- Jun 5, 2014
- 37,063
- 98,159
Founding Member
I had a member last night that was disappointed that a couple of people were dishing out personal attacks, and I wrote him a PM this morning. However, I thought it was important enough of a topic to share much of what I wrote right here.
I consider myself as providing a valuable community service here, and I'm only half joking when I say that. I think the primary reason for a sports message board to even exist is for therapeutic reasons; i.e. venting / letting it all out. Before message boards, a lot of pissed off, drunk men would take it out on their families, wives, or pets - or they would simply destroy property in fits of rage. In some cases it was so bad the police had to be called. I myself used to punch holes in walls back in the 90's during football games; part of me wonders if I could have avoided that had Gatorchatter been around. Hell, the governor should give me a medal for reducing the crime rate.
Obviously, the past decade has been particularly bad. It's a helpless feeling to see something you loved destroyed by incompetence and you have no power to do anything but watch the destruction. So, when something like what happened last night happened, I try to stand out of people's way and let them vent. Most vent in a controlled manner - some lash out at others. If they get totally out of hand I will send them away for the night to cool off, otherwise I will leave it alone. In most cases, those being attacked are super pissed too and don't hold grudges because they know the other is just letting off steam. Also, keep in mind that I was extremely pissed myself and didn't have the best judgement going on either. It's not like I'm a neutral observer in all this destruction; part of me wishes I was.
At any rate, the rage has subsided and a lot of crime has now been avoided due to Gatorchatter. It's honestly nice to have a place to commiserate with people that have the same interests. I'd rather cry in my coffee with you guys than cry alone. I hope no one did any real harm to anything or anyone last night.
Discuss.
I consider myself as providing a valuable community service here, and I'm only half joking when I say that. I think the primary reason for a sports message board to even exist is for therapeutic reasons; i.e. venting / letting it all out. Before message boards, a lot of pissed off, drunk men would take it out on their families, wives, or pets - or they would simply destroy property in fits of rage. In some cases it was so bad the police had to be called. I myself used to punch holes in walls back in the 90's during football games; part of me wonders if I could have avoided that had Gatorchatter been around. Hell, the governor should give me a medal for reducing the crime rate.
Obviously, the past decade has been particularly bad. It's a helpless feeling to see something you loved destroyed by incompetence and you have no power to do anything but watch the destruction. So, when something like what happened last night happened, I try to stand out of people's way and let them vent. Most vent in a controlled manner - some lash out at others. If they get totally out of hand I will send them away for the night to cool off, otherwise I will leave it alone. In most cases, those being attacked are super pissed too and don't hold grudges because they know the other is just letting off steam. Also, keep in mind that I was extremely pissed myself and didn't have the best judgement going on either. It's not like I'm a neutral observer in all this destruction; part of me wishes I was.
At any rate, the rage has subsided and a lot of crime has now been avoided due to Gatorchatter. It's honestly nice to have a place to commiserate with people that have the same interests. I'd rather cry in my coffee with you guys than cry alone. I hope no one did any real harm to anything or anyone last night.
Discuss.