As long as we don't say anything negative about another poster's kid it is all good. Even those of us who don't directly brag about our kids often use our kids as positive examples in some of our replies thereby doing our own share of bragging. I know I've been guilty of that.
Thank you for all the praise, and the welcome's to HSBW. : ) It's good to know that 2nd period Advanced Grammar is coming in handy for something.
As for the topic now, I think it's fine to use your kids as examples, just don't slap a first round draftee sticker on their chest. I try to use myself as an example when i'm talking about bad outings, since i've had my fair share.
But overall, praise your kids, and their accomplishments.
As for the topic now, I think it's fine to use your kids as examples, just don't slap a first round draftee sticker on their chest. I try to use myself as an example when i'm talking about bad outings, since i've had my fair share.
But overall, praise your kids, and their accomplishments.
While I have been here for a couple of years now (probably too early as my son is only an 8th grader 
) I have noticed that for the most part the ones who complain about the other parents talking up their kids are the ones who no longer have a "horse in the race" so to speak, they've already gone on to college, the pros or are out of baseball.
I for one enjoy reading about the PLAYERS on this site. If I am reading a post and a parent is laying it on thick then I just roll my eyes and move on to the next post or topic, no need to call them out for it or admonish someone who is proud of their kid and describes what their player has accomplished. Could they use the thread at the begining sure, but I don't think it is an end all be all. God knows I'd rather read about some player and his making his team etc..then some regurgated post on Bonds or Manny etc..
And I for one enjoyed reading about the 8th grader going out for the high school team, maybe because I have an 8th grader myself who knows.
It is about time that people take THEIR views and realize they are THEIR own views as to what is appropriate and what is not. Many of us non-moderators enjoy most of the posts on here. As long as no personal attacks or swearing I really don't see the issue, even with TR's posts!! (Just kidding Tom!!)
Now about my awesome son....
) I have noticed that for the most part the ones who complain about the other parents talking up their kids are the ones who no longer have a "horse in the race" so to speak, they've already gone on to college, the pros or are out of baseball. I for one enjoy reading about the PLAYERS on this site. If I am reading a post and a parent is laying it on thick then I just roll my eyes and move on to the next post or topic, no need to call them out for it or admonish someone who is proud of their kid and describes what their player has accomplished. Could they use the thread at the begining sure, but I don't think it is an end all be all. God knows I'd rather read about some player and his making his team etc..then some regurgated post on Bonds or Manny etc..
And I for one enjoyed reading about the 8th grader going out for the high school team, maybe because I have an 8th grader myself who knows.
It is about time that people take THEIR views and realize they are THEIR own views as to what is appropriate and what is not. Many of us non-moderators enjoy most of the posts on here. As long as no personal attacks or swearing I really don't see the issue, even with TR's posts!! (Just kidding Tom!!)
Now about my awesome son....
There is something about the human psyche that allows us to subliminally associate ones struggles and failures in contrast with our own. That same human psyche also allows some of us to breathe a secret sigh of relief that those struggles and failures are not happening to our sons. That conscious association manifests itself in the form of sympathy. Let one of us reveal that our son has been cut from his college, minor or major league team or has gotten into some sort of trouble and almost everyone, including myself, sympathizes and has an encouraging word for the parent(s). The sympathies can run 7-8 pages. It's the human thing to do. But when one of us shares an accomplishment, the wiring gets flipped and some of us view it as bragging. We then demonstrate our disdain by bashing, which ultimately leads to the deletion of the thread in many cases. Things didn't used to be this way on this board years ago.
Many of us "Old Timers" have lived through the dissapointments of baseball. We know first hand how brutal this business can be. Many of us who felt in our hearts that our sons should have been drafted out of high school, or should have made his college team and then have been drafted, didn't. And it was a big dissapointment to many of us. Some of us chose to share our dissapointments as Bob and others did, and some of us chose to keep silent. Either way, it was our choice in how we chose to deal with it. In that same vein, when some of our sons succeed in whatever, we shouldn't rain on their parades either, even if we personally feel that the parents are bragging.
I love hearing about what our sons are doing in and out of baseball. We used to applaud the accomplishments of others. If we lose that human touch, then we become as robotic and as insignificant as most other baseball boards. It's amazing how some of us are so thin skinned about this. Yet, we can debate with the best of us about other issues.
If someone shares an accomplishment and you feel that it's bragging, then move on the another topic that suits you better. Unless, the thread has gone terribly against the rules, I feel it should not be deleted. Remember, half of us will enjoy reading about those accomplishments and the other half won't. This board is filled with people of diverse opinions. You won't be able to please everyone. Thus is life.
Many of us "Old Timers" have lived through the dissapointments of baseball. We know first hand how brutal this business can be. Many of us who felt in our hearts that our sons should have been drafted out of high school, or should have made his college team and then have been drafted, didn't. And it was a big dissapointment to many of us. Some of us chose to share our dissapointments as Bob and others did, and some of us chose to keep silent. Either way, it was our choice in how we chose to deal with it. In that same vein, when some of our sons succeed in whatever, we shouldn't rain on their parades either, even if we personally feel that the parents are bragging.
I love hearing about what our sons are doing in and out of baseball. We used to applaud the accomplishments of others. If we lose that human touch, then we become as robotic and as insignificant as most other baseball boards. It's amazing how some of us are so thin skinned about this. Yet, we can debate with the best of us about other issues.
If someone shares an accomplishment and you feel that it's bragging, then move on the another topic that suits you better. Unless, the thread has gone terribly against the rules, I feel it should not be deleted. Remember, half of us will enjoy reading about those accomplishments and the other half won't. This board is filled with people of diverse opinions. You won't be able to please everyone. Thus is life.
If his thread was in the wrong forum, why wasn't it just moved to the college reporting thread? All this would've been avoided. I'm a moderator of another board, and what I would've done was move the post to the college reporting thread and that's it. What exactly was in that post that got killed because it was in the general forum?
My wife has gone through the wall, then the roof 
, but I am holding my ground.
Last night I told her that this site is in turmoil because not everyone is on the same page on "talking-up" their kids and the news of published good/bad news that is released. I told her that I "talk-up" our kids, and also explained that I have no problem with published info being released without my seal of approval. I then explained that this site has some great people on it and I wanted to stay in the loop and remain part of the young baseball message board scene. At that point I asked if she wouldn't mind having a couple more kids
so I could stay in touch and get back involved.
Diner will be served in the garage this week
Last night I told her that this site is in turmoil because not everyone is on the same page on "talking-up" their kids and the news of published good/bad news that is released. I told her that I "talk-up" our kids, and also explained that I have no problem with published info being released without my seal of approval. I then explained that this site has some great people on it and I wanted to stay in the loop and remain part of the young baseball message board scene. At that point I asked if she wouldn't mind having a couple more kids
Diner will be served in the garage this week
Catfish - As usual for you, that is a very good and powerful post. You and I don't see 100% eye-to-eye on a small number of these issues, but you have stated your view honorably, forcefully, persuasively and genuinely.
Thanks...I always enjoy reading what you have to say.
Thanks...I always enjoy reading what you have to say.
quote:Originally posted by redsox8191:
While I have been here for a couple of years now (probably too early as my son is only an 8th grader
I for one enjoy reading about the PLAYERS on this site. If I am reading a post and a parent is laying it on thick then I just roll my eyes and move on to the next post or topic, no need to call them out for it or admonish someone who is proud of their kid and describes what their player has accomplished. Could they use the thread at the begining sure, but I don't think it is an end all be all. God knows I'd rather read about some player and his making his team etc..then some regurgated post on Bonds or Manny etc..
And I for one enjoyed reading about the 8th grader going out for the high school team, maybe because I have an 8th grader myself who knows.
It is about time that people take THEIR views and realize they are THEIR own views as to what is appropriate and what is not. Many of us non-moderators enjoy most of the posts on here. As long as no personal attacks or swearing I really don't see the issue, even with TR's posts!! (Just kidding Tom!!)
Now about my awesome son....
Very nice, thoughtful, and well-written post! It kind of goes to what redbird and others posted previously.
I would like to offer a different view and would like to suggest in advance that I may not be right in my views.
My premise is that everyone here is a moderator. All members have the ability to moderate in several ways:
1 - They can create their own topics and they have the power of life and death over that topic.
2 - They can modify or delete posts that they have created themselves.
3 - They can offer suggestions on how people should act or respond - like you have in your post suggesting people should just roll their eyes and move on.
4 - The only power that every member does not have is the ability to modify someone elses post or thread. The thing is, only about .0001% of threads started or posted by other members are ever touched by a moderator. Thus, in essence, basically only items 1-3 apply to all of us and thus, my argument that we are all moderators is valid if we concede that item 4 is almost never in play. In the controversial threads this weekend, I made no moderator actions, for example, and allowed all dissent to my opinions stand.
I would like to expound on item 3 above however. You suggest we just roll our eyes and move on. That is a moderation that you are trying to get the group to adhere to and that is your right to express that opinion. On the other hand, I can make the EXACT same argument for moderation but from the opposing point of view. If someone suggests that someone else has gone overboard in some aspect (e.g., self-promotion, bragging, insensitivity, etc.), why don't you just roll your eyes and move on if someone suggests that? Do you see how we can all play that game? You say tomato and I say tomotto? I believe we need a balance between these two viewpoints imho.
Look at the two threads at the top of this forum (hundreds and hundreds of posts). One for high school and one for college. Whoever said that sharing news about your kids was a bad thing or was in fact not welcome here on the hsbbweb? It certainly was not me.
As far as the 8th grade thread, that was in fact moderated by me (closed). It was done on behest of member complaints. That poster had already shared the news in the high school reporting thread and we felt a seperate blogging thread was over the top. We can respectfully disagree whether that topic should have been closed but that particular poster was not in fact "silenced" from sharing his news. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts in a very respectful manner. That is most appreciated.
quote:Originally posted by dswann:
HSBBW Is all about the; advice, bragging, questions, comments, rejoicing, commraderie, relationships, experiences, b******g, hate for s****r, tips, strategy, connections, humility, bad speling, chit chat, PM's, upside, downside, projectabilty, Avatars, good days, bad days, mindless postings, cyber kaos, brilliant insights, attidude adjustments, timely suggestions, stepping in it, venting, ranting, taking the high road, archives, fund raising, melt downs, heart felt moments, crying, whinning, coaching, philosophies, karma points, D1, D2, D3, NAIA, JuCo, HS, knee jerk reactions, scouting, preparartion, sacarfice, parents, empathy, humor, good calls, bad calls, recruiting, tolerance, grades, learning.
... and American Idol
Thanks for the kind words, justbaseball. We go back a long ways, don't we? The admiration is reciprocal.
quote:If someone shares an accomplishment and you feel that it's bragging, then move on the another topic that suits you better. Unless, the thread has gone terribly against the rules, I feel it should not be deleted. Remember, half of us will enjoy reading about those accomplishments and the other half won't. This board is filled with people of diverse opinions. You won't be able to please everyone. Thus is life.
Catfish - please see my comments above. No moderator touched any of AcademyDad's posts - he did that himself. Nobody deleted or modififed anything except the original topic starter.
As I mentioned above, I ask you to give the same consideration as you have expressed. If you don't like someone raising the issue, you can also read the opinion and move to a topic that suits you better as you are asking some of us to do. Thanks.
ClevelandDad...I respectfully apologize if the thread was not removed by a moderator. I knew that something had been removed or changed and as you say it was the "original topic starter". And as you suggested, I will use my authority to edit my post.
I never object to someone raising an issue and I always do just as I suggested, move on to a topic that suits me better. Thanks.
I never object to someone raising an issue and I always do just as I suggested, move on to a topic that suits me better. Thanks.
Cleveland Dad - Thanks for the nice comment on my post, I appreciate it.
To further the discussion on your point # 3...isn't it really a discussion of personal freedom? With my over the top comment of "rolling my eyes and moving on" my point is each of us has the ability to read a post or to not read a post. We may not agree with the post and in doing so decide to move out of the topic or skip over that poster's postings. However does someone have the right to shut down a post because they disagree with the poster's premise or self promoting if it were done without degradating somone else or using inappropriate language? I am now speaking in general terms as you have mentioned that the original thread that started this discussion (I obviously need to come on here more over the weekend!!) was primarily deleted by the original poster. This country was founded on personal freedom and I think people today tend to forget that by hiding behind political correctness. I think there has been too much of that in general over the past few months on this website and unfortunately it is affecting the quality of the posts lately. That is obviously just my personal opinion.
I do realize that this is a private website owned by MN-Mom who has set up moderators to help keep the topics clean from foul language (like s****r
)and to keep personal attacks to a minimum. So obviusly I speak of personal freedom in a general sense not in a goverment enforced manner. Unfortunately, I think that some people have had a quick trigger finger lately (last 6 months or so)in thinking that topics that made them a bit uneasy were bad for the general public which from the comments read the past few months after the fact seems to not be the case. If people don't like the topic or posts within the topic then move on to the next post, it really is that easy!!
To further the discussion on your point # 3...isn't it really a discussion of personal freedom? With my over the top comment of "rolling my eyes and moving on" my point is each of us has the ability to read a post or to not read a post. We may not agree with the post and in doing so decide to move out of the topic or skip over that poster's postings. However does someone have the right to shut down a post because they disagree with the poster's premise or self promoting if it were done without degradating somone else or using inappropriate language? I am now speaking in general terms as you have mentioned that the original thread that started this discussion (I obviously need to come on here more over the weekend!!) was primarily deleted by the original poster. This country was founded on personal freedom and I think people today tend to forget that by hiding behind political correctness. I think there has been too much of that in general over the past few months on this website and unfortunately it is affecting the quality of the posts lately. That is obviously just my personal opinion.
I do realize that this is a private website owned by MN-Mom who has set up moderators to help keep the topics clean from foul language (like s****r
)and to keep personal attacks to a minimum. So obviusly I speak of personal freedom in a general sense not in a goverment enforced manner. Unfortunately, I think that some people have had a quick trigger finger lately (last 6 months or so)in thinking that topics that made them a bit uneasy were bad for the general public which from the comments read the past few months after the fact seems to not be the case. If people don't like the topic or posts within the topic then move on to the next post, it really is that easy!!
Catfish,
Since I am one of those who is far more comfortable posting in the humility thread than this one, and since you have eloquently presented opposing thoughts, maybe, with some efforts, we might be able to find room in the middle between humility and bragging.
The first concern I have comes directly from a DIII board I frequent. This morning a poster talked about a player having a truly great day yesterday when he got his 200th collegiate hit, a mammoth HR.
The poster went on the describe how he also played a sterling 3B.
The very next post confirmed the HR, and then pointed out the kid made 5 errors the day before. For me, all that posting does is point out the young man is a very nice college hitter who also experiences the ups/downs of a college season.
I don't have any problem reading what a great day the young man had. I don't have any issue with reading he also made errors. Where I get a bit twitchy is when posters convey something other than what it is like to play baseball, they include the ups and omit the downs.
Personally, I cannot relate to regular posts talking about near daily stats of a son who has nothing other than excellent performances. That just isn't baseball as I know it. Sooner or later, we both know that player is going to struggle.
When they do, will the parent who "brags" about all that is great be well enough informed and aware enough of baseball to be in a position to effectively support and encourage their son through that slump. I know some surely will. But others, I wonder.
Is it wrong to suggest to them, to provide opinions that might bring some sense of reality? One of the things I love about this site is the reality of it and what I learn from experiences so broad, so diverse and so varied. More than anything, I love the reality.
To me, we learn to be parents when things are difficult. It doesn't necessarily take our best efforts to be a parent when things are great. If we are not paying attention, things can change and we may not notice if we are not looking.
And finally, there is the part about this being so fleeting. In the Fall of 2008, I listened to a young man eloquently describe portions of his very, very best season of playing baseball. Listening to him, for the first time, I truly understood how well he knew the game and how hard he worked.
And then it ended...one throw in the 8th inning at the end of a 144 game season.
He remembered it like yesterday.
He knew there was something wrong with his shoulder. He had never felt anything like it before and he didn't want to believe it occurred.
From that point, he worked harder than he had ever worked before motivated beyond belief to get back to where he was before that throw. It didn't work. His career ended.
Reality, humility, success, and fleeting but cherished moments are all descriptions of my views of playing baseball and why I come to read, and sometimes post, on the HSBBW.
When we only "brag" about someone, I wonder if we make them someone they really aren't. I wonder if we make their game of baseball something it really isn't.
Since I am one of those who is far more comfortable posting in the humility thread than this one, and since you have eloquently presented opposing thoughts, maybe, with some efforts, we might be able to find room in the middle between humility and bragging.
The first concern I have comes directly from a DIII board I frequent. This morning a poster talked about a player having a truly great day yesterday when he got his 200th collegiate hit, a mammoth HR.
The poster went on the describe how he also played a sterling 3B.
The very next post confirmed the HR, and then pointed out the kid made 5 errors the day before. For me, all that posting does is point out the young man is a very nice college hitter who also experiences the ups/downs of a college season.
I don't have any problem reading what a great day the young man had. I don't have any issue with reading he also made errors. Where I get a bit twitchy is when posters convey something other than what it is like to play baseball, they include the ups and omit the downs.
Personally, I cannot relate to regular posts talking about near daily stats of a son who has nothing other than excellent performances. That just isn't baseball as I know it. Sooner or later, we both know that player is going to struggle.
When they do, will the parent who "brags" about all that is great be well enough informed and aware enough of baseball to be in a position to effectively support and encourage their son through that slump. I know some surely will. But others, I wonder.
Is it wrong to suggest to them, to provide opinions that might bring some sense of reality? One of the things I love about this site is the reality of it and what I learn from experiences so broad, so diverse and so varied. More than anything, I love the reality.
To me, we learn to be parents when things are difficult. It doesn't necessarily take our best efforts to be a parent when things are great. If we are not paying attention, things can change and we may not notice if we are not looking.
And finally, there is the part about this being so fleeting. In the Fall of 2008, I listened to a young man eloquently describe portions of his very, very best season of playing baseball. Listening to him, for the first time, I truly understood how well he knew the game and how hard he worked.
And then it ended...one throw in the 8th inning at the end of a 144 game season.
He remembered it like yesterday.
He knew there was something wrong with his shoulder. He had never felt anything like it before and he didn't want to believe it occurred.
From that point, he worked harder than he had ever worked before motivated beyond belief to get back to where he was before that throw. It didn't work. His career ended.
Reality, humility, success, and fleeting but cherished moments are all descriptions of my views of playing baseball and why I come to read, and sometimes post, on the HSBBW.
When we only "brag" about someone, I wonder if we make them someone they really aren't. I wonder if we make their game of baseball something it really isn't.
quote:isn't it really a discussion of personal freedom?
Of course it is. Lets have a discussion on free speech. It is not an absolute right under any circumstances btw in this country. For instance, you would get into very serious trouble if you ever shouted "fire" in a crowded theatre for example and people were injured as a result. Generally, people do not accept/tolerate racial, sexual, or other type of offensive insults in this country anymore. There are all types of limitations on speech that each one of us accepts everyday when we go out into the public.
On this "public" website, we have standards that have evolved from the founder of the site. For example, many of our members kids are known publicly via the PG thead where he asked members to identify their kids. What if you learned something negative about a kid like he flunked an algebra exam or was arrested for shoplifting. Do you think it ought to be your absolute right to post something like that? Post the kid's name if you will? Should we read it and move on? I am sure you would say no and I am just using extreme examples to highlight the point. We all place limitations on speech by using common decency in our everday lives. It ought to be no different here imho.
You say read it and move on - even if one disagrees. I say for about 99.9% of the time, that is the policy we all employ here on the hsbbweb. Sometimes, people object to what has been posted and that is their right as well. If you don't like the objections then follow your advice and move on. The group will let those objecting know whether or not they are out of bounds (I know from this past weekend that is the case). IMHO, there needs to be a balance between these two conflicting ideas. Moderators need to be very conservative in their actions. At the same time, members need to respect the mores of the group. Either way, everyone can indeed follow the advise to read it and move on.
It amazes me how eloquent many of the folks who post on this site are. I have a hard time putting my thoughts together, not all that much to offer yet either. I know that I am a poster that speaks of his son with some regularity. It is the only baseball experience I know of to draw upon. If it were not for my boys I would never have found this site or ever cared to participate. At times I find myself posting something that once I read it on the web makes me cringe and I quickly delete it. I don't wish to be a braggart, and in reality I have nothing to brag about.
I enjoy this site emensely and haunt it more hours than I care to admit. I am very much into baseball as it relates to my sons, and I have come to love the game independent of them as well.
I do miss many of the posters that have felt unwanted and under attack, particularly in the "Hitting" thread. I must admire TR for his tenacity, and have really come to appreciate his plain speech. It bothers some, but it is real.
If I speak of my sons, I am a proud dad, and I can't change that, nor do I want to. I really don't feel as though any one cares one way or the other either. If I happen to make someone roll their eyes, perhaps it will also include a knowing smile to appear on their face, and prompt a post with a greater lesson to be learned, as we continue to "enjoy the ride" while we can.
I enjoy this site emensely and haunt it more hours than I care to admit. I am very much into baseball as it relates to my sons, and I have come to love the game independent of them as well.
I do miss many of the posters that have felt unwanted and under attack, particularly in the "Hitting" thread. I must admire TR for his tenacity, and have really come to appreciate his plain speech. It bothers some, but it is real.
If I speak of my sons, I am a proud dad, and I can't change that, nor do I want to. I really don't feel as though any one cares one way or the other either. If I happen to make someone roll their eyes, perhaps it will also include a knowing smile to appear on their face, and prompt a post with a greater lesson to be learned, as we continue to "enjoy the ride" while we can.
I have enjoyed reading this thread.
I do think it should be titled
"talking about POSTERS kids". If we are
"talking about players kids", who are we talking about?
I do think it should be titled
"talking about POSTERS kids". If we are
"talking about players kids", who are we talking about?
quote:Originally posted by floridafan:
It amazes me how eloquent many of the folks who post on this site are. I have a hard time putting my thoughts together, not all that much to offer yet either. I know that I am a poster that speaks of his son with some regularity. It is the only baseball experience I know of to draw upon. If it were not for my boys I would never have found this site or ever cared to participate. At times I find myself posting something that once I read it on the web makes me cringe and I quickly delete it. I don't wish to be a braggart, and in reality I have nothing to brag about.
I enjoy this site emensely and haunt it more hours than I care to admit. I am very much into baseball as it relates to my sons, and I have come to love the game independent of them as well.
I do miss many of the posters that have felt unwanted and under attack, particularly in the "Hitting" thread. I must admire TR for his tenacity, and have really come to appreciate his plain speech. It bothers some, but it is real.
If I speak of my sons, I am a proud dad, and I can't change that, nor do I want to. I really don't feel as though any one cares one way or the other either. If I happen to make someone roll their eyes, perhaps it will also include a knowing smile to appear on their face, and prompt a post with a greater lesson to be learned, as we continue to "enjoy the ride" while we can.
That was beautifully written. I have loved everyone of your posts fwiw. We are all proud of our son's. My pride should compliment your pride - not overwhelm it to the exclusion of all else imho.
i have a reminder that i bring out at the start of every new baseball season (high school or legion)
when someone rolls their eyes because another parent is "bragging". i try and gently remind them that "hey, we're all a little kid proud"
it's why we do what we do....why we get up at 4:00am to travel 2 hours to play on a weekend.....or sit in cold rainy drizzle......or pass at the chance to play 18 at an exclusive golf course, even when we know it's not his turn to pitch.
sometimes people lose perspective, sometimes it's all they have, sometimes they're just obnoxious jerks.....my point is, be gracious and courteous of each other.
let me ask this....if what someone writes on this board that offends you was instead coming straight from the mouth of another parent on your team, would you be out and out rude to that person or would you politely excuse yourself from the conversation? just food for thought....and btw, i'm not saying anyone was rude, just remember there is a person behind that screen name.
when someone rolls their eyes because another parent is "bragging". i try and gently remind them that "hey, we're all a little kid proud"
it's why we do what we do....why we get up at 4:00am to travel 2 hours to play on a weekend.....or sit in cold rainy drizzle......or pass at the chance to play 18 at an exclusive golf course, even when we know it's not his turn to pitch.
sometimes people lose perspective, sometimes it's all they have, sometimes they're just obnoxious jerks.....my point is, be gracious and courteous of each other.
let me ask this....if what someone writes on this board that offends you was instead coming straight from the mouth of another parent on your team, would you be out and out rude to that person or would you politely excuse yourself from the conversation? just food for thought....and btw, i'm not saying anyone was rude, just remember there is a person behind that screen name.
infielddad...I agree with much of what you said and I bet you and I could certainly find room in the middle between humility and bragging with no effort at all. However, The question becomes: Can you and I get everyone else to buy into our definition of the middle of humility and bragging? Therein lies the problem. You and I might think that a parent is bragging. But the parent and some of the other posters may totally disagree. What I am trying to get across is that we can't control how one thinks or what one posts. We can delete their posts after they have posted it. But, if we delete a thread today because we feel that the parent is bragging. I bet you my bottom dollar that someone else will brag about their son next week. So why waste our valuable time confronting someone whom we perceive is bragging when they feel completely different? Just move on to another thread.
Bragging, in many cases, can be subjective and is in the eye of the beholder. If you or I post a thread that talks about the accomplishments of our sons, I guarantee you that someone will think we're bragging when you and I feel that we are not. You see what I mean? How another poster could have even remotely felt that AcademyDad was bragging by posting the link to an article about his son is beyond me, at least that is my understanding of the issue. If you want to talk about humility, my experience with AcademyDad is that he wreaks of humility.
Do people brag about their sons and exaggerate? Of course they do. All the time!!! Is it worth bashing them about it? I just don't think so. Just move on. But if you or anyone else have the energy to suggest to someone that they need to add balance to their posts, then I don't have a problem with that at all. Your example about the DIII Board would certainly fit my definition of bragging. No one likes a bragger... I mean braggart (Thanks, floridafan). If enough posters feel that the person is bragging and ignore the posts, he or she will get the message.
Bragging, in many cases, can be subjective and is in the eye of the beholder. If you or I post a thread that talks about the accomplishments of our sons, I guarantee you that someone will think we're bragging when you and I feel that we are not. You see what I mean? How another poster could have even remotely felt that AcademyDad was bragging by posting the link to an article about his son is beyond me, at least that is my understanding of the issue. If you want to talk about humility, my experience with AcademyDad is that he wreaks of humility.
Do people brag about their sons and exaggerate? Of course they do. All the time!!! Is it worth bashing them about it? I just don't think so. Just move on. But if you or anyone else have the energy to suggest to someone that they need to add balance to their posts, then I don't have a problem with that at all. Your example about the DIII Board would certainly fit my definition of bragging. No one likes a bragger... I mean braggart (Thanks, floridafan). If enough posters feel that the person is bragging and ignore the posts, he or she will get the message.
quote:let me ask this....if what someone writes on this board that offends you was instead coming straight from the mouth of another parent on your team, would you be out and out rude to that person or would you politely excuse yourself from the conversation? just food for thought....and btw, i'm not saying anyone was rude, just remember there is a person behind that screen name.
Let me answer it (for me) this way. I wouldn't put up with it with anyone in my family.
As for other people at the ballpark...I have and I haven't. Usually depended on the voracity or repetitiveness of the statements.
We had a Class A braggart on one of my son's teams years ago. I mean this man wouldn't shut up about his son. He would always arrive at the games during the bottom of the 1st inning and he would nodge his way right into the middle of where all the parents were sitting. By the fifth inning, every parent had moved, one by one or two by two, as far away from him as they could and he was left, literally, sitting alone. Do you think he ever got the message? Never did. Some people just don't get it.
quote:Originally posted by Catfish:
We had a Class A braggart on one of my son's teams years ago. I mean this man wouldn't shut up. He would always arrive at the games during the bottom of the 1st inning and he would nodge his way right into the middle of where all the parents were sitting. By the fifth inning, every parent had moved, one by one or two by two, as far away from him as they could and he was left, literally, sitting alone. Do you think he ever got the message? Never did. Some people just don't get it.
I experienced the exact same thing. We had a guy whose kid was named Shawn and he called him Shawny. For several years, Shawn was the biggest kid and could hit them a long ways. His father worshipped him. Spoke of him in hushed tones. The only conversation he would ever hold with people was when he was telling about the exploits of Shawny (he would never quit either) which we were all eminently aware since we were on the same team. Whenever people saw him coming at a game, they would go running for the hinterlands
quote:cd quote:
My premise is that everyone here is a moderator. All members have the ability to moderate in several ways:
Keep bringing it....all the news, good-n-bad, questionable or not. Some of us only get to see our kids play a couple times a year and some kids are done playing all together. Most in this boat I'm sure will all agree that we've seen most of the good and bad, and at the same time would agree that many of those situations were learning experiences. Personally, at times I miss the rough water.
After watching this and other moderated threads my conclusion is that all moderators are different. Some let us play, some are more "pc", some may weigh their decision on the alignment of the stars, and some may have personal issues with a poster. Does it make a difference? NIMO
Bottom line: Why argue?
Answer: Because it is our right of opinion, the pulse of the membership will never be heard if the fringe is not discussed.
Solution: Post what you want and let the "powers" bless or squash the topic or reply. However, remember while varying opinions are healthy, pm's are available if the discussion evolves to become personal, or use the "ignore user" option, or go to a different thread. I for one may be placed on the "thick skinned" end of the scale so this may not be so well received.
You can't stop moderation, you can only hope to contain it.
Interesting Thought
RZ and I do not agree on all topics but I consider him a "cyberfriend' and respect his opinion and thoughts---
Heck--do you agree with your spouse all the time ?- That is why my office is upstairs
Many may remember BEENTHERE from Illinois---he and I used to go at it all the time in what I considered great debates ( this was in pre PC crazy times when men could men without offending anyone) --he was more headstrong than I but to this day we are friends and still talk a few times a year on the phone
Let people debate--isnt that what this great country is all about!!!!
RZ and I do not agree on all topics but I consider him a "cyberfriend' and respect his opinion and thoughts---
Heck--do you agree with your spouse all the time ?- That is why my office is upstairs
Many may remember BEENTHERE from Illinois---he and I used to go at it all the time in what I considered great debates ( this was in pre PC crazy times when men could men without offending anyone) --he was more headstrong than I but to this day we are friends and still talk a few times a year on the phone
Let people debate--isnt that what this great country is all about!!!!
In the famous words of the "Big Toe", SGT. Hulka, all you gotta do is................
OOPS, I just noticed that the title of thread was wrong.
quote:Originally posted by fanofgame:
OOPS, I just noticed that the title of thread was wrong.
Bring on the ridicule!
Just kidding. I totally missed the miswording.
This is getting a little side tracked but since we're talking about moderating and arguing we can go there too. There are many different types of posters and readers. Some agitate with their comments and some moderate with their comments. A word here and a word there is all it takes to guide a thread. I happen to be an agitator by nature but I've been assigned moderator duties. Contrary to some comments I think moderating has nothing to do with allowing someone to post like a "real" man or being politically correct. It has all to do with common sense and looking out for the other person --- many times a "new member" looking for information to help their ball player(s). Much of this boisterous argumentative talk from some posters is all sound and fury signifying nothing and adds zero to the HSBBW. Sharing opinions is greatly appreciated ---- sharing your personality might not be appreciated. 
TR, since I'm more down to earth than most people, my "office" is in MY basement ---- I see it as my "man cave" if you know what I mean.
Fungo
TR, since I'm more down to earth than most people, my "office" is in MY basement
---- I see it as my "man cave" if you know what I mean.Fungo
quote:Originally posted by Fungo:
Much of this boisterous argumentative talk from some posters is all sound and fury signifying nothing and adds zero to the HSBBW .
Fungo,
I'll have to disagree. My presence over the weekend added a lot to HSBBW. Specifically, the bandwidth bill. Maybe it's time I made another contribution.
Buck Buck Buck!
Donate a few bucks to help maintain this site. Thanks.
As one of the older members of the board (I don't mean that I've been on the board longer....just that I'm old ), may I say that there were (maybe there still are....I haven't looked at them in years) other forums where players were discussed openly. I stopped reading those forums when they degenerated into a lot of trash talking, inflated "scouting reports", self-serving advertisements (as if recruiters and scouts actually read there ), and outright cruelty.
IMHO, some of our moderators are also familiar with the direction those boards took and want to make darn sure this one never does. If this on rare occasion means a touch of overzealousness, then So It Goes.
), may I say that there were (maybe there still are....I haven't looked at them in years) other forums where players were discussed openly. I stopped reading those forums when they degenerated into a lot of trash talking, inflated "scouting reports", self-serving advertisements (as if recruiters and scouts actually read there ), and outright cruelty.IMHO, some of our moderators are also familiar with the direction those boards took and want to make darn sure this one never does. If this on rare occasion means a touch of overzealousness, then So It Goes.
I just wanted to make a comment about moderators and moderating.
I'm kind of the head janitor in the forums. I don't wear any kind of badge or fancy suit. Most of the time, someone points out a mess to me and I try to help clean it up. I try to do it quietly and respectfully. Who really wants to notice the janitor with his/her bucket, mopping up the mud tracked into the hallway, or cleaning up the cafeteria after a food fight?
I truly try hard to do a good job of helping without bothering anyone or getting in the way of people going about their business. But I have to share with you one very important truth:
I am almost always wrong. Almost always. Almost every single time that I take some action, no matter how thoughtfully and respectfully I try to do it, I am...
Almost...
Always...
Wrong.
And I have learned to accept that.
Why?
Because I understand that all of our members are different, and we will almost never see a sticky issue from the same perspective. There is no magic pronouncement that I or any other moderator can say which will suddenly make 50 out of 50 people who have participated in a debate - or a debate that turned into a war - see that issue from the same perspective. So someone...at least one person, but probably more...will always think that the decision I've made or the action I've taken is wrong. It's just the way this moderating thing works.
Personally I try not to over-moderate, try to let members work things out if that seems possible, or to let everyday members of our community help pull a thread out of the ditch, so to speak. But I can tell you with absolute certainty that if we never moderated any threads in this forum, if we never sent a PM to a member asking them to read the Board Manners before posting again, if we never edited an offensive post where a member refused to moderate him/herself, if we never suspended a truly mean poster - this forum would be worse off for that fact.
And I apologize for saying "I", "I", "I" above. This post of course wasn't about me, but about the moderating job in general. I just used myself as an example because I wanted to point out that I am ...
Almost...
Always...
Wrong!
To at least one person. And sometimes, to many more!
But there are a lot of other moderators, and many, many members, who work hard to make this forum a special place where most of the time we can feel that we are among friends. And I truly, truly appreciate that.
Julie
I'm kind of the head janitor in the forums. I don't wear any kind of badge or fancy suit. Most of the time, someone points out a mess to me and I try to help clean it up. I try to do it quietly and respectfully. Who really wants to notice the janitor with his/her bucket, mopping up the mud tracked into the hallway, or cleaning up the cafeteria after a food fight?
I truly try hard to do a good job of helping without bothering anyone or getting in the way of people going about their business. But I have to share with you one very important truth:
I am almost always wrong. Almost always. Almost every single time that I take some action, no matter how thoughtfully and respectfully I try to do it, I am...
Almost...
Always...
Wrong.
And I have learned to accept that.
Why?
Because I understand that all of our members are different, and we will almost never see a sticky issue from the same perspective. There is no magic pronouncement that I or any other moderator can say which will suddenly make 50 out of 50 people who have participated in a debate - or a debate that turned into a war - see that issue from the same perspective. So someone...at least one person, but probably more...will always think that the decision I've made or the action I've taken is wrong. It's just the way this moderating thing works.
Personally I try not to over-moderate, try to let members work things out if that seems possible, or to let everyday members of our community help pull a thread out of the ditch, so to speak. But I can tell you with absolute certainty that if we never moderated any threads in this forum, if we never sent a PM to a member asking them to read the Board Manners before posting again, if we never edited an offensive post where a member refused to moderate him/herself, if we never suspended a truly mean poster - this forum would be worse off for that fact.
And I apologize for saying "I", "I", "I" above. This post of course wasn't about me, but about the moderating job in general. I just used myself as an example because I wanted to point out that I am ...
Almost...
Always...
Wrong!
To at least one person. And sometimes, to many more!
But there are a lot of other moderators, and many, many members, who work hard to make this forum a special place where most of the time we can feel that we are among friends. And I truly, truly appreciate that.
Julie
I've always thought moderation was the key to a happy life.
Julie,
If your almost always wrong, then you must be almost always right also.
Whatever, you and the moderators have made this website what it is today... A great place to learn and hang out. Don't change a thing.
Thanks,
fillsfan
If your almost always wrong, then you must be almost always right also.
Whatever, you and the moderators have made this website what it is today... A great place to learn and hang out. Don't change a thing.
Thanks,
fillsfan