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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:

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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.

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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.

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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

If a poster is bothering you, and an administrator has not or will not deal with that poster to the extent that you would prefer, you have a powerful tool at your disposal, one that has recently been upgraded and is now better than ever: The ability to ignore a user.

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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Rule #4

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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When you share or paste content or articles from another website, you must include the URL/link back to where you found it, who wrote it, and what website it's from. Said content will be removed if this doesn't happen.

An example:

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

http://www.linktothearticlegoeshere.com/article
Title of the Article
Author's Name
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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Provocative statements in a signature, or as an avatar, or as the 'tagline' beneath a poster's username (where it says 'Member' or 'Administrator' by default, if it is not altered) are an unwanted distraction that will more than likely be removed on sight. There can be shades of gray to this, but in general this could be something political or religious that is likely going to provoke or upset people, or otherwise something that is mean-spirited at the expense of a poster, a group of people, or a population.

It may or may not go without saying, but this goes for threads and posts as well, particularly when it's not made on the off-topic board (Market Square).

We do make exceptions if we feel the content is both innocuous and unlikely to cause social problems on the forum (such as wishing someone a Merry Christmas or a Happy Easter), and we also also make exceptions if such topics come up with regards to a sports figure (such as the Lance Stephenson situation bringing up discussions of domestic abuse and the law, or when Jason Collins came out as gay and how that lead to some discussion about gay rights).

However, once the discussion seems to be more/mostly about the political issues instead of the sports figure or his specific situation, the thread is usually closed.

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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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A Schedule Comparison: Pacers -vs- ???

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  • A Schedule Comparison: Pacers -vs- ???

    I've been wanting to do this for quite some time.

    When I look at the Pacers 15-13 record, I can't help but be proud of their results to date when compared to some of the teams ahead of them namely the Celtics, Magic and Pistons for example. Many fans are disappointed with this team, but I see things a bit differently than most. If I could post a side-by-side comparison of these three team's schedules perhaps you'd see what I see. But since I can't, I'll just have to tell you 'bout it using an inter-divisional rival as an example.

    For starters, the Pacers had 9 back-to-back games from the start of the regular season through 23 December compared to the Pistons who had only 6. Both team had 14 road games, however, the Piston had a stretch of 5 road games in between November 11-18. Their reward, however, was 4 home games in a row for the rest of the month. The longest home stretch for the Pacers thus far all season has been 2 games and most of those have been tied to a back-to-back series where the Pacers would be home for one game then on the road for the next or visa versa. Suffice it to say, my boyz have done a lot of travelling during this young season.

    For the games ahead beginning 26 December through mid-February 2008, the Pacers and Pistons share similar schedules. Both teams having games on the same days from 26 Dec to 4 Jan. The only difference to this point is the Pistons have one more road (4) game than the Pacers (3). Another interesting similarity in their schedules is that both team go on the road from approximately 4/5-13 Jan and again from 19/21-23/26 Jan. The difference is that for the Pacers' first road trip of the new year, all games are against teams from the West Coast while only two of the Pistons' games during this same period are against teams from out West. As for the second set of road games between 19-26 Jan, the Pacers have (4) w/one back-to-back set while the Pistons have (3) road games and none are back-to-back. Moreover, the Pistons will have 4-days off between their game on 25 Jan against the Magic and their game on 29 Jan against the Pacers @ the Fieldhouse, whereas the Pacers will only have 3-days off between their game against the Heat on 26 Jan and their game agaisnt the Pistson. And that's just through 29 January!

    Between 29 January and 5 February, the Pacers' next four games are at home. The Pistons will also have a home stand; however, it spans (5) games from 31 January to 10 February. And did I mention that for the month of February, the Pacers will have 4 sets of back-to-backs compared to the Pistons' two? Now, to be fair the Pistons will end February and go into early March with 7 of their first 6 games to start the month on the road, but they only have 6 sets of back-to-backs through 7 March. After that, the Pistons' next (5) games are at home through 18 March. On the other hand, while the Pacers will only have (4) road games in February, they'll pay for it through mid-March with 6 sets of back-to-backs through 15 March. Their longest home stand through 21 March will be only (3) games.

    The rest of the season eases up for the Pacers beginning 26 March. Every game from then on out will be against teams in the East, and they'll have at least one day off between games throughout. The Pistons will fair about the same except they'll have 3 sets of back-to-backs from 26 March until the end of the season and they'll still face one more team from out West - the Suns.

    So, while some Pacers fans may be down on my boyz, I think they've done a fine job to date based on the difficulty in their schedule. You local fans had better recognize! For this team to be 15-13 at this point and competing as they have is remarkable. For those who think I haven't gone far enough to illustrate how tough the Pacers have it, I urge you to do your own comparison between the Pacers and Celtics for example, or the Cavs, or the Magic. Perhaps then you'll see what I see and be more willing to give this team some slack.
    Last edited by NuffSaid; 12-26-2007, 02:32 AM. Reason: paragraph spacing

  • #2
    Re: A Schedule Comparison: Pacers -vs- ???

    we had more back-to-backs than anybody else in the NBA last year, and we started this season playing 8 of our first 10 on the road. I don't want to hear it.

    The schedule is the schedule. You win as many games as you can and move on.
    Last edited by Kstat; 12-26-2007, 02:51 AM.

    It wasn't about being the team everyone loved, it was about beating the teams everyone else loved.

    Division Champions 1955, 1956, 1988, 1989, 1990, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
    Conference Champions 1955, 1956, 1988, 2005
    NBA Champions 1989, 1990, 2004

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    • #3
      Re: A Schedule Comparison: Pacers -vs- ???

      Originally posted by Kstat View Post
      we had more back-to-backs than anybody else in the NBA last year, and we started this season playing 8 of our first 10 on the road. I don't want to hear it.

      The schedule is the schedule. You win as many games as you can and move on.
      Thread over. Move along.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: A Schedule Comparison: Pacers -vs- ???

        The Pacers have played one of the toughest schedules in the league bar none. It's a shame we've blown so many games either via losing huge leads, losing to crappy teams, or both. Still, I look for us to win 50 games this year and make it at least to the 2nd round. Our depth is outstanding.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: A Schedule Comparison: Pacers -vs- ???

          I understand the schedule has been difficult, and for the most part I am pleased with the way we are playing. However, I am not happy or at all satisfied with being 15-13. We should have beaten Minnesota and Seattle easily, and we should have been able to close out Phoenix. Even giving them a pass on the Toronto and Denver giveaways, we should be 18-10 or 19-9. I feel like if we get better at closing teams out we can win 50 games this year.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: A Schedule Comparison: Pacers -vs- ???

            I'm of the opinion the 'coulda, shoulda, woulda' games are all part of what define a team. Every team has a 'coulda, shoulda, woulda' game or two throughout the year. But to look back and find several 'coulda, woulda, shoulda' games and declare them as signs this team is heading to 50 wins is being a bit overly optimistic. What they really show (IMHO) is that the team is going to lose several games they could've won if they could've played a little better... a little longer.

            It's a pattern that will play out thru the season.

            It's a sign we'll be hovering around .500, not a sign we're on our way to a 50 win season.

            -Bball
            Nuntius was right for a while. I was wrong for a while. But ultimately I was right and Frank Vogel has been let go.

            ------

            "A player who makes a team great is more valuable than a great player. Losing yourself in the group, for the good of the group, that’s teamwork."

            -John Wooden

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: A Schedule Comparison: Pacers -vs- ???

              The Pacers have generally played very well in the second half of back to backs and are 2-0 in the 4th game in 5 nights.

              They seem to have more problems after having a couple of days off between games.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: A Schedule Comparison: Pacers -vs- ???

                Originally posted by Unclebuck View Post
                The Pacers have generally played very well in the second half of back to backs and are 2-0 in the 4th game in 5 nights.

                They seem to have more problems after having a couple of days off between games.
                I was about to say. We've been killing these "schedule loss" games. I think it's kind of playing with the house's money or as a HUGE underdog. When you are expected to lose, there seems to be less pressure, and I think that easing of pressure really helps us.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: A Schedule Comparison: Pacers -vs- ???

                  Not to beat this to death, but I was just looking back at the Pacers schedule. Looking at their worst performances of the season.

                  At Cleveland - 3
                  At Minnesota - 1
                  at Atlanta - 3
                  at Charlotte - 1
                  Home to Lakers - 2

                  All those were after at least one day off.

                  I think an argument could be made that this team is a rhythm team and they get out of rhythm easily if they have too much time. off.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: A Schedule Comparison: Pacers -vs- ???

                    Originally posted by Unclebuck View Post
                    Not to beat this to death, but I was just looking back at the Pacers schedule. Looking at their worst performances of the season.

                    At Cleveland - 3
                    At Minnesota - 1
                    at Atlanta - 3
                    at Charlotte - 1
                    Home to Lakers - 2

                    All those were after at least one day off.

                    I think an argument could be made that this team is a rhythm team and they get out of rhythm easily if they have too much time. off.
                    Hmm...you may be on to something...anything to pull attention away from the possible "this is just a .500 team" theory.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: A Schedule Comparison: Pacers -vs- ???

                      Originally posted by rexnom View Post
                      Hmm...you may be on to something...anything to pull attention away from the possible "this is just a .500 team" theory.
                      Anything but that. I think the pacers can be better than a .500 team - but they need Daniels and Tinsley both healthy and if they are I see them being a 45-46 win team which is 8 to 10 games over .500

                      If I was really ambitious, I would look to see how they shoot the three with days between games. That might tell us something.

                      But I think the Pacers have played 3 straight subpar games. The Wizards game was OK, last night wasn't good and the game at Minny (even though I didn't see - had to have been really bad)

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: A Schedule Comparison: Pacers -vs- ???

                        Well, I think last night showed us a few trends:

                        - Daniels is probably the second or third most important guy on the team. Sometimes the most important.

                        - The problem with having Mike and Danny as your leading scorers is that they have a tendency to disappear for loooong stretches.

                        I actually did not have a problem with Tinsley last night. Mostly because I think it really hurt him that we didn't have a backup. I think he played the most minutes in that first quarter and then after that horrible turnover by Owens, he had to come back in sooner than Obie would have preferred. I just don't think Tins can play 40 minutes/game, rested or not. Also, the team blew several of his passes early in the game and then after that I just don't think he had the energy to keep up those passes. So, he settled. I think that's human.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: A Schedule Comparison: Pacers -vs- ???

                          Originally posted by Unclebuck View Post
                          I think the pacers can be better than a .500 team - but they need Daniels and Tinsley both healthy and if they are I see them being a 45-46 win team which is 8 to 10 games over .500
                          41 wins and 41 losses = .500

                          41+8 = 49

                          41+10 = 51

                          45-41 = 4
                          46-41 = 5



                          -Bball
                          Nuntius was right for a while. I was wrong for a while. But ultimately I was right and Frank Vogel has been let go.

                          ------

                          "A player who makes a team great is more valuable than a great player. Losing yourself in the group, for the good of the group, that’s teamwork."

                          -John Wooden

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: A Schedule Comparison: Pacers -vs- ???

                            bball, 45 wins means you have 37 losses.

                            45-37=8 games over .500.
                            Last edited by Kstat; 12-27-2007, 04:11 PM.

                            It wasn't about being the team everyone loved, it was about beating the teams everyone else loved.

                            Division Champions 1955, 1956, 1988, 1989, 1990, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
                            Conference Champions 1955, 1956, 1988, 2005
                            NBA Champions 1989, 1990, 2004

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: A Schedule Comparison: Pacers -vs- ???

                              Originally posted by Kofi View Post
                              The Pacers have played one of the toughest schedules in the league bar none. It's a shame we've blown so many games either via losing huge leads, losing to crappy teams, or both. Still, I look for us to win 50 games this year and make it at least to the 2nd round. Our depth is outstanding.
                              Even though I might come off as negative when analyzing the team, I'm really not, at least in the sense of supporting them and continue to hope for success.

                              But I just can't see where you get this view. I'm glad you have it, I wish more fans did (at least casual fans who don't take time to think about the team too much beyond basics), but for someone that looks at the team closely I don't know how you could feel that way.

                              The Pacers just had a very soft run and are about to hit a pretty hard stretch. Even the Orlando win is losing some luster as the Magic appear to be repeating their fall off following a loss to the Pacers last year.

                              50 wins and the 2nd round is going to require a much more consistent effort than we've seen so far. And in regards to Nuff's point (which I do love since there is solid logic behind it) the one issue I see is that the back to back's haven't been the problem. They've done well on 2nd nights. To me that means that getting past those won't fix anything because they haven't been the problem.

                              Buck in fact already addressed this.

                              I wouldn't mind seeing a "how have they lost so far/what is coming that fits that description" look at the schedule. And yes I'll be the first to acknowledge that you can't extrapolate and count on it. Just bear in mind that this goes both ways, .500 so far could turn into .250 just as well as .700 ball. This is just doing what we can till the real results come in.

                              If you ever needed a cautionary tale on these kind of expectations, 29-24 should be it. That included some nice post-trade wins too.
                              Last edited by Naptown_Seth; 12-27-2007, 02:00 PM.

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