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
Yes, Super & mods were probably naive at one point in allowing flag avatars. That was then.
Brett showed we need the Brett Rule.
He showed, even despite being gone, how powerful a trolling weapon a flag can be. A genius trolling strategy. It creates entrenched camps, grievances, narratives, and a ready made martyred victim symbol. Clever.
But we can’t allow trolling to hide behind flags, even if most may be well meaning. Flags today are no longer benign symbols in online spaces. They’re highly politicised, emotionally charged, and force everyone else to walk on eggshells. A blanket approach avoids endless debates about intent, double standards, or who gets special treatment. We’re still talking about it. That alone proves the point. Look at the fallout and outrage: Wiz, Mark, Frankie, EE, and a stack of right leaning posters are still outraged.
And look, if it helps, we can always erect a statue of Brett in full Napoleonic pose on a horse.
Long live the Flag. Lest we forget.
Our very own Joan of Arc.
No. He was the only one who refused after I gave him 4 months to swap it. He said he wasn't changing and he'd cop the ban.
I've gone back 8 years and 1,000 members and Brett was the only one with an Israeli or Palestinian flag. He'd also been warned on numerous occasions about picking fights with other members and being incredibly personal when attacking other posters.
It came back to a decision among the moderators that whenever Brett was involved in an argument he'd usually started it and took it too far.
I can't recall seeing a flag in recent times after the Brett incident. Now I know why, thanks Super.
Geez, Brett used it as a genius trolling weapon though. The consequences are still being felt.
No national flag should be seen as offensive or be banned for that matter.
If anyone is offended by a national flag then they are the problem.
It's your site and you can choose to do as you like but that doesn't make it right.
Are people allowed to have the Australian flag as their avatar? Or does it go against your beliefs Super ?
Well obviously they've changed them by now . Either way if everyone was told the same rule and he was the only that refused then fair play . But there was most certainly Palestine and free Palestine avatars. I remember as until then I had no idea some of our favourite posters were Palestinians . I have no issue with either flags or side of the stupid war. I just think that everyone should have to abide by the same rules when it comes to these kind of disputes . Flags and the like should never be outlawed unless it's that of a terrorist organisation or the likes . Anyone who's so petty they can't ignore someone's flag need to take their heads for a shit . I don't mean admins I mean the people as if them to take action .
If it means the site remains open and all feel more comfortable accessing the site this way Im all for it...Yes an open slather blog situation doesnt help us all and we loose perspective that really its a sports team focused site and anything else is pointless, can be inflammatory and insulting to some....Im one of the roughies so dont really give a hoot but yeah maybe a rant cave ...lol
Always believe religion and politics no go zones......
Merry Christmas one and all and 2026 or as I like to call it milestone 40 .....hahaha
Back attcha PG
PG, great post. You're not really a roughie, mate.
You've got firm opinions, like most of us, but I find you reasonable and fair. Can't ask for more than that, mate.
It's okay to have a robust disagreement (we had one) and move past it, like adults.
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.
HOE I know you love a statistic or two. From the Kirk and Bondi blogs can you give us the run down on how many different posters commented on each blog and how many comments each of them made. Of course no names, I'm just curious to know how many people will be affected by a proposed change and to what extent.
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