If Sun Deck allowed us to have avatars, then that would be good enough for me.
Fact is, at this stage of the game (the nosedive) for the Reds season, you aren't going to find much meaningful or interesting content. Mostly complaining. Go take a look at ORG right now. Only difference between SD and ORG is ORG backs up their complaining with endless statistics.
ORG is pretty stuffy if you ask me. Every once in a while one of the mods wanders over here to tell us sarcastically to "stay classy" or whatever. Fortunately, because ORG members can't post here, that is usually the extent to which we have to tolerate the "holier than thou" laughable attitude.
I don't know why anyone would even want to get "promoted." Its like going from the tailgate lot to the dentist's office. Go look over there now. I'm not making this stuff up.
I was up when they had the last rules (got enough positive rep)then when they changed it I was sent back down..haha it sucked but honestly theres as many people posting idiotic trades and less than knowledgeable stuff there as here. I dont understand the segregation it seems ridiculous to me. I cant add valid thoughts to their threads and vice versa. Really kind of a strange way to run a fan message board. Cant we all just get along??? hahaha
Hoping for another Reds October
Good post. There's not much difference although the gods in ORG would say differently. Apparently since I don't use BABIP or the fielding statistics to show that Adam Dunn covers more ground than Jim Edmonds in his prime, we're looked down upon.
It's a shame. If we're negative about the crappy play, it's because we're terrible fans.
For what it's worth, I like RZ more for the minor league updates more than anything. Everything else I could find on any other Reds board.
It's threads like these that serve as the perfect example as to why there needs to be an ORG and a SunDeck...
I think "the ORG" generally is looking for an infusion of new voices right now.
It's not really as country club as some make it out to be.
Basically I think the "bar" is to have something to say and be able to say it without causing/escalating "flames". In other words, be able to formulate a thought provoking argument without causing "arguing".... BTW, I'm a strong advocate for sabermetrics and a great many of my arguments evoke "second generation" statistics to support premises but a love for sabermetrics is not a prerequisite for a yes vote from me....
Once again, just have something interesting to say and say it in such a way as to promote discussion rather than bickering.
I don't think that's an elitist stance......
"This isn’t stats vs scouts - this is stats and scouts working together, building an organization that blends the best of both worlds. This is the blueprint for how a baseball organization should be run. And, whether the baseball men of the 20th century like it or not, this is where baseball is going."---Dave Cameron, U.S.S. Mariner
You're only illustrating my point. You certainly are a master baiter, I'll give you that.
I kid, I kid....
In all seriousness though, if Sun Deck had avatars, that would be cool enough for me. I check back and forth between ORG and SD from time to time. I stand by my original statement.
Last edited by Fon Duc Tow; 08-11-2008 at 09:59 AM.
Avatars are cool. That said, I don't think I've ever changed mine.
I agree with this completely. Just speaking for myself, it takes a lot of energy to do the research necessary to write insightful posts and the particular brand of Reds baseball we've been watching is a bit of a drain in that regard (at least concerning writing/thinking through a Reds prism).
A lot of my baseball passion has recently been redirected toward my third love (the Rays) and just general sabermetric-related things. I suspect a lot of Reds fans are finding other baseball diversions as well.
The ORG is full of passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans who discuss baseball in the context of the Reds. It's a neat place and I feel privileged to get to interact with these people on a regular basis. It's pretty tough not to learn something as others test your assumptions during a typical debate.
But ya, when the Reds are painfully playing anti-baseball, the discussions probably aren't as edifying as they normally can be and the archives can be a great alternative.
By the way, ORG members aren't isolated. The minor league forum and chat are viable places to get to interact with people we normally might not get to talk with given the current organization of redszone.
All of that said, moderation is a "quality of life" issue concerning online communities such as this one and I for one would trade accepting whatever restrictions such moderation imposes for endless flames and noise. In the end, the division of Redszone basically just represents a "filter".
Lack of ORG membership doesn't imply a lesser knowledge or passion but rather generally it reflects a smaller posting history. The ORG is meant to be a place where people can gather for Reds discussion of the highest standards which, speaking for myself, requires a posting history that demonstrates a desire to stimulate intelligent discussion.
Obviously this community has had problems in the past with noise/flames etc, so I think generally the ORG has reacted by having a bit more skepticism regarding posting histories (so shorter ones might have a tougher time during the nomination process). It's not about being a sabr stud or being an "enlightened one". Once again, speaking for myself, it's about showing a desire to stimulate discussion (and yes, maybe it takes a little more work researching your opinions) and consistent constraint to "not go there" so to speak.
Basically for me, when an individual takes the time to formulate an argument and challenge his/her own assumptions/opinions (by doing a little research to test them) all the while posting in a non-baiting manner, that individual demonstrates that he/she would be an extremely welcome addition to the ORG. I'm very interested in what others think but find why they think it even more stimulating so giving the reasons behind your opinions is a huge draw for me.
I'm continually shocked by some of the comments posted on boards that simply don't jive with the results of a simple google search. While a discussion, it's much more lazy than intelligent. So I guess, I'd hope a person's posting history shows a little elbow grease too.
Anyway, the ORG is a gold mine for learning. I guess I don't begrudge the owners for imposing standards. I for one have benefited greatly from the experience.
Last edited by jojo; 08-11-2008 at 11:24 AM.
"This isn’t stats vs scouts - this is stats and scouts working together, building an organization that blends the best of both worlds. This is the blueprint for how a baseball organization should be run. And, whether the baseball men of the 20th century like it or not, this is where baseball is going."---Dave Cameron, U.S.S. Mariner
The only difference between the ORG and Sundeck is the egotistical, elitist attitudes that a lot on ORG have.
To think one has to be accepted into an internet forum is rich!
I appreciate the input. I must say I don't entirely understand the point of having two equally moderated forums, but I have found enough interesting discussion in SD to keep me coming back here, even with the Reds in tailspin mode.
It is however telling that SD members do not get avatars. I'm sure the excuse given is cost of storage space. Being in IT, knowing what storage space runs these days, I have to snicker to myself and just let that one go. There are many options that would allow SD members to have avatars, but then that would strip away a pretty sizable portion of the motivation to even want to join ORG in the first place.
I saw some thread titled "so you want to get into ORG." I had to read it. Basically it says "don't make any waves!" "Stay away from anything even remotely controversial!" Then they wonder why "things are getting a little stale" over there. Gee imagine that. Me personally, I like a little heated discussion, as long as it never gets personal. Flame wars should never be tolerated. But I like the opinions of different people more than I like the opinions of the same guys.
I think the ORG posts tend to be more well informed, which in and of itself is a good thing. But where ORG is at a disadvantage is in the lacking of fresh opinions as well as the holier than thou attitude carried by many there. I suspect that if the 2 forums remained equally moderated, but both were given avatar rights, that people would begin asking to switch back to SD from ORG.
Mods, prove me wrong and offer a "pay for avatar" option for SD members.
But it is also telling from an integrity standpoint that there is not an ad to be found on redszone.com. I'm sure the mods have tried many different things and if this format is what works best for them, then keep up the good work I say.
All in all it doesn't matter to me other than it would be nice to be able to bust out my Fon Duc Tow avatar, so people would know where the name comes from. But you gave such a well thought out answer, I felt compelled to respond.
Cheers!
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