This really is the whole point. GCMB is about sports and the rest is just fluff. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the heck out of a bunch of topics in the other sections, but we are all (other than a few opposing fans) here for one main reason: to talk UF sports, be it good, bad, or indifferent. Unfortunately, there's not much to talk about on that front at the moment.
I may have mentioned this before but when I worked for the "G", I had a job where participating in most social media was highly discouraged. And when I was in our internal investigations section, we had many cases where employees had posted something on the internet, usually it was Facebook, that they shouldn't have - and several of them ended up receiving discipline (to include the loss of their clearances, which is the kiss of death; no clearance, no job). While I didn't think I would ever make that mistake personally, I always erred on the side of caution and stayed away from ever posting anywhere. I did however visit sites like this one and Gas (as well as the old GSMB) and read all the comments. This place became my favorite site for precisely what your e-mailer complained about: people share what they really think and are a little crazy - and that's half the fun. For me, once I left the "G" there was no question of where I'd sign up and post and this is still the only social media I do. I feel sorry for folks who feel unwelcome in certain forums (and yes
@QueenCityGator this includes you) because they get their ideas challenged or someone takes a personal shot at their intelligence or whatever. Ox you are quite correct that if someone can't take that kind of response, don't whine and don't visit. To use one of your lines for those that feel that way, "Maybe message boards aren't for you." On the other hand, for those who are hesitant to go to the PF, find some cajones, and go into the battle. Defend yourself and your positions.
@stephenPE takes a lot of ribbing and ball busting, but I (and I suspect many others) respect him for not backing down from anyone. And I've never seen anyone take a beating like
@Traumagirl did in the one of the Corona threads, but at least she got off the proverbial mat every time - even when she prolly should have stayed down and taken a nap. ;)
When I saw your first post in this thread it inspired me (for reasons unknown) to go back and read the "Terms of Service." I thought maybe everyone could stand to be reminded by the last paragraph:
"
13. Just try and enjoy yourself! Message boards are supposed to be fun and entertaining, a break from real life. Good natured hazing and ribbing is always going to exist, so have fun with it. The ability to laugh at yourself on a forum is the gateway to the admiration and respect of your fellow members. Try not to take things too personally or seriously." I confess to having violated this last line on occasion and have always come to regret it - the worst was getting so irritated at
@Swamp Donkey that I allowed him to live inside my head rent free for a few hours! ;) That irritated me far more than anything I ever read.
As this sure turned out to be a much longer response than I meant, I suppose means I feel more strongly than I thought I did. So in short, unless your objectives have changed Ox, leave well enough alone. Encourage the e-mailer to join in and be a pumper if they want. And if they are proved right, they can mock all the dumpers the way Swonk took a beating over Kyle Trask.
