The FACTS don't lie

[Roy Hobbs]

Certain posters enjoy being overtly negative, to lessen the enjoyment of others.  I firmly believe that.

On the other hand, some people just like to call a spade a spade.

It really bothers me when people imply that somebody who is being critical or negative is a just a troll looking to incite controversy or conflict.

There's definitely a difference between criticism and trolling.  When the team is playing poorly, people are going to want to analyze that.

I think the thing that rubs people the wrong way is when the team has a big lead, or is playing well, and certain members continue to fixate on the negative, even becoming hostile and condescending.

Sometimes that's the case, and when it is, it's usually blatantly obvious because they don't try very hard to think their reasoning through - they're just being jerks.

I disagree with that.  Not everyone who trolls or baits others is posting some idiotic one-liner.  Some very intelligent people like to attack the enjoyment of others, because they find it fun.

But I think you have to acknowledge that the "woohoo come on guys let's be positive banner 18 no matter what!" kind of people have been, at times, just as hostile as those who are more in the "wow our team has looked really bad lately and i'm not confident things are going to get better!" crowd.

It definitely has happened, which is why we have the following rule:

Do not label fellow posters in a way that is likely to provoke a negative response.  Dependent upon context, examples include, but are not limited to, "fake fan", "bandwagon fan", "not a real fan", "hater", "homer", "koolaid drinker", etc.

[PosImpos]

Certain posters enjoy being overtly negative, to lessen the enjoyment of others.  I firmly believe that.

On the other hand, some people just like to call a spade a spade.

It really bothers me when people imply that somebody who is being critical or negative is a just a troll looking to incite controversy or conflict.

Sometimes that's the case, and when it is, it's usually blatantly obvious because they don't try very hard to think their reasoning through - they're just being jerks.

On the other hand, a lot of the time people who are being critical just aren't the type of people who feel like being blindly optimistic when things are falling apart before their eyes, and feel a desire to post their reasoning for what they are seeing going wrong.  The main problem with that kind of poster is sometimes they tend to go overboard a bit, repeating themselves a lot.

But I think you have to acknowledge that the "woohoo come on guys let's be positive banner 18 no matter what!" kind of people have been, at times, just as hostile as those who are more in the "wow our team has looked really bad lately and i'm not confident things are going to get better!" crowd.



Some people comfort themselves when they are faced with the disappointment of their favorite team playing badly by rationalizing it and telling themselves that they could see it coming all along.  They start to assume the worst, because that way they can't possibly be disappointed; at worst they are merely shown to be correct. 

My dad does that, and it's very obnoxious.  I've vowed not to watch New England sports games with him anymore because he is repeats the same negative, pessimistic refrain about whatever team we're watching and always assumes the worst will happen.  What's worst, I can tell he's doing it mostly just to get me going, because he knows I'm a big fan, and even though I try to be realistic, I also try to be as positive as possible.

So I can understand the desire to get away from people like that.  But honestly I haven't seen nearly as many "negative Nancy's" as PLamb makes out.  There are a few 'usual suspects' who say the same things over and over and seem to be trying to get people going somewhat, but overall I just think there's a lot of negativity because, unfortunately, there's a lot to be negative about right now.

So then there will be two threads and no need for hostilities

Us blindly optimist people can have our thread and enjoy what we are doing and those great thinkers and observationists that tell it like it is can stay in the regular game thread

Problem solved

The problem is, PLamb, that creates a dynamic of "us versus them."  Suddenly there are two opposing factions, essentially, on the blog.  Do you really want that? 

[Fafnir]

The problem is, PLamb, that creates a dynamic of "us versus them."  Suddenly there are two opposing factions, essentially, on the blog.  Do you really want that? 

That's my fear for this idea.

[PLamb]

Here's the thing, game threads are completely different animals to the everyday discussion threads

We all get along in the discussion threads

But when the emotions are running while simultaneously watching the Celtics, some people's inhibitions are changed and emotions run stronger

So what's the harm in having two threads when emotions are running stronger than normal and people are being less rash than normal

Then afterward, when everyone returns to their baseline emotionally, we all enjoy our discussions together



Listen, I'm not the most positive guy in the world

I made a thread asking what happens to KG's salary if he retires, does that sound positive

I made a thread trading Ray a couple of times

I think we shouldn't resign Ray because I think his game is going to severely fall off

I posted that our rebounding problems, which I agree we have, is because our older players are playing old

Sound positive to you


But when I am watching a game and cheering on my team, I don't want people telling me every 5 seconds how much we suck, why we won't ever win the championship and how bad this team is

Is that so wrong

So have two threads, let everyone pick their particular way to enjoy the game and then we all come together and discuss the team like we normally do

Is it going to cause the site to crash and burn to try it until it's not a good thing

Really

[dlpin]

I don't know how easy it would be, but I think a solution would be to simply institute an "ignore" button.

Keep in mind I'm not a blind optimist. But when some poster's reaction to stretches where Boston is playing well is to either stop posting completely, or complain about nonsensical stuff, you know that there is no rational argument to be had with that person.

[Rondo_is_better]

The idea of two different game threads is really immature. And petty.

[PLamb]

The idea of two different game threads is really immature. And petty.

Gee thanks

I won't take that personally or anything as the idea was mine

[QuinielaBox]

The Celtics are playing poorly right now. I am not sure why but the Celtics give up 2nd half leads consistently. I say it is a lack of mental toughness and getting too comfortable with that [dang] 3 point shot. They don't do the fundamentals like rebounding and taking care of the basketball. They seem prepared but lack the staying power to finish off the games.

It may be a coaching problem. 

[Rondo_is_better]

The idea of two different game threads is really immature. And petty.

Gee thanks

I won't take that personally or anything as the idea was mine

Its petty and immature, what do you want.

Solutions for your problem that don't divide the blog and cause problems:

- don't read negative posts
- don't post in game threads at all
- go to an actual bar with "positive" people and watch there
- trade PMs with the people you like
- deal with it; negative posts aren't some travesty. 

[PosImpos]

The idea of two different game threads is really immature. And petty.

Gee thanks

I won't take that personally or anything as the idea was mine

Its petty and immature, what do you want.

Solutions for your problem that don't divide the blog and cause problems:

- don't read negative posts
- don't post in game threads at all
- go to an actual bar with "positive" people and watch there
- trade PMs with the people you like
- deal with it; negative posts aren't some travesty. 

Thank you.

[PLamb]

The idea of two different game threads is really immature. And petty.

Gee thanks

I won't take that personally or anything as the idea was mine

Its petty and immature, what do you want.

Solutions for your problem that don't divide the blog and cause problems:

- don't read negative posts
- don't post in game threads at all
- go to an actual bar with "positive" people and watch there
- trade PMs with the people you like
- deal with it; negative posts aren't some travesty. 

1.) Rather hard to prejudge a negative post and know its not negative before, you know, READING IT
2.) If I like posting in game threads while watching games and there are a block of people who go out of their way not matter the circumstances to be not only negative but purposely negative to aggravate people(as I have already shown they have by posting the actual posts they posted baiting people), why should I have to be the one to leave, just create another area for me and others like me

By the way, the mods allowed such a place and it was visited and posted in during the game, so I guess the people running the blog who allowed this place to be and those people who visited and posted in it are as immature and petty as I am

3.) I no longer drink, it's bad for my health and I no longer visit bars but like that type of atmosphere that the game thread provides

4.) I have not been here that long to have befriended people to the point of trading personal messages with them

5.) I don't have to deal with it and never said negative posts were a tragedy

I post negatively myself

Access my lasts posts and read through them

I'm not some sugar coated, rah rah type guy

But I don't like being purposely baited into responses when participating in game threads by people who claim to be Celtics fans, and probably are, but who enjoy bringing gloom and doom to others as a way of making themselves feel better

I'm not saying it's everyone making negative comments

Constructive criticism is good and should happen

That is not what has been occurring in the game threads over the last month

So I will participate in the "Pep Rally" thread, read the game thread and if those that have been ruining my and other's experiences calm their rhetoric and act like responsible participants, I will come back to the game threads

If it continues, I'll stay where I am and sooner or later my guess is a whole bunch more immature and petty people will start joining me in the "Pep Rally" thread

Great thing about America, there's a place for everybody, even immature and petty people like me and even if that place is a "Pep Rally" thread

[Rondo_is_better]

The idea of two different game threads is really immature. And petty.

Gee thanks

I won't take that personally or anything as the idea was mine

Its petty and immature, what do you want.

Solutions for your problem that don't divide the blog and cause problems:

- don't read negative posts
- don't post in game threads at all
- go to an actual bar with "positive" people and watch there
- trade PMs with the people you like
- deal with it; negative posts aren't some travesty. 

1.) Rather hard to prejudge a negative post and know its not negative before, you know, READING IT It's not that hard. Read a few words. If it starts with a masked obscenity or something like "Celtics suck!" just stop reading. Or, scan the left hand side to see posters names. If you like what certain people bring to the game thread, read their posts. Its like listening to 5 guys at the bar and shutting out the drunks in the corner.
2.) If I like posting in game threads while watching games and there are a block of people who go out of their way not matter the circumstances to be not only negative but purposely negative to aggravate people(as I have already shown they have by posting the actual posts they posted baiting people), why should I have to be the one to leave, just create another area for me and others like me No new area should be created. That's just weak. The people who are baiting should be punished. THAT'S the solution.

By the way, the mods allowed such a place and it was visited and posted in during the game, so I guess the people running the blog who allowed this place to be and those people who visited and posted in it are as immature and petty as I am Let's be honest here. You made 90% of the posts in that thread. The only other two people who contributed were Redz and MattG, two of the nicest guys on this blog. And really, their comments were just "throw you a bone" type posts.

3.) I no longer drink, it's bad for my health and I no longer visit bars but like that type of atmosphere that the game thread provides Go to the bar and order a coke?

4.) I have not been here that long to have befriended people to the point of trading personal messages with them Not that tough, dude, just put yourself out there.

5.) I don't have to deal with it and never said negative posts were a tragedy Either deal with it, or work to get the baiters punished. Starting a new thread is like telling your mom on a bully. And no, you didn't directly say negative posts were a travesty...but you're obviously treating them like one.

I post negatively myself

Access my lasts posts and read through them

I'm not some sugar coated, rah rah type guy

But I don't like being purposely baited into responses when participating in game threads by people who claim to be Celtics fans, and probably are, but who enjoy bringing gloom and doom to others as a way of making themselves feel better

I'm not saying it's everyone making negative comments

Constructive criticism is good and should happen

That is not what has been occurring in the game threads over the last month

So I will participate in the "Pep Rally" thread, read the game thread and if those that have been ruining my and other's experiences calm their rhetoric and act like responsible participants, I will come back to the game threads

If it continues, I'll stay where I am and sooner or later my guess is a whole bunch more immature and petty people will start joining me in the "Pep Rally" thread The idea just doesn't make sense. You can't create an exclusionary thread, you can't segregate the blog. Plus, do those people who purposely bait you really seem like the type of people who are going to respect the "unwritten rule" of staying out of your positive thread?

Great thing about America, there's a place for everybody, even immature and petty people like me and even if that place is a "Pep Rally" thread I like how you finished it up with the America argument.

[PLamb]

Either deal with it, or work to get the baiters punished.

You seem like quite an intelligent person Rondo

I would have figured that someone as intelligent as yourself would have figured out that this was actually the purpose of starting the conversation of the whole second game thread in the first place

[PosImpos]

Either deal with it, or work to get the baiters punished.

You seem like quite an intelligent person Rondo

I would have figured that someone as intelligent as yourself would have figured out that this was actually the purpose of starting the conversation of the whole second game thread in the first place

Really?  I'm not trying to be mean, or antagonistic, but honestly I was under the impression the purpose of starting that conversation was for you to become the center of attention for a while.

Here's some advice:  don't sweat the small stuff.

Sure, it's a cliche, but it's a cliche because it's true.  If the 'negative' posters are bothering you so much to the point that you have go and make your own little post and make a big deal so everybody knows about it, then I think you need to ask yourself if the problem starts with you, the person who is making such a big deal out of posters who share a different viewpoint than you and choose to voice it in a way that you don't like.

[PLamb]

Either deal with it, or work to get the baiters punished.

You seem like quite an intelligent person Rondo

I would have figured that someone as intelligent as yourself would have figured out that this was actually the purpose of starting the conversation of the whole second game thread in the first place

Really?  I'm not trying to be mean, or antagonistic, but honestly I was under the impression the purpose of starting that conversation was for you to become the center of attention for a while.

Why do you guys keep taking pot shots at me

Did I do something to you two to deserve being indirectly called petty, immature, and an attention seeker