A POLL ONLY FOR THOSE ATTENDING THE MARCH EVENT: SHALL WE OPEN IT UP TO BDC MEMBERS?

Please answer only if you will definitely be attending the March 16-17 weekend event. The question is: Shall we open up the event to members of the BDC Forum?

A little background: I've maintained a pretty decent relationship over there, although I now post only at holiday time to say hello. I never had anything against BDC. I just couldn't stand the trolls. We have something like nine game tickets that will be sold to the general public if we don't use them. It' s a shame to see them go to waste if we might possibly use those tickets to gain some members from BDC by having them see, in person, that we're a pretty likeable bunch. As for the trolls, I don't believe they'd show their faces; it's in their DNA to be cowards. Moreover, there's something about meeting a person, even an arch enemy, face-to-face that sort of deflates the testosterone. To your amazement, you realize that he doesn't have little goat horns and a scruffy, pointed beard.

By the way, I'm getting the feeling that we could have as many as 17-20 of our own members and their guests in attendance.

We've gone so far as to invite friendly Lakers fans to join. Although their numbers are small, it seems to me that the degree of mutual forbearance is remarkable. I like to think the encouraging diverse groups to get along is consistent with the spirit of the country I love so much.

Having said that, I realize that people who attend will be paying good money and don't want to risk having a bad time if just one troll pays his money and seeks to destroy. Although I believe the chances of that happening are little-to-none, I think that this is one vote where a majority won't be necessary for the negative opinions to prevaii. If only three people really object, I won't issue the invitation. And feel free to express your opinions too.

But the voting has to happen almost immediately, because the time for calling for tickets is getting short, and I probably need to post the invitation by late tomorrow (Thurs.) afternoon if I'm going to post it.

Thanks a lot.

Sam

I am sure it will be fine either way. I dont really know anyone on BDC, so it makes no difference to me.

As for trolls giving anyone a hard time. I cant see someone spending good money to be a pain in the ass, so as Sam said - I doubt it will be an issue.

If in the end however, it becomes necessary - I am happy to step outside with them and sort it out.

see u there Sam

There's no need for any more voting. I went to BCD to answer a question Che posed to me. The responses I got were more positive than negative, but the vehemence of the negative ones suggested that, over there, they enjoy a more contentious atmosphere than we have here. Which is perfectly fine. Different forums meet different needs.

We'd be happy to issue invitations to any BDC members who register on our board, but we'll leave it at that.

Thanks to those who voted.

Sam

If I still lived in RI, I would definitely join you.
Living in Tampa makes it a little unrealistic and expensive for a "Celtics Weekend".

Our loss, TJ. One thing you have in Tampa (besides Ybor City and the cool Hillsborough River where you can canoe among alligators) is the best airport in the world.

Sam

Just looking at that thread over there (first time on BDC in years) and I can't believe what a bunch of immature, low life's they have over there.

Would rather have a fun, positive, family friendly dinner and game - then to deal with the jerks over there showing up and ruining our evening.

Sam and all,

Guess I moved out of Ma. 3 yrs too early! I would love to be able to attend. Have a cold one and some great food for me.

I read the thread over at BDC, there appears to be a group that really likes to talk Celtics basketball, but end up having to deal with others that seem to just want to mix it up. Hopefully, some of the more positive ones will venture over here someday.

Sam, I am pretty excited about the Bingo games we supposedly have over here, and am ready when you are. I could use the cash.

Pete

I SAY INVITE THEM!

112288

Cow,

It was a thread I started when I was tipped off that Che (remember him?) had wondered on their board what Sam thought about the so-called Rondo debate. The title of the thread is: "Note to Che and Anyone Else from Slippery Sam."

It attracted more than 70 responses, and more than half must consist mainly of berating one another.

It was the first time I had posted an opinion there since we all left. I try to go over there on holidays just to say hello to friends, but I had neglected to do so this past holiday season.

Sam

I went back to the BDC for a look, for S&G's. I really think the management there likes the trolling. They must get $$ for each post and allow the trolling in order to replace the cash lost from people not buying newspapers.

Teanage wasteland (SMH)

sam wrote:Cow,

It was a thread I started when I was tipped off that Che (remember him?) had wondered on their board what Sam thought about the so-called Rondo debate. The title of the thread is: "Note to Che and Anyone Else from Slippery Sam."

It attracted more than 70 responses, and more than half must consist mainly of berating one another.

It was the first time I had posted an opinion there since we all left. I try to go over there on holidays just to say hello to friends, but I had neglected to do so this past holiday season.

Sam

Hi sam,
I read that board and still post there. Each thread turns out that way. Its very easy to get into the same game if your not careful. Your post as usual was very good. Thats why I like reading here, less confrontation. Sometimes I find myself biting my tongues here (or fingers) out of respect though. Each has their own opinion which should be respected.

I sure wish I could attend. For one I have always wanted to visit the area. Been trying to talk wife into a vacation there for historic reasons. Living in the middle of Texas makes for a pretty costly trip. Would love to meet the people behind the keyboard though. Sure hope everyone enjoys it.

cowens/oldschool wrote:sam

Just had to take a look over there, can't believe how kind you were to some of those eh posters, reminded me of a bizzaro Star Trek episode, nobody was hardly talkin hoop, they wanted to challenge each other on nothing, so strange. I was almost gonna post a comment there, but came to my senses. Strange how much that board has changed, even dudder was a pleasure to argue/discuss the nuances compared to how that board is now.

cow

Not sure about the Dudder, Cow. LOL

tardust-Never feel that you cannot express how you feel here on the board. Everyone here is respectful for any thoughts that other posters have. A little banter back and forth helps keep things alive. Look at that LA post started I don't know how long ago, they are on the 12th page!

Rosalie

Tardust,


Rosalie is right on target as usual. One of the main reasons I left BDC
was NOT because I was scared off by trolls. Verbal jousting is right in
my wheelhouse. It was because I found myself hesitating with every post I
made. What ammunition might it give the trolls? How would it affect the
other "good" posters? Would it get by the mods? Would it
survive the "dirty word" check filter that meant I couldn't even type
my real first name?

I made well over 15,000 posts there, but the last couple of thousand were more
work than fun. There was an available alternative, and I took it.

Whenever we've had brush fires on this board (and there have been fewer over
time), 100% of the time it has been because the posts got personal. In my
recollection, not one time has the problem arisen simply because viewpoints
differed. Heck, without honest differences of opinion, we're pretty much
dead in our tracks.

One of the best things about this board—and one of the major contrasts with
BDC—is something I never really thought much about back when we established
Sam's Celtics Forum. When dealing with really weighty topics (not just
kidding around or catching up personally), people on this board tend to support
their opinions. They don't just fire an unsupported opinion from the
hip. Some do extensive research; others allude to quotes from players,
coaches, etc.; many refer to game situations; some use pure logic; etc.

I like to think this board proves that passion and substance can coexist within a civil environment.

Sam