Man, I can't believe this. First, a thread addressing the downward spiral of the board karma, then a thread to talk about the thread about the downward spiral of the board karma.
What really gets me about all this is that so many people seem to forget that we all have one thing in common, a love of the Cincinnati Reds. That's got to be worth something, and I personally have no problem considering everyone here a friend first, assuming that each and every poster would extend the same courtesy to me.
How does this influence me when I post? Well, it means that I don't write stuff here that I wouldn't say to a friend. There are millions of ways to have dissagreements with your buddies without causing offense, without getting up in their face, without dressing them down in front of a bunch of others. In short, I offer the same respect to everyone here that I believe is due to me. If I don't get it, I will mention it, but it will not be in a way that escalates the confrontation.The first order of business from my perspective is to make sure that the offending party understands that I don't play that way. It's my own little golden rule- post kindly and treat others with respect.
In the end, maybe a strong performance by the Reds will change things. I remember how fun things were with this group back in the day, when the Reds were playing well and surprising the major leagues. But that was several years back, and we have endured subsequent managerial incompetence, injuries and just poor play by our favorite team. I hope the Reds get on a run, partly because I wish they were a better ballclub. But also, I wish they would get on a run so that everyone here would perk up and start looking on the brighter side of their fellow posters. Failing that, maybe some folks need to evaluate their own personal priorities a little bit.