The swampgas comparison is just a bit over the top... and gave me zero interest in reading the rest of this post. Lighten up, Francis.
I want every single member of Gatorchatter to make a post in this thread with their thoughts. No exceptions. Lurkers, pipe up.
This is somewhat long - anyone who responds with "TLDR" gets a ban.
I got to thinking about some things today after Swamp Donkey went nuts out the blue, called me names, and was banned for a week. Then I got an email from him basically saying we'd become Swamp Gas because of my insistence of the board being positive about this hire. He made me think, he often does. This thread isn't about Donkey, but I will say I don't know if he'll return or not.
We've always been known around the Gator Nation as the "negative" board, which I understand. Since Gatorchatter was launched in 2014, there really has been very little to be happy about. The brand has taken a complete dive, dropping UF out of the elite schools that annually challenge for titles. Hence, being negative hasn't bothered me, since we were just dealing with reality and the truth of the situation. However, Donkey made me think of something today, and that's this.
Some people are negative about the program because the program is bad, some people are negative about the program because they want to be negative. They actually enjoy the bashing and negativity. When something positive happens, they don't really like it. They get some kind of kick or power from wallowing in the mud.
While I certainly don't like blind pumperism, being "woe is me" on Gatorchatter for 7+ years now has really taken a toll. We've complained about a lot, and rightfully so. The garbage facilities, the constant cheap tactics from the administration (other than overpaying bad head coaches), their seeming to embrace mediocrity while other schools pass them by, it has really sucked. The product on the field has obviously also suffered as a result.
HOWEVER...
Everything seems to finally be changing. Mullen and his embarrassing group have been jettisoned. The Heavener Complex (which really is nice) is supposedly almost done. Stricklin has decided to throw money in places that we've been demanding for years. No matter what you think of Billy Napier's X's and O's, he certainly seems to have the right attitude about what needs to be done, starting with recruiting. We're going to have a lot more eyes on the team and our opponents. These are going to be a functional, prepared teams. There's a lot to be happy about.
Even after all this came to light, many members of this board were so beaten down (and I really do understand) that they couldn't help be miserable anyway. They hated the hire, they hated everything. It bugged me. It's like they were happier when they were upset, down and pissed. I feel like they would have hated almost any hire just out of reflex. This is the kind of thing I would like to see turn around on this board.
My draconian tactics to control the misery are over - I think I made whatever point I was going for. I'd like for each of you, as part of a 2022 resolution, to attempt to change your mindset about this program. We asked for things and we got them. It really is a new day and it feels like it.
Discuss.
Jeebus. I decide to work on a Tuesday night and I miss all of the fun.
Obviously, I don't post much because I prefer reading all of the insane, wonderful, and outright disgusting posts on this board. Occasionally I pipe up either fueled by the need to drunk post, or I think I can offer a lucid, if not earth-shattering observation.
That said, I came to GC I think, around the time Mullen was hired. I was a regular at SG, and I got tired of the uber-liberal, overly phaggy posters over there. One of the final "straws" was when Chip Kelly wasn't hired, I was told it wasn't happening by a well-connected Gator customer of mine that CK was taking the UCLA job. I posted that on the CK thread, and was not shockingly dismantled for posting what I was told. For whatever reason, I had PM'ed both PD on their board, as well as Law about it, and they both told me to quit being pissy about it, so I did.
Weirdly enough, I lurked in their Too Hot for Swamp Piss threads, and had noticed that GGG was gone- and I was curious as to why- lo and behold, I found GC shortly thereafter.
Enough waxing poetic--- here is my FWIW take on the (former) coaches and the hiring of Napier.
Zook- Unbelievably botched hire by Foley- if memory serves, he had one of the first internet-fueled coaching searches, and literally announced digitally that he was GOING TO HIRE BOB STOOPS. Which led to the epic failure that was, and the subsequent "Lucy and the Football" results every time Florida has had a coaching search.
Mustpunt- I actually liked the hire at the time. First ever "HCIW" guy, young, aggressive, Gainesville ties (although a stupid Mutt), and it was an epic fail.
McElwain- head scratcher from the rip. Literally had NEVER HEARD OF THE GUY and likely we never will again.
Man Dullen- Reluctant acceptance when he was hired. He DID win 10 games consecutively and didn't lose to FSU. Constantly made stupid, stubborn decisions and reached heights of unbridled arrogance. Lost me last year at LSU by not playing Pitts and making Marco team captain after the shoe-throwing. Didn't listen to another word his stupid face said after that.
Coach Billy Napier- Overall, I like the hire. He will bring the program into the 21st century and build a foundation worthy of the multi-million dollar organization that Gator Football is. Seems to have the priorities right in terms of recruiting, staffing, accountability, loyalty, etc. We will see as things go along.
Ox- don't change a thing. I love this place. It's smart, witty, trashy, vulgar, and as evidenced by the outpouring of condolences to GGG, even sweet once in awhile. Donk is Donk, and we "all" love him. I DO think that posters like him, yourself, and others are truly missing your true callings in this world---- all of you should write time management books- I don't know how the fawk any of you get anything done during the day and post as much as you do. Much respect.