[MTK]

Originally Posted by BleedBurgundy

After the spiritual evisceration that was this past Sunday, I had to take a break from posting about the Redskins on this site. I did that because I felt ultra dissappointed and I didn't want my negativity and irrationality to compound the current ridiculous dichotomy between the kings of kool aid and the haterade heroes.

The break accomplished 2 things:

One, I gained perspective. In the two days since our loss, the following have, statistically speaking, happened- 3,000 people have died from cancer, 731,520 babies were born into this world and 14,000 deer have died at the hands of LadyBrave. Splitting our series with the Eagles isn't that bad.

The second thing it accomplished was to make me appreciate how much I enjoy discussing the redskins on this site. I waste an inordinate amount of time here. And generally enjoy every second. But when people start to talk less about the team and more about how worthless each other's viewpoints are, I feel like the experience is lessened.

Here's what I don't get concerning all of the bitching and moaning: Mods run the site. If they really wanted to unfairly censor those with differing points of view, they'd just ban you and that would be the end of it. Forget namecalling, we'd all just forget there ever was an Offis or a Paulskinsfan or whoever, because they'd cease to exist on this site. Consequently so would a lot of valuable discussion that makes this site so great.

I'm not trying to kiss anyone's ass or anything but I believe that by and large this group of mods does everything it can to maintain and improve the quality of fan interaction on this site. That's not to say that the Mods aren't human. If they care enough about the team to spend whatever ungodly amount of hours it takes to maintain this forum, then obviously they are going to get a little bit annoyed with 14 "Fire Gibbs" threads immediately after a loss. Especially when we have a winning record and at least a puncher's chance to make the playoffs. Believe it or not they probably roll their eyes to the same extent when there are 15 "We are the greatest team since Michael and the archangels took on the Egyptian Firstborns" threads.

What I'm getting at is, take a second to think before you post. Ask yourself- "is what I have to say going to add to the overall quality of the discussion going on right now?" "Am I just venting?" "What am I hoping to accomplish?" "Do I honestly believe what I'm posting or am i just so dissappointed right now that I'm trying to take it out on everone else?" If the answer to any of those is yes, then it's probably best to take a porn break. Come back when you're relaxed.

I have to admit, I am slanted towards taking a positive look at the Redskins if at all possible. (not the easiest when Westbrook runs through the middle of our D for 58 yards and the go ahead score) I'd rather talk about ways we can get better as opposed to ways we suck. If that's not you, that's cool. But I just have to question the fanhood of anyone experiencing schadenfreude over their own team losing just so they can go online and say "I told you so..."

Mods are great and obviously this site would be an absolute disaster without them but I think we can all do our part (especially the ones who've been around for awhile, lurkers and posters alike) to police ourselves. I suggest taking a short break, realizing what makes this site such a great place to waste the workday on and then come back refreshed.

Just a thought...

excellent post