There is, however, a way to be critical without being mean-spirited.
Some on here definitely need to learn that. I'm constantly amazed when I read people saying "you are absolutely nuts" or "what a stupid post/comment", or variations of that directed at an individual. I totally get disagreeing with people, even vehemently, but the nasty snark is surprising to see coming from people who aren't 5 years old and should know better. I've read posts and not been the least surprised to see the mods delete them or modify them with follow up comments admonishing the offender. There are a million ways to disagree without being disagreeable...
I also want to add that it does bug me some of the continuous criticisms of players, especially during a game when someone isn't playing well, or makes a series of mistakes. I used to occasionally (very occasionally lol) be guilty of this and for a while I stopped posting in the live-time game chat. It's one thing to point out that a player isn't playing well, or whatever, but some of the folks go overboard...
Having said that I often marvel at the sheer amount of knowledge on this board. I like to think I know a fair amount about UCONN and WCBB, but it pales in comparison to some of the stuff people seem to know off the top of their heads. I also always appreciate when people actually go out and find some facts to post. Often some of the disagreements end up not being based in reality and it's refreshing to see people actually post facts to back up the point one, or another, is trying to make.
I don't think there are any boards in WCBB that are even close to as active as this one. I love seeing the fans from other teams on here. I have no idea how many fans of primarily other schools also visit the BY, but it feels like a LOT. The diversity on the board is pretty mind boggling too. Women, men, old, young, black, white, others of color, gay, straight, politically left/right, religious, spiritual, atheist, etc etc. You name it, I bet someone on here is it...
Lastly, I absolutely love it when someone on her scoops reporters, and pretty much everyone else in WCBB. Someone will find a random tweet by a high school player, and suddenly we all know FIRST what school player has chosen, or what schools they have narrowed their list to. And add to that the stuff we learn about the high school kids - I don't think anywhere else in WCBB can a person find as much info about HS kids we are recruiting, or that we should be recruiting. Great stuff and much appreciated!