Athletics Nation -- It could be magic
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 28, 2009 9:13 AM PDT
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PrintI've been trying to put my finger on what it is about AN that attracted me to join last year that I find missing now. Here are my thoughts at the moment -- for whatever they're worth.
Blez has created a magical, vibrant place that was on its way to being all a team website should be in this day and age -- a place where A's fans of all backgrounds, temperaments and individual areas of strength could gather and discuss the team we love, experience its victories and defeats, enjoy each other's company, and maybe learn from each other as well.
Blez had the ability to combine unrelenting self-belief, passion for his baby and -- most important of all, the humility to understand his limited role. There were lots of team blogs founded by individual fans or groups of fans that attained nowhere near the success of AN primarily because they functioned as not much more than a platform for their founders to express their views or to exhibit their expertise in some area that was fascinating primarily to themselves.
What made AN different is that it was never about Blez. He had the humility to understand that very few people cared about his personal opinions about the team. Sure, he expressed them his stories, but that was never the dominant feature of the blog.
What made him successful was his ability to inspire others to contribute to the site as a labor of love. These included invited writers with a specific expertise like salb918, awesome fans like baseballgirl, fans who loved Oakland baseball history like 67Marquez, players like Brad Ziegler and those who reveled in the community aspect like Nico. Being humble also enabled Blez to gain regular access to Billy Beane and other team officials, since he didn't need to feed his ego by being "edgy" or asking "tough questions" to draw attention to himself. Best of all, AN drew a wide variety of posters from far and wide -- statheads like andeux and Devo, artists like oblique and monkeyball, journalists like slusser and vk, fans of individual players like BobbyCrosbyGirl and ZigFan31, game thread members and trip organizers like Jennifer and pam5981, fans from Alaska to England to Jakarta and regular boring mid-western guys like me.
The diverse --and extremely strong -- membership made AN the magical place that led to the creation of SB Nation and made Yahoo! want to get involved.
Since Blez isn't as active, the humility that characterized his leadership has slowly been replaced by a cult of personality. There are guys with titles like Moderator, Manager, Front Page Writer, First Vice-Senior Managing Editor-in-chief and the like who appear more interested in promoting themselves and expounding their self-important "expert" opinions than in contributing to a community. They probably don't see themselves that way, or they may think that the time they're spending on the site entitles them to some privilege and deference, but they seem petty and arrogant to me. Celebrating diverse viewpoints has been replaced by the fueling of silly controversies. Do we really care whether statheads or stathead haters are the more dickish group? Moderators have not been content with moderating, choosing instead to take sides in every fray.
With this new culture we've seen the loss of valued longtime posters like rfloh, monkeyball, andeux, salb918 and probably many others. There are some good new posters like lynnzgal and Leopold Bloom, and the Yahoo! connection seems to have brought in exciting new blood. AN day is probably still great and the community service project seemed awesome.... but AN is not the same magical place without the humble leadership of Blez.
I would like to see a return to Blez's values where the front page features a diversity of game attendees, historical writers, active minor or major league players, former players or coaches, photographers, baseball analysts, political analysts, business analysts, community organizers, fat fans, skinny fans and fans who look at butts.
We need a concerted effort from the Blog leadership to seek out anyone and everyone who can make a contribution to the community and inspire them to be excited about participating either on an occasional or regular basis. The blog has to be about the community again, with its leaders merely trusted servants.
These are just my thoughts for whatever they’re worth. I hope to hear yours.
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I agree
(WC, you might want to edit this diary to remove all the MS Turd Word coding.)
"The glass is half full….and we are going to drown in it." - OptimistPrime
I'll comment in greater detail later (maybe)
But for now…give the new regime some time, WC. Not that you don’t have vaiid points; you do.
I think we can all agree that Blez is pretty much impossible to replace or duplicate. It’s kind of like wishing one of our current players would turn into the second coming of Rickey.
There was always a stathead vs. non-stathead feel to the place (at least since I’ve been around), and to be honest, I’ve always thought that was part of AN’s appeal. Lately the arguments/discussions are waaaay too petty for my taste, and take away from what I believe we are all here for. Seems like far too many people are walking around with a chip on their shoulder and looking for a fight that really has nothing to do with baseball.
Really, we can all do well not to take ourselves so seriously.
(I guess I went into greater detail anyway. Shocking).
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Apr 28, 2009 9:40 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Can I have that comment for a new sig?
The one about wishing one of our current players would turn into Rickey?
Please!
"And sometimes, when it seems like all hope is gone, Life tosses you a special gift of a baseball game" . 7/10/08 BaseBallGirl headline
by LongTimeFan on Apr 28, 2009 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions
Thanks
"It’s kind of like wishing one of our current players would turn into the second coming of Rickey." 67Marquez. April 28, 2009
by LongTimeFan on Apr 28, 2009 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions
AN has grown incredibly since Blez first started it
I don’t know if when Blez began AN he imagined that his blog about the A’s would grow and change the way it has, nor that it would become part of what became a new career for him.
Even before he bowed out of active management of AN it was necessary to add managers, editors, and writers because of the greatly increased work involved. Each of them are different, but all are doing this work as a labor of love.
With so many different voices on AN it would be strange to enjoy or even agree with everything and everyone who posts, edits and manages here.
Without getting into too many of the specifics...
…AN is what each of us chooses to make it by what each of us says and does. Everyone has the ability and opportunity to contribute to the site in their own ways. There are times when discussions turn into debates and debates turn into arguments, but I think it all stems from us having a passion for our team and the things we believe in.
Not every opinion always has to be backed up with a deep statistical analysis to support it – and yes, sometimes it really is as simple as just watching what happens on the field – but at the same time some of us (myself included) can and need to do a better job of being more accepting of differing points of view.
My suggestion to anyone who would like to see a little more of one thing or another: help bring that about yourselves. Contrary to what anyone may think, nobody is preventing people from doing that.
I try to contribute with photography when I can because that’s something I love to do and it lets people see some things they might not have a chance to, especially when it comes to some of the players in the minors.
My analysis side is a little weak. I enjoy most stats but at the core I’m more of a person who goes by what he sees, someone who’s more results-oriented instead of predictor-based. The traditional ones are what I’m more familiar with and while I do believe there is validity in new, fresh stats that may help people understand who’s really doing better or who should be doing better than they are, some of those take time to grasp and there’s no guarantee they’ll be universally accepted, just the same as some of the more traditional ones are no longer seen as the best.
Our reasons for following things the way we do or liking certain players over others don’t make any of us better or more intelligent than someone else. It just means we have different things that appeal to us. The important thing (and again, I’m guilty of this at times) is being able to talk about it in a civil fashion. I have my days where I’m quick to get defensive about something and lash out, but at the core that’s not me. I try to be a pretty laid back person. Face-to-face, I think someone would see that a lot faster than they would when it’s words on a screen.
Things do change, AN included. That doesn’t mean AN isn’t good any more or can’t be better in the future. All it takes are enough people devoted to making it work. In some ways a little new blood is probably needed, but overall some of us on all sides do have to work on being more welcoming of differing opinions.
To anyone thinking about these things, I would encourage you to consider what you’re into the most. Do you get deep into stats to the point of enjoying analyzing as much as you can to be able to predict future results? Do you just like to watch the game from a more casual side without getting into all of that? Is it a combination? Do you like to write about the game? Take photos? Meet people at the occasional tailgate or AN Day? Or just lurk and say something when you feel like it?
I think there really is room for everyone. Just focus on what appeals to you the most. There are some posters I don’t get along with and I’ve had to work on biting my tongue and letting some things go. I don’t always succeed, but it’s a work in progress. I’m probably not the only one that has to do that.
In the end, we’re all A’s fans. That doesn’t mean we have to agree with each other on everything. We absolutely won’t, and the worst times are probably when the team is playing poorly. That’s where we get the most debates about lineups, managers, pitchers, Beane, etc. Why? Because we all want the team to do better. We just have different ideas about the best ways to get them there.
Go A’s?
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Apr 28, 2009 9:50 AM PDT reply actions 6 recs
Nice post.
Out of interest does LL, LSB or HH have fallings out on the scale we’ve seen recently on AN?
I think it’s a British thing, stiff upper lip and all that – I don’t mind the tiffs, it’s just that it’s all so public and quite frankly we’re all letting the side down! Chin up lads. (read it in a posh British accent, it makes more sense!)
No idea
I don’t read ‘em. I’d imagine every place has in-fighting at times.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
I think HH has a policy of pre-emptively banning everyone
Makes things a lot simpler for the Rev.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Too bad they can't just ban the Rev
"The glass is half full….and we are going to drown in it." - OptimistPrime
BANNED!!!!! NO PANTHER FOR YOU!!!!
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
It's the internet. Take it less seriously.
That’s really all I have to say.
This is meant for everybody, btw, not WaddellCanseco or anybody else specifically.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
by mikev on Apr 28, 2009 9:51 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Great.
Another sure-to-be-1000-comment flame thread! Does anyone ever stop to think why Blez stopped posting regularly long before he turned the reigns over to Nico? While I have no privy to inside dealings, I’m fairly certain that it grew wearisome for him having to defend himself rather than his views every time he hit the post button. I’m interpreting this post as a thinly veiled attack on Nico’s leadership of the blog. I could be wrong, but I really don’t think I am. Eventually the invective will drive him into limiting his posts the same as it did the great “humble” Blez.
I miss a few of the posters who use to be regulars, some of the others not so much. Eh, that’s the way it goes. People come, people go. I enjoy the variety as much as the next poster, but I’m not going to pine for the return of people who made their personality a subject of repeated debate. I do miss some of the in depth stat analysis from Salb, mainly because I never perceived him as being an ass unless he was provoked. His most unique talent was his ability to re-evaluate his positions rather routinely and his willingness to answer some of my stupid questions about stats.
The only point I’m making here is that a lot of people should get off Nico’s case already. Not once has he used his position as “moderator” to silence a critic. He’s responded in a civil manner to most of his antagonists, even when they level personal accusation after personal accusation. It’s bullshit and needs to stop.
Have there been changes? Without a doubt. Will there be more? Without a doubt. The base question here is whether or not Nico is administering the site in a fair and impartial manner. He is. He has his views and he expresses them. He hasn’t used his position to silence anyone. He won’t delete this post even though he probably should. In short, he’s made a valiant attempt at keeping this site as free from being about him as he possibly can. No one has a right to expect any more than that.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
by alox on Apr 28, 2009 9:57 AM PDT reply actions 5 recs
I also see it as a thinly veiled attack on Nico based on a few recent comments by WC...
…but I’m trying to turn it around into something AN can benefit from as a whole by encouraging others to find where they fit in and contribute more in their own ways. You don’t have to be a moderator, frontpage writer, etc. to make yourself heard.
In case people have forgotten, Nico has stepped back out of the moderator role and left that to others. Some may have a perception that since he and I participate and comment a lot that we’re trying to influence the direction of AN, but we’re not. I used to just be a regular poster until I was invited to do gameday threads. That hasn’t changed at all. I would love to be able to post the same as before but I’ve come to understand some of what I say will be under more scrutiny and held to a higher standard because I have an additional hat to wear now.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
I don't think its so thinly veiled
THe attacks on Nico are unwarrented and the praise for blez is projection.
I don’t know why posters like mb or sal stopped posting. My guess has always been not wanting to give their time for Yahoo to make money. (see salb’s last post).
If you don’t like the current content, don’t read it.
by Future Ed on Apr 28, 2009 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
i dont think he is calling out Nico
And from what i have seen, Nico is a pretty good moderator and writer. He stays impartial on most debate topics, and makes consistent contributions to both front page content and ensuing discussion. I really do think WC is talking about the tenor of debate/infighting that may start on the front page, but for sure resonates with the user base. I think his issue is frustration with the competitive and tit for tat behavior of the community, and the lack of effort to curb that momentum… on a general level.
but hey, what do i know?
i was wrong to do that stuff
by jaylikewise on Apr 28, 2009 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions
" the tenor of debate" /"resonates with the user base"
Well, which is it mate? Is he a tenor or a bass?
The kids at the opera are dying to know….!
Thought it might be good to inject a little humor considering the “tone” (haha!) of some of the concerned folks, here.
Go A’s and go Athletics Nation! I’m going on my fifth year with all of ya, and the one constant in life is “change”. No matter what you do, things are bound to change but it doesn’t mean they can’t change and evolve for the better. Just try to keep it fun and not so much “OMG The Sky Is Falling!”……We’re all A’s fans and that’s what brought us all here in the first place, right? To share all things A’s and all of our infinite passion for the boys in GNG.
Stay loose A’s Nation….MRod
Zeigler to Geren…."A-Rod? He’s my bitch." -alox
I've been reading AN almost since the beginning
although I didn’t start posting until later. Things have changed, people come and go. Monkeyball and Sal were terrific members of the AN community, and I’m sorry they left, and I hope they’ll come back. AN is a little bit less interesting since they left, but I find the new blog they’re contributing to considerably less interesting than AN at its most boring. (I’m not linking to it or mentioning its name, because they have not chosen to make it public at the moment). Maybe it’s just insufficient volume, maybe it’s the kludgy interface, maybe it’s just a matter of taste, but I don’t find myself going back to it. Maybe the people who left added a bit of spice to the stew, but that doesn’t mean I want to eat a tablespoon of spice.
But to blame everything you don’t like about this huge and diverse community on some hard-working volunteer moderators and editors seems a bit petty and personal to me.
by Englishmajor on Apr 28, 2009 10:00 AM PDT reply actions 5 recs
The Clown Porn site doesn't have enough diversity yet
I understand and sympathize with the motives for forming the new site. A group of like-minded people felt, for various reasons, that AN was no longer serving their needs. But it’s a relatively small group of posters and there’s only so much they have to say to each other. They’ll need to let more people in to succeed in the long run.
Meanwhile…some of those posters have left AN completely behind, and several of the rest continue to be positive contributors to AN. I sense that there’s a Clown Porner or two who come back here solely for the purpose of trolling, and that’s lame. If your attitude towards this site is that negative, it would be much better to just leave and shut the door behind you.
(Note: I did not receive an invitation to the other site. I found it the way anybody here could…at least one of the posters there has put up a link on their separate blog.)
i didn't even know you had a blog...
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
Yeah, I'm kind of a big deal.
"Smells like summer camp!"
by Jennifer on Apr 28, 2009 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Just sculpting my guns.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions
I have many leather bound books and my apartment smells of rich mohogany.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
ANCHORMAN!
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
An online freemasonry?!
I heard if you fold the one dollar bill a certain way, the address to this new secret blog is revealed.
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Apr 28, 2009 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Nah -- but if you slowly approach the relish bowl nearest the Saag's stand ...
… and, without making eye contact with it, twirl around and click your heels twice while yelling GEE—I AM SORRY! — and then look for it, its image may appear.
If not, just keep trying.
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Apr 28, 2009 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
"Keep the posters interested enough to continue frequent participation"
I’ve seen the “arc of interest” come into play a few times on the Web. There’s the initial burst of excitement when the new community is formed, but after a while it’s the same group of people talking to one another and they run out of fresh ideas, and slowly posters lose interest and drop out. In a sense you saw that happen on this site with the decline of the DLD.
Who needs fresh ideas when you have clown porn and Yakov Smirnoff
m*****f***ing c***s***ing peanut butter and jelly!! f*** f*** f***!!!
Has a truer phrase ever been uttered?
I think not…
REVISED- The magical goblins that live in the Reverend Billy Lard's shower just told him that actually, Crosby's not gonna improve this year and he'll be released by June... Sorry, kids...
by Gaijin_Suketto on Apr 28, 2009 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions
New sigline.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions
To be honest
I am not fan of the OB (other blog). I have read it a few times, but there are people who post there exclusively that I don’t miss here. It isn’t an issue of diversity from my perspective as much as it is an issue with arrogance.
At the end of the day, I’d prefer to read typo laden rambling unscientific posts and debate stats v. non stats, nicknames, etc. right here rather than read a bunch of self congratulatory gibberish from folks who type to prove how amazing their vocabulary is.
More power to them and good riddance all at once.
That comment is nothing but a floccinaucinihilipilification.
And you can quote me.
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Apr 28, 2009 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Something like Brassica oleracea Linne gratis.com
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Apr 28, 2009 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Huh, so that's where everyone went.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Apr 28, 2009 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions
I didn't know about it either until just now.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Well, I dunno whether you're elitican enough, but there's no email addie in your Profile.
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Apr 28, 2009 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions
I first read that as "electrician" and got thoroughly confused.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Apr 28, 2009 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions
That's weird, there used to be!
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
I blame Nico.
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Apr 28, 2009 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Just add it to the list!
No, seriously, I’ve been friends with Nico IRL for, oh, 30 years. And I’ve also been friends with FSU and his family for over 15 years. I’ve really loved being able to stay in touch with both of them (among a few other IRL friendships here) through AN for the past few years. That’s in addition to the online friendships I’ve formed with ANers. So the split is a pain in my neck — especially if it turns in any way into some kind of factionalism.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
I'm hoping there's no ethnic cleansing planned.
For now, the two sites are just different flavors of A’s fannage. I’m out of the prediction bidness regarding ultimate outcomes on the web, except for the local variation on the Keynesian quotation.
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Apr 28, 2009 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Most people don't know I'm an admin on yet another A's site.
It’s really not that big of a deal. It’s a big ass internet.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
And Kershner from sfgate pops in here from time-to-time. Hiya, Vlae.
What kinda name is that, anyway: Vlae. Instant otpy.
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Apr 28, 2009 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Shh!
Iet-quay on the ethnic ensing-clay, ogfather-day.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 8:42 PM PDT up reply actions
So
back to AN Day…if you make it, you can kick it at my place.
I can pretty much sleep a dozen people here for all the ladies we’re gonna bring back afterwards.
Or not.
I'm here to talk about the past.
Yay.
I’m gonna need it. The gov’t is not happy with LB.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 9:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Where'd you read about it?
Am I on some weird website?
wait, don’t answer that.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions
I just got eight, eight,
letters from them. They want me. And not in that good way.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 9:05 PM PDT up reply actions
15% off the net.
Prolly for the next ten years?
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions
nope.
I’m boned.
I wonder if I move to Canada if I can get away from this…I always liked Canada…
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 9:08 PM PDT up reply actions
I'll have to stock up on tooks.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 9:10 PM PDT up reply actions
I did not receive an invitation to the other site.
considering it was a secret until 50 minutes ago, everyone who did probably has an email address listed in their AN profile.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
Yes, and as I posted on the other site
I would have been very surprised to have received such an invitation anyway. I mentioned that solely for the purpose of disclosing how I found the site; then I told the posters there what the exact link was to give the person the opportunity to remove it if they so chose.
I was glad to see the new site; I’ve thought for a while that it was needed and there are a number of posters that I respect and enjoy reading. The bit about needing to expand the membership is intended as constructive criticism. Poppy may be willing to move from Redwood City to a no-stoplight town on the Kansas prairie but I really doubt that many others would be happy there for very long. At the same time I don’t think anyone would want to duplicate the wide-open membership at AN. There’s a huge expanse of middle ground there and my guess is that the folks over there will resolve that matter to most everyone’s satisfaction; it will be a little town with a nice Main Street and a few stop lights, but if you want to shop at a Wal-Mart you’ll have to drive over to the next county.
needing to expand the membership
the intention was never to limit it to 30 people forever.
FK was in “secret beta” until jeffro (who isn’t even involved.. thanks dude!) revealed its existence in this thread.
now it has moved into “email someone who is already there if you want in” mode.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
I think he just meant that people are now emailing asking in
not that people will always have to do that. I know I was one of the people that sent xbhaskarx an email asking about the site.
Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail. - leopold bloom
by designatedforassignment on Apr 29, 2009 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions
correct
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
Sorry if it was unwelcome, I just miss those posters and wanted to go lurk.
Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail. - leopold bloom
by designatedforassignment on Apr 29, 2009 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions
not unwelcome at all, i just responded
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
snap!
Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail. - leopold bloom
by designatedforassignment on Apr 29, 2009 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
by xbhaskarx on Apr 29, 2009 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Damn, man — that seems like a lot of gratuitous hostility.
If you need new corn flakes, I’ll go get you some.
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Apr 29, 2009 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions
People come and go
Yep. If I can deal with my favorite players leaving- players who I invest time and emotions in- I am surely not going to waste tears on a few bloggers. Do not misconstrue that; their contributions were some of the very reasons I logged on. But I would prefer to delight in what AN is rather than to continue to lament what AN is not.
That we’re comparing (in a sense) AN from one era to the next (as we would the A’s themselves) only confirms AN’s success and resiliency. In fact it is my hope that someday after I am gone (from this earth, not this site), a debate will arise as to who was the better DLD’er, myself or LB.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Apr 28, 2009 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
You're so toast.
I’m just gonna start calling you Salieri now.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Hey
Be happy you’re in the conversation, man. But whenever you want to do an Idol-type DLD-off, just let me know. Busy life aside, I’ll make room for you.
I'm here to talk about the past.
wow.
Don steps up.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Kinda
The cute girl at the bank smiled at me, so feeling a little frisky. Or something.
I'm here to talk about the past.
As well she should.
The womenfolk must bow to our prowess!
{I got a question. If you guys know so much about women, how come you’re here at like the Gas ‘n’ Sip on a Saturday night completely alone drinking beers with no women anywhere?}
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions
/warbles "All my exes, live in Texas..."
Well, one of ’em, anyway.
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Apr 28, 2009 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Allison in Galveston's
always been my favorite. I’m not sure sure why. A lot like 67 though, I don’t seem to like sane women.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions
I know, I was asking myself the same question.
This lurker feels left out.
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball." -- Connie Mack
I think that's the point.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
Thank you waddell
I started a similar post late last night, but than I quickly realized how late it was and after doing some proof reading I discovored that I shouldn’t be writing late at night and decided to not post it. Now I’m really glad I didn’t, because you echoed many of my same thoughts and you are much better writer than I. I feel this site is very anti “newbies”. I agree, a lot of people have this, my sh*t doesn’t stink, type attitude. Throwing out stats that really nobody cares about. Now this does not apply to everyone here, I do enjoy the opinions of several of the regulars here. This is NOT friendly to new comers. I am a bit of hypocrite, because as much as I hate reading some of the stat geek biased posts on this site, I still frequent the website daily. So maybe that doesn’t make me any different, I don’t know, but this can be a very frustrating website as an A’s fan.
I do think we have a lot of very inteligent contributers to this site, but it seems that many do think that there opinions and thoughts are better than others. Everyone is entitled to there opinion, and it’s ok to disagree with someone, but it seems unless you are a regular contributer to AN than no matter what your opinion is, it isn’t right, or there is something wrong with it. Once again, my biggest problem with AN, it gives off a very unfriendly, cold vibe.
by bdemartin on Apr 28, 2009 10:26 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
You know, you have a point.
One that has been expressed before. To be honest, this is probably the core reason AN has had so many dust ups lately. When any one group, or perceived group (stat heads), (non stat heads), etc. tend to gain more influence, they seek to quiet the “opposition”. The best way is to prevent the other side from “recruiting”. This is all basic human nature, and we are all guilty of it whether we want to admit it or not. For a time, the main charge leveled at AN was that it was overly stat oriented and anyone with a counter view point was treated with contempt. You know what? It was partly true. So management nudged the site a little closer to the subjective side, but not without a backlash, one that still reverberates several months later. Nonetheless, “management” was wise to do so, because the death knell for the site would have been to cater to one group specifically.
Point being, you are the prime reason for the latent hostility, or at least new posters like you. Some folks can’t get past the idea that the site is going to grow with or without their participation. There’s plenty of room here for the stat minded, as well as for those whose view points are more subjective in nature. My recommendation for you? Post away, and enjoy yourself. You will eventually find posters with whom you enjoy engaging is discourse and others whom you would just as soon see get hit by a bus. It has been my experience that the good ones by far out number the bad ones.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
That's fine, but it should be enjoy yourself, then post away, in that order.
by Chilango on Apr 28, 2009 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm personally sick of getting into another argument
But do you not see how loaded comments like:
Throwing out stats that really nobody cares about.
I hate reading some of the stat geek biased posts
can contribute to
it gives off a very unfriendly, cold vibe.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but it seems to me like you’re blaming statheads for the general “unfriendliness” of AN when comments like these contribute to the perception some statheads have of AN being not stat friendly.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Apr 28, 2009 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I'M NOT NICE!
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Quiet, you!
Or I’ll beat you up after lunch.
Grrr.
{models bizarrely-crafted haircut}
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions
That actually would be kinda funny.
“I’m completely untrustworthy—did you see what I wrote about me? How insulting. I’m really offensive to me.”
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions
The one thing that really bugs me
are these thinly veiled accusations and assumptions that statheads always start these “stats vs. non-stat” flame wars. While it’s true that sometimes flame wars get started like…
Non-stat person: This is what I believe
Stat person: No you ignorant moron. The numbers say otherwise.
[commence flame war]
Of course, that’s just not civil and conducive to real debate. But sometimes I see them started as….
Non-stat person: This is what I believe
Stat person: Hmm. I’m not sure that’s true. I think some of these numbers say otherwise.
Non-stat person: WTF? Everyone KNOWS this is true! Seriously, stop being such a smug, arrogant stathead. Who gives a crap about your newfangled stats anyways?
[commence flame war]
Also not conducive to real debate..
The problem is, a lot of non stat people are starting to assume that only the first scenario can happen, that they’re always the “victim” of these stat vs non stat debates. It’s getting to the point where I’m starting to wonder whether citing new, “advanced” statistics is even worth the grief anymore.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Apr 28, 2009 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Part of that makes me wonder
Especially in the case of some of the newer stats, every time you bring one up it may be safe to assume someone’s reading who has never seen that stat before. It’d be nice if they (ahem, FLASHFIRE) sought to learn something about it before responding, but that doesn’t always happen.
Anyway, it’d get to be overkill if somebody had to always explain that stat each time it was used, but maybe once in a while it’d help as a general FYI until it becomes more commonly understood? I don’t know, but I’d bet the majority of AN had never heard of tRA until the other night.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Hmm, as to to this
I’d say the search function is the best source of information. A lot of seemingly complicated stuff, such as tRA, is a simple search away, either on here, Google, or Lookout Landing. But I agree, an occasional “FYI” could be very useful.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Apr 28, 2009 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah
it would be nice if we could thow out a “you ignorant slut” everyonce in a while, but kinda leave it there. ON the internets its easy to engage in a flame war and have it spiral.
This place needs everyone to continue posting to be a good news source.
"But sometimes I see them started as…."
Oh yeah? Do you have any stats to support that assertion?
My position on stats is that I think they’re essential, but I haven’t kept up with new statistical developments over the last say 7 to 10 years, and I suck at math, so I really don’t feel competent to either offer sophisticated stats analysis or critique someone else’s that much.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Just for the sake of
clarification, there were only a couple of “stat” guys who came off like asshats. Most of them were (and are) pretty cool, and if asked they would often explain the metrics they used to reach their conclusions. I tended to trust the metrics from those who had math backgrounds, even when their conclusions ran counter to my perceived observations. Generally, they were the ones who convinced me that their motives were to get to the truth of the matter. With a few others, I suspected their motives. They seemed to have another agenda in mine, namely to argue and belittle other people in a forum where they felt safe from alternative reprisals. One thing I’ve learned in life that continues to amaze me is how swiftly bullies will transition into punks when the venue suddenly changes.
By the way, I count you as one of the good guys. Always easy to talk to and helpful with people who are attempting to understand the conversation.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
Stimpy,
you’re one of the good guy, man.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 29, 2009 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions
Why do I recognize this line?
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
Once upon a long time ago.
I often wish I was again, which leads me to giving into the temptation just to act like it.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
I just wonder why people that rely personal scouting and intuition don't get labled asshats
They often are and if you want to see examples I would just look at the post game thread from Evelands most recent start. If a stat person makes a point that differs from what the personal scouting people believe they often get attacked on this site.
Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail. - leopold bloom
by designatedforassignment on Apr 29, 2009 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions
I think they DO get labeled asshats
I have been. Sadly, it was an accurate label. :-(
{goes into batting cage, works on behavior}
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
To be sure, they often do.
I know it works both ways.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
well, Joe Morgan had a web site named after him.
And not in a good way. I’m fairly certain the whole premise of that site was that those people are asshats.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 29, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Agreed
I’m not encouraging an anti-stats mentality and I hope others aren’t encouraging an anti-observer mentality, for lack of a better descriptor about the section of people who aren’t deep into formulas and the like.
Each team will always have factions of fans who put more emphasis and importance on one thing over another. Sometimes there will be clashes (like we had recently). Contrary to what it may look like at the time, I really don’t hate any particular types of posters. We can coexist without agreeing on everything.
I’m not going to go all Rodney King and plead for everyone to just get along, because that wouldn’t be fun or exciting. Some of what makes a place thrive is the give and take of different opinions. I know I’m just one of the people that needs to do a better job of accepting someone else’s, even if I don’t agree with it. Sometimes that means asking for more information or another way of explaining it instead of just writing it off.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Really?
People think this place is not stat friendly? I have never really felt that way.
I know there are debates about things like FIP v. ERA and how to measure performance, but most of those discussions appear to revolve around stats and assigning a relative value. I remember just recently debating blown saves as a stat and never felt like I was trying to demean anyone or that anyone who was way into FIP as the be all end all was being demeaning to me.
My three favorite sites to read are this one, newballpark.blogspt.com and fangraphs.com.
"People think this place is not stat friendly?"
Not going into details (that’d probably start another huge argument) but in short, yes.
Some stats people believe this. Other less statistically inclined people claim this isn’t true. A matter of perspective, IMO.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Apr 28, 2009 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions
I miss staturdays
It seems to me that the stat content is way down these days. I’m not a stathead at all, but I really miss it.
I’ve learned so much about baseball on these pages and it’s just really sad if we have lost most of the statkids here because they and the non statheads couldn’t communicate without insulting one another..
Ellis for President
by tosk on Apr 28, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
me
72% Observation
20% Statistics
7% Consipiracy
1% Other
by Colorado Fan on Apr 28, 2009 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I'm more
70% observation
50% stats
That may explain why I have trouble with some of the stats. Oh, and I happen to be blind.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
i only believe
what people tell me to believe.
don't care if i ever get back.
by AV on Apr 29, 2009 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions
I laughed hard
BTW Colorado, I posted this today in the original thread that you asked it, but in case you don’t make it back over there:
Eveland does have an option remaining, by virtue of the fact that he was only down in the minor leagues for 18-19 days last year to work on his control. The team smartly preserved the option year by keeping it under 20 days.
(I’m not getting a chance to read every thread, so I’m usually like 5 days behind in convos, but I’ll always do an AN search to see if someone was looking for me in a thread I missed a while back. So yes, to answer the next question on someone’s mind: If you write “jeans, your comments are worthless, go screw yourself1!1” in an obscure fanshot next week, I won’t miss it, thankfully – it may just take an extra few days for me to open up that little bundle of joy in my browser).
Batting 4th for the 2014 San Jose A's: 26-year-old RF Justin Upton, in the 1st season of a nine year, $250M deal.
by notsellingjeans on Apr 28, 2009 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Dude you think cust is a bad hitter and walks are overvalued.
Thats far from a stats perspective.
Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail. - leopold bloom
by designatedforassignment on Apr 29, 2009 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions
I don't
Cust rules and walks are important… the stat mindset I get annoyed at is the idea that predictive measures are more important than actual results. FIP is great and I used it for my fantasy draft, but don’t quote Huston Street’s FIP and tell me he has been doing great, because actual team wins and team losses and runs allowed say other wise.
Another stat thing that bugs me is defensive metrics. I don’t know which to trust really so I am dubious of all. Luckily, fantasy baseball doesn’t care about defense :)
I was talking to Flashfire...
Defensive metrics are tricky mostly because they are newer than the age old batting metrics and defense is something that is likely to deceive the eyes.
I agree that the end result in the won loss column is what really matters since it determines weather you get to the playoffs. Also a static like WPA/LI would be a good one to counter a FIP based argument.
Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail. - leopold bloom
by designatedforassignment on Apr 29, 2009 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Good point concerning defense
but the eyes are also generally the basis for choosing the modes of defensive statistical measurement. Even if you cut things up into zones to account for positioning, range, and arm strength, and adjust for the initial trajectory of the ball (which is a really inexact science), there are oodles of variables that confound an accurate result.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
yes I agree
but I also would think that if we had cared about defensive stats as long as weve cared about offensive stats we would surely have built a computer similar to pitch fx that would tell us the trajectory of balls coming off of the bat and into the field and then would have measured the outcome relative to the average at the position.
Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail. - leopold bloom
by designatedforassignment on Apr 29, 2009 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions
I've explained my position on this already
Suffice it to say, paring it down to “Cust is a bad hitter and walks are overvalued” is very simplified.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Dude I can dig up comments that say exactly that if you like
You don’t include things that aren’t actual physical contact with the ball in the concept of hitting, like working a pitcher to wear them out or taking walks. And the walks part is a direct quote.
Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail. - leopold bloom
by designatedforassignment on Apr 30, 2009 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Dig up whatever you like
I’m not that interested in rehashing it. What I have said is that Cust’s walks haven’t been as big a benefit on a team like the A’s as they would be as part of a more threatening lineup. They’re good for him but when others in the lineup can’t take advantage of it then ultimately they don’t matter as much in the success of the team.
I do give credit to people who work the count, but I’d say there are definitely times where Cust’s tendency to look for walks first hurts the team in situations where they need him swinging the bat instead of being too picky.
Okay, dude?
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
so cust is not a good hitter... because of the lineup around him?
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
it's easy to roll your eyes AFTER saying "actually can we not look at my old comments"
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
And can we not go back and forth on more stuff, please?
It’s going to be quite a drag if every time someone says something, someone else is going “Ah, but what about this, huh?”
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
+1 I agree
You left out NSJ, some one I enjoyed reading very much. I understand the changes and why they happened but that doesn’t mean I don’t miss the feel of the old place.
serious as a fart in a spacesuit - spectr17
by adragon on Apr 28, 2009 11:33 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Thank you for the kind words, adragon
I wrote a reply on the topic of the “feel of the old place” down below in this thread.
Last year I managed the Friday game threads and this year I’ve been unable to do it. Because of that, several people – Nico, BaseballGirl, Flashfire, Marquez – have had to step up hugely, and I’m grateful for them.
It’s incredibly rare to have a website that gets 1,000-2,000 comments in a game thread (last year they were only 300-500), and the crew that manages/moderates that and writes daily content amazes me. They do it all for free, and as a reader I’m the beneficiary.
Batting 4th for the 2014 San Jose A's: 26-year-old RF Justin Upton, in the 1st season of a nine year, $250M deal.
by notsellingjeans on Apr 28, 2009 5:30 PM PDT up reply actions
A way to bridge two opposing subpopulations...
from statheads and traditionalists, from old users and new users, and so on is fairly simple. We need a common idea that binds us together….
Bobby Crosby is not a good baseball player.
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Apr 28, 2009 11:48 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Hey, I can get behind that!
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Really?
I thought it was British for, “Sean”.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
Blankson.
That’s proper Brit is it not?
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
I know a guy named Blankson.
Naturally he’s a Nigerian.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
I know a Nigerian named Blankson.
He want to purchase 100 banners from me that read “God Loves Children”
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Huh? Now that's odd.
Most other Nigerians I “know” are sending me email offering to give me millions if I can be so kind as to resolve a 5K visa problem.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
Signshop.
Different scams.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 29, 2009 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions
Isn't the British for Sean, Shawn?
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, I reckon
Like Sean Bean.
Obviously, the australian version is Shane Bloody, as in, Shane Bloody Warne
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions
is that pronounced
shawn bawn or sheen been?
no really, what’s it called when words look like they rhyme and then you say them and they don’t? onomato-NOT-poeia?
don't care if i ever get back.
by AV on Apr 29, 2009 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Chone is NOT A MAN'S NAME!
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions
To me
It has always just looked like the word the Mrs. Aces told me means underwear in Spanish. After that I was fine with him calling himself that…
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
It is underwear.
That’s not a man. We have no Skivies Johnson or Boxer McGee runnig around here.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions
But now you can chuckle
and think “Chone figs…hehehe hey Beavis-he said Chonies”
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
Your wife is latin?
I assume you lose all the arguments then (not that blokes don’t anyway), assuming you don’t speak Spanish. It’s got to be tough to reply when you’re not quite sure what the other person is saying.
I'm sort of lucky that way
The in-laws believed in not really teaching the kids Spanish so they could use it to tell secrets. So I actually know about as much as she does (I can order at a taco truck and get myself shot at by the local gangsters..that about it…)
But to your other point, yes I lose all of the arguements. I found out a long time ago I can be right, or I can be happy.
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
being right and being happy is mutually exclusive?
The Not-So-Casual Fan
Of course it is.
You don’t think they call marriage an “institution” for no reason do you?
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
Not always.
Enough to make the discernment, though
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 29, 2009 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions
sure it's proper
it’s capitalized, ain’it?
don't care if i ever get back.
by AV on Apr 29, 2009 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Nico's not Blez.
There’s that. It is what it is. He’s also been doing it for about two months now, right? I think I agree with Don. Let’s let him try to get his sea-legs. When Blez started this, he had the luxury (though he might not feel so) of having a very small blog with which to grow as blogfather.
Conversely, this place is now fucking huge. Every time Nico sneezes, we jump down his throat. I’m just as guilty of that as anyone, and quite frankly, I’ve had a change of heart. We need to give him and the new regime (NPG) time to either succeed or fail. But it’s unfair to expect the site to remain the same while growing 10 times bigger than it was five years ago.
Plus, what MikeV said. We need to lighten the fuck up, Francis.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 12:05 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Thanks, LB.
Let me just point something out without making any value judgments or drawing any conclusions: It is not a “controlled experiment” when there is a change in size and a change in leadership around the same time. That is, when something happens, or changes, that you don’t like, it’s not as clear whether the “bad change” (in your eyes) has to do with the change in size or the change in leadership. Heck, half the time I’m not even sure!
I will say this, though, regardless: If what it takes for Blez to be duly appreciated is for me to take a little crap, it’s WELL worth it to me. Blez is a very special person who started a very special place. I’ll never have that and I’m glad if folks are, for whatever reason, fully appreciating what Blez has accomplished that I sure never could have.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
What do you mean you're not special?
Dude, I hugged you on Sunday.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
I'm sure Nico would hug you.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions
I got my technique down and everything.
I don’t be tickling or nothin’.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Well let me ask you this
Would you give me a hug? I’m felling sort of tired right now, and I could really use a hug…
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
You weren't there.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
I'm holding you to that.
Holding that to you.
Holding you. that too..
Um.
Shit, what was I saying?
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Something about holding...
but I’m amused. Been an unexciting day. Looking forward to getting home, having a drink and watching a baseball game!
Bring Gio back!
In that order!
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Big city, small town, suburb...
Some people don’t care whether they know or trust or enjoy the company of the majority of their neighbors, and some people do care about those things. Some people see population growth as a great thing because it gives them more opportunities to reach a larger audience; others, who aren’t concerned about the size of their audience, find the boom not conducive to connection and creativity.
I haven’t been here since the very very beginning, but I’ve been here longer than… well, I have no idea what the current census is, but I’ve been here pretty steadily for longer than all but 907 other users. AN’s growth has not been a positive thing for me. It used to be easier to tune out the negative elements in order to enjoy the positives, and now it’s not so easy — but I don’t know whether that’s because the negatives have increased or I’m just more sensitive to them (I think it’s a combination).
AN is what it is, it’ll be something else in the future, and it won’t be what it was. {{{shrug}}}
Prithee, be not perturbed by yon third bagger.
See, if I would've just waited five minutes...
Poppy, you’re my emotional grover…
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Is that a positive or a negative?
Let me know whether I should say “I love you, LB” or tune you out.
Prithee, be not perturbed by yon third bagger.
that's definitely a positive.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions
I find myself avoiding gameday threads more than anything else
I’ll post in the ones I make because it also helps me know when to make new one during the game, but sometimes the overwhelming amount of negativity is a big turnoff. I understand it’s a quick reaction to a player failing during a moment in the game (and I’m just as likely to go “Damn it, get your head out of your ass next time!” aloud instead of typing it), but sometimes people are just negative and biting all game long.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
See, now I like the game day threads.
I revel in their negativity. Why? Because it provides me with a barometer on how screwed up I am. I can always point to them as being more screwed up than me and sip on my beverage content in the knowledge that my fandom has not quite yet consumed my entire being. It means I’m a better person than you. Hah.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
I must admit, I do get a bit tired of the negativity every time Jack Hannahan stricks out
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Never trust the Brits.
That’s what I always say.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions
I love this blog
I am mainly a reader, a lurker if you will, since 2005 and have found this the most vibrant blog, on any subject, I have ever witnessed. Nico’s posts are very fine -full of a balanced insight an humorous approach that I find very appealing. We have a veritable dream team of posters, with writing quality very high. I have been put off by 2 things, however…
Firstly, my occasional posts are often jumped on, rudely in my opinion. Similar in vein is the stuff that is going on lately. Frankly, the semantics/syntax/personality wars being waged by people with way too much time on their hands really tiresome. I used to peruse nearly everything here, finding gems of insight, humor (remember that one?), and goodness hidden everywhere. Now I often leave just sighing. Women used to post more too. I am not sure if that is correlated…
by Chilango on Apr 28, 2009 12:49 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I know what AN needs... more chick talk!
That can be arranged.
by whiteshoes40 on Apr 28, 2009 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Chick talk chick talk, or chick talk like talking about chicks?
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
The first one.
Inspired by pictures like this…
by whiteshoes40 on Apr 28, 2009 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions
See, like, WHAT is always in his back pocket?
Is it just a tin of chew? It looks too small. Is he seriously so huge that he makes a tin of chew look misleadingly tiny?
A's Strategy 2009: "Whoever is not hurt plays" - Syphon, 11/10/08
Only you, schmifty.
Its what I love about you.
Take a chance, wob. Go out on a limb. Throw caution to the wind. Count my cliches. Something~67M
LOL! Thanks!
I honestly am reading through every comment on here, but the part that really got me going was… the picture of Ryan :)
A's Strategy 2009: "Whoever is not hurt plays" - Syphon, 11/10/08
See? This is the problem with AN right now.
It took over 24 hours (!) for someone to respond to that picture of Ryan.
Good thing schmifty was around to save the day. Now I know everything will be okay.
by whiteshoes40 on Apr 29, 2009 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions
The chicks are still here! Yay!
I know I don’t have a lot to offer when it comes to stats and stuff. I guess you can call me fluff. But I do love this team, and this site, and I’ve enjoyed being involved in bringing AN together outside the site. That’s been MY contribution, and I’ll continue to do it as long as you all enjoy it too.
Take a chance, wob. Go out on a limb. Throw caution to the wind. Count my cliches. Something~67M
Speaking of which...Do I dare
start thinking about a Community Service Day II? Maybe sometime in June?
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Yes, you do dare.
That was an awesome thing we did, and I feel bad that we didn’t follow through with the house.
Take a chance, wob. Go out on a limb. Throw caution to the wind. Count my cliches. Something~67M
Yeah, that was too bad
I’m thinking for a next event we could either sign up for an event that doesn’t have a minimum or maximum, so we can just say “show up at this time and meet here if you’re in,” or try the Food Bank again because it’s pretty easily set up.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Except that I think a lot of volunteer opportunities are limited
now, because contributions are down that would normally support them, like the Food Bank. But we can’t let that stop us. I’m sure we can find ways to help out.
Take a chance, wob. Go out on a limb. Throw caution to the wind. Count my cliches. Something~67M
I know - we can make canned food in the morning
and then stack it in the warehouse in the afternoon!
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Isn't that what this was all supposed to be about?
Being an A’s fan? Bitching a little, sharing a communal spirit? If reading about stats is someones idea of fun, well, knock yourself out. Do you actually watch the games? Oops, it’s all to easy to take a side. That’s why the fanposts have titles – read what you like, avoid what you don’t.
Enjoy the game
Fluff.
Fluff n’ stuff.
Fluffy.
Fluffy rawr.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 30, 2009 6:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Sure, in all seriousness...
Serious baseball talk is just one side of the coin. You don’t need to have to prove every statement with numbers. The subjective side to baseball has just as much value. I like the well-roundedness of a site where everyone feels free to say what is on their mind, even if it the well-roundedness of a particular player’s posterior.
I remember hearing an interview with Tony Peña, the manager of the Royals back in 2004, who was enjoying some miraculous (and short-lived) success with that troubled franchise. He said something like, “We are all honored to be able to make a living out of a child’s game.”
by Chilango on Apr 28, 2009 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
YES, YES, JESUS F*CK YES.
Um.. what?
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Where have you been?
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Ouch. Did you stay awake? Not drool? Jump up and shout KILL THEM ALL?
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
No, but they looked at me kinda strange...
when I answered “gymnastics” to if there was any reason why I couldn’t be fair.
Bring Gio back!
God I love you.
Of course I mean that in the most nonsexual, online way possible.
Wait.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
I was put on a jury a few months ago.
It was interesting (my first time on a jury) and yet very, very boring.
by whiteshoes40 on Apr 28, 2009 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions
I'd share my jury story, but I'm afraid I'd put the whole blog to sleep
ZZZZzzzzzzz
"The glass is half full….and we are going to drown in it." - OptimistPrime
I'm sure I'll find the trial interesting but...
all the jury questioning is killing me. Let’s get on already. I’m going to be so behind in work after 2 weeks!
Bring Gio back!
I was pretty lucky --
the jury selection and trial combined took only 2 days. Pretty good deal.
by whiteshoes40 on Apr 28, 2009 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions
I was on a county grand jury as an alternate for 1 day in the fall
Frankly, pretty depressing view of the justice system.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
I also think part of the contentious atmosphere lately
is due to a lack of, and the lacking diversity of, front page writing. When there were more stories coming up on a regular basis from the varied viewpoints of folks like NSJ, Salb, MB, grover and others, there was more stuff to talk about and more stuff to self-selectively immerse yourself in. The volume of material since has gone way down. When there’s something big, new and fun every 3 days, 4 days, or weekly, people will read anything and everything that’s up on the site, and thusly, find more cause for agitation.
This isn’t to rag on Nico or his frontpage skillzz. He can’t do it alone. It’s precisely the variety, and output, of all the other voices/writers involved that make a community like this successful and civil. I feel cheap urging others to take up the flame when I know I won’t (writing is painful for me – my girlfriend and I almost break up every time I write something for abetteroakland), but that’s the only solution I see.
This is the first I’ve heard about the secret exodus to Clown Porn (or whatever it’s called). I understand the principle behind leaving AN because of the yahoo connection, but I’m kinda put out on a personal level (because I’m selfish) over the silence in this evacuation. I really really enjoyed reading some of those posters. It was part of what made AN great to me. When some of them disappeared, it made me really sad. But to find out after the fact that they took their marbles somewhere else and I’ve been deprived of their insight and irreverent commentary the whole time leaves me feeling hurt. That being said, they owe me nothing and they could reasonably tell me to go stuff it.
Devo, Grover, me, MB and Sal aren't too far apart in age/life experience
The posting age at AN varies quite a bit – there are teenagers here, and there are senior citizens here. But I’ll bet the peak posting age of ANers – if we’re looking at sheer volume of posts – is somewhere in the early 20s.
I’m not qualified to speak for those guys above, but just from knowing each of them a bit online and via email, something’s happening that we haven’t mentioned yet – new life demands are swallowing up a lot of our time.
Our families are growing. Our work demands are increasing. Our wives, babies, bosses, etc. – all have needs.
I personally love AN. I miss being able to write articles for AN or THT, because I really enjoy writing. If I’m not around, its due to life demands…definitely not a “protest”. When my obligations were fewer, I would make the time to write a fanpost or THT article that took me 4-6, just like those guys did. I can’t really do that anymore.
I miss the contributions of those who have left a great deal, but I also really value the quality of the community that remains.
But like I say, if those guys (and others who have seemingly “left”), were still around, I think they’d tell you a similar story. Their absence is at least in part due to increasing life demands.
So, as hugely large and terrific as the AN community and leadership is…what I’m saying is that a new crop of statisticians and analysts should eventually emerge.
Batting 4th for the 2014 San Jose A's: 26-year-old RF Justin Upton, in the 1st season of a nine year, $250M deal.
by notsellingjeans on Apr 28, 2009 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think you're right, NSJ, and I'll add that if someone is interested in
doing semi-regular Staturday type pieces, I’m all ears. What happened to Staturdays is that its contributors told me they just didn’t feel they could devote the time anymore. I’m actually all for it if there’s someone committed to doing it.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Could not agree more, NSJ
Just as the season started, life demands seemed to multiply. It happens. But yeah, it meant my AN time suffered a bit.
I'm here to talk about the past.
I suspect that if the A's were actually playing better now
and in fact, over the last year or so, that this wold have not been a discussion at all. Afterall, it’s easy to get behind a winning team, but when they’re doing their best impression of a stag do playing whiffle ball (ok, cancel that, that might be amusing), then everyone and their dog has an opinion on why they’re losing, and there’s not a lot else to do but disagree. Or run around like chicken licken.
Long and the short of it, all of this strife and hang wringing is pretty much the fault of bobby crosby wasting his talent. Or, if you want a more recent callback, Eric Chavez’ three year bodywork warantee running out. Pick your poison, frankly.
In other news, I’m writing for my own, super top secret baseball site. Which I may or not call www.MEGABALLUSAUSAUSAUSA.com.
Jury is still out on that, mind
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 1:44 PM PDT reply actions
I'm legally obliged to post this video in relation to the thread title.
I’d apologise, but it rocks so I don’t feel the need to! :-P
I love Take That
but somewhat bizarrely, I used to have nightmares about that song. I’m not sure why. But it’s true.
Never Forget, though, I’d hold up as one of the five greatest songs I’ve ever heard.
And Back for Good is pretty amazing, too
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Ooooh, one of the five greatest songs you've ever heard.
High praise. I’m quite partial to this when discussion favourite songs ever. Helps that the lead singer is gorgeous mind.
Is this a thread hijack btw? I gather it’s getting pretty serious in here (I imagine it should, after all I wasn’t mentioned as one of the best new posters! [We’ll have words WC! :-P]) so I’ll take my random musings elsewhere if that’s the case…
Hell, it's not as if I know fuck all about baseball, anyway
I am, on the other hand, going to have to give you a big NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
to Sixpence None the Richer, I’m afraid. That song is like having teeth pulled
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Never trust the Brits
when it comes to musical tastes, that’s what I’ve got crocheted on a pillow in my den.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Hey now, I'll have you know we own the world when it comes to
music. Infact the city of my birth, Madchester, is the capital of awesome music.
nope. that would be Liverpool
and the same thing could be said about soccer teams.
Ellis for President
Let's not get silly now.
Though I’m not sure why I’m arguing, Liverpool is still British, however much I’d like to disown the place.
Whatever, poseurs.
Last I checked, Memphis ain’t in Jolly Ol’…
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions
hahah well
Manchester produces better bands, and Liverpool the better teams.
Though, I have to say, Manchester is about the only city in Britain I’d live, should I ever move back.
Or Cardiff, perhaps. Now they make some bands.
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Gentlemen,
Before we proceed, I must tell you that my training is in English Literature, and not American. Though certainly my name suggests a certain Irish influence as well.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah, I'm a big fan
I had friends at University there, too. When I lived in Bristol I used to take the train over as much as I could.
Big fan of the fly bar. and Clwb Ifor Bach. And the awesome ratio of hot girls : weird looking guys.
Now there’s a stat I can get behind
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions
That has to be the
first time where I spit food onto my screen after reading an AN comment.
Good thing it was just mashed potatoes.
I'm here to talk about the past.
I'm going to have to use a ruler to see what commen that was in reply to
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions
up button?
’splain Don.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions
The up button
allows you to go “up” to see which comment the commentator was replying to. Or something like that.
I'm here to talk about the past.
oh! that's what it's for. righty right
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions
wow
truely we live in an age where miracles walk the earth
or something
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't know, but
I think the four of us have used our powers for good, hijacking this post.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Let's be honest with ourselves
we’re all just trying to kill time until the game starts, no?
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions
So
you don’t really like me?
{turns into previous self-loathing self}
{snaps out of it}
Yes.
I'm here to talk about the past.
I've never met you
how could I like you or not?
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm in love with him, actually.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions
well, clearly i wouldn't want to intrude
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions
It's a good role reversal though.
The Brits don’t have to be the camp ones in this crime fighting team.
Huzzah!
Yay!
Although I’m not sure Don’s down with camp. I like camp. John Waters rates in my book.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Clearly, I'm going to be the aloof one
who kinda might be the evil one all along
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Okay.
But that necessitates some facial hair…are you okay with that?
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Speak for yourself, I'm trying to get to sleep.
I’ve got a day of editing and a football match (11 a side, 90 mins, no subs! :-S) tomorrow.
Sadly we're not broadcasting it.
We are filming the 3rd year Sports Journalism Showdown, Print vs Broadcast game though. I’ll be sure to send you a copy. ;-)
No subs? Jesus
We have rolling subs in our eight aside sunday league, and I’m still aching from that today. I was marking the best player in the league, and he’s never content to just beat you once, and then shoot. Oh no. two, three, four times, till you look like a fucking idiot, then he’ll score.
The only thing that was injured was my spine
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Well we need the practice - it's a friendly
and things get serious next week. Plus we’d totally booked the ref so it’s the British thing to do I think; carry on even though there will be several fatalities because we don’t like to complain.
It's times like that I prefer to do a lot of jogging and pointing
and shouting ‘MARK UP’ a lot, thus making my contribution look the greater.
Helllooooooooo, the playing career of Steve Bruce
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I've mastered that role,
though I like to do it from DM.
Positions are up in the air at the moment, knowing my luck I’m probably playing fullback so I’ll be one of those close to death (I’m fit, but I’m not match fit).
Like a priest at a cunnilingus rally,
I have no idea what you are talking about.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions
But I can breathe through my ears
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
I'm going to assume you've not ever played for an American
team, but they play a very odd defensive system, whereby the fullbacks have to man mark the two main strikers (even if one of them is dropping off), and the two central defenders either play sweeper, or some sort of heading the ball roll. It’s not fun. You essentially run around like a headless chicken. At that point, I decided it’d be better to play eight a side.
Plus, I mostly look like a pretty decent player in our league, what with having learned not to toe poke the ball, ooh, twenty six years ago
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions
I feel deeply insulted by that.
I think.
Hey, do we toe-poke the ball here?
What? We don’t play ball with our feet?
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions
well, an awful lot of people in our league do
I exagerate a bit, of course.
the difference seems to come down to this – the Americans are, for the most part, fitter than their european counterparrts, but don’t really have much in the way of tactical nouse, and tend to run about a lot like headless chickens. The europeans weeze a lot more, and then pass it.
Or fall over, obviously.
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Yanks, always messing with a good thing.
Nope I’ve only played the system where the fullback marks the winger (or the ‘continental’ 5-3-2’ which I really hope we don’t play tomorrow as I’m too young to die and I’d almost certainly be playing wingback).
I was going to say, does the fact that you’re British give you an advantage – sounds like it does.
Since we're on that subject.
We absolutely decimated our opposition last night, 11-2.
Yours truly notched SIX goals and a pair of assists.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Wow.
how manly.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions
I was only doing it to impress you.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Join the club.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
that's what you get when you play kids, huh
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah it's really tough to get them into an over 30 league.
I’m sneaky though.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
What do you mean, he looks 5?
Have you seen the sweet ‘stache he’s sporting?
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions
lots of soccer players here....
I think we need to start an AN team….
There's no crying in baseball!
DO IT.
But do it close to Livermore. I fear travel.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Darn.
I can’t play. I’m so bummed.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions
when i hit that link
my girlfriend literally squeaked, jumped up and started dancing around, proclaiming it the greatest song ever..
she asked where i got the link ( cause I don’t listen to this crap ) and when i said a baseball blog, she stopped up and said, “what?”. it was kind of funny.
she’s really cute when she’s confused.
Ellis for President
you should tell her that all baseball games are like that
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Goes without saying
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions
You'd think so wouldn't you.
I think it’s the injustice Hollywood are doing us though. We’re all evil or loopy with bad teeth.
or that cnut Brand
and I don’t mean Jo
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
bastards..
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
You know, you two make up the second
(or perhaps first) half of the crime fighting/causing duo with Don and me, but we’re gonna have to teach you guys a little something about being cool.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions
There ain't nothing you can tell me I don't already know
or, as the great Lou would have it,
’You’re still doing things I gave up years ago"
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Reed
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm not worthy.
That’s the only answer you could’ve given that I wouldn’t scoff at.
Okay, AIE, you’re cool.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions
I love transformer
I have a vinyl copy that I paid fifty pence for in a closing down sale.
It’s now worth nearly a pound
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions
You know,
I’m not gay (not really gay), but if talked to me like that long enough, I’d probably let you sleep with me.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Come on
You are or you aren’t. Enough with the head games, man.
Oh. Is this thing on?
I'm here to talk about the past.
I think he was doing a brief precis of the album, no?
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, was Lou gay?
I mean, really gay?
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions
well, no. and yes. and no
He’s an interesting person
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions
HEAD GAMES!
Jesus, and these Brits think they own the musical world. What about Foreigner?
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions
You'll be cooler once I figure out wtf your name means.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Oh, it's a character in a book
I picked up one time. Never read it.
What? you weren’t talking to me?
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions
were you asking me?
it’s a latin / tattoo based pun
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes, you.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
it's attrib to Julius Caeser, crossing the river rubicon
and means ‘Let the die be cast’, or more normally, ‘the die is cast’.
die, as in the six sided thing. ie, things have been put in motion, and will land where they may. He crossed the river Rubicon with an army, which was tantamount to a declaration of war on the city of Rome.
also, it’s a cool tattoo. Cause, right, they also use dye. Just a different type.
also, there’s an outside Jermaine Dye ref, too.
yes, I am a bit of a poseur
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions
I personally believe that U.S. Americans are unable to do so because, uh, some, people out there in our nation don’t have maps and, uh, I believe that our, uh, education like such as, uh, South Africa and, uh, the Iraq, everywhere like such as, and, I believe that they should, our education over here in the U.S. should help the U.S., uh, or, uh, should help South Africa and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up our future, for our children.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
I believe that children are the future.
that, and crack cocaine.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions
IT'S A HELL OF A DRUG
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
children are?
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Too chewy.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
yeah, you have to chop them up first
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions
I literally LOL'd.
It’s not a beauty pageant, it’s a scholarship program.
Nico: Okay. We have twelve hours to make a really big pickle.
What the hell am I over here than? Chopped liver?
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
THAT
is a cool emoticon. And how I feel a god chunk of the day.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions
More where that came from.
and that was a FANTASTIC typo, god chunk of the day.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
There will be growth in the spring
"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra
by Cheezombie on Apr 28, 2009 2:45 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
(I love Chance, the Gardener)
A very underrated book. And movie.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions
"I admire your good, solid sense. That's precisely what we lack on Capitol Hill."
Great movie, but I still haven’t read the book.
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Apr 28, 2009 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions
The book's really clever too.
Some would say more, but I was such a huge Peter Sellers fan..
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions
I know it seems like Leopold Bloom just started posting, but he's got a UID in the 1800s
m*****f***ing c***s***ing peanut butter and jelly!! f*** f*** f***!!!
wha?
I don’t have an IUD. I use the rhythm method.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'd have to google that for it to make sense to me.
Much like when the stats were brought out (which I loved btw – and look how I’ve kept the comment on topic. Mad skillz).
Callback!
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions
okay, you can bring it, British guy.
I recognize.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions
HA! That was excellent
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Apr 28, 2009 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions
I love you.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Standing in the rain,
with his head hung low.
Couldn’t buy a ticket.
It was a sold out show.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions
life is tough on the street
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Heard the roar of the crowd,
He could picture the scene
Put his head to the wall
And like a distant scream
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Stay another day
is amazing. Did Gary Barlow write that? It certainly sounds like one of his. I know he wrote (and still writes) for a lot of groups, under a different name
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions
So is this weird, or what?
While we’re talking about all thse super duper relevant bands, I’m listening to the live version of Liberate by Slipknot.
Oh, now it’s Eyeless
I can’t be the only metalhead on AN, can I?
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
I saw slipknot once
I was kinda dissapointed by how crappy they were. I was expecting real, like extreme metal, but they seemed quite soft. and like, yknow. a bit like a nu-metal version of deaf leopard?
they did have a drum riser that went up and down, though, which was awesome.
and they’re responsible for my favourite headline ever in the NME, which was
Slipknot Live in Iowa
this is amusing if you’re not sure which way to say the word Live, and then they answer is, wait, they do? So what?
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions
You must have caught them on an off day.
They’ve been pretty ridiculous when I’ve seen them.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
yeah, there was no eating dead crows and then vomiting
and just a lot of poor riffing.
I do like music that’s extremely loud and fast, mind. I just like them to get it over and done with a little more rapidly…
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Youtube blocked at work
However, I think you’d enjoy the video of New Millenium Cyanide Christ by Meshuggah.
If anything, because they couldn’t figure out what to do for a video, so they shot it on the tour bus while playing air guitar and singing into a microphone made out of a pencil
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
nice.
I’m now going to claim that I’ve gone from Take That to Lou Reed to The Locust in one afternoon; my work here is done.
I must get me to the gym
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions
I used to do that.
Turns out, those weights are heavy
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
yeah, and i've left it too late now. trip cancelled!
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Once, long ago,
my brother saw REO Speedwagon, in the 80’s, when you still could presumably. He saw them in Terre Haute, Indiana. The guy actually had the balls to get up there and say, “Nobody rocks like Terre Haute!”
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't know if he was saying it as a good thing ;-)
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Hmm.
Good point. I hadn’t thought of that.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions
I think
REO Speedwagon is from Indiana, right? I just remember there being “REO Speedwagon Blvd” in West Lafayette.
Ok, wikipedia sez they’re from Champaign, but that’s not really much different.
It is to the good people of Champaign.
How dare you besmirch those…Illini and call them Hoosiers.
(good memory, though, Colin. They are quite close.)
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions
We missed you Sunday, dude. WTF?
I assume you were busy crocheting a Darius Heyward-Bey jersey?
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
low.
{but very funny}
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions
What he said.
I laughed. Out loud. Inside my office. With the door open.
Steph is here. But only for a week. I tried to get her to go, but no.
I'm here to talk about the past.
By the way, folks,
I have a brand spanking new copy of Generation A’s Fans here, written by one Don Marquez, Sr, that i recently purchased on Amazon. It looks amA’sing. I’ll do a full review upon finishing.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Speaking of cool emoticons, this one feels right.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
by mikev on Apr 28, 2009 3:35 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Oh, beyond any doubt.
It’s through.
NO MORE FATWAH.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions
I'll refrain from the CGV worthy Emo picture.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Emo porn's kinda hot.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions
We've just been bringing the magic back
magic, like this
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions
gotta love some Bowie
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions
I love that movie.
One of the movies that made me who I am today.
by LoneStranger on Apr 28, 2009 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions
The Lone Stranger?
You keep this town safe at night, safe from the scum who would do her harm?
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes.
Now, if only I could swing a bat and catch a ball, I could save our team.
by LoneStranger on Apr 28, 2009 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Truly,
you have reason for self-loathing.
Now stop being so selfish and get out there and do it, man!
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions
can I just say right here?
yum.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions
no-one should get credit for sustaining emo as a genre, frankly
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions
true.
I just want a punk rock girl of my own, though.
Is that so much to ask?
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions
I'd be ok with like 5 or 6 of em.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Nah, I don't wanna be greedy.
I’ll take two, please.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Wait, are we talking at once or total?
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
If you don't know Mojo Nixon
Then your store could use some fixin’
I love Dead Milkmen. no really, I do.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions
People look down upon Beavis and Butthead
But I learned about a lot of cool music by watching that show.
by LoneStranger on Apr 28, 2009 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Beavis and Butthead were morons,
Mike Judge is pretty frickin’ cool. And B&B were funny. And that goes a long way with me.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Uh-huh uh-huh uh-huh
Leopold Bloom is cool. Yeah, he must be from Seattle, cuz everyone in Seattle is, like, cool and stuff.
"The glass is half full….and we are going to drown in it." - OptimistPrime
Oh yeah.
Come to Butthead.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm not particularly big on people re-enacting their own punk dreams
by dressing up like Sid Vicious… it seems to me to be almost entirely missing what punk was about.
I mean, was the whole point that we had to get away from aping genres that were redundant thirty years ago, and go out and create something new for ourselves?
Obviously, now I’m thirty, my opinions on this matter are no longer valid, but still
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions
See, I always just viewed it as not caring what others thought of your "image"
whether that be musical taste, the way you look/dress, act, or are perceived by others.
Oh and I don’t turn 30 for like 6 more weeks. What I say is totally valid still.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
I'm less than a year from 40
What does it say about me that I’d even talk to either of you?
I think it’s a valid point and it seems that punk rock in the US hasn’t really meant a whole hell of a lot since the mid-80’s, maybe? Possibly earlier. Frankenchrist/Penis Landscape ended a lto of things for a lot of people in that neck of the woods.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions
I just feel that anyone, anywhere, who has claimed to be punk since 1978
(possibly 1983 over here, but I’d debate that, still), is pretty much, by definition, Not Punk
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions
There were some hardcore people here in '83.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions
actually, I'm not sure that's quite right
there was an element of that to it, sure, but there was also a high fashion element to it. If people really didn’t care how they looked, they wouldn’t spend money on buying fancy clothes. And nor, I suspect, these days, if they really didn’t care, would they spend so much money getting their image dead on.
The punk spirit, in the UK, at least, when it comes to not caring what others thought of you, was more about not doing what was expected of you, artistically, musically, or whatever.This is one of the reasons why the thing fell apart so quickly at the end, when it became mainstream, and there was a punk sound, and people started moaning that it was better in the old days when PaulThomas posted and before Blez took heroin…
wait, i think i lost the run of myself at the end, there
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions
I think we're pretty much on the same page.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
yeah, but i tore the page up and pissed on it
take that, society!
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 28, 2009 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions
I saw the them in Indianapolis.
That was a hell of show.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Are you my brother?
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Winning takes care of just about everything.
If the A’s start a hot streak, or start to seriously contend, I believe the old guard will show up again. Now if the A’s could only win 20 in a row.
By the way, where’s grover? Am I missing something, because he used to post some excellent diaries. I also want to know where is PT? Can he post again or does he even want to?
Paddle Faster! I hear banjo music.
Thanks for the info.
Now that I know this, I am going to fade back into the jungles of Afghanistan. Best to everyone on AN.
Paddle Faster! I hear banjo music.
grover's still here.
PT got put on double secret probation a while back, though one would assume that if he wished to be back, he would be back. So I’m not sure on that. Rumor has it, you can still hear him howling out there on the Moors, late at night. Or you could search the rest of SB. I think he still posts elsewhere.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Whoa, Mr. Irish guy
Are you alluding to some Englit there?
Next you’ll be dropping a reference to the dog that didn’t bark in the nighttime…
nonono, I'm most certainly an Englsih lit guy.
who’s in love with a pototo-eater, for certain, but…sweet, sweet Faustus, how could you doubt me?
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 28, 2009 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Methinks we're overthinking this
The place does seem a bit down, but IMHO it has more to do with the team, not the members. People can stay excited and positive about a consistently under performing team for only so long.
I could prove God statistically. Take the human body alone - the chances that all the functions of an individual would just happen is a statistical monstrosity.
~George Gallup
by UncleLeo on Apr 28, 2009 7:56 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I think that's about right
I know the team’s level of play, injuries, and management HUH???s have changed my demeanor on here at times. Tonight’s game didn’t exactly help.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
I love how this
started as an edgy semi-baity semi-trolly invitation for more of the same crap…
then turned into a weird friendly love fest bonding session. AN is fine. I can relax.
by Chilango on Apr 28, 2009 10:44 PM PDT reply actions
I'm not fooled.
I smell a set-up. It’s like when the Sharks and Jets would play nice for Officer Krupke. Well, I’m Krupke. And don’t think I’m not on to your little game. The minute I turn away, it’s back to normal. You stats and non-stats think I was born yesterday? Well, go ahead. Plan your little rumble. See if I care. But don’t you dare sing. For the love of everything holy, can we leave the singing out of it?
Um, you’re welcome Chilango. Love conquers all. Or something like that. I’d like to thank my supporting cast (in no particular order): Leopold Bloom (where you are Leo? Oh there you are!), alea iacta est, OldhamA, mikev…you know there are so many others. I know I’m forgetting some people. Drink up everyone. The shit’s a lot funnier when you’re drunk!
{alarm clock goes off}
{67M awakes, startled}
{LB caresses 67M’s face with the back of his hand, whispering “Shhh, shhh, shhh. It’s normal.”}
{Jack Hannahan wanders in from the kitchen and asks, "Does this Toasty Torpedo belong to anyone?}
{alarm clock goes off}
{Jack- from In the Box- awakes, startled…turns to the midget next to him and says, “TWSS?”}
I'm here to talk about the past.
Sure, it's got legs,
but will it play in Peoria?
HANNAHAN!
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 29, 2009 8:21 AM PDT up reply actions
hey, like anything
the internet is just a way of killing time before you die.
might as well make it fun, then, huh
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on Apr 29, 2009 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions
Wait a minute.
We die? No one told me about the dying part, man. Well, shit, in that case, let’s turn this up a notch.
I'm here to talk about the past.
Turn up the crazy and twist off the knob.
As the prophet Pink once said, “I’m comin’ up, so you better get this party started.”
So it is written. So it shall be.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 29, 2009 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Boy are you dumb
Sharks are Hockey and Jets are football. there would never be tension between them.
Hmm
Well, let’s take a peek into the future, Ed. Just for S&G’s. It’s October 2009 (well, I didn’t mean future future). The Sharks are in New Jersey to face the Devils; the Jets are hosting the Bills.
Still with me?
Players from both the Sharks and the Jets stumble into the same bar & grill, having lost their respective contests, partly due to poor officiating. So moods are on the wrong side of cheery, you dig?
At the exact same moment a few players from each team decide to blow off some steam in the most manly way possible: karaoke. Sharks claim to be at the mic first; Jets claim the same. Now the simple solution would be to engage in some friendly competition. Sadly, there are no simple solutions on this lonely day in Jersey.
Profanities spew shamelessly, a little pushing and shoving, and then just as we thought we might be safe from the singing…a song.
I'm here to talk about the past.
Dude, you are so gay.
You listen to show tunes.
Granted, I have sex with men in public restrooms, sometimes for cash, but you are really, really gay. You’re gayer than me.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 29, 2009 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions
All you gotta do is ask, big boy.
I don’t accept show tunes, though. Not before, especially not during and certainly not after.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 29, 2009 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions
hold up hold up!!
the NHL just had to take over the coyotes. the coyotes moved to phoenix from winnipeg, where they were, that’s right, the jets. since noone in their right mind will buy the team and keep it in phoenix, and there will be lots of public pressure to move that team home to winnipeg when all is said and done, there just might be tension… perhaps in a first round playoff series when the sharks win the president’s trophy and the jets (nee jets via coyotes) squeak into the playoffs after being left for dead at the trade deadline…
just sayin’.
"The hard... is what makes it great."
sigh.
i think i kind of wrote one of these a month or so ago.
i don’t contribute much anymore. i mean, you all know this (who is this jjjsixsix fellow, why does he have a uid in the 1800s, why has he posted so much on matchsticks and gasoline recently, and why do half his comments have something to do with usc?). especially compared to a few years ago. while i will generally agree with WC here, i think part of the problem (it’s not really a problem, persay) is that the community is so large – that a game thread will cover the entire front page almost immediately, and so on. it’d be nice for 1.5k comments to be in a thread and have it load swiftly, but it’s not going to happen. even if these stories are there and are present, the pace and turnover here has become so fast… it’s like a twitter feed when you’re following like, a thousand people – there’s no way to keep up with everything. true, there isn’t as much content, but even if there were, it’d feel like there still wasn’t the same amount.
i don’t know where i’m going.
i just wanted to say that someone needs to bring back alameda greg and make him give us rules quizzes again. that, actually, was the whole purpose of this post.
"The hard... is what makes it great."
I'm reminded of the Yogi Berra quote:
“No one goes to that restaurant anymore – it’s too crowded.”
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
i would be snarky, but i can't right now.
but that’s kind of the problem when game threads get to ~ 300 comments for me. it takes forever to load. and then by the time it loads, another 25 comments have shown up.
"The hard... is what makes it great."
I liked the suggestion made regarding inviting some new posters to the site
with specific talents. Another minor leaguer blogging for us a la Ziggy would be fun. I would also like to see some creative writers do their thing here.
As for some of the stat head types why not ask some back? Salb always had something interesting to say and I would love to see him come back and post some more.
I don’t like the implied crticism of Nico…he was always a huge part of this site and the person who was hands on…he was the glue IMO. The site is changing no doubt about it but that’s just life. It isn’t because Nico is now at the helm.
Thank you. I hope folks will realize
that things are changing and that I’m at the helm, but that one is not causing the other.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
Most of us do realize it.
We aren’t as vocal as the critics though so you better get ready for some more bitching . People like a target. You are posting the same as you always did..part analyst part smartass and continuing the same policy of demanding posters respect each other that Blez set in motion. The only changes that you made were to divorce yourself from the CGV process which most looked on as a positive move.
I don’t know what moves you have made privately but I really wish that you’d write to FreeSeatupgrade and few of the others and ask them to come and post. It seems like some are just miffed and that might help if you haven’t already tried it. We do miss them and I don’t think it hurts to let them know that we do.
Wouldn't it be more appropriate for you and other users to do that?
From me, I’m guessing it would be seen as “political” or “trying to drum up business,” whereas from you it’s just “we miss you and wish you’d post here.” I mean I’m always happy to reach out to anyone, but I don’t really know that it would be received as genuine.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
So I guess you miss him too?
The whole situation must suck for you. It’s a real bitch when you enjoy someones company but you can’t just come out and say how you feel for fear of being misinterpreted with the end result of making things worse. Both him and Sal are really cool dudes who have interesting views and a unique sense of style. Can’t blame those guys if they feel they’re holding onto a principle, but it still sucks as an ending.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
I thought they'd be flattered if you did it.
Of course I don’t mind telling a few folks that I miss their writing. I don’t think it will make a difference but it’s worth a try.
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