Expected conduct for all members during the NBA Finals (Playoff decorum)

[Roy Hobbs]

By and large, both Celtics and Lakers fans here on the blog have been conducting themselves admirably.  As we get more and more new members, however, it makes sense to emphasize our expected code of conduct for all fans.

===========================================================================

Ground rules for Celticsbloggers in regard to Lakers fans:

1) Treat them with respect, please.  Lakers fans are allowed to come on here and argue the merits of their team, and so long as they do so within the rules of this site, they are welcome here and will be protected by the staff as much as Celtics fans.  (Ugh...  defending Lakers fans.  It kind of curdles the stomach, doesn't it? )

2) Good-natured banter is okay, and please, argue vigorously.  Do not, however, cross a line; we expect you to act civilly.  The *last* thing the staff wants to do is to suspend anybody these next two weeks.

3) Please report the trolls.  The staff will be on the lookout, but rather than responding to baiting -- which only gets you in trouble -- please just ignore them and report them to the staff.  Chances are somebody is going to be online to take care of them.

4) Enjoy the series!  I never thought I'd see another one Lakers/Celtics series again.  This is as good as it gets in the NBA!

===========================================================================

To the Lakers fans:

1) Welcome aboard.  It's good to have more passionate, if wrong-minded, fans on the site.

2) Please read our Posting Rules.  Things are enforced pretty tightly here, but the most important rules is "respect others at all times".  If you do that, you'll be fine here.

3) Please do not troll or bait.  The first example of such behavior will result in a ban.  Inevitably, that will happen with a few of you (as it did in the Pistons series) but we're all hopeful it doesn't have to.

4) In selecting a screen name, do not bait our membership.  Screen names along the lines of "Lakers_sweep" or "Celtslose" will result in a ban from our site. It is fine to identify yourself as a Lakers fan (ie, "Lakerfan" or "blue_and_gold_lover"), so long as you do not denigrate the Celtics or otherwise insult Celtics fans with your name.

5) Stay on topic, please.  There's no need - and indeed, its inappropriate -- to reiterate that you think the Lakers will win in 5, or that you think Kobe dominates KG, in every thread.

6) Prepare yourself to be traumatized.  That has very little to do with Celticsblog, and much more to do with the Celtics.  The entire world seems to be underestimating this team, and you're about to get a hurting.

===========================================================================

Let's make this as fun as possible, guys!  It doesn't get too much better as an internet sports fan.  Hopefully, a new generation of sports fans is about to learn why this is the greatest rivalry in basketball!

[Roy Hobbs]

A situation in another thread necessitated that I post this reminder.

Lakers fans are allowed to post on this blog.  They're not allowed to troll or bait, but they're allowed to legitimately make points, so long as it is context appropriate.  Insults aimed at our team or our players will not be tolerated -- and will be an automatic ban -- but legitimate debate is acceptable.  We're taking care of the bad Lakers fans, but cut the intelligent and articulate ones some slack. 

Do not label others trolls, or make other personal attacks.  You must abide by the rules at all times, regardless of who you're corresponding with.   All that labeling posters results in is the destroying of interesting dialog.  If somebody is trolling, report them to the staff.

I don't want to have to remind people again.  This is a big week for us, and the absolute last thing I want to do is come down harshly on Celtics fans, because they allowed themselves to be baited.  Just use the "report to a moderator" button, please.

[Roy Hobbs]

By request, I'm bumping this thread.  Feel free to substitute "Bulls", "Magic", etc. for "Lakers" above.  These are really just a reminder of our every day rules, for anybody who hasn't seen them / read them yet.