Warpath Myth vs. Reality

[STPainmaker]

I'm a longtime member of the warpath, but rarely post at all anymore. I think the site is great because of the mods and how they keep the threads fresh and nonrepetitive.

If you think your threads are unduly closed or you got banned for no good reason you are in almost every case wrong. Please think before you post or start threads and try not to be too emotional when you post here.

[djnemo65]

Good post and I would add that I am sick of people starting rant threads that just espouse their own general opinion about the state of things without offering any new or specific analysis. Usually these threads go something like this: "I have been a Redskins fan since ________ and I (am sick of this crap/believe we need to stand by Gibbs)." These threads offer nothing in my opinion.

[12thMan]

Bottom line, people need to grow the f up.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

Bottom line, people need to grow the f up.

Bottom line, you sure start a heck of a lot of threads. But they are quality threads. I'm thinking of maybe having you start a thread teaching people how to start a thread. Seriously, your threads are well thought out and spark very good discussions (by those that are actually here to have good discussions)

I'm completely serious. You start a 12thMan's Guide to a Proper Thread and I'll sticky it

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Bottom line, you sure start a heck of a lot of threads. But they are quality threads. I'm thinking of maybe having you start a thread teaching people how to start a thread. Seriously, your threads are well thought out and spark very good discussions (by those that are actually here to have good discussions)

I'm completely serious. You start a 12thMan's Guide to a Proper Thread and I'll sticky it

I 100% concur. 12ths threads are generally the best around here. Where's the kool-aid?

[Lady Brave]

You know what I wish? I wish we had a practice squad forum. Put people in there until they've proven they can cut it in the locker room. I know it won't happen, but it's nice dream anyway.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by Lady Brave

You know what I wish? I wish we had a practice squad forum. Put people in there until they've proven they can cut it in the locker room. I know it won't happen, but it's nice dream anyway.

That's a pretty awesome idea

[hooskins]

The main problem, IMO is the influx of new members. We have talked about this before with the mods, but with new posters, come those same old posts that piss you off. Realistically speaking, most new members aren't too forum savvy, and pretty much do all the no-no's, like starting BS threads, getting into arguments, repeating the same stuff, etc. I can use myself as an example. I use to post a hell of a lot, and it was meaningless. I also got into arguments with Grim and others for no damn reason.

It took time, but I changed and I try to put more effort into my posts and not overreact after games. But "noobs" will continue to do so. So I really think the mods have a few options.
1) Restrict/stop new membership(not ideal)
2) Teach new members via sticky threads, several polite requests, etc.
3) Teach new members via temporary non-thread starting periods(already a measure)
4)Ban people more often.
5)Or just deal with it.


I think the ideal fall between options 2-4, but we also need to face the reality of point 5. New members are going to be there, and unless you have the time and effort to call each of them out, etc we have to deal with it to an extent. I do think the mods have done a decent job of this, I only suggest to the "regulars" to calm down because the problem is inevitable. This is all just my opinion though.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Bottom line, you sure start a heck of a lot of threads. But they are quality threads. I'm thinking of maybe having you start a thread teaching people how to start a thread. Seriously, your threads are well thought out and spark very good discussions (by those that are actually here to have good discussions)

I'm completely serious. You start a 12thMan's Guide to a Proper Thread and I'll sticky it

It's been a very interesting week, huh fellas..and ladies. Let me say this, I like to write and contribute to this site just as much as the next guy. There's really no right or wrong way to start a thread, I think. Yes, there are some general guidelines established by the Mods, and then there are the unspoken rules, so to speak. For instance, "Portis Sucks" or "I hate Gibbs" don't go far. And you really don't believe that anyway, do you? In fact, you actually love Joe Gibbs. If you saw Gibbs or Portis in Starbucks, or wherever it is you go, you'd be running around like a three year old trying to get an autograph. I'll take it a step further, if one of us ran into Ethan Albright, we couldn't wait to get to the nearest computer to let everyone on Warpath know about it. Proof that we really do appreciate and admire these guys greatly. Every single one of them. You and I are just pissed about the way things are going with the team sometimes, that's all. Does your wife want to fire you for leaving the toilet seat up all the damn time? Nope. So don't go overboard the next time Joe Gibbs leaves the toilet seat up, so to speak, in the final two minutes of the game. Which actually leads me to my first of five things.

One: Generally speaking, if you're pissed off about something, your thread is doomed from jump street. Because you're already in an argumentative mode and the point never really becomes the point. It usually becomes a contest to see who can become the rudest camouflaged as an intelligent argument. Personally, I usually go with fives because it's just easier for me to lay my thoughts out. I also find that other posters can nit-pick my thread easier without attacking me personally. For instance, they may like point 2 but disagree with point 4. That way they don't just trash the whole damn thread. It would take a real asshole to disagree with five out of five things, don't you think? But even if they disagreed with everything, I still wouldn't give a damn. On to number two.

Two: If I think it's going to be a long thread, I usually write it on a Word document or an email format first, then I'll post it later. That just works for me, you have to find what works for you. I can go back and forth, pick my nose, and think about it before I post it. Sometimes when I write it directly on Warpath and try to save it before the server decides to timeout, I don't feel pressured to finish it before it's really clear. And believe it or not, I steal a little of everyone's style, a little of their humor and make it my own. So the next time, you see me misspell a word, remember I'm imitating DBOYZ at that point.

Three: I pretend like I'm actually talking to one of you in person or even anticipate a rebuttal beforehand. So, say you know Earthquake, Paulskinsfan, or GhettoAllStars are going to rip your ass because of something bogus you posted. Chances are you'll probably think twice and at least try to make it tough for them to "not see" where you're coming from. Sounds crazy, but it kind of helps. Again, getting everyone to agree with you shouldn't be the goal of any thread or post, but rather seeing where everyone is on an issue. Or do others share that same sentiment. That's why starting a Gibbs thread, or a Ramsey thread, or a Portis v. Champ thread is so silly. It's well documented how people feel and stand on these issues - good and bad. Now after Clinton becomes rushing champ this year, all bets are off. I'm starting a thread!

Four: Think about the guys who visit the site, but we never hear from. Seriously. They either think we're too full of ourselves or we're too negative at times or just too damn rude. None of which is entirely true. I know the first time I started a thread, I was nervous as heck. I think...no, I know, collectively there isn't a fan site anywhere that can hold a candle to Warpath in terms of knowledge, passion, and overall organization. That being said, it can be a little intimidating for someone who's visiting and then feel they have nothing to add because we're so "knowledgeable". Guys, we want to create a warm, friendly environment that embraces all races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, and genders. So for all you lurkers out there, come out of the cyber closet and post with us. You damn sissy!

Five: Effin relax and have some fun! Some of you cats act like you need a piece. Just come here and have some damn fun. Don't take yourself too seriously, don't take the members here too seriously, and quite frankly, don't even take the Mods too seriously. It's not like they're Cowboy fans. Don't forget at the end of the day, they're Redskins fans just like the rest us. Half the guys we get pissed at, are dudes we'd sit beside at a pub, have over for dinner, or maybe hold hands with - if you're Malcolm that is. I know for sure I wouldn't trust RedskinRich alone with my old lady. No way, buddy! But chances are, if you met most of these guys/gals you'd think they were very cool. Even though SBF can be a little weird at times, I think he's a good guy at heart. I mean, how many damn ways can you barbeque a rib!

That's all I got fellas.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

Don't forget at the end of the day, they're Redskins fans just like the rest us. Half the guys we get pissed at, are dudes we'd sit beside at a pub, have over for dinner, or maybe hold hands with - if you're Malcolm that is.

If you have a better way to exchange protein strands, I'd sure like to hear it.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

If you have a better way to exchange protein strands, I'd sure like to hear it.

TheKangandKodoConnection

[htownskinfan]

Hey,what'd you have to mention me for
I didnt realize we clashed that much

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by htownskinfan

Hey,what'd you have to mention me for
I didnt realize we clashed that much

Well that's the point. We disagree but we don't "clash" And I'm sure you could attest that you never had any reason to think I or any other mod was going to ban you for, as an example, saying "It's the playcalling" when I say "It's the execution"

[GusFrerotte]

Good post. The rules here are just like any other blog or message board, just don't go ballistic and be rude or disrespectful to your Skins brethren and you are fine. Lately it has been too hard to get in on the Kool Aid fun at all.

[GusFrerotte]

I like the fact that you can disagree on here. I used to be a regular on the Wash Post fan message board forum and if you didn't alway go with the kool aid it could get real nasty with the debates. I was a kool aid drinker somewhat myself til the collapse of 2005 then it really hit the fan for me.