinds of rumors that have no place on this (or really on any) fan board are all of the various rumors that were (and still are) given free rein over yonder about the recruitment of Maya. They cast serious aspersions on the character and behavior of not only Geno but of Maya and her mother. Had any such rumors appeared here, they would have been immediately torched by the regular posters and scotched by the monitors as soon as seen.(I also think that the criticism of Diamond DeShields and maybe also Simmons has gone beyond the bounds of good taste and good sense, if not strictly beyond the rules.)

On the other hand, anyone who posts a rumor that is really not harmful but only silly or badly-informed, can and should be informed of that fact. imho, of course.

 

[cabbie191]

Nan - thanks so much for this post.

I've had three occasions in the past few years to be in Tennessee - the last being for the Finals. I've spoken with lots of LV fans and have never had an uncomfortable conversation with anyone and never made to feel unwelcome in their state. I used to post on the Summitt, until it became a paid site, hopefully being as respectful as I find our visitors are on the BY, and with one exception, never had a negative reaction. The one time I did, one of the moderators quickly came to my defense.

Yes, there are some on the Summitt who are vitriolic toward Geno in particular and our program in general. I don't see the same negative intensity on the BY towards other programs but I agree that we have been sliding in that direction for awhile. In particular, I have cringed at some of the comments directed towards visitors like ETT who do my recollection has never taken a dig at UConn. Etc, etc.

 

[Zeeman007]

Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in.

Do I still owe you $$$ or something??

 

[HuskyNan]

Nan - wonder where you come down on the UNC that has been around for a while (and mostly from Duke visitors) - I find this as it is referring to a University as a whole that has been caught in a very serious academic fraud to be more acceptable since it is a. true, b. not specific to a coach or a group of specific players. I agree on the other 'silly names' issue. Just wondered on something like this.
(I do not personally use it, but do find it amusing coming from North Carolina rivals.)

I have to see if I can explain this without sounding like an idiot.

There's trash talk and there's name-calling. While they appear to be the same on the surface they have different intents and different feels, if you will. When the men's board calls John Calipari "Squid", it's trash talk because there's nothing personal about it. When fans say, "Little Miss Muppet deserved to be humiliated for what she said about Geno", then it's personal. Fans on the women's board tend to be more emotionally invested in the team so their insults "Queen Pat" "Muppet" "Diva Diggins" "Princess Parker" have some bite to them in the context of the post in which they're made.

Not sure I got my meaning across but I will say the difference between trash-talk and name-calling is like pornography - I can't explain it but I know it when I see it. UNC and Squid are trash-talk, IMO.

 

[HuskyNan]

Do I still owe you $ or something??

LOL, no. It's just that you used to be around more.

 

[Zorro]

If you are going to come here as another team's fan, you have to expect to take some shots if you venture onto controversial ground (just as native Bonyarders do). Those who are inordinately thin-skinned may be driven off, but ETT (like Cardfan and Cam and stwainfan and many others) have shown an ability to recognize that, roll with the punches, and play the game the way it is played here. This is anecdotal, but it seems to me that on most occasions when a "furriner" is given an unwarranted bad time, other "natives" have come to his/her defense. I don't think that we are chronically unfriendly to outsiders.

 

[ThisJustIn]

I agree with much Nan has said... There can be a weird pot/kettle thing... How would/do we feel when folks insult or mock the UConn coaches or program or players. It's also weird to moderate your passion... You're mixing the brain with the heart.

Ultimatley, it's hard to mock and point fingers without the flying fickle finger of fate suddenly point at you. Small example: those who jumped on McGraw for speaking about Natalie's injury before looking at the tape. I suddenly flashed on all those (yarders and outsiders) who jumped all over Stef for the Obama bunny ears...

That being said, i did jump all over a friend for being annoyed with UConn fans. "they're so entitled" she said. "they expect to win." "They're up 20 and get all intense when something does't go right."

I don't like the phrase "entitled" because it suggests "expectations with out exertion." Of course, we really don't have a direct impact on UConn's success...any more than ESPN did. But I do believe we sometimes channel Geno in our demand for perfection..from college student who do nothing particularly important - the just bounce a ball and try and put it in a basket...or stop someone else from putting it in a basket. Honestly, who's more "valuable", a college bball player or a teacher, doctor, police officer, garbage collector, construction worker, mom, dad... Etc.?

This a diversion, albeit a time consuming, money draining, sleep depriving one... But one would hope it makes us BETTER members of the world because of the communities it can build... And I'm rather fond of INclusive communities rather than EXclusive ones...

 

[UConnChapette]

I'ma thinking I will take a little break away from the BY. At this point, I don't really know what I can and cannot say without getting in trouble, offending someone, being childish, insulting another poster, etc. I have been extremely overworked and stressed and I have enjoyed the BY for years as a way to escape the stress. But frankly, I have too much stress in my life right now. My little transgression and the resulting hurt of one poster's attack on my character has caused me way more stress than I can handle.

I may be back at some point. But right now...it just isn't fun any more.

 

[intlzncster]

I have to see if I can explain this without sounding like an idiot.

There's trash talk and there's name-calling. While they appear to be the same on the surface they have different intents and different feels, if you will. When the men's board calls John Calipari "Squid", it's trash talk because there's nothing personal about it. When fans say, "Little Miss Muppet deserved to be humiliated for what she said about Geno", then it's personal. Fans on the women's board tend to be more emotionally invested in the team so their insults "Queen Pat" "Muppet" "Diva Diggins" "Princess Parker" have some bite to them in the context of the post in which they're made.

To be fair, everyone in America outside of Kentuckey approves of "the squid" moniker.

I kid, I kid.

Not really though.

 

[cockhrnleghrn]

Just don't chop off any heads with that sword.

Would you like to borrow my guillotine?