Ladies and Gentlemen,
This site has never been the most endearing to the club or even parts of our own fanbase. A common piece of feedback I receive privately is that some find it too negative or drama-filled, which is why many choose to stay away. At times we clash hard and put each other down, the club, the players, and even Super, who pays for this site out of his own pocket. Some of this could understandably offend players’ families. In conversations I’ve had with people within the club’s hierarchy, the club takes a fairly open-minded view and accepts that it can’t control what others say or think. That’s a mature approach.
That said, I believe the majority of us are good eggs, mean well, even if some are rough around the edges and a small minority hold more extreme views. Over the past decade, I’ve met many wonderful people through this site, some of whom I now count as close friends and have learned a great deal from. You’re a big reason I’m still here and why I care about this community.
If you’re willing, I’d appreciate your thoughts on the direction the site should take. Ultimately, Super will decide, but it’s helpful to understand how people feel, here or privately, on:
- Current affairs and political blogs: Even if personally enjoy them, these often become the most feral and attract extremist views, especially in challenging times. They can flood the site and turn off many who simply want to talk footy, the one thing we all share. Life has enough dramas.
- Moving these blogs to The Cave: Making them members-only may be a win-win, it allows discussions without overwhelming those who’d want to avoid it.
- Any other ideas for improving the site.
Please don’t comment on political, religious or current affairs issues in this blog. This is about improving the site, not saving the world from an apocalypse.
Replies
Politics on here is pointless, for reasons i'm not even going to explain. That's all I'll say on this matter.
I'm not sure when this site started but I've been on here from the early days and while I don't comment or post much I always check in to read everyone's opinions if they are good or bad. In all my time I've been here HOE I can say I enjoyed reading your articles and opinions the most. 👍
I read a few eels forums and there is always lots of infighting. Seperating the politics is a good idea as it is toxic and devisive. I actually think think the quality of this site has improved somewhat in the last year or so.
It's a footy forum, and that should be it. We've lost quite a few good posters the last few years, I don't know whether it's because of politics, religion, racism, language or we have lost them because of the lack of success the club has had for many years. Stick to footy and the site will thrive.
Hoe,
You know where i stand. Whilst i understand the need for politics and religion, they are most divisive. I come here to be in the presence of all things NRL, to put my mind in neutral from the outside world and just discuss, vent, inform and suggest all things Eels. It may very well destroy the hits or clicks scenario that earn a site $ through advertising. But i come here for Eels related talk and banter.
This site allows the discussions to be most robust and critical, like a seat around the table at the virtual pub, we discuss all things about Eels, NRL and Footy, appropriate or not as if we are in an old fashion pub. This is a good thing, it's not cozying up to the powers that be, the club boards, or getting close to the players and feeling like you can't be critical when required.
'The club may not like it, the players may get offended but at the end of the day it's the man in the streets pulse and is most critical for powers to be to know what that pulse is. It / we can drive improvements with the Club through this site and i cherish that. It dosnt have to be right or wrong, but it's a reflection of all supporters not just those with rose coloured glasses and a not offend any one at the club mentality and hurting close relationships.
'As far as the other discussions, perhaps during orf season I get it and can accept it and not comment, but I fear it divides us as an Eels community and robs us of what we all have in common. A love of the Eels and a collective drive to be concerned about our next premiership.
My two bobs worth.
I enjoy the political discusions. It is a place that is really unique to have them. Social media is more or less anonymous so there is no accountability for your comments in many respects. Plus it is often an echo chamber as algorithims bunch people toghether with similar views. The only thing that people all have in common on here is their devotion to a football side, therefore it gathers people together from a diverse range of backgrounds and opinions. That makes for the best discusion.
I understand people may not want to see it in footy talk but put it in the social blogs or the 'cave', where ever that may be.
I think it needs to be a tad more respectful, people are quick to disrespect one another and I have at times been guilty, but only because of an insult thrown my way first.
Maybe it's time to hide such discussions in the cave, if you want to partake you have to go looking for it.
Just don't allow this site to become a wishy washy love in for the club. There is already a site with that identity, and that's fine if you are into that.
I enjoy the fact we can be brutally critical of the club, players and staff even at times if it's over the top, fans are passionate and venting can help.
The site should purely relate to discussion on the Parramatta Eels, the broader NRL and 'outside' sports where they have a link to the Eels or NRL. e.g.: rugby union, R360 or NFL. I personally feel that no blogs should be on here that don't relate to any of those. There's plenty of other forums for that sort of discussion.
Randy mentioned it the other day, by the looks Wiz has packed his bags and gone. Shame, another good long term contributor on here has left. Anyway I guess we've all got our reasons for being here or not.