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
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.
Perpetual, I agree, mate. I think they probably need to end up in the Cave, separate from the mainstream site, to not flood everyone with it. They invariably end up going feral and just a slanging match.
While I try to avoid it occasionally Ill see a comment in the side bar that is so ridiculous that I will get sucked in. I have strong opinions but I dont come here for political opinion. If its not showing in the right hand side bar its easier to not get dragged into it. There are countless places you can go to argue about politics but this is a footy site.
Says the dude with the political motivated avatar .
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.
No we've lost some because some people can't handle robust discussions and debates.
Society has become freaking soft.
yeah, Snowflake isn;t a Left or Right thing, it's a personality thing. Even when we stick to footy it can be a bloodsport in the comments. We follow Footy, not Tennis. Some of us can be combative. It kinda comes with the territory.
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.
Bluey and Michael W, well said, gentlemen.
How do you both feel about these discussions being in The Cave? You wouldn't need to get involved, and you wouldn't see them flood the activity list and site.
Excellent idea HOE, if that's what people choose to involve themselves in go for it but it shouldn't be on the main page where the rest of us have to tolerate it.
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