Right Here, Right Now, This Site

I have agonised somewhat about writing a blog about the very issue I am about to personally protest against. I enjoy this site for football banter. Apart from my comments around election time, which were football motivated, my personal preference is to keep it to footy.Don't get me wrong, I read the Cave and the Cupboard to read the banter or to check the funny posts. When it's good humouredly taking the piss, I'm all for it. But that has not been currently on the main.Something is going horribly wrong right now. I'm watching and reading some of the members here, people that I consider to be mates, at each other's throats. I'm hating that aspect with a passion.I understand that this site is not some form of Shangri-la. It's never going to be sweetness and light on a footy forum. But it's a footy forum.I couldn't give a .... about reading about religion or politics on the main. Where does that lead us to? Those topics, regardless of how important the issues are, are the great dividers. I don't care what side of the fence people sit on. I have my opinions and if I want to share them I'll do so in person or in a website group. I am mates with people here based on football. We have groups where people can debate the issues of the real world.So why am I potentially opening up another avenue for debate about this on the main? That was my concern in writing the blog. I never get involved with feuds here nor do I put down any contributor. So, how do I put my thoughts together coherently on this topic?From a football perspective, this site attracts many visitors looking for the latest information, rumours or debate about our club. It is a big enough deal that it is well known and monitored by journalists, club executive, as well as players and their families. This is fact.We are a football site.We are about to step up what we do as a site through a TPA. Yes, that is progressing behind the scenes.Personally I'm becoming very involved in trying to organise extra content to bring to the site during the off season. It's because I enjoy my footy and enjoy this site.Yet here's one thing that I won't do on this site.I won't work as a moderator. I have been asked but I declined. it probably makes me weak but I don't have to take any responsibility for what is posted here. Others take on that role and I don't envy them. They aren't weak like me. It is a pretty thankless task.To be honest I'd probably do a lousy job anyway.I'm not going to jump in and tell people what to do. I was under the impression that these debates were not on main. If that's what keeps this site ticking over in the off season and it's what people want and it's allowed then fine. After all, we end up with the community that the majority want. I'm not going to criticise people who do enjoy social/moral/political/cultural/religious discussions. They are looking to enjoy their on line experience and It's only my opinion that I don't want it.Maybe all this will blow over soon enough, but for now, in my opinion, it's not great.

Replies

FAT GUY September 14, 2015 at 10:29am

Again another great blog brother.well said.it's a hard thankless job our Mods do and like you I don't envy them with so many diverse personalities on here and the way our EELS have been travelling only adds headaches, heartaches.but I like you respect them fully.
RIDER September 14, 2015 at 10:50am

This is a regular pattern when our side has finished for the year.

Yes theres footy still going, but many dont care because the Eels have finished.

There will always be conflict, just as there has been all year. However if we cant learn to accept others and their different options then the Mods will have to intervene. And by accept, I dont mean trying to change their opinion or belittling them until they change.
Eeluminati September 14, 2015 at 10:54am

The off season brings out the worst in all of us!
RIDER September 14, 2015 at 10:57am

MODS!!!! MODS!!!!

How do you know what Unicorn piss smells like? Oh...Youve got one stashed away for next year, dont you Darkie....
Chris September 14, 2015 at 10:59am

The mods have a very tough job to do and without them we wouldn't have this forum to express our opinions. That's a fact.

I am not a mod but I think we should respect the job they do and the role they play. They are only trying to hold commentary to the standards that this site was established under. They shouldn't be abused for that.
RIDER September 14, 2015 at 11:03am

*Whispers*

60's, this is Wiz's favourite time of year. No filter, says what he wants and doesnt care who he offends, because he really is a Wizards Sleeve (Full Bush too). Actually I think in reality he is a leftie.
RIDER September 14, 2015 at 11:05am

Its OK, you can pretend to be a realist. But I know you believe next year will be special.

Just dont go 100% until youve had time to acclimatise.
sixtiesboy September 14, 2015 at 11:08am

Talk to me in person and I'm happy to be blunt about the issues that have filled these pages. I'm not short on an opinion on them. But to me it's not the purpose of the site. I enjoy banter that's clever. However, think there's been some line crossing which doesn't do any good. If you remember, I'm happy to join in non footy chats (the bee swarming issue - and I hope that's still not on going), but the great human divider topics always degenerate into name calling.
Anyway my hourly footy blogs, as you put it, were only a phenomena of this year due to circumstance. As for Phil, he doesn't have to say anything to keep me happy. If he wants anything goes that's his call.
sixtiesboy September 14, 2015 at 11:17am

I'm so far away from being a leftie mate it's not funny. But it's not for a footie site!
RIDER September 14, 2015 at 11:20am

You cant fool me, you know it starts at the pot of gold with a wee leprechaun.

I never received my instructional booklet when I signed on, but Phil did warn me about inserting too many MEMEs, Gifs and Youtubes. He said it'd make me cynical or as its called on 1EE - the Dark effect.