Announcement: TheWarpath.net Front Office Changes

[SmootSmack]

After several weeks of internal discussions TheWarpath.Net front office would like to announce some major changes that will be taking place. As some of you may know, the moderators on this site are frequently meeting online to discuss ways to improve the site. While the ultimate say goes to Matty, he has always been kind enough to allow us all to express our concerns and opinions. This can lead to some contentious debate, but always an agreement is reached.

However, we have reached a breaking point on too many issues. As a result we are splitting the site into two. TheWarpath.Net will become a pared down, simpler site and continue to focus on news and rumors.

TAFKAS, BrudLee,and Sheriff Gonna Getcha will be terminating their relationship with TheWarpath.net effective after the NFL Draft to create a new site that will dig deeper into the Redskins. Think of the current site as SportsCenter that will focus on game day and the new one as Outside the Lines focusing on the rest of the week. The new site will not be so much a chat room as it will be a blog, with essays, and op-eds.

The reason for doing this is that we simply could not agree on the direction of the site. TAF, Brud, and Sheriff want more of the emphasis to be on original content developed by the members of this site. Other mods want to maintain the status quo. Therefore, after much deliberation, a decision has been made to go our separate ways.

[jdlea]

While I'm sorry to hear about the split, I'd like to know a little more about the site that you all intend to build. Could you elaborate a little further, please?

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by jdlea

While I'm sorry to hear about the split, I'd like to know a little more about the site that you all intend to build. Could you elaborate a little further, please?

Well we're still in the planning stage. But, for example, my Redskins Rewind column will continue but on the new site. Sheriff Gonna Getcha will provide previews of the upcoming opponents-with stat breakdowns, offensive and defensive philosophies, and matchups to watch. The new site (name still to be determined, checking availability of certain names) will not depend on The Washington Post or any other mainstream outlet for game recaps. We will have our very own Brud Lee at all home games, and hope to recruit some of you to cover away games.


We all can't say enough good things about TheWarpath.net, but the essential purpose of the new site is to allow you the fan to really speak your mind. More so in essay form, then the current dialogue form. To give as many people as possible their own "projects" for lack of a better word they will call their own.

8588, to answer some of your questions. Op-ed basically means an opinion piece. Usually by guest panelists. For example, we may invite someone from a Jets site to give his view on how Ramsey is doing and what his thoughts were on the Redskins-Jets preseason game. I hope I answered your original content question above. But basically, yes members original thoughts. The status quo is what you see now of this site. The new site will just dig a bit deeper and basically we'll be our own media and newswire.

[jdlea]

Thanks, that does clear up a lot.

[shallyshal]

Originally Posted by TAFKAS

Well we're still in the planning stage. But, for example, my Redskins Rewind column will continue but on the new site. Sheriff Gonna Getcha will provide previews of the upcoming opponents-with stat breakdowns, offensive and defensive philosophies, and matchups to watch. The new site (name still to be determined, checking availability of certain names) will not depend on The Washington Post or any other mainstream outlet for game recaps. We will have our very own Brud Lee at all home games, and hope to recruit some of you to cover away games.


We all can't say enough good things about TheWarpath.net, but the essential purpose of the new site is to allow you the fan to really speak your mind. More so in essay form, then the current dialogue form. To give as many people as possible their own "projects" for lack of a better word they will call their own.

8588, to answer some of your questions. Op-ed basically means an opinion piece. Usually by guest panelists. For example, we may invite someone from a Jets site to give his view on how Ramsey is doing and what his thoughts were on the Redskins-Jets preseason game. I hope I answered your original content question above. But basically, yes members original thoughts. The status quo is what you see now of this site. The new site will just dig a bit deeper and basically we'll be our own media and newswire.

if it what i think it will be, i like the idea... as one who tends to ramble or wander a bit off topic at times, or simply talk too damn much, it might provide the ideal forum for this kind of expanded screed... without feeling the need to confine it to a short response.

if that is not quite what you had in mind then, as rosanne rosanna-danna said.... nevermind

[Luxorreb]

I think Gibbs had something to do with this...
It's brilliant.
Just please let us hardcore Redskins fans ability to switch between the 2. To read and post etc.
GO SKINS!

[Redskins8588]

Could you clarify a few things? First, what is an op-ed? Secondly, what do you mean when you say "original content developed by the members," do you mean members original thoughts? And what exactly is the "status quo," of this site, just a chat site?

I am just having a hard time figuring out what the 2 directions are when both sites sound very similar to each other.

[NY_Skinsfan]

I was thinking the same thing....will we be able to log into both sites with the same username and password or will we have to re-register to the new site?

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by NY_Skinsfan

I was thinking the same thing....will we be able to log into both sites with the same username and password or will we have to re-register to the new site?

Good question. We're hoping people can log in with the same. But I'm not a technical wiz by any means. And I guess Matty would have to allow it.

[That Guy]

whats wrong with posting essays in the news section as is currently done?

I'm not sure how a seperate site would really add any benefits beyond what this forum already provides...

seems like a split would just end up with everyone reading the same info twice

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by That Guy

whats wrong with posting essays in the news section as is currently done?

I'm not sure how a seperate site would really add any benefits beyond what this forum already provides...

seems like a split would just end up with everyone reading the same info twice

I'd rather not air the Front Office's dirty laundry here (I'm not sure I used that term right), but really there have been far too many issues and differences. It's unfortunate that we all could not reach an agreement on what was best for The Warpath. Because it's such a busy time with the NFL Draft upcoming we have agreed to stay on board until then. After that though, it's simply time for us to move on.

We'll be sure that you're not reading the same info twice.

[huntz]

Sorry to see you guys go. And good luck on the new venture.

[STPainmaker]

Hmmmm. April fools right????

[dmek25]

one too many egos.come on guys,we are all die hard skins fans but this isnt rocket science.why not just tweek the warpath and keep us one big happy(??) family.more fans in one location gets many,many different viewpoints(which is good!)

[BrudLee]

Originally Posted by dmek25

one too many egos.come on guys,we are all die hard skins fans but this isnt rocket science.why not just tweek the warpath and keep us one big happy(??) family.more fans in one location gets many,many different viewpoints(which is good!)

TAFKAS is being a little kind.

While I've certainly enjoyed my stay here, it became apparent after this season and our partnership with Tony McGee that thewarpath.net could enjoy a larger media profile. Our discussions with Mr. Kyer (Matty) have made it clear that he thinks that's impossible unless some of the "free spirits tone it down" (I still have that email, Mr. Kyer). In that spirit, I was asked to either stop writing the formerly trademarked Warpath Power Poll, or change its content to something a little less abrasive.

My belief is that the tone of the forum I joined fiive years ago, and moderated for three years, had room for a little lighthearted fun. It turns out the guy who signs the checks disagrees, so I'm gone. Fortunately, TAFKAS and the Sheriff agree, and I couldn't ask for a more energetic team to be on.