What has happened to this site?

As a comedian was once heard to say: "I resemble that remark!"

Moderators are people, too.

The only time that I've witnessed moderators getting "involved"; and, locking threads or deleting material....was when it was patently offensive.

Otherwise, just about anything goes.

Sounds like you would like to see this site become an AOL chatroom.

Not likely to happen in this lifetime with the Minnesota mom at the helm.

I've been on the site for nearly 5 years. Met some wonderful people. Learned a ton about amateur baseball and the recruiting process. Learned a ton about showcases and how to properly play the game.

Simply...Best baseball site, all things considered, on the Web.

jp

Chicks

I guess I can post as I am no longer a moderator and thus part of what you term the "user base"

What has happened is the normal transition as new replaces old but the new now is a bit different --they use terms such as jerk and idiot-- never saw that in the years before

Beenthere and I used to go at back and forth in the beginning days but we never ever called each other "names' and we today are what I consider to be good "internet friends" if not more. That won't happen with the "newbies" using the above noted phrases--yes I can be rough and crude and at times condescending but I never step down to their usage of degrading terms.

That doesnt happen anymore-- everyone wants their space--you know what ! they can have it

I don't claim to be smarter than anyone but I think I am wiser than most --age and experience gives you that with your AARP card (LOL)

Come back and join us Chicks --join the fun

Yeah---where's Bullwinkle when you need him??

I happen to love this place. It's the only internet site that I belong to-never seen any others that I really cared to be a part of. I think if there's any reason people are reluctant to post, it's because of the relationships that posters have. I think it can be intimidating to feel like you're intruding into someone else's space or friendships. That's the way I felt initially - obviously I got over that. Many people here have known each other for a long time, often away from the site as well. Don't get me wrong - I think that's good. It's just important to remember to welcome new folks in.

I think the moderators are fine and doing a good job.

Some posters are extremely thin skinned and get upset at almost anything. Kind of hard to believe on an internet site where who knows if anybody is who they say they are.

Personally, for the most part, I just use the ignore button.

Ok ... I'll bite (but probably shouldn't) I'm not a mod, but I've been around awhile now.
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Chicks ... your topic is also confrontational. You have a problem with the mods. Most of us don't. Why have you assumed that the Mods are the problem???

It's an honest question.

I agree with lafmom - there is a certain clique feel about the site - somewhat like moving to a new neighborhood where the people who already live on the street have many shared experiences.

As a long time lurker, I recently decided that I had lurked long enough and was starting to have experiences to share and questions that needed to be answered - so I deliberately started to post.

Just like moving into that neighborhood, you need to make that first move - being taking some cookies across the street or making that first post.

I will say that the way HSBBW could improve is to be more welcoming of the new kids on the block - check to see how long someone has been registered and how many posts they have made before responding. Tempering the words used in the response when someone is new would help to bring that person into the group rather than driving them off...

Chicks,

Just need some clarification from you before I respond:

Can you give an example of a user posting "feverishly and wholeheartedly" versus what you have seen on this site..

Define "decay" as you used it in your post.

What do you perceive to be "problems" or possible "corrections" to them.

I guess I see this site differently.......I am a member of a number of Umpire websites which can be best described as the "deep end of the pool"........where the posts fly fast and vicious..

I've chosen to stay here due to the nature of the interactions between posters.....I have, with only one exception, had a very positive experience and really don't wish this site to become like those sites at all......

I am an old timer, but am more of an active reader than a poster.......I choose to be a resource and a provider of my opinion and I hope to stay that way......

ChicksDigTheLongBall:

quote:

Originally posted by ChicksDigTheLongBall:

However, there seems to be a real decay in the past year.

Gee... and to think I joined up only 5 or 6 months ago. Must be part of the problem and not the solution!

Perhaps I should drop the deodorant each morning and start splashing on some good ol' industrial strength fungicide...something like 'High School Baseball Web Post Pest-i-cide'..."Got Sagging Posts? Your Base Getting Lame? Too Much Rancor in the Ranks? Then Hit 'em hard ...right outta' the park with HSBBW Post Pest-i-cide!. Your pesky, posting, pests will scatter after our patented "High Hard Heat" brushes 'em away from the plate...forever! Leaves websites completely clean and sterile! Acts fast...no lingering odor! New and Not Too Subtle Formula!

Caution: Contents under intense pressure. Comments bringing discontented posters to a boil may result in bursting resulting in badly bruised egos and worse. Do not participate in conjecture, incinerating remarks, or use near active or even smoldering 'flame wars'. Use only as strictly directed...or else!, Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents may permanently cloud your mind rendering you ...well... cloudy!

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF REALITY AND SMALL MINDED PEOPLE

Questions? Don't we all!

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Just having a little good ol' decadent fun!

chicks, thanks for the feedback

check back again in 2 yrs or so





(that feverish enough for ya? )


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I have been on the site for a long time. Originally a lurker and later more active. Some think my interest is related to the business we are in. Truth is, I would feel much more free to really say what was on my mind if there were no Perfect Game.

Most of those involved here have a desire to help others. That is the only reason for my involvement. I am not here to promote anything or to argue with anyone. Neither are 90% of those posting here.

That said… I do remember the “old days” and sorry, but I remember just as much back stabbing and arguing back then… maybe more! Perhaps we should ask Bob! He lost some sleep over some not so nice discussions on this website.

I see the sight as not missing a beat and as good as ever. I remember not so long ago, while Bob was still in charge, several of the very most important posters went on strike due to problem posters!

I’m amazed that people think this site is going downhill. I have a terrible memory, but I guess it is better than some. Perhaps I am stupid, but I don’t see this “real decay”. Everything seems to be about the same to me. And that is “real” good!

Perhaps there are just more members than ever before and a few could cause problems. Perfection is hard to find… I doubt it exists on a message board! It seems by saying a “real decay has happened in the past year” it is a direct reflection (and a real mean one!!!) towards MN-Mom! This site would not be here to talk about without her… Once again ask Bob!

Maybe all that money (none) she's making to keep this great site going, deserves a few pot shots!

Jeez,
Some of you are PROVING Chick's point (at least the part about reluctance to post) by pouncing on him. And while I think his suggestion of a full overhaul is a bit extreme, I think there are some "issues" this community should and could deal with. Can we not proceed in the spirit of 08Dad's post? I think he's on the right track by offering some positive suggestions. Thanks, Dad...

Excellent post dad08!

I think this is a wonderful site. Some of my best friends on the planet exist here and I have only been a member for one year.

My take is similar to beenthere's. I think the site funtions great and no community is perfect. I think many people prefer to read rather than post as well. Where else could one possibly hope to meet and communicate with professionals of all levels in this great game.

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As a newbie...Pilsner took the post right off my keyboard ...

Chicks....I think it would be of value to refer me to a thread that is representative of the good old days.

Initial reaction....it seems to me that there are two basic types of sites...

Those that are open, wild and wooly. With tons of posts with little thought. Garbage in garbage out....

And those that are more informational in nature. I think this is (or has become) the later. Much like piaa_Ump I will often just read the posts here, taking up knowledge rather than attention or space. I am not sure thast this is a bad thing.

quote:

As a newbie...Pilsner took the post right off my keyboard ... Cool

Sorry O44, but I'm an Umpire and you know what theives we are.

chicks,

I reread my previous post. I know you have added a lot to this site over the years. I don't think you were intentionally targeting any one person. If that is true, I apologize.

.

Woody....

Maybe we're all just starting to smell like moose.....


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Chicks,

I think it's your turn now.

quote:

I am a member of a number of Umpire websites which can be best described as the "deep end of the pool"........

You mean there are message boards where I can communicate (further) with umpires?!!! I mean, more than I'm able to from the first baseline?!!!

That's WONDERFUL news! I know all my "buddies" from the A.C.C. officiating corps will be tickled pink to know that we can continue our "dialogue" past the 9th inning!!! What a surprize that they haven't already put me on to it!!!

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Pilsner..

Since you brought it up...regarding those stolen games...There is this matter of a my son's Bronco game about 6 years ago that is s till sticking in my craw....If those stolen games are still out there in some cosmic umpire bank...Can we negotiate?....


.

I guess I've hung around about 5 years now. This Board has been a wonderful source of information, and I have friends on here I've never seen, never audibly spoken to, and probably never will...technology at its finest.

It seems like there have always been a couple "cranks" around, that get really hostile, really quickly, but I've tried to avoid going down there with them into the gutter, at least for the most part, and choose to enjoy all the rest. The cranks usually flame out eventually anyway. It is truly amazing how much some folks on here know; there are very very few college/high schoool baseball questions that can be asked that someone on here won't be able to answer.

I would love to someday say "Howdy" and share a sweet tea (the "House Wine of the South")with a lot of the folks on here, and have been lucky enough to meet several in person at showcases or camps. But even if that sweet tea cocktail never happens, life is always sweeter when shared with friends, and there are many on here that are friends to all.

If folks will follow that little old Golden Rule, which hasn't changed a lick in 2000 years, I suspect this site will be just fine.

quote:

Originally posted by VA_Sportsmom:
Jeez,
Some of you are PROVING Chick's point (at least the part about reluctance to post) by pouncing on him. And while I think his suggestion of a full overhaul is a bit extreme, I think there are some "issues" this community should and could deal with. Can we not proceed in the spirit of 08Dad's post? I think he's on the right track by offering some positive suggestions. Thanks, Dad...

I don't feel like we are "pouncing" at all.

There was a purpose to Chicks original post. It not only invited, it DEMANDED either support or rebuttal. You either agree or disagree.

I've been around for 5 years and it's pretty much the same as it alway has been.... Some great information, some dumb questions, some teasing, some disagreement a few heated exchanges and some problem posters.

Changing the board, in essence requires changing the human nature of the posters. The people attracted to this site and become active are either 1) passionate about baseball or 2) passionate about their kids playing baseball. There will occasionally be a bit of a biting edge, but it's really not that much of a problem.

-------------------
The old saying: "Perception is reality", Chicks perceives that there is a problem so to him there is a real, rock-hard, honest problem. Most others, from either being think-skinned (which I'm not) or being older (which I probably qualify full in that category), take most that is said with a grain of salt ... or at times, by using the entire shaker.

--------------------------
Thank goodness for Bullwinkle !!!!!

---------------------------
So, finally, we get back to the central questions.
What was the purpose of Chicks post??
Is there a problem?
Is he just stirring the pot for the fun of it??
Has it changed??
Does he have a problem with a few of the posters??
Should all of us have a problem with the same posters??

---------------------
I disagree with his main premise though. This place is different that a "regular" board. Frequently people will come here and ask questions that would ever dream of using a regular board. It's a "specific purpose" location to them.

I agree with some that the board can come across as insular. But nothing is perfect in this world.

I haven't seen much in the way of problems with moderators. Seems there was some controversy on that count a year or so ago, but I wasn't directly involved and don't recall the details.

These days they seem to pretty much take a hands off approach, which is practical.

I have only had a problem with one poster, who seems to practice the behavior of which he accuses others. But that is being settled by the mutual "ignore" button now.

Many posters have been a pleasure with whom to interact. The experiences of those who have already been down the road is helpful. And the wonderful sense of humor possessed by quite a few posters is refreshing.

The board is a little slow now, but all baseball boards (at least those with which I am familiar) tend to do so at this time of year.

If cdtlb has any specific suggestions...

Been on here a short time. The info is great and people in general are very tolerant and supportive. The last site I was on was a war zone.
I wish I had looked at this site sooner before my son started his college baseball.

Chicks, I find it interesting that before yesterday, the last time you posted was in May. I don't know how much you've been viewing the site lately, but you haven't contributed a whole lot lately; and I do think that you've had interesting things to say from time to time in the past. So, maybe you need to come around more often as a contributor.

A bit like you, I come and go on this site. Sometimes I'll check in regularly for a while, but then I might not log on for days or a couple weeks at a time. It all sorta depends on what I have going on with the rest of my life. I think we're all very lucky to have this site, as I think it is one of the very best baseball websites in existence. MNmom has done a great job since taking over from Bob, and of course, he was fantastic.

Another thing about newbies. There is no reason at all to let the fact that you're new to this site inhibit your participation. When I first started visiting here, I more or less jumped right in after just viewing for a few weeks. I did try to make sure that what I said didn't make me look like an idiot, and hopefully I've acheived that most of the time. What I see this site as, is one of the greatest resources on the web for anyone who plays or has a kid playing this great game. Take advantage of many of the old timers. I've learned a lot, from far too many people to list. I owe thanks to a whole lot of people on here who'll probably never realize how much I appreciate the things they've made me aware of about this great game, that I didn't know before this website came online.

I don't quite understand why you think this site has declined. Care to expand on your other comments?

observer44:

I read the data sheets on 'HSBBW Post Pest-I-Cide' and there is no mention of this product being capable of masking or eliminating that... that... PROBLEM WITH THE MOOSE!

In re reading my post, I realize that I left out the most important two parts - I do think this is the best message board on the web - on any topic - that I frequent. And that I think the moderators here do an outstanding job compared to moderators on other boards.

While there is always room for improvement on any site, I wish that the behavior of this board would roll over onto some of the technical boards (Java, Web Services) that I also frequent.

Hokieone:

Nice reference to the 'Golden Rule'. Thanks!

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Woody...

You're the Man ...Moose!

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Chicks,

I believe it's your turn now.........Chicks, are you out there? Hellooooo Chicks!

My God, he has tricked us all!!!

I'm relatively new to the site, I guess sometime in the past year.

I think it is the greatest baseball site on the internet to discuss a lot of different aspects of baseball, recruiting, showcases, bats and the lot.

My son's are still young (16 & 11) so hopefully I will be around for a while and will have more to contribute as we experience more.

The Moderator has all of our backs and has done a great job.

observer44:

Oh no...no, no,no,no! Knot me!

I love this place.

Information...and imo, great banter abound.

I do find it interesting TR USED to be a moderator...gives me pause to reflect on the good judgement it took to quash that obvious mistake.

I like your thoughts on the word "idiot" though TR...even though you used a derivative less than 24 hours ago.

quote:

Nice reference to the 'Golden Rule'. Thanks!

Amen. I just need to keep trying.

Dad04;

Don't we all.

Y'all lost me at moderators are people, too.

... sorry, couldn't help myself.

Chicks, there is an entire new regime here and the old barb types very seldom post anymore.

I'm one of those who is reluctant to post anymore. I very seldom visit the site anymore and try only to leave a smidgen of information that my be of some use to a young player looking for answers.

MN-MOM has been more than fair and I'm happy to see that she is having success with this website.

I started out coaching a long time ago, probably have forgotten more baseball than most people know, but it is only useful if others want to listen.

I've seen PGStaff try many times to mediate arguments here and he has bee a good source for everyone.

Of course there are politics as usual a in all places where human interaction happens, and there are the clique members here also...but I don't take them to seriously.

There are good members that try to contribute in a positive way and those are always interesting to read, when they do speak to issues dealing with some aspect of baseball...posters like, bbscout, redbird5, frankf, PGStaff, JustBaseball, etc.

Posters that contribute and post controversial subjects like Dibble, I think try to kick-start discussions.

Posters that relish jabbing others, then feign some innocent posture about it is fine as long as it is done with humor, but so often in the past it hasn't been that way.

There is no doubt that I have had my ta-tee-tas with members, but a lot of it, I confess, was just yanking their chain since they were throwing insulting or insinuating cr*ap up against the wall and seeing whether they could make it stick.

I've been called a HM parent here, and been told my son's BB career could be dead because of that. I take no offense with that since I know, after playing and coaching that so much of what goes on here is no different than what goes on in any competitive sport.

In the end my son's BB career will rise or fall based upon his ability to get people out. If he can show that he can against the best competition, there isn't a coach in this country that wouldn't want him on their pitching staff. That I am certain of.

Trash talking and backstabbing go on in all sports, though I detest it vehemently.

quote:

by tex: I agree with some that the board can come across as insular

part II of that golden rule deals with being loquacious




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