Is this message board a good thing?

[azn4cy]

No offense, but what do you know about the real world? I know in the real world that criticism that is not constructive is unwanted and usually not tollerated.

Are you really saying the Bo Barnes thread that was started the other day was okay and that if you read something like that about you, (or your kid) that it would not affect you on a personal level?

You're telling me that unfounded criticism is something that doesn't happen in the "real world"? The thread was stupid, and undeserved, but I highly doubt if Bo, or any other recruit, saw that ONE thread and decided not to come to Ames. Being called "bad" by one person on a message bar is like me walking down Welch and some random guy calling me a tool, then me assuming that the entire Ames community hates on me.

[ISUboi12]

You're telling me that unfounded criticism is something that doesn't happen in the "real world"? The thread was stupid, and undeserved, but I highly doubt if Bo, or any other recruit, saw that ONE thread and decided not to come to Ames. Being called "bad" by one person on a message bar is like me walking down Welch and some random guy calling me a tool, then me assuming that the entire Ames community hates on me.

Actually, I didn't say any of that, at all.

[mkadl]

I read the headline, and did not read a post. SO HERE IT GOES mob mentality rules on this board, I do not believe it represents the people who "pull the strings" very well. We (posters on this board) are loyal ISU fans and just want better results.

[ktoddcyclones]

I think you're looking a little too far into things. Hell, the Kansas boards were talking about how Self was recruiting the wrong players, didn't coach with tenacity, and let his players play soft after their loss to UNI. That stuff went on for a week or two.

My point is this. I'm sure the recruits check out the message boards and see what's going on with the school, but if a recruit determines where he is going to play ball for four years of his life based on what a bunch of fans think rather than the coaches, administration, facilities, etc. Do you really want that kid here in the first place? That seems like a pretty stupid way to go about it to me.

And you want to play before a group of fans who boo you?

[Dryburn]

It is what it is.

Sure, there are going to be negative statements made. Let's face it.....there has not been an overwhelming amount of success with some of the programs here at Iowa State in recent years (or ever in some cases)....so there has been a lot to be negative about. Just fact.

On the other hand.......when positive things have happened there is also a lot of positive energy and support on this board.......so it goes both ways. You kind of have to take the good with the bad.

I doubt recruits put too much stock in what is said on message boards. I'm sure most realize that some negative things are going to be said when programs are losing. But aren't most recruits being recruited to a losing program to help turn that around? I mean, are recruits being recruited to a losing program to help it continue to lose? Don't think so.

If everything on here was all positive, and the fans never complained even after losses, I would think that most recruits would find that a little strange.

I bet even UCONN's board had some negative things to say about the Women's basketball team after that first half the other night against Stanford. So what?

Also, if a recruit did a search and could find no Iowa State fan message boards or forums at all......what kind of an impression do you think that would give them of Iowa State?

Like I said, it is what it is.......at least if a recruit looks at Cyclone Fanatic, he or she will see what I think is one of the best, if not the best FREE college fan site on the internet. At the very least he or she will know that ISU fans are passionate. How can that be a bad thing?

[azn4cy]

Actually, I didn't say any of that, at all.

You asked if I would be offended on a personal level because of that one negative post. Not once did I say you can't be offended about seeing negative criticism about yourself. The point is, that you realize that it happens "in the real world", especially if you are a possible future high-profile athlete, and not let ONE post affect your college decision, as the OP was saying.

[isucy86]

Every poster made intelligent comments that are well thought out and based on fact- sure. The reality is message boards are a forum for all fans and even though we all LOVE ISU athletics- there are differing opinions how to get there. The key is being civil and expressing opposing views without attacker opposing posters.

As far as these message boards impacting the opinions of recruits and their families- I'm sure it happens to some degree. But if you think by getting rid of message boards recruits wouldn't be aware of the negatives occuring within a program you are wrong. Opposing coaches would plant the seed.

Overall message boards (Including Fanatic and Cyclone Report) are a great marketing tool for college athletic departments to create a 365 day, 24 hr/day content provider.

[ISUboi12]

You asked if I would be offended on a personal level because of that one negative post. Not once did I say you can't be offended about seeing negative criticism about yourself. The point is, that you realize that it happens "in the real world", especially if you are a possible future high-profile athlete, and not let ONE post affect your college decision, as the OP was saying.

"You're telling me that unfounded criticism is something that doesn't happen in the "real world"? "

My response was to this statement that you made in your earlier post. I stand by my rebuttal.

Just curious. Is English your second language? Not a huge deal either way, just wondering.

[Ace000087]

Paranoia runs rampant. This board proves that in many ways. Its the exact opposite if ISU would have just won the NCAA tournament, or won the National Title in Football. Feast or Famine. Its a message board, nothing more.

[cyclonenum1]

I hate the "this site isn't as bad as others/big schools' boards" excuses. Who cares? This isn't their board, this is ours - we don't have to lower our standards just because others have. It's not that hard to think of a constructive, informed way to say something, rather than just "So-and-so sucks."

I tend to agree with you...but this is brought up because some on here are making the statement that negative posting on here is somehow putting ISU at a disadvantage. The blunt reality is that other programs have much more negative posting (often when not really deserved) than we tend to have and it isn't hurting their programs.

[azn4cy]

"You're telling me that unfounded criticism is something that doesn't happen in the "real world"? "

My response was to this statement that you made in your earlier post. I stand by my rebuttal.

Just curious. Is English your second language? Not a huge deal either way, just wondering.

I stated in my original post that criticism, both founded and unfounded, happens to recruits, and that the OP was complaining about that being a problem on a forum. My point was basically for less sensitivity about these kind of issues. I never did say that I approved of the negative threads, but they sure have the right to do so. I also think that in no way should the Barnes thread affect any recruits feelings towards ISU.

Now if you agree with me there, and I'm challenging you on something we are actually agreeing on, then I apologize, but I took it as an attack that I don't understand the real world because I am defending the fact that negative stuff is posted about recruits all the time and they should choose to ignore it.

Not sure what the English thing has to do with it at all...

[ISUboi12]

I stated in my original post that criticism, both founded and unfounded, happens to recruits, and that the OP was complaining about that being a problem on a forum. My point was basically for less sensitivity about these kind of issues. I never did say that I approved of the negative threads, but they sure have the right to do so. I also think that in no way should the Barnes thread affect any recruits feelings towards ISU.

Now if you agree with me there, and I'm challenging you on something we are actually agreeing on, then I apologize, but I took it as an attack that I don't understand the real world because I am defending the fact that negative stuff is posted about recruits all the time and they should choose to ignore it.

Not sure what the English thing has to do with it at all...

I asked about the origin of your language because 1. you get a mixed impression of what I am saying or 2. you do not understand English semantics.

I do think negative threads about aforementioned athletes can impact their recruitment. I do not think that it is a huge factor, maybe even barely a factor... My problem is with it being stated in the first place. Both of us, as well as many others, agree that it was ridiculous and unnecessary.

There were a handful of people who supported the OP in that thread. I am simply saying there is no place for people like that here. If you want to be constructive and can provide points why that person isn't a fit for ISU, then fine. Key is, be constructive and educated on the subject or be removed.

[azn4cy]

I asked about the origin of your language because 1. you get a mixed impression of what I am saying or 2. you do not understand English semantics.

I do think negative threads about aforementioned athletes can impact their recruitment. I do not think that it is a huge factor, maybe even barely a factor... My problem is with it being stated in the first place. Both of us, as well as many others, agree that it was ridiculous and unnecessary.

There were a handful of people who supported the OP in that thread. I am simply saying there is no place for people like that here. If you want to be constructive and can provide points why that person isn't a fit for ISU, then fine. Key is, be constructive and educated on the subject or be removed.

And I will respectfully disagree with you on that. Just because you or I perceive them to be negative, doesn't mean they should be banned from posting... Not everyone needs to drink the koolaid on every subject that comes up on the site, whether it be recruits, or the state of a program. I obviously think if you are going to extremes then sure, a ban would be necessary, but there has been criticism of other posters for doubting other recruits for legitimate reasons. I suppose we'll just have to agree to disagree on the matter. Also, I think that the OP's realm of "negative posters", and the ones I'm referring to, are different than the realm that you are talking about (the extremely uneducated, personal attack type)

So, i'm to understand you asked only about English as a second language because you think I confused what you said, even though I used no improper spelling or grammar. I wonder however, if you would ask the same question to anyone else who did this who didn't have "azn" in their handle, or if you ask the English question to the dozens of posters who can't seem to use the right version of you're and your.

[ISUboi12]

So, i'm to understand you asked only about English as a second language because you think I confused what you said, even though I used no improper spelling or grammar. I wonder however, if you would ask the same question to anyone else who did this who didn't have "azn" in their handle, or if you ask the English question to the dozens of posters who can't seem to use the right version of you're and your.

I said:

I know in the real world that criticism that is not constructive is unwanted and usually not tollerated.

You said:

You're telling me that unfounded criticism is something that doesn't happen in the "real world"?

I think a lot of what I have said has been misinterpreted by you. You seem to rebut to the message as if I was saying something entirely different, almost as if you are embellishing my statement.

It has nothing to do with the spelling or grammar as much as it has to do with how you are interpreting my message. You get the gist of what I am saying but take it a step further than I did. It was extremely frustrating.

I agree with you in that we need to agree to disagree… and to answer your question I did ask your if English was your second language because your handle has “azn” in it. Is it not safe to assume you are from Asia?

We are way off topic.

[azn4cy]

I said:

I know in the real world that criticism that is not constructive is unwanted and usually not tollerated.

You said:

You're telling me that unfounded criticism is something that doesn't happen in the "real world"?

I think a lot of what I have said has been misinterpreted by you. You seem to rebut to the message as if I was saying something entirely different, almost as if you are embellishing my statement.

It has nothing to do with the spelling or grammar as much as it has to do with how you are interpreting my message. You get the gist of what I am saying but take it a step further than I did. It was extremely frustrating.

I agree with you in that we need to agree to disagree… and to answer your question I did ask your if English was your second language because your handle has “azn” in it. Is it not safe to assume you are from Asia?

We are way off topic.

Fair enough, just saying that misinterpreting you isn't exactly cause to go on the English as a second language route. Whether I am from Asia or not, at worst, I misinterpreted your statement, but have made no errors in my English spelling or grammar, and caused you no reason to question whether my English is adequate. When you want to argue the actual facts, I'd say going down the "possibly foreign guy doesn't understand English" route is not a good idea.

I just think it's funny that you are bashing the posters who don't constructively criticize... and yet you are the one more or less implying that my English is terrible because I have an Asian background, which is completely irrelevant to the argument at hand. Sorry to break it to you, not all Asians are like Jackie Chan and speak broken English.