State of Affairs at SEC Talk!

[Chris]

What's Happened?
Due to some recent events with some members of our site, there has been a shifting of gears. Apparently many member no longer wanted to be "censored" by the values that are enforced on this site. We do not allow personal attacks, trolling, and foul language. There are people that value the ability to come to a website and chat without having to wade through posts with obsecene language and personal attacks. We won't bend on these values. While we might step back and allow a little language sometimes, sometimes there will be a need to step in.

This said, there has been a "revolt" and many members have moved on recently. Alot of these member have taken others with them. When the smoke settles, a few members will remain that enjoy the site with the restrictions. I would rather have 20 posters getting along than 20,000 taking pop shots at each other and resorting obscene name calling.

The Future
It's the off season as far as many football fans are concerned, so we will likely be slow throughout the spring and summer. There are other SEC fansites online, and there is one for everyone. If this one if for you, welcome. If not, good luck with finding one you can call home. You have to be comfortable where you hang your hat and I don't want anyone uncomfortable in my home.

Moving forward, I will say that the site will have a couple of changes in the coming weeks, but we need to let the smoke settle and see what we have left from this falling out. If you don't enjoy debating politics and religion, which I personally don't, then there may be some banter about, but until spring training and March Madness, there is not much going on in the SEC.

I apologize to the members that value the direction of this site for my staff and I driving off some of the members. Some will be more than welcome back when and if they choose, some I could care less if they return. I am going to talk with some of my friends that have tried to come here in the past, but left because of the atmosphere.

Thanks!

PS. If any member wants to talk to me about the direction, offer constructive critism, or blast me.... Please send me a PM to discuss. You are welcome to converse about the issue here too, but I know some would rather remain private.

[GTmorris1970]

Thanks again Chris. My father always told me there are two things you should never discuss; politics and religion. So, I personally don't. Certainly would not hurt my feelings to see it go, but don't care if it stays. I am waiting for spring practice personally!! :D

[Chris]

The forums are staying, I was just stating that I don't personally discuss the issues. Religion and politics are personal issues that must be worked out in ones own heart. Discussion is good and healthy, but normally turns into hurt feelings and hate when discussions get heated.

[scunyon]

The forums are staying, I was just stating that I don't personally discuss the issues. Religion and politics are personal issues that must be worked out in ones own heart. Discussion is good and healthy, but normally turns into hurt feelings and hate when discussions get heated.


And speaking of Dick "Quick-Trigger" Cheney...

Just kidding:D

[Hardie]

Well there is no reason to take shots at anyone or any other type of personal attacks. Its a site where ppl come to discuss SEC sports as well as other things. Just because someone has a diffrent opinion or is a fan of a hated rival doesnt mean you have to be ugly to them. If ppl would just respect each other and their opinions then I think everyone could get along just fine and we wouldnt be having these discussions about ppl being banned, ppl leaving, so on and so forth... Just my 2 cents.

[Bulldog Bry]

chris, just in case no one has said it in awhile, I want to say thanks for running the site. Many of us appreciate it, we just don't verbalize as much or get into these pissing contests that have gone on.

I don't really venture on to the other discussions boards. Not because I don't have strong opinions, I just don't care to discuss something like religion or politics without looking someone in the eye.

All I really want from this board is SEC football talk. So usually those are the only threads I read. (ok, ok, i DO jump when I see the babe of the day). Hopefully, I can learn a little more about our opponents by lingering around here. (Coach Richt's press conferences put me to sleep).

So thanks again.

[Chris]

Thanks for your comments guys, I think we will shape into what I have always invisioned.

Roll Tide!

[rabidcock]

I'm staying because I like it here. I am distressed that some of the members have decided to move on. Some that left include a few of the more "interesting" characters, and hopefully they will return in some degree.

I still don't see what the big deal was and why some felt it was necessary to take such bold and decicive steps. I was quite surprised at the sudden uproar and departure. I'm sure a few felt it was the best thing for them given the circumstances of their own individual philosophies and, of course, they have that right. I won't discuss my personal feelings regarding any particular individual's own situation regarding all this, because they are complex and vary in nature with each individual involved.

I use this forum to have fun, mainly discussing and gaining vast insights into the inner workings of major college football. I learn a lot by being here, and whenever I feel I have anything of relevance to add, I do so. I don't feel it necessary to attack others personally or swear like a sailor, though the occasional word of color is infrequently used to drive home a point, hopefully with great effect.

I greatly enjoy the reputation giving system here and enjoy "rewarding" others for what is, in my opinion, a productive post of sorts. As for the rules of the site, they have been posted for all to see for as long as I have been here, since late 2004, and I have never had a problem with it.

Instead of arguing about trivialities, if we just discuss sports (mainly SEC football :thumbs: ) and other items of interest, then there should be no problems.

[GeauxTo]

Roll Tide!
Say what?!?
:yelrotflm

[Chris]

Say what?!?
:yelrotflm
I said, good stuff and Roll Tide. Now let's:nonono: !

[GTmorris1970]

One other note on the state of affairs. They are a WHOLE lot better than yesterday it seems. Enjoy the silence. :happy:

[VOLjlt]

Well, the dust is settling it seems...and so is the snow outside. Good grief its cold!! I must say it is kind of weird to look at "Today's Posts" and not see the most of the usual people posting. But, rules are rules and I have no problem with them. I grew up with rules on how to live, survive, treat others, etc. I reckon some didn't so they couldn't learn how to follow rules at a young age. Life isn't fair and rules sometimes aren't fun, but it makes it fair to everyone. Think of how rough a football game could get without a lot of the rules. Personally, I like how things are run here. It is organized, clean, and a lot of good topics come up. I don't post a lot but I read a lot. I must say, my wife gets a kick out of hearing some of the things I read on here and fired up when a Gator slams her school but I have to hold her back so she doesn't end up like some others on here. Thankfully, she has only posted like 5 times and saved herself from getting the ban treatment...temper temper. Chris, you are doing a great job. I think the state of affairs on this site are just fine. As the owner, you have the right to do whatever you deem necessary. Apparently, you deemed a few things necessary to make this an enjoyable place for those who play by the rules. I am shocked by the number of people who have moved on...a lot of old standbys who brought up good topics or did a great job of heating up discussions. But, alas, it is time to roll on through the FB offseason and the BB onseason (I think I made up a new word) and enjoy the SEC sports for what they are...entertainment, bragging rights, and plain old fun. I hope that I am here to post for as long as you keep the site going. I enjoy everyone here and their opinions on their teams, my team, and life in general. Keep up the good work!

[Snake2]

The loss of people that want to do nothing but flame others is no big deal. Politics and religion are best left for other forums. The ones that like that sort of post will migrate to those forums and leave the sport talk to us.

[Cianne]

The loss of people that want to do nothing but flame others is no big deal. Politics and religion are best left for other forums. The ones that like that sort of post will migrate to those forums and leave the sport talk to us.

Not that it really matters but the ones that talked politics and religion were also the most avid sports posters.

[Carolina Cowboy]

Chris this the best SEC recruiting site Bar none. Thanks for making it available.

[BlackstockGamecock1]

Thanks Chris for giving me a place to keep up with the SEC. I personally don't post much, but I do enjoy reading the posts. I get a kick out of some of the arguments that have gone on in the past. Most of it is unwarranted. Just because someone posts an OPINION doesn't give you the right to attack that person. Try to be an adult. I'll keep reading anyway.

Thanks,
Jay

[Fl_native]

I I appreciate your efforts to get this back to an exchange of ideas and shared information. I had almost quit checking the board because of the type of posts; so good luck!
I am a fan of Spurrier's brand of offense and have been following the recruiting to see how long it will take him to build the Gamecocks into an SEC powerhouse.

[Chris]

Thanks for the support in this. I have always wanted this site to be a great place to discuss SEC Sports in a civil manner. It is bad when my own real life friends won't post here. One of them said that he got into it with one member and when fact were presented to support his statement, the other party just started calling him loser, etc... Is that the way to debate?

Like I've said in the past, in a debate, if it gets down to having to call names or cuss to get your point across, you've already lost.

[blues_cap]

Thanks for the support in this. I have always wanted this site to be a great place to discuss SEC Sports in a civil manner. It is bad when my own real life friends won't post here. One of them said that he got into it with one member and when fact were presented to support his statement, the other party just started calling him loser, etc... Is that the way to debate?

Like I've said in the past, in a debate, if it gets down to having to call names or cuss to get your point across, you've already lost.

the best is when grammar is brought into the subject. that is a sure fire sign of someone losing an argument. "well, at least i can spell." i love that one, might as well have said, "i dont know what im talking about and im wrong, sorry." :laugh:

[AUTiger94]

My main problem is the tendency on here of certain people to call it "flaming" when it is good old fashioned debate. If I give a contrary opinion, I am obviously just trying to create discord. This site is at its best when people disagree. I have no problem not cussing but some need to chill out w/ the oversensitivity. How boring is it to give an opinion that everyone agrees upon. I'm getting sleepy just thinking about it.

[Cianne]

the best is when grammar is brought into the subject. that is a sure fire sign of someone losing an argument. "well, at least i can spell." i love that one, might as well have said, "i dont know what im talking about and im wrong, sorry." :laugh:

Learn to capitalize letters!

[blues_cap]

Learn to capitalize letters!

it is extremely overrated!!!!!

THE ONLY TIME I CAPITALIZE LETTERS IS WHEN IT IS A WORK RELATED EMAIL. I HAVE TO DOUBLE CHECK THOSE(HOW YOU LIKE THESE LETTERS). :whistle:

[SilverBritches]

Nevermind this post.

[jbuzbee]

I'm a member of other SEC sports forums but this is my "bread and butter". I've been here for a year or two and plan on staying for many more. The site has gone through a few changes, not the least of which has been an increase in members....especially Gamecock fans (misery.....j/k).

My question is with the new forum layout. My favorite thing to do is to check the Arkansas thread....now do I have to click on all these new links to find out if there are any new posts? I prefer to be able to just scroll through all the teams and see if there are any new posts. Thats my critique of the new layout. I'll shut up now!

[autiger1126]

I'm a member of other SEC sports forums but this is my "bread and butter". I've been here for a year or two and plan on staying for many more. The site has gone through a few changes, not the least of which has been an increase in members....especially Gamecock fans (misery.....j/k).

My question is with the new forum layout. My favorite thing to do is to check the Arkansas thread....now do I have to click on all these new links to find out if there are any new posts? I prefer to be able to just scroll through all the teams and see if there are any new posts. Thats my critique of the new layout. I'll shut up now!
couldn't you just click new posts and see if there are any new posts in arkansas sports?

[dudeman0501]

couldn't you just click new posts and see if there are any new posts in arkansas sports?

Or, you could just click the link to the Arkansas forum on the main forum listing page.

[Jordan]

My question is with the new forum layout. My favorite thing to do is to check the Arkansas thread....now do I have to click on all these new links to find out if there are any new posts? I prefer to be able to just scroll through all the teams and see if there are any new posts. Thats my critique of the new layout. I'll shut up now!
If you're speaking of the Forums Home page....

The icon to the left of a school will be White if there are new posts in that forum.
Or it will be Blue if there are not any new posts in that forum.

[jbuzbee]

If you're speaking of the Forums Home page....

The icon to the left of a school will be White if there are new posts in that forum.
Or it will be Blue if there are not any new posts in that forum.


Thats not really what I meant. I know that you can tell about new posts by looking at the document icon next to the link...just think about the way it looked last week versus how it looks now....I like the old look better (as far as the team threads go).

[GatorNation]

Thats not really what I meant. I know that you can tell about new posts by looking at the document icon next to the link...just think about the way it looked last week versus how it looks now....I like the old look better (as far as the team threads go).

Well, if we're talking about cosmetics.....I prefer the older profile version below the avatar. I don't like the boxes. Neither do I like the "digital," computer-esque labels underneath the admin and mod avatars. Looks ugly and is unecessary with the other label above.

That said, I like the other changes and the new icons. Pretty cool.

I'd also like to say that things have been much more enjoyable around here of late....which is part of the reason I've been more active on the boards recently. Nice change....

[Chris]

I will play with the look of the postbit a little tonight. I am not too pleased with the way it turned out either. It was getting late when I said, it'll do for now.

As for the forums for SEC Teams, I put them like that to eliminate some of the up and down scrolling. The page was getting too long.

As for the state of affairs, its slower now, but I am enjoying reading now. I have not jumped in to many threads because 1) Politics and Religion do not interest me and 2) There ain't much going on in the SEC at the moment.

Thanks for the PMs and emails from the supportive members of the site. Silent support is always welcome.

[GamecockinIL]

I absolutely believe that Chris took the right steps here for the long-term health of this board. Here, as in every other facet of life, there are rules that must be followed. Gaurdrails over the bridge are not there to be restrictive, they are there to protect. Still, there will always be people that think the gaurdrails are an insult to them and will protest the fact that they are unneccessary. :drive: In the end, maturity and good sense must prevail....and I believe it has here.

I have come to the conclusion, (although it is nothing more than my opinion based on observation), that many here who were raising a ruckus as of late, were deliberately attempting to provoke in order to sway people to leave for "greener pastures". I have done some reading at "the other site". It seems to me, that as certain people gained positions of leadership/influence/prestige at that site, they began to want people to come to it where they could run the show. Nothing earth shaking about that, other than it's not very ethical. This site will be better in the long run for staying the course and waiting to build a community of like-minded individuals who are mature enough to see safegaurds for what they are...protection, not punishment. :crying:

That being said, I must admit that I miss some of the other posters. I had grown to enjoy their thoughts and insights. But I am confident others will come to replace them.

Glad to be a part of this board.....now and in the future :thumbs:

[jbuzbee]

As for the forums for SEC Teams, I put them like that to eliminate some of the up and down scrolling. The page was getting too long.

I liked the scrolling!! Makes me feel like I'm actually reading a lot of stuff!!

Silent support is always welcome.

I get TONS of silent support!!!! In fact, I think ALL my support is silent. :laugh:

[KnoxNicky]

Chris, I haven't been on the site in months - but your letter has piqued my interest in returning. I'm always looking for a little more elevated discussion - and like the setting of having an all-inclusive SEC group. You might be surprised that with a better product, you will eventually attract even more numbers, albeit maybe not the "volume posters" that spend too much time looking for fights in these forums.

P.S. Go Vols.

[Whaler 2001]

Growing pains.... you'll make it through, this is an excellent site.

[SCDurwood]

Just stick to your principles...

those that are truly interested in a clean, open community will remain and the rest have plenty of other options if they just want to perpetuate garbage...

There is no other way to handle this type of situation...

[TigerHeel]

The way things deteriorated is the one reason I stayed away. I hear enough talk like that at work. I don't want to see it on here, where kids can read it. Some of it might've started up as a lark, but it didn't end up that way. I commend you for taking the steps that you did, and for sending the e-mail to make all aware of what was happening.

I'm not sure how much weight you give a first time poster, but things seem much better now.

[AUTiger94]

The way things deteriorated is the one reason I stayed away. I hear enough talk like that at work. I don't want to see it on here, where kids can read it. Some of it might've started up as a lark, but it didn't end up that way. I commend you for taking the steps that you did, and for sending the e-mail to make all aware of what was happening.

I'm not sure how much weight you give a first time poster, but things seem much better now.
Rugby fan and Auburn fan? Cool! Welcome TigerHeel! We will take over the web soon!

[Chris]

Thanks Tigerheel, we appreciate the support. I agree though, a little more quiet than it used to be, but alot more peaceful.

[SeattleGamecocks]

I personally enjoyed talking politics w/ the folks on this site. Yeah at times people got a little offensive but that's just conviction behind their opinion. just my $.02 Go Cocks!!

[GTmorris1970]

The way things deteriorated is the one reason I stayed away. I hear enough talk like that at work. I don't want to see it on here, where kids can read it. Some of it might've started up as a lark, but it didn't end up that way. I commend you for taking the steps that you did, and for sending the e-mail to make all aware of what was happening.

I'm not sure how much weight you give a first time poster, but things seem much better now.

Welcome to the site!!! You will enjoy it here. :happy:

[GTmorris1970]

Actually, I see several new folks. Welcome!!!!

[jbuzbee]

Actually, I see several new folks. Welcome!!!!

Don't worry...I'll run 'em off!! J/k.

Can we get a babe of the day update!!! I mean I'm in law school so I need something to imprint on my mind for while I'm in class.

[k_chapp]

I reall like this site, i work a lot so I don't get on very often, and when I do it is usually late at night, I really like staying in the loop and just reading what everyone has to say. Not too many SEC fans out here. Keep up the posting, I'll keep reading.

[GTmorris1970]

I reall like this site, i work a lot so I don't get on very often, and when I do it is usually late at night, I really like staying in the loop and just reading what everyone has to say. Not too many SEC fans out here. Keep up the posting, I'll keep reading.

It should get more lively once spring practice starts. :happy:

[scunyon]

It should get more lively once spring practice starts. :happy:


When does spring ball start anyway :confused:

[geechee]

East

Florida
Starts: March 29
Game: April 22
Georgia
Starts: March 4
Game: April 8
Kentucky
Starts: March 29
Game: April 22
South Carolina
Starts: March 14
Game: April 8
Tennessee
Starts: March 2
Game: April 8
Vanderbilt
Starts: March 14
Game: April 1


West


Alabama
Starts: Feb. 24
Game: April 1
Arkansas
Starts: March 27
Game: April 15
Auburn
Starts: Feb. 28
Game: March 18
LSU
Starts: March 4
Game: April 1
Mississippi
Starts: March 6
Game: April 8
Miss State
Starts: March 6
Game: April 8

[TigerHeel]

Rugby fan and Auburn fan? Cool! Welcome TigerHeel! We will take over the web soon!
Thanks for the welcome. Not a lot of folks around here where I live to talk SEC football and basketball with. ACC talk is fine. Still, a little SEC talk would be welcome.

Yes, its just a matter of time before we take over. :biggrin:

My posting will be mostly in the mornings, since I work nights, and sleep in the afternoons. So if I'm a bit behind in some of the threads, I apologise in advance. I will be reading them daily, even if I don't post. Same for the Auburn boards.

Good to see another rugby fan here. Who do you pledge your loyalty to for that?

[AUTiger94]

Thanks for the welcome. Not a lot of folks around here where I live to talk SEC football and basketball with. ACC talk is fine. Still, a little SEC talk would be welcome.

Yes, its just a matter of time before we take over. :biggrin:

My posting will be mostly in the mornings, since I work nights, and sleep in the afternoons. So if I'm a bit behind in some of the threads, I apologise in advance. I will be reading them daily, even if I don't post. Same for the Auburn boards.

Good to see another rugby fan here. Who do you pledge your loyalty to for that?
Don't really have loyalty to any team, but Ihave been trying to learn about the sport quite a bit lately. I have taught then sport to my 8th graders, albeit bodified rules and they love it. If I had it to do over, I would have played a little bit o rugby in school.

WDE

[blues_cap]

is it just me or are there a boat load of auburn fans all of the sudden? :ohmy:

[TigerHeel]

is it just me or are there a boat load of auburn fans all of the sudden? :ohmy:
The one thing that I hate about having a 12-team SEC is that Auburn no longer plays Florida and Tennessee every year. Aside from Bama and UGA, those are the games I looked forward to the most. At least we play Florida this year. On 14th October, in Auburn.

WDE!!!

[azamugg]

is it just me or are there a boat load of auburn fans all of the sudden? :ohmy:

yea.......hahahahahahaha......and you gotta deal with it (bang your head against wall over and over and over)

[GTmorris1970]

is it just me or are there a boat load of auburn fans all of the sudden? :ohmy:

Yep. Can't wait to see them and the Bama fans going at it!!! :laugh:

[Noah.Dreams]

the best is when grammar is brought into the subject. that is a sure fire sign of someone losing an argument. "well, at least i can spell." i love that one, might as well have said, "i dont know what im talking about and im wrong, sorry." :laugh:
Oh, that is classic.

[AUTiger94]

is it just me or are there a boat load of auburn fans all of the sudden? :ohmy:
Yes you can call it! We are performing a hostile tak over of this board! :laugh:

[AUTiger94]

Oh, that is classic.
The spelling attack IS a desperate move.
Yes I agree! I've had my spelling attacked before a couple of times. Bama Fans in fact! :laugh:

[TigerHeel]

The spelling attack IS a desperate move.
Yes I agree! I've had my spelling attacked before a couple of times. Bama Fans in fact! :laugh:
Oh, shucks, let 'em attack my spelling. I don't care. This MB is supposed to be all in fun anyway. :biggrin:

As long as the debate is over whatever sport is in-season, and its intelligent, thoughtful debate, I'll be happy to throw my .02 worth in. But, when the personal stuff comes out, or some ridiculous attack on either of the institutions, you can have it. I don't hate anything about Bama bad enough to get caught up in that sort of drivel.

That sort of stuff is why I stayed away for so long after registering in May of last year.

[GatorNation]

The one thing that I hate about having a 12-team SEC is that Auburn no longer plays Florida and Tennessee every year....
Yeah, UF/auburn used to be a huge rivalry....

[Noah.Dreams]

Oh, shucks, let 'em attack my spelling. I don't care. This MB is supposed to be all in fun anyway. :biggrin:

As long as the debate is over whatever sport is in-season, and its intelligent, thoughtful debate, I'll be happy to throw my .02 worth in. But, when the personal stuff comes out, or some ridiculous attack on either of the institutions, you can have it. I don't hate anything about Bama bad enough to get caught up in that sort of drivel.

That sort of stuff is why I stayed away for so long after registering in May of last year.
EXACTLY, this Alabama Auburn pissing match is childish. Welcome to SECTALK and ignore the idiots baiting you and eventually, they'll go away.

[TigerHeel]

EXACTLY, this Alabama Auburn pissing match is childish. Welcome to SECTALK and ignore the idiots baiting you and eventually, they'll go away.
It IS childish.

Of course, not being an Alabama native, sometimes, Bama fans here where I live give me static about pulling for Auburn. They tell me that I do not understand the depth of the animosity between the two universities. Which is a fair point, I guess. Maybe I don't understand it. I just know that I will not get caught up in it. Its too much fun debating the state of affairs in both schools' programs to get caught up in that petty stuff.

Occasionally, I do get behind on whats happening at Auburn and the SEC. So, if I'm a little out of the loop at times, blame it on my night shift job, and the fact I live in NC instead of Alabama. Just point me in the right direction so I CAN get up to speed. lol

[blues_cap]

The one thing that I hate about having a 12-team SEC is that Auburn no longer plays Florida and Tennessee every year. Aside from Bama and UGA, those are the games I looked forward to the most. At least we play Florida this year. On 14th October, in Auburn.

WDE!!!


yep, those games in the nineties were all great. i plan on making the 7 hour drive down to auburn this fall for the florida game. one of my friends just moved there so that takes a lot of the hassle out of the weekend. im looking forward to it, as it is my first trip to the plains and the first time i've seen florida play in ages.

[BAMA NATE]

Yes you can call it! We are performing a hostile tak over of this board! :laugh:

Take-over?

Your *** should be banned right now! :laugh:

The longer we keep you the more you fill this great board with trash that are the AU faithful. :laugh:

Y'all know I'm just messin'!

[TigerHeel]

yep, those games in the nineties were all great. i plan on making the 7 hour drive down to auburn this fall for the florida game. one of my friends just moved there so that takes a lot of the hassle out of the weekend. im looking forward to it, as it is my first trip to the plains and the first time i've seen florida play in ages.
If all goes well, I plan on driving down to Columbia to see the Auburn-South Carolina game on 28th September. I'm also hoping to go to Auburn this season, too. I missed last season with work commitments, but, I am trying to clear my schedule so I can make it down to the Plains for a game in 2006. A friend of mine is from Dothan, so I'll have a place to stay. Ideally, I'd like to see either the LSU, Florida, or Georgia games. I'm not holding my breath on that one, though.

[AUTiger94]

OK I really haven't had a problem w/ anything until now. Injecting humor into a thread apparently is now considered flaming even if it is not laced w/ profanity or negative toward any certain individual or team as one of my posts has been totally deleted. I don't get it guys! Why does this go on? I still like to post here but if my posts keep getting deleted for no good reason I won't. Would whoever deleted my post in the "Looking for A few huge men" thread please explain why? This just says to me post here but leave your sense of humor out of it! :brick:

[EricTheRed]

I hope this forums doesnt get too conservative...btw can we say "minor" cusswords like "hell", "ass", or "damn"? Please don't ban me...