Ban "Chick Talk" on AN?
First off, let me say this diary is not intended to bash anyone or any one group of people. It is a serious attempt to gauge AN's views. So here goes:
It seems that increasingly AN has become a haven for many female (and perhaps male) readers to "goo goo" and "ga ga" over members of our beloved A's. Often times I find myself reading through long diaries, only to find my quest sidetracked by comments about how fine Huston Street is, or how hot Bobby is. This seems inevitable in "Game Pic" posts, but has crept into what would seem to be serious discussions of trades, games, or how the team is playing.
While I understand the occasional comment about a player, or the occasional web flirting that sometimes we see, it seems that some ANers are getting carried away. I thought this was a site for discussion of our beloved team's abilities, needs, weaknesses, etc., not some cheap soap opera about Crosby's ass. To me, this "off topic" discussion really takes away from the site and detracts from its "attractiveness." So my question to you all is, should "Chick Talk" be curbed or banned? Is this kind of talk similar to the "negativity" that was attacked earlier in the year when Blez asked people not to be so negative? Should Blez ask people to chill on the ass rating going on here?
[Please know when I say "Chick Talk" I am trying to get people's attention and mean no disrespect to anyone. I understand it's very possible that guys are rating asses too. I also know it's virtually impossible to police this site, but want people's sincere thoughts on this topic.]
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Can't ban talk about ass
by secret ASian man on Jul 15, 2005 11:18 AM PDT 0 recs
hmmm
I could care less about women talking about players asses, I just like that the women are interested in baseball and the A's.
You want to know the only reason my wife will come to A's games? She LOVES the nachos at the coliseum! The baseball is a diversion to her 3 nacho runs during the game...Hey, to each their own!
by sactowncharles on
Jul 15, 2005 1:20 PM PDT
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3 nachos?
by AllThingsOakland on
Jul 15, 2005 1:25 PM PDT
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"nacho runs"
by monkeyball on
Jul 15, 2005 1:32 PM PDT
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Put it on the board. "Nacho Runs"
by Hang Man on
Jul 15, 2005 1:44 PM PDT
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I think ...
by monkeyball on
Jul 15, 2005 1:47 PM PDT
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Did you see Watson's wife
by easyraider on
Jul 15, 2005 1:37 PM PDT
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nachos....mmmm
As far as the nachos, she is a purist, she just likes the cheese and a ton of jalapenoes...I like the fully loaded ones with beef that come in the black bowl..I can wipe out one and I am done for the game in the eating category. Maybe I colisume dog in the ninth if I had the nachos way before game time.
My wife will eat 3 no problem, now I should have given the disclaimer she is pregnant, she was a 2 nacho per game woman before the babies. (yes, babies). But she will eat all the chips and every drop of cheese...I usually get as much on my shirt as in my mouth.
So have I hijacked this into a nacho thread? Maybe a nacho ban is needed as well...just kidding!
by sactowncharles on
Jul 15, 2005 1:51 PM PDT
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pictures and cheese
- All this talk about Matt Watson's wife. We need evidence.
- Re: cheese. My wife is more or less lactose intolerant. But when she was pregnant she went on a crazy dairy munching streak with no bad stomach issues. It's probably good for the baby. Or in your case, the babies. :)
by Apricot on
Jul 15, 2005 2:01 PM PDT
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For the record...
by Kimmaline on
Jul 17, 2005 7:20 AM PDT
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No!
Please help disabled kids in Sacramento play baseball by helping the Rivercats build a specially equipped field for them.
by kaweahkaweah on Jul 15, 2005 11:24 AM PDT 0 recs
Agreed
I think this (and other) tangents are what makes AN the fun, vibrant place it is.
As an aside, you may want to go enjoy "BEYOND THE BOXSCORE" while you can before us chicks go take it over. That name is just begging for some tangents, and that will open it up to more than just one teamfull of players :-)
by batgirl on
Jul 15, 2005 12:16 PM PDT
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threading
by el generico on
Jul 15, 2005 8:17 PM PDT
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You're hot!
by batgirl on
Jul 16, 2005 7:31 AM PDT
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everybody enjoys the A's
I hate the, "chavez sucks and has no heart, " diary that seemed to pop up everyday in may, so I don't click on those ones.
by Athletics fan and runner on Jul 15, 2005 11:25 AM PDT 0 recs
Yes, but...
by NP15 on
Jul 15, 2005 11:27 AM PDT
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Perhaps you should just
by devo on
Jul 15, 2005 11:39 AM PDT
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Not talking about diray titles only
by oaktownmario on
Jul 15, 2005 11:28 AM PDT
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well
Besides, I don't like the notion of some users determining how it is ok to enjoy the A's. What is baseball talk to you? I might think that baseball talk includes mention of marathon running because I run marathons and I love baseball. You might think that it includes talk of beer because you enjoy a beer at the game. Somebody else might think another thing. So to say that your baseball discussion is interrupted by the 'ass talk' to me is obscure. The 'ass talk' is baseball talk to those who engage in it. We are all A's fans here but we are all unique. I say if it is A's related and baseball related then it is ok.
Besides, it is easy enough to skim through the comments that you don't want to read.
by Athletics fan and runner on
Jul 15, 2005 11:37 AM PDT
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I'm not serious about banning
Just a question: How is this issue different (or the same) as Blez asking people to not be so negative? If I've been an A's fan for 30 years, and have only seen them win one world series, aren't I entitled to be negative about the A's world series prospects? [I am not negative about this topic - just asking].
Also, I would say talk about beer is off topic and as a non-beer drinker would prefer a diary post entitled as follows: "OFF Topic - Crappy Beer at Coliseum"
by oaktownmario on
Jul 15, 2005 11:42 AM PDT
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MY opinion on the 'chick talk'
I would be interested to know what the VO2 max of certain A's players is. ( I bet harden is up there as he has the look of somebody who works out hard. Even when he runs before the games he looks so much better than the other pitchers out there). I have a real interest in how pro athelets work out and I would love to see info about that for members of the A's. That would be my version of 'chick talk'
I think that the negativity in may got to the point where the site was about to rip apart at the seams. I think what blez did at that time was appropiate as some people (oaktoon versus ohad) got really carried away and seemingly developed personal grudges. I don't think that the discussion of hot player asses is at a level that is 5% of that.
I will say, I wish that people would try and give their diaries titles that where more fitting to the subject matter at times. But that is no big deal.
And I feel strongly that open game threads should remain just that, open. That is where people experience the game organically and that is where we really get to know people. I say that anything goes there.
I remember the good old days of Jim Mecir's knee brace and club foot, Macha's balls, and Rob Picciolo's jock making appearances in the game threads. Those were good times.
Basically all is welcome for me in the game threads because it is a manifestation of how A's fans, us, experience the game. Everything should be ok.
(That said, if I ever find out who 3e8 was/is I am going to sign them up for all sorts of spam including mailers from Avon and Lyndon Larouche. That was jag!)
by Athletics fan and runner on
Jul 15, 2005 12:09 PM PDT
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Here's why.
If you don't like talk of Huston Street's frame, then I gather you'd be similarly annoyed when we talk about the player's wives softball game?
by Ozzz on
Jul 15, 2005 12:09 PM PDT
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I see your point on this
by AllThingsOakland on
Jul 15, 2005 12:14 PM PDT
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I'm not trying to stop anyone
Also, I think game threads are totally different than every other post. Those should be truly "open" because people are on edge and need to make any number of comments to get through the game.
Perhaps a better title would have been "Ban Chick and Dude Talk" (sounds dumb though). But yes, both are equally off topic, and in my opinion, lend little to this site.
by oaktownmario on
Jul 15, 2005 12:17 PM PDT
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I don't agree
Part of being a fan for some people is going over VORPs. Part of being a fan for some people is talking about how to throw a curve ball. Part of being a fan for some is talking about tailgating. And part of being a fan is talking about Street's ass. They are not off topic in that sense. I think they fit the manifesto just fine.
by Athletics fan and runner on
Jul 15, 2005 12:22 PM PDT
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"...she needs to make him happy..."
I dare say your average KKK leader is sincerely interested in people's thoughts on "the blacks", but that doesn't mean "should we ban black people fromm AN" would make a good diary topic.
For the record, I don't think you're trying to be a sexist, I just think you're unaware how close you are to being one.
by Ozzz on
Jul 15, 2005 9:57 PM PDT
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You say you are serious
by Athletica on
Jul 15, 2005 12:29 PM PDT
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But wait...
I mean, the great thing about baseball is that it means something different to everyone, and draws people in different ways.
If AN fails to reflect that, then it fails to reflect the reality of the breadth of interests of A's fans. And you can't keep an open community one-sided... it just isn't possible.
by tankerraid on Jul 15, 2005 11:25 AM PDT 0 recs
Can't tell if you are serious
If Keith Ginter is "hot," does that mean he should start at LF over Bobby Kielty?
by oaktownmario on
Jul 15, 2005 11:33 AM PDT
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Not really serious
When you have women who watch baseball, who may well appreciate the statistical interests behind the players, they are also going to appreciate watching athletic attractive men.
I mean, I've watched gymnastics and diving competitions with my husband and brother, and however much they want to make their talk technical, they're still looking for wardrobe malfunctions.
by tankerraid on
Jul 15, 2005 11:38 AM PDT
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Speaking of wardrobe....
Those are some interesting wardrobes. They don't even have to malfunction. <g>
And these are terrific athletes of whom I am in awe; but you can't tell me that there aren't guys (& some gals) who really appreciate those itty-bitty bikinis.
Just as I appreciate a number of aspects of baseball, from stats to strategy to players' wives (Kotsay's is partially responsible for his improved back health) and players' other attributes. And I think it is all appropriate and makes the discussions fun.
So there. :P
by Batgal on
Jul 15, 2005 12:52 PM PDT
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I agree
I think if there was some way to have separate threads for each type of discourse, both equally deserving of space on AN, that it would improve the quality of the site tremendously...
by NP15 on Jul 15, 2005 11:26 AM PDT 0 recs
If you agree this is an important topic
by oaktownmario on
Jul 15, 2005 11:30 AM PDT
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I think this is a douchebag topic.
I mean, it's not like they're gross about it.
by Ozzz on
Jul 15, 2005 12:11 PM PDT
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"Douchebag"?
If you read all my comments you would see I am not serious about a ban. This topic has generated serious interest already and 50% of voters feel it is a problem. I am interested in everyone's thoughts on this issue and you call this a "douchebag" topic and challenge my manhood? Mature.
Also, as I replied earlier to you, "guy talk" also adds little to the site.
by oaktownmario on
Jul 15, 2005 12:24 PM PDT
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I think
Part of the reason that you are getting the reaction that you are from some posters in here is because you targetted the 'chick talk'. It seems like you are asking for threads to stay on topic more. That would have gotten a far different reaction.
So, I think that the 'challenge to your manhood' is due to the fact that you, maybe inadvertantly, implied that this should be a heterosexual male only zone and there was some idiological akido being used against you.
by Athletics fan and runner on
Jul 15, 2005 12:31 PM PDT
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Good points
I knew I was gonna get crap for this thread, but I wanted that in the sense that I wanted people to express their feelings about this topic. And it's worked. What response would this diary title have gotten as "Ban off topic posts." And really, the "Bobby's hot" posts really outnumber the "Kotsay's wife is hot" posts by far.
For the record, the latter is equally of little value, IMHO.
by oaktownmario on
Jul 15, 2005 12:38 PM PDT
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That was part of my point
It would be like reading tests to be able to vote in the post slavery south. There is nothing racist on the face level of it ("white people who can not read would not be able to vote either! It is not racist!") but when Black people were systemically not alloud to learn how to read it is obviously racist. I say this to re-iterate my previous point, that saying the "wife comments" are off topic also is not going to cover up the implied sexism.
You wanted to get a reaction, and you did.
by Athletics fan and runner on
Jul 15, 2005 12:47 PM PDT
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I say ...
by monkeyball on
Jul 15, 2005 12:49 PM PDT
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Why should people look at your other comments?
Your diary was an attempt to tell the "AN chicks" to shut up so you don't have to read their stuff.
Well here's a tip for you - you don't have to read their stuff. Buy a mouse with a scroll wheel.
by Ozzz on
Jul 15, 2005 9:53 PM PDT
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Zito is so hot
Please help disabled kids in Sacramento play baseball by helping the Rivercats build a specially equipped field for them.
by kaweahkaweah on Jul 15, 2005 11:28 AM PDT 0 recs
I agree
Please help disabled kids in Sacramento play baseball by helping the Rivercats build a specially equipped field for them.
by kaweahkaweah on
Jul 15, 2005 11:28 AM PDT
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but people who disagree or aren't interested
Please help disabled kids in Sacramento play baseball by helping the Rivercats build a specially equipped field for them.
by kaweahkaweah on
Jul 15, 2005 11:29 AM PDT
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can easily scroll down the page
Please help disabled kids in Sacramento play baseball by helping the Rivercats build a specially equipped field for them.
by kaweahkaweah on
Jul 15, 2005 11:29 AM PDT
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and past this line of discussion
Please help disabled kids in Sacramento play baseball by helping the Rivercats build a specially equipped field for them.
by kaweahkaweah on
Jul 15, 2005 11:29 AM PDT
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because it is easy to identify
Please help disabled kids in Sacramento play baseball by helping the Rivercats build a specially equipped field for them.
by kaweahkaweah on
Jul 15, 2005 11:29 AM PDT
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as being about Zito's butt
Please help disabled kids in Sacramento play baseball by helping the Rivercats build a specially equipped field for them.
by kaweahkaweah on
Jul 15, 2005 11:30 AM PDT
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and not about his K/bb ration.
Please help disabled kids in Sacramento play baseball by helping the Rivercats build a specially equipped field for them.
by kaweahkaweah on
Jul 15, 2005 11:30 AM PDT
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good point, butt...
sometimes you can scroll for ten minutes before getting to the end of all the indented replies, which are about one word in width by the time you reach the bottom...
But you're right, they are at least easy to identify. I don't think ANY of the "hotness" talk should be banned; although I tend to keep my estrogen to myself, I think a lot of the "chick talk" that does get posted is pretty funny.
by Poppy on
Jul 15, 2005 11:57 AM PDT
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It's funny
by Fongpay on Jul 15, 2005 11:32 AM PDT 0 recs
Seriously, I didn't take my medication today...
by Jennifer on Jul 15, 2005 11:32 AM PDT 0 recs
Don't worry
by batgirl on
Jul 15, 2005 12:04 PM PDT
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And...
Nobody picks on the AN ladies and gets away with it.
by Ozzz on
Jul 15, 2005 12:12 PM PDT
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kudos for "steppin' out"
just ignore it bud.
by bigelephant on Jul 15, 2005 11:34 AM PDT 0 recs
P.S.
by bigelephant on
Jul 15, 2005 11:36 AM PDT
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Adds fun
A lot of threads go off on tangents, and also, a lot of the commentary on hot players is actually egged on by some of the guys.
The other point, and I'm saying this as a female member of the AN community, is that most of the women on this site have a lot to say about baseball related issues as well. The occasional comment about Croz' hot ass shouldn't distract from that, just as a members idle comments about Kotsay's wife shouldn't either.
by Alien on Jul 15, 2005 11:37 AM PDT 0 recs
I completely agree
who's the hottest trade acquisition?
by capper3 on
Jul 15, 2005 11:49 AM PDT
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How horrible
by Alien on
Jul 15, 2005 11:58 AM PDT
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Do you want to make it a "man" thread?
Let's have a pissing contest to find out!
by Jennifer on
Jul 15, 2005 11:59 AM PDT
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can I play?
Here I go?
'Byrnes is three for his last three! HE IS A MORTAL LOCK TO HIT .400!! Maybe even .500!!! If you don't agree you are not a true fan and stupid!! ARRRRRR!!'
How was that?
by Athletics fan and runner on
Jul 15, 2005 12:11 PM PDT
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I'm going to have a serious problem
by Jennifer on
Jul 15, 2005 12:30 PM PDT
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fyi
by devo on
Jul 15, 2005 12:40 PM PDT
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other than that
by Athletics fan and runner on
Jul 15, 2005 12:52 PM PDT
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the only problem
"He's 3 for 3, his slugging percentage is 1.000, if he keeps this up he'll lead the league. Of course, that wouldn't be reasonable, but clearly he's going to hit well enough to outhit Kotsay and Kielty."
by devo on
Jul 15, 2005 12:55 PM PDT
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i also agree..
plus, if the "chick talk" was banned, would penis jokes be banned too??
by high street on
Jul 15, 2005 12:14 PM PDT
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If "chick talk" were to be banned
by secret ASian man on
Jul 15, 2005 12:17 PM PDT
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Y'know, high street,
by Nico on
Jul 15, 2005 1:30 PM PDT
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Hmmm, I like the idea of
by ak_A on
Jul 15, 2005 1:12 PM PDT
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