How much tolerance should BAMA Forums give to rival posters?

[TerryP]

Well I didn't say I haven't been banned before from those sites under different user names in the past. I was banned just for defending Bama against some of the things they were posting about our players, coaches, etc. I used to worry about and try to change the opponents opinions of Bama until I realized that was an exercise in futility. Reasoning and facts do not work their. If you go to VolQuest, GridScape, AuburnSports or AUTigers and read some of the things they actually believe you will think that you are in an alternate universe. Especially VolQuest or GridScape while the Logan Young trial is going on. :eek2:

There are very few rivals sites I even visit. I'd say the most frequented is an LSU forum that Rich and I have posted on for several years. In fact, I think we were part of the original handful of rivals that joined. In fact, you'll find a handful of regulars from that site over here...TexasTigers, Red55, etc.

Voquest? I'd be willing to bet a paycheck or two I've been there less than 10 times in my life...can't say I've ever been to a Auburn site.

Here is the key with rival sites and it applies to Bama sites just as well. Pick and choose not only who you read, but who you respond to.

I was banned just for defending Bama against some of the things they were posting about our players, coaches, etc. I used to worry about and try to change the opponents opinions of Bama until I realized that was an exercise in futility

Besides the part of being banned...how does that differ from any Bama site?

 

[torsten]

I go to a lot of different teams' boards and enjoy being able to read and comment on what people are saying. To me it's kind of boring to just stay in the forum of your "own" team. As for what rivals should be able to post, I think the more, the better. My theory is that the more criticism is allowed, the healthier the program and the fan base. When visiting fans are banned it suggests that there are some collective self-esteem problems. Challenge and debate can be a good thing as long as it isn't of the "you suck" variety.

I can agree with TommyMac's assessment of the Auburn board. It's the only forum where I've been banned. Why? Apparently for saying that Pete Carroll is a good coach after someone had called him "classless." That happened before the bowls and national championship disputes.

To be honest, I haven't seen any two teams as insulated from each other as Alabama and Auburn. I realize there's hate there, but come on. Maybe a new state law is in order.... each forum must allow total free speech to the opposition. :biggrin:

I guess I'm a rival fan here in some ways, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of bad blood between UF and UA. I don't go to other forums to spew venom on the opposition, but I will defend my team if it's being attacked unfairly. I wonder though.... If I were a Vol fan.... how well that would go over here.

For those who are annoyed by arguments with rivals, there's an alternative that doesn't censor: Some boards have created a separate "smack" forum that's reserved for heated talk with rivals. That allows space for the people who enjoy the arguments, but leaves the main forum for more serious discussion. Rather than banning people, they can just move a post to the smack section or warn the poster to take his comments there. I know Miami and Oklahoma have a separate forum for this.

 

[Crimson Surfer]

There are very few rivals sites I even visit. I'd say the most frequented is an LSU forum that Rich and I have posted on for several years. In fact, I think we were part of the original handful of rivals that joined. In fact, you'll find a handful of regulars from that site over here...TexasTigers, Red55, etc.

Voquest? I'd be willing to bet a paycheck or two I've been there less than 10 times in my life...can't say I've ever been to a Auburn site.

Here is the key with rival sites and it applies to Bama sites just as well. Pick and choose not only who you read, but who you respond to.

Besides the part of being banned...how does that differ from any Bama site?

Well I subscribe to the age old adage of keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Believe me I don't go there regularly. I would not even say I go to an opponents board very often and I certainly don't post there anymore. I went to Gridscape and VolQuest recently once to track down a nasty rumor about Bama and then a few times since the LY trial to see their posts with reactions and opinions. It was certainly a head turner. I don't think night and day could be any different than the take on the trial between some Vol fans and some Bama fans. One of their threads said since Jim Neal is arguing in his request for dismisal that no actual crime was committed that Neal was admitting that LY was guilty. Not just one or two people but a whole thread. And the responses were in agreement and saying things like I can't wait to see what spin the Blankety blanks put on this one. I kid you not. I guess that sort of thing happens on all the boards including Bama boards but it seems like on our board in particular if the situation were reversed and some of our fans posted that sort of misinformation someone, would jump in and use some facts and reason to set the record straight .

To answer your question Terry it differs primarily due to the fact that you would be banned right off the bat if you simply stated an opposing opinion or facts that substantiate your argument. Not using attacking language or calling them idiots or Barners or anything like that just simply and respectfully putting up a coherent disagreement. I mean things like them laughing about players injuries or calling Coach Bryant a blankety, blank, blank, etc, etc. I don't even read that sort of thread anymore. I know what to expect from some of them. Not all of the opponents posters are like that just some of them and some of the board mods condone that kind of behavior and support it wholeheartedly.

 

[bayoutider]

For those who are annoyed by arguments with rivals, there's an alternative that doesn't censor: Some boards have created a separate "smack" forum that's reserved for heated talk with rivals. That allows space for the people who enjoy the arguments, but leaves the main forum for more serious discussion. Rather than banning people, they can just move a post to the smack section or warn the poster to take his comments there. I know Miami and Oklahoma have a separate forum for this.

It is doubtful you will ever see a "Smack Forum" open on tidefans. Tidefans has had these purposes in place since the beginning:

To be recognized as the outstanding Alabama site produced "By the Fans, For the Fans."

To achieve our purpose and empower us to continually accomplish our mission each and every day:

* We will look for any and every opportunity to promote the positive aspects of The University of Alabama, its students and student-athletes, its alumni, and its fans.

* We believe that every Alabama fan deserves the chance to read and post information concerning the Crimson Tide in a fan-friendly environment.....without incurring any additional or incremental cost.

* We will provide the best available content by assembling outstanding and knowledgeable staff, writers, and editors.

* We will provide the most accurate content by ensuring that no unsubstantiated rumor is posted by any staff member. ALL unsubstantiated rumors posted by registered users will be rebuffed with facts or removed from the site.

* We will provide the most current content by maintaining contact with various sources inside and outside The University who provide reliable and current information. No information will be bought, bribed, blackmailed, or otherwise obtained in any manner except at the sole discretion of the provider of such information.

* We will provide the most fun content by creating an atmosphere of inclusion in the TideFan community through timely articles and interviews written by the fans and for the fans.

* We will provide the fan-friendliest content by ensuring overall user experience on TideFans remains fan driven and fan-focused.

The people who register on tidefans only to disrespect, slander, stir the pot, and battle with our respected members break these rules in the policy:

4. We do not tolerate any of the following in any post or article and reserve the right to, without notice, immediately and/or permanently block the member from posting should one or more of these occur:

* Gross vulgarity or obscenity

* Improper and/or harsh criticism of current or former players or HS recruits.

* Improper criticism of coaches.

* For lack of a better description: Ignorant sparring between posters.

* Plagarism or unauthorized posting of copyrighted material.

* Gratuitous links to non-sports or non-Bama related sites

* Gratuitous links to other Bama/SEC-specific boards. (In other words, if you have a Bama or SEC board, don't use TideFans.com to advertise your site unless you want to pay us for the advertising space and reach!!)

* Any explicit reference to pornography or sexually suggestive content..

* Posts containing racist or bigoted remarks or references

* Any reference (explicit or implicit) that states Bear Bryant was anything other than the greatest coach ever!!

* The above list is not all-inclusive, but certainly gives the direction of the board. Moderators can and will do everything to enforce the "Spirit of TideFans.com"

So you can see that the spirit of tidefans has never been to allow tidefans to become a smack board or romper room. That is one of the major reasons tidefans has the following it has by the members who have made tidefans their home for many years.

If someone enjoys smack forums and romper rooms there are plenty on the internet to satisfy their egos but tidefans will stand as it has since it's beginning. There is no need to make that change. Show respect and be shown respect, act like a fool and be treated as one.

 

[TiderinMiss]

I don't ever want TF to become a smack board. Ever.

Everyone who knows me knows I love to kid around a little, but I like to be able to engage in some serious discussion without wondering if some of these guys are a bunch of Cletus' or below the allowed posting age of 13.

Personally, I work with an Arkansas fan who is one of the wrost smack talkers I've seen. He's so bad that our professional relationship has suffered, all because he can't help himself in taking jabs at Bama when he approaches me. It gets really old....

 

[Crimson Surfer]

I had to copy and paste this little exchange in a current thread on another Bama board that will remain nameless. The thread was about how could Upchurch be down to Bama and Arkansas and how could he possibly choose to live in Arkansas and play with the Hogs over Tuscaloosa and playing for Bama.


Bama fan Quote:
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That reminds me pig..

I had some goooood BarBQ last night!
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Arkansas fan Quote:
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Good for you.

I soaked some of my kid's soiled diapers in Tide.
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[THE BAMA IRISHMAN]

I always offer a nasty poster a

BIG CUP OF SHUT UP. No one has to put up with someone who just blows to be blowing. I don't take crap at the games and I don't take crap here on the board. The moderaters do a wonderful job. My offer of a BIG CUP OF SHUT UP STANDS as long as adults act like fools.

 

[Redwood Forrest]

The only boards I post on are those who I am a fan of, Like Ok and Penn State. The others I just visit and read to keep up to date. The rules of TideFans are best. RTR

 

[TIDE-HSV]

I usually...

just visit opponents' boards the week before we play. It's interesting getting the insights of the fan base. I also lose interest as soon as we've played them. I almost never post.

 

[GulfCoastTider]

One of the best of the best fan sites anywhere is www.soonerfans.com . It's second only to tidefans.com for comeraderie and outright fun. Those people have a blast, win lose or draw. I post on there from time to time and absolutely love their fark board. Not only are they great college football fans, they've got a sense of humor to boot.

The florida site gatorsports.com is good too, as is canesport.com . I've visited and posted on both.

It's not hard to express a different point of view responsibly. It's called 'respectfully disagreeing.' I rarely post on vile or barner boards because they don't get the 'respectful disagreement' thing. At all. In fact, I've seen several barners and viles get banned for going off on me! Killing with kindness works.

Another trend I've noticed: If you go to the fan site of a traditional powerhouse, such as Notre Dame, Miami, Nebraska, et al, you get a little more 'spek as a Bama fan. It's like they know they're in the company of champions, and as long as you know it too, you seem to fit right in.

 

[CrImSoNtIdE!]

I think that every now and then it is okay for fans from other teams to post replies on the Tide Fans message boards; it keeps the conversation going. On the other hand, I don't think that they should be allowed to post never ending comments because we won't get a chance to speak. I think our Moderators are doing an excellent job! Keep up the good work!

 

[jreed13]

www.soonerfans.com is much more tolerant but at the expense of the "family atmosphere"

 

[pyro]

Give them none and set them all on fire.