BuckeyePlanet Discussion - All views welcome

[Saw31]

I'd like to hear some more from the new members. I have never really been a "newb" here. When I joined, BP was still small and we were all basically "newbs" to the site. I was also familiar with many of the first members from the BN days, so it wasn't too difficult to figure this place out for me. I'd be interested in knowing what other "newbs" have to say about their experience. Hoat and Peach have already added a lot of value to this discussion. I want to hear more from newer members. If you are a "newb" and reading this, this is the place to say what you want so us old timers can get a better perspective. Is this site intimidating? Do you feel like you're not welcome here? What would make it easier for you? Help us out...

Part of the problem here is that every new member in the last few months has had to go through the "prove you are not Tibor" phase. The ghost of Tibor haunts us still...

As for possible changes; I will roll with the punches as I always have. However, I still feel convinced that self-policing works. This kind of discussion has occurred many times on this board. I think it is necessary to have this discussion every so often. I believe it is part of the self-policing process. As things seem to get out of hand, these discussions get us back on track. But people are still people, and we will always stumble. There needs to be reminders every now and then.

The Rep system will never be perfect, but it is better than the alternative IMO. The "post count" garbage that used to be thrown around when I was on BN was just plain stupid. I know there are people who have reached high levels of rep that may or may not deserve it. But who cares...Do I even deserve the rep I have? Who knows...At least it gives some indication that the poster has figured something out...I will rep a well thought out position that demonstrates a real understanding of the topic. I will also rep a one liner that makes me laugh...Both types of posts add to the BP experience and I wouldn't want it any other way.

 

[Taosman]

There is really more than one issue at play here.
First one -- Tone & Tenor - I.e., phobic or rascist aspects.
Why not try an experiment - Here is one that would interesting, have the homo or other pejorative content restricted to areas of the site like the Romper Room where you specifically expect a raunchier atmosphere. Do that for however long you think is right. For instance, a month. Launch another thread like this near the end of the self-policing to poll user feedback, like it, no likey, don't stop, modify or other.

Second One -- Trial By Fire
Make life easier on the newbies. Mods only allowed to address issues with newbies directly by PM / e-mail, what I also mean by this is that other folks cannot give them rubies and gang-tackle for a trial period.

Third One -- Post Addicted Newbies - in lieu of (2) for post-addicted newbies, set a limit in the manner that Search Function doesn't allow repeated use.

I think this makes a lot of sense.
With one exception. Racist and homophobic comments and talk can never be tolerated. Or sent to an other site/Romper Room.

 

[Taosman]

Maybe an over 40 Buckeye Football forum would be worth a look.
There is a bicycling over 50 forum that keeps the young pups out.
It is an excellent , informative forum for us old farts.
It has entry requirements.

 

[WyoBuck]

I am a relatively new poster, only on the board for about 3 months now. I don't have any idea what life was like on BP 2 years previous, but since I have been here I have always felt welcome. I generally post what I feel without fear of reprisal, but I also try to be conscientious of others and though I may not agree with every view expressed, I can respect that not everyone is going to see eye to eye all of the time. I haven't ever really received much "ribbing" that I would have considered hostile or inappropriate. People here seem to treat each other with respect, and the "off color" conversations seem to be representative of conversations that friends typically have, though I could see how a new poster might not know how to take it if they walked in in the middle of a conversation. Regardless of what your personal views are, I do think that comments regarding race and sexual preference in a derogatory manner are probably ill advised, just as they are anywhere else.

Overall, when I found this site, it fit a format that I was comfortable with. A place where people with a specific passion could come together and share their thoughts, ideas, personalities and idiosyncrasies and actively contribute to the one thing that we all share that is greater than we are by ourselves which is that we are a portion of the contingency, but more importantly we are carrying on the Buckeye traditions in our own ways.

I want to thank all of you that keep this site up and running. Though I am sure there are ways to improve upon what is going on here, I don't feel like I've been here long enough to have an educated opinion yet. I really enjoy everyone so far and hope for more of the same. Congrats to all who have been promoted.

 

[BB73]

Maybe an over 40 Buckeye Football forum would be worth a look.
There is a bicycling over 50 forum that keeps the young pups out.
It is an excellent , informative forum for us old farts.
It has entry requirements.

As someone who recently qualifed for your bicycling forum, and is charmingly reminded of that fairly often by some of the 'young pups', I don't like this idea at all.

I initially (early '04) left my birth year off of my profile so my longer lifespan wouldn't be apparent. I didn't want to be judged as an 'old guy', and wanted to be accepted as just one of the guys. But after I posted a few references about watching Archie, going to the '75 Rose Bowl, etc., who was I kidding? It was fairly obvious to anybody who noticed my posts that I wasn't getting carded at the bars very often anymore. :tongue2:

Many of my favorite posts on the football board are when some of the guys talk about some of the games that were before my time. I love hearing about Buckeye history. Recent posts about Woody's classroom and the Buckeye drive against Iowa in 1957 were highlights for me.

But I wouldn't want to go to some place that requires something like an AARP card in order to find that.

I think ageism is as undesirable as sexism and racism, and wouldn't want to see any restrictions based on age. Other than keeping the kids out of the RR for obvious reasons.

 

[Folanator]

I for one like some the raunch. I actually miss the threads where everyone would ask DH questions and he would let loose. It was a freeken scream. Filthy and totally wrong, but hysterical.

I personally do not like some of the sterilization of BP that has occured over the past year. I have always thought of this place as a bit rebellious. It just would not be the same if this was monitored and clean like AOL.

I believe the nubes need to be broken in. If they get out of line or start acting like some of the morons over at BN there needs to be a slight correction. They will either fight threw it, fight against it or leave. Either way is fine by be and correct.

 

[SanAntonioBuck]

We have a new admin in LordJeffBuck; and five new Senior Mods in LoKyBuckeye, BB73, OilerBuck, JCOSU86 and Buckeyeskickbuttocks.

I wish you the best of luck and Happy Holidays!

 

[LoKyBuckeye]

Wow... what a surprise (as I pull my speech out of my pocket)... I would like to thank the academy, my agent, my accountant and especially Clarity... without him, none of this would be possible. If I forgot anyone... too bad :)

in all seriousness... thank you Clarity... without your vision a site like this would no be possible.

 

[Fungo Squiggly]

I'd like to hear some more from the new members. I have never really been a "newb" here. When I joined, BP was still small and we were all basically "newbs" to the site. I was also familiar with many of the first members from the BN days, so it wasn't too difficult to figure this place out for me. I'd be interested in knowing what other "newbs" have to say about their experience. Hoat and Peach have already added a lot of value to this discussion. I want to hear more from newer members. If you are a "newb" and reading this, this is the place to say what you want so us old timers can get a better perspective. Is this site intimidating? Do you feel like you're not welcome here? What would make it easier for you? Help us out...

I don't really consider myself a "newb" anymore, but I do remember when I first started posting. It was definitely intimidating, particularly in the football/sports forums.

In the football forums, people seem to be very passionate about their opinions, which is to be expected and certainly is not a bad thing, but it seems like people are often unnecessarily gruff/harsh when responding to a new poster who may have a differing opinion. If a veteran poster were to express an opinion, they often would get some measure of leeway in explaining themself, whereas a "newb" would be brutally chastised for the same opinion. Perhaps, rather than a ding or a rolling of the eyes emoticon, a friendly request for an explanation would be more useful in getting the point to the poster that unfounded statements are generally discouraged.

Another thing I have noticed is that questions or requests from "newbs" often seem to go unanswered, which, to me, would be a major discouragement from continuing to post. An acknowledement of any type would at least tell the poster that someone is paying attention and might have some interest in what they have to say. I'm not saying that idiotic statements should be greeted warmly, but dinging the heck out of someone for an off-the-wall statement/question hardly seems productive in fostering an open environment.

As far as the homophobia issue, I must confess that I was turned-off by all of the "homo"-type comments early on in my time at BP. Once I had spent some time lurking, however, I came to better understand the tone of these jabs and realize that it was merely "locker-room" banter. On the other hand, I can understand how it could be so disturbing/bothersome that someone would not take the time to hang around and learn that it is not serious. I don't think it is terribly harmful or a huge issue, but it probably would not hurt if it were to be completely eliminated from the site.

I do like the idea of the OD being a members only area, perhaps with a pre-emptive explanation emphasizing that it is a forum abounding with silliness and name-calling, but is generally light-hearted and joking.

Anyhow, BP is a great website. It contains some of the best sports discussion I have seen and is a wonderful resource for sports info and all-around entertainment. There are many, many very intelligent people here and I feel confident that the site will continue on in a postive direction, and I look forward to wasting many an hour here in the foreseeable future.

Thanks for your time,
BK

 

[NFBuck]

When I first joined the sight a little over a year ago it was a bit intimidating. I took my share of dings early on and decided to sit back and observe for a while. As I learned how things work around here, I began posting more and more and now feel very comfortable stating my opinions and understand that if you can back up what you say, you will have no problems. We are all passionate about the same thing here, and if you don't act like a jackass, you earn a certain amount of respect...just how it should be. The most important thing for a newb to learn to avoid dings is to stay out of the game threads if you can't control your emotions. But seriously, I love the site just the way it is. As far as any ribbing towards other posters goes, I don't see any problem so long as you don't cross the line and make it a personal attack. Congrats to all the new mods!

 

[slobberknocker]

look its just the way of the world, if you have different views and don't play follow the leader, then you get slammed of course because everyone nows more about football than the next guy. Its simply people jump on the bandwagon with, the so-called respected people on the board and slam people with warnings and dings. Its a good thing its free or you could be called, the same thing the others sites are.

I joined in aug of 2004, iam on the site everyday, I don't post alot because in most threads everything just gets puked back up again and again, no new info just the same thing being said over and over and over.

Race has no place

self policing : once your labeled who cares people just dont think for themselves they follow the mob in the blind.

 

[Clarity]

Its simply people jump on the bandwagon with, the so-called respected people on the board and slam people with warnings and dings. Its a good thing its free or you could be called, the same thing the others sites are.

I joined in aug of 2004, iam on the site everyday, I don't post alot because in most threads everything just gets puked back up again and again, no new info just the same thing being said over and over and over.

Why keep coming back? Not being an ass (or any moreso than usual), just genuinely curious. You don't like it, it's full of sheeple, no one but you and other neg rep people say anything original. So why load it up? I'm having some fun with it, but understand it's good natured. I fully appreciate BP can't work for everyone.

Never really understood that, so as long as I have one of you cornered, I'll get what info out of you I can.

--edit--

Actually, after reviewing your rep and posts, I'm not exactly sure where you've had a bad experience. You've got more positive than negative, most of your posts are salient and well received, certainly topical. So what's the issue?

 

[Dryden]

Actually, after reviewing your rep and posts, I'm not exactly sure where you've had a bad experience. You've got more positive than negative, most of your posts are salient and well received, certainly topical. So what's the issue?

I think that one point slobberknocker makes, that a lot of discussion is just the same thing regurgitated over and over again, is somewhat on the mark, though much of that would be predominantly found if a person only browsed the football boards. To appreciate the site more, and the diversity of topics, you have to follow the recruiting threads, the basketball, and the speak easy of open discussion, among other things.

Otherwise, I mean how many discussions can you have complaining about the offensive coordinator and the underneath routes through two seasons?

 

[Clarity]

I think that one point slobberknocker makes, that a lot of discussion is just the same thing regurgitated over and over again, is somewhat on the mark, though much of that would be predominantly found if a person only browsed the football boards. To appreciate the site more, and the diversity of topics, you have to follow the recruiting threads, the basketball, and the speak easy of open discussion, among other things.

Otherwise, I mean how many discussions can you have complaining about the offensive coordinator and the underneath routes through two seasons?

Oh hey, I'm not saying he's wrong at all. But the very nature of a fan forum like this is that much of it is an updated regurgitation of conversations from seasons gone by. Certainly recruiting areas and the diversity of OD offer something different, no doubt so too does the poliboard, but that has its own issues. I'm just curious about slobber's position, where it comes from, and how he thinks we could improve. Zero hostility or defensiveness.

 

[daddyphatsacs]

I think that one point slobberknocker makes, that a lot of discussion is just the same thing regurgitated over and over again, is somewhat on the mark, though much of that would be predominantly found if a person only browsed the football boards. To appreciate the site more, and the diversity of topics, you have to follow the recruiting threads, the basketball, and the speak easy of open discussion, among other things.

Otherwise, I mean how many discussions can you have complaining about the offensive coordinator and the underneath routes through two seasons?

I do think that as a board grows this always seems to be the biggest gripe. You get more and more new people coming along and sharing their views about things that we've probably discussed in the past.......which I think is great. At some point a while ago I was a newbee on Bucknuts, and had to earn my marks so to speak. I think this site has developed a chip, and some can come across at times at a bit intimidating. I think this strategy has helped scare off people who aren't willing to take time to post topics that are thoughtful, and worth a damn for the most part.

As for racism gripes, call me blind but I don't see it. I know the QB discussion seems to draw the most attention to this subject, but I don't see much of it being discussed.