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Rule #1

Pacers Digest is intended to be a place to discuss basketball without having to deal with the kinds of behaviors or attitudes that distract people from sticking with the discussion of the topics at hand. These unwanted distractions can come in many forms, and admittedly it can sometimes be tricky to pin down each and every kind that can rear its ugly head, but we feel that the following examples and explanations cover at least a good portion of that ground and should at least give people a pretty good idea of the kinds of things we actively discourage:

"Anyone who __________ is a liar / a fool / an idiot / a blind homer / has their head buried in the sand / a blind hater / doesn't know basketball / doesn't watch the games"

"People with intelligence will agree with me when I say that __________"

"Only stupid people think / believe / do ___________"

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"Remember when PosterX said OldCommentY that no longer looks good? "

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We also dissuade passive aggressive behavior. This can be various things, but common examples include statements that are basically meant to imply someone is either stupid or otherwise incapable of holding a rational conversation. This can include (but is not limited to) laughing at someone's conclusions rather than offering an honest rebuttal, asking people what game they were watching, or another common problem is Poster X will say "that player isn't that bad" and then Poster Y will say something akin to "LOL you think that player is good". We're not going to tolerate those kinds of comments out of respect for the community at large and for the sake of trying to just have an honest conversation.

Now, does the above cover absolutely every single kind of distraction that is unwanted? Probably not, but you should by now have a good idea of the general types of things we will be discouraging. The above examples are meant to give you a good feel for / idea of what we're looking for. If something new or different than the above happens to come along and results in the same problem (that being, any other attitude or behavior that ultimately distracts from actually just discussing the topic at hand, or that is otherwise disrespectful to other posters), we can and we will take action to curb this as well, so please don't take this to mean that if you managed to technically avoid saying something exactly like one of the above examples that you are then somehow off the hook.

That all having been said, our goal is to do so in a generally kind and respectful way, and that doesn't mean the moment we see something we don't like that somebody is going to be suspended or banned, either. It just means that at the very least we will probably say something about it, quite possibly snipping out the distracting parts of the post in question while leaving alone the parts that are actually just discussing the topics, and in the event of a repeating or excessive problem, then we will start issuing infractions to try to further discourage further repeat problems, and if it just never seems to improve, then finally suspensions or bans will come into play. We would prefer it never went that far, and most of the time for most of our posters, it won't ever have to.

A slip up every once and a while is pretty normal, but, again, when it becomes repetitive or excessive, something will be done. Something occasional is probably going to be let go (within reason), but when it starts to become habitual or otherwise a pattern, odds are very good that we will step in.

There's always a small minority that like to push people's buttons and/or test their own boundaries with regards to the administrators, and in the case of someone acting like that, please be aware that this is not a court of law, but a private website run by people who are simply trying to do the right thing as they see it. If we feel that you are a special case that needs to be dealt with in an exceptional way because your behavior isn't explicitly mirroring one of our above examples of what we generally discourage, we can and we will take atypical action to prevent this from continuing if you are not cooperative with us.

Also please be aware that you will not be given a pass simply by claiming that you were 'only joking,' because quite honestly, when someone really is just joking, for one thing most people tend to pick up on the joke, including the person or group that is the target of the joke, and for another thing, in the event where an honest joke gets taken seriously and it upsets or angers someone, the person who is truly 'only joking' will quite commonly go out of his / her way to apologize and will try to mend fences. People who are dishonest about their statements being 'jokes' do not do so, and in turn that becomes a clear sign of what is really going on. It's nothing new.

In any case, quite frankly, the overall quality and health of the entire forum's community is more important than any one troublesome user will ever be, regardless of exactly how a problem is exhibiting itself, and if it comes down to us having to make a choice between you versus the greater health and happiness of the entire community, the community of this forum will win every time.

Lastly, there are also some posters, who are generally great contributors and do not otherwise cause any problems, who sometimes feel it's their place to provoke or to otherwise 'mess with' that small minority of people described in the last paragraph, and while we possibly might understand why you might feel you WANT to do something like that, the truth is we can't actually tolerate that kind of behavior from you any more than we can tolerate the behavior from them. So if we feel that you are trying to provoke those other posters into doing or saying something that will get themselves into trouble, then we will start to view you as a problem as well, because of the same reason as before: The overall health of the forum comes first, and trying to stir the pot with someone like that doesn't help, it just makes it worse. Some will simply disagree with this philosophy, but if so, then so be it because ultimately we have to do what we think is best so long as it's up to us.

If you see a problem that we haven't addressed, the best and most appropriate course for a forum member to take here is to look over to the left of the post in question. See underneath that poster's name, avatar, and other info, down where there's a little triangle with an exclamation point (!) in it? Click that. That allows you to report the post to the admins so we can definitely notice it and give it a look to see what we feel we should do about it. Beyond that, obviously it's human nature sometimes to want to speak up to the poster in question who has bothered you, but we would ask that you try to refrain from doing so because quite often what happens is two or more posters all start going back and forth about the original offending post, and suddenly the entire thread is off topic or otherwise derailed. So while the urge to police it yourself is understandable, it's best to just report it to us and let us handle it. Thank you!

All of the above is going to be subject to a case by case basis, but generally and broadly speaking, this should give everyone a pretty good idea of how things will typically / most often be handled.

Rule #2

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The wrong place is to do so in the original thread in which the administrator took action. For example, if a post gets an infraction, or a post gets deleted, or a comment within a larger post gets clipped out, in a thread discussing Paul George, the wrong thing to do is to distract from the discussion of Paul George by adding your off topic thoughts on what the administrator did.

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If this is done the wrong way, those comments will be deleted, and if it's a repeating problem then it may also receive an infraction as well.

Rule #3

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When you ignore a user, you will unfortunately still see some hints of their existence (nothing we can do about that), however, it does the following key things:

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Regarding infractions, currently they carry a value of one point each, and that point will expire in 31 days. If at any point a poster is carrying three points at the same time, that poster will be suspended until the oldest of the three points expires.

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If I copy and paste an article from the Indianapolis Star website, I would post something like this:

http://www.linktothearticlegoeshere.com/article
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Indianapolis Star

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The legal means of watching or listening to NBA games are NBA League Pass Broadband (for US, or for International; both cost money) and NBA Audio League Pass (which is free). Look for them on NBA.com.

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We prefer self-restraint and/or modesty when making jokes or off topic comments in a sports discussion thread. They can be fun, but sometimes they derail or distract from a topic, and we don't want to see that happen. If we feel it is a problem, we will either delete or move those posts from the thread.

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Rule #10

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Vote of confidence for Larry Bird Part 2

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  • Re: Vote of confidence for Larry Bird Part 2

    When do we get "Larry Bird Vote of Confidence Part III: Return of East Elite"

    Comment


    • Re: Vote of confidence for Larry Bird Part 2

      Originally posted by freddielewis14 View Post
      When do we get "Larry Bird Vote of Confidence Part III: Return of East Elite"
      Probably when we conclude our off-season moves.
      Originally posted by IrishPacer
      Empty vessels make the most noise.

      Comment


      • Re: Vote of confidence for Larry Bird Part 2

        Originally posted by freddielewis14 View Post
        When do we get "Larry Bird Vote of Confidence Part III: Return of East Elite"
        We should do one before the season, one during and one after.

        Obviously 90% of the board is excited for the moves that were made. I'll be interested to see the majority opinion mid season and then again after the playoffs

        Comment


        • Re: Vote of confidence for Larry Bird Part 2

          I had originally held up on voting in this poll to see how things went. After Frank was released, I was pretty upset over how that went down, and angry at Bird. Now though, after seeing that Frank ended up getting a good deal, Nate looks ready to step in, and the solid moves that have been made to shore up our deficiencies, I have softened my stance almost to the point of being apologetic. Once again, will have to see how things work out, but am going to vote YES now.


          EDIT: And it looks like Bird might have found a real "diamond in the rough" in Niang
          Last edited by RamBo_Lamar; 07-03-2016, 09:21 AM.

          Comment


          • Re: Vote of confidence for Larry Bird Part 2

            I've been an incredibly tentative yes because of his past history the entire time. I don't think that's changed yet, because of the nature of the players we've added. I think we have the potential to be very good, but I also think we could be the scariest looking paper tiger in the league next season.
            Time for a new sig.

            Comment


            • Re: Vote of confidence for Larry Bird Part 2

              Originally posted by aamcguy View Post
              I've been an incredibly tentative yes because of his past history the entire time. I don't think that's changed yet, because of the nature of the players we've added. I think we have the potential to be very good, but I also think we could be the scariest looking paper tiger in the league next season.
              How many times have we seen the winner of the offseason disappoint once the season starts? (Bucks last year, Nets a few years ago, etc)

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              • Re: Vote of confidence for Larry Bird Part 2

                Originally posted by Ace E.Anderson View Post
                How many times have we seen the winner of the offseason disappoint once the season starts? (Bucks last year, Nets a few years ago, etc)
                Were those teams really the "winner" of the offseason or did they just make the most high profile moves?

                Comment


                • Re: Vote of confidence for Larry Bird Part 2

                  Originally posted by cdash View Post
                  Were those teams really the "winner" of the offseason or did they just make the most high profile moves?
                  When I say "winner" I mean the moves that were most praised by the media which made them appear to be "winners".

                  Using the Bucks as an example, I don't think Greg Monroe was a high profile move. But that was thought to be a piece that could help them tremendously.

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                  • Re: Vote of confidence for Larry Bird Part 2

                    Originally posted by Ace E.Anderson View Post
                    When I say "winner" I mean the moves that were most praised by the media which made them appear to be "winners".

                    Using the Bucks as an example, I don't think Greg Monroe was a high profile move. But that was thought to be a piece that could help them tremendously.
                    Truth be told the winner of the offseaon is whoever makes the best draft pick(s). But I get what you are driving at, and don't disagree.

                    Comment


                    • Re: Vote of confidence for Larry Bird Part 2

                      Larry has done an outstanding job. Better than I could have ever imagined. Addressed the issue of not having a true point guard, and somehow added an all-star point guard in Jeff Teague. Addressed the issue of not having an actual starting PF, and got Thad Young, a proven starter in the NBA. Addressed the issue of "lack of depth" regarding our bigs, and got Al Jefferson, one of the top post scorers in the NBA. Bird essentially replaced both Ian and Solo, with better and cheaper players, in Al and Thad. Another issue addressed was our lack of a stretch 4. Instead of overpaying a FA, he drafted Georges Niang, whom looks like he could be a pretty good player.

                      Ideally, the final piece to the puzzle would be to add a true starting SG. Someone that can make 3's at a high level, and have Monta run the second unit. I'm excited about next season, and wish it would start yesterday lol
                      Being unable to close out a game in which you have a comfortable lead in the 4th Q = Pulling a Frank Vogel

                      Comment


                      • Re: Vote of confidence for Larry Bird Part 2

                        Originally posted by mattie View Post
                        So in a league where it is required to have at least 2 stars to win a championship, why do we even watch if "it is unlikely" to sign a star? Look I completely buy the argument that given random choices, Indiana wouldn't be chosen, but Indiana has a massive selling point, that EVERYONE glosses over.

                        Seriously. Someone for the love of GOD tell me why Durant would not want to play with his friend, his USA teammate, and superstar Paul George?

                        Now rather then random projections, here is what Kevin Durant said on free agency:

                        "And I'm doing this in Oklahoma City," he said. "I don't care about commercials, I don't really care about this s---, I just want to hoop. But this comes with it and I got all this being in Oklahoma City. So all that stuff doesn't really matter to me. It's all about who I'm gonna play with, what type of people I'm going to be around every single day and I'll go from there."

                        He also says:

                        Asked what he means by a "basketball decision," Durant said it's not necessarily about the spotlight or the money.

                        "Just who I'm going to be playing with and the people I'm going to be around every single day, that's what it's all about for me," Durant told ESPN.com in an interview at Stubb's Bar-B-Q in downtown Austin. "You tend to hear about the market and the opportunities you can get off the basketball court, but I'm blessed, man, to be making what I make as a basketball player."


                        So he CLEARLY cares about WHO he plays with, and the chance to win.

                        Further more, regardless of your all's self loathing opinions on Indianapolis as well as PG ("PG is really good, but he's maybe top 20 at best" you might hear around here), here is what Kevin Durant said about Paul George in comparison to Kawhi Leanord, the leagues darling:

                        "I just said Paul George is better, I like Paul George better as a player. I can be a fan of the game, too. And one of my guys was debating with me and said that he was better than Paul George at the time, and I didn't think so. You know, I'm not taking it back."

                        Soooo. Lets see, Durant wants to go where he can win, with people he likes and respects, and players he thinks who are great. Now. Apparently he thinks Paul George is without a doubt one of the best players in the NBA.

                        Now- Indiana has shown zero desire to court Kevin Durant, so I don't think we have a chance based on that. I think you court players and you show them you want them. Indiana's actions are NOT helping, that's why I think we are out- but in general, based on a hypothetical, that Indiana courted Kevin Durant, I absolutely think Indiana is in in the running. It is an obvious move based on Durants own words!
                        Please keep the the thread realistic
                        I Bleed Blue

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                        • Re: Vote of confidence for Larry Bird Part 2

                          We replaced three solid contributors - all of them glue guys - with three bigger names - two of whom need the ball to do their thing. I'm not one to make predictions, especially this far out, but I won't be surprised if we don't improve much from where we were last season. We cut loose two of our longest-tenured players (not to mention our coach), and I've always believed in the importance of continuity to success. On the other hand, I can't imagine we'll lose as many close games again this year - that was tough to swallow.

                          I can envision a scenario where we go into the postseason with a better record but a weaker team. I'm pleased that we didn't throw out inflated contracts like a lot of the other teams, but I'm not comfortable guaranteeing improvement based simply on what we've gained and lost. I just don't see the slam dunk offseason some of you do.

                          Comment


                          • Re: Vote of confidence for Larry Bird Part 2

                            Originally posted by LG33 View Post
                            We replaced three solid contributors - all of them glue guys - with three bigger names - two of whom need the ball to do their thing. I'm not one to make predictions, especially this far out, but I won't be surprised if we don't improve much from where we were last season. We cut loose two of our longest-tenured players (not to mention our coach), and I've always believed in the importance of continuity to success. On the other hand, I can't imagine we'll lose as many close games again this year - that was tough to swallow.

                            I can envision a scenario where we go into the postseason with a better record but a weaker team. I'm pleased that we didn't throw out inflated contracts like a lot of the other teams, but I'm not comfortable guaranteeing improvement based simply on what we've gained and lost. I just don't see the slam dunk offseason some of you do.
                            In what universe is Solomon Hill a "glue guy"? He basically played here two years considering he barely touched the floor as a rookie. Solid player at times, but easily replaceable.

                            Solo's contract has the potential to be one of the very worst of this off-season while Mahinmi's is pretty steep too. Meanwhile, Al Jefferson is actually being paid a sane amount of money in this market. We got tremendous value in the Young deal since there was no way the 20th pick would come in and be an immediate contributor. I like Hill and Teague, but I think most unbiased observers would consider Teague the better player.

                            Overall, this off-season has been brilliantly played by our front office. Noticeable talent upgrades while even more importantly avoiding train wreck contracts. I think most other fan bases and the media would say that the Pacers have had a very successful off-season. Easily one of the best managed Pacer off-seasons in years.

                            Comment


                            • Re: Vote of confidence for Larry Bird Part 2

                              Originally posted by LG33 View Post
                              We replaced three solid contributors - all of them glue guys - with three bigger names - two of whom need the ball to do their thing. I'm not one to make predictions, especially this far out, but I won't be surprised if we don't improve much from where we were last season. We cut loose two of our longest-tenured players (not to mention our coach), and I've always believed in the importance of continuity to success. On the other hand, I can't imagine we'll lose as many close games again this year - that was tough to swallow.

                              I can envision a scenario where we go into the postseason with a better record but a weaker team. I'm pleased that we didn't throw out inflated contracts like a lot of the other teams, but I'm not comfortable guaranteeing improvement based simply on what we've gained and lost. I just don't see the slam dunk offseason some of you do.
                              Let's break this down. One at a time, starting with our replacement at point guard.

                              First, Teague is a point guard so yes he will have the ball. But he's not ball dominant. I think that myth needs called out right now. Does he need the ball to do his thing? I suppose he needs it more than Hill because he can actually get you some assists. But we basically traded more offense for less defense. So I think the argument that Teague for Hill is a wash is legitimate.

                              Between Thaddeus Young and Solomon Hill, and yes they are about the same physical size, I don't think there is a comparison. Young entered the league when he was 19 and has averaged in the teens throughout his career playing against starters. A career 49% FG%. Hill entered the league when he was 22 and averaged 4.2ppg as a backup last year. His best year was 8.9ppg shooting 39% from the floor. A career 40% FG%. Neither are great rebounders, although Young had a good year last year. Neither are great 3pt shooters nor will they ever be great 3pt shooters. Still, we are paying maybe 1 or 2M/year more for a much, much better player.

                              Between Ian and Jefferson...I would call it a wash. I think Al Jefferson is a much better offensive player and actually needs guarded closely. Ian roamed free for his 9.8ppg last year. Al was heavily guarded for his 12ppg in less minutes last year. This is a huge point, especially if either is playing with backups. Also, people need to understand that Al is a big, big man with huge hands. He is 289lbs where Ian is tall and thin and only 250. We should no longer get pushed around in the paint. Al owns the paint, ok? With that said, Ian is good enough defensively to make up for major shortcomings on offense. I would not argue with someone saying that losing Ian and gaining Jefferson is a small step back. But it isn't a big one.

                              Comment


                              • Re: Vote of confidence for Larry Bird Part 2

                                Originally posted by Sollozzo View Post
                                In what universe is Solomon Hill a "glue guy"?
                                He's a glue guy in the same sense that an old mare is a glue horse.

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