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The Rules of Pacers Digest

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Below are the rules of Pacers Digest. After you have read them, you will have a very good sense of where we are coming from, what we expect, what we don't want to see, and how we react to things.

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 ___________"

"I can't wait to hear something from PosterX when he/she sees that **insert a given incident or current event that will have probably upset or disappointed PosterX here**"

"He/she is just delusional"

"This thread is stupid / worthless / embarrassing"

"I'm going to take a moment to point and / laugh at PosterX / GroupOfPeopleY who thought / believed *insert though/belief here*"

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

In general, if a comment goes from purely on topic to something 'ad hominem' (personal jabs, personal shots, attacks, flames, however you want to call it, towards a person, or a group of people, or a given city/state/country of people), those are most likely going to be found intolerable.

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

If the actions of an administrator inspire you to make a comment, criticism, or express a concern about it, there is a wrong place and a couple of right places to do so.

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.

The right places to do so are:

A) Start a thread about the specific incident you want to talk about on the Feedback board. This way you are able to express yourself in an area that doesn't throw another thread off topic, and this way others can add their two cents as well if they wish, and additionally if there's something that needs to be said by the administrators, that is where they will respond to it.

B) Send a private message to the administrators, and they can respond to you that way.

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:

A) Any post they make will be completely invisible as you scroll through a thread.

B) The new addition to this feature: If someone QUOTES a user you are ignoring, you do not have to read who it was, or what that poster said, unless you go out of your way to click on a link to find out who it is and what they said.

To utilize this feature, from any page on Pacers Digest, scroll to the top of the page, look to the top right where it says 'Settings' and click that. From the settings page, look to the left side of the page where it says 'My Settings', and look down from there until you see 'Edit Ignore List' and click that. From here, it will say 'Add a Member to Your List...' Beneath that, click in the text box to the right of 'User Name', type in or copy & paste the username of the poster you are ignoring, and once their name is in the box, look over to the far right and click the 'Okay' button. All done!

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.

Rule #5

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

Rule #6

We cannot tolerate illegal videos on Pacers Digest. This means do not share any links to them, do not mention any websites that host them or link to them, do not describe how to find them in any way, and do not ask about them. Posts doing anything of the sort will be removed, the offenders will be contacted privately, and if the problem becomes habitual, you will be suspended, and if it still persists, you will probably be banned.

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.

Rule #7

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.

Rule #8

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.

Rule #9

Generally speaking, we try to be a "PG-13" rated board, and we don't want to see sexual content or similarly suggestive content. Vulgarity is a more muddled issue, though again we prefer things to lean more towards "PG-13" than "R". If we feel things have gone too far, we will step in.

Rule #10

We like small signatures, not big signatures. The bigger the signature, the more likely it is an annoying or distracting signature.

Rule #11

Do not advertise anything without talking about it with the administrators first. This includes advertising with your signature, with your avatar, through private messaging, and/or by making a thread or post.
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Good Article on Rush

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  • Good Article on Rush

    www.nba.com/pacers/news/rush_080117.html

    Defense, of all things, keys Rush’s rise

    By Conrad Brunner | Jan. 17, 2008 When Kareem Rush was considering signing a free agent contract with the Pacers this past summer, he met with Coach Jim O'Brien to gauge his prospects for playing time.

    "When I sat down with Kareem," O'Brien said, "I told him there was 'an unbelievable opportunity for you to become a key part of this franchise. We aren't bringing you in to come off the bench. If you can earn a starting job by defending, you're going to get it.' "

    Though Rush's reputation is built almost exclusively on his long-range shooting ability, defense is precisely why he was promoted when O'Brien opted to go with a small lineup four games ago. Rush showed he hasn't lost his shooter's touch in Wednesday's 125-117 comeback victory over Golden State, scoring 14 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, including four 3-pointers.

    "My main focus is to help the team in any way I can and right now it's primarily on the defensive end," Rush said. "They usually have me matched up against the best perimeter player. If I can add some offense in there that's a benefit. I'm going to try to play hard and try to capitalize on my opportunity.

    "It's a good change. I think everybody knows I can score the ball but to be thought of as a defensive player is a positive. I haven't been known for defense throughout my career so it's an added advantage for me to go out there and earn some more minutes on the court."

    Rush has averaged 12.3 points on .391 shooting overall but .455 (10-of-21) from the 3-point line in four starts. More revealing is that the Pacers have outscored opponents by 25 points with Rush on the floor in that span; when he's been on the bench, Indiana has been outscored by 23.

    "I'll give it from (assistant coach) Dick Harter's perspective," said O'Brien. "He thinks that Kareem has become our best defensive player. He does everything tough, he's hard-nosed, he'll take on Baron Davis or Steve Nash, it doesn't matter. Kareem came here because we told him that we were going to need snipers from outside that shoot the three but the volume of his minutes would depend upon his ability to defend at a level we thought was appropriate. Well, he has exceeded that level defensively to where we can't find him enough minutes. The only time he comes off the court is when he's tired. I need him to be on the court for us."

    The evolution into a primary defensive responsibility and the accompanying spot in the lineup has been the latest twist in an unusual season for Rush. A training camp injury set him back and he played sparingly in the first month of the season, playing more than 20 minutes just three times (and scoring in double figures once) in the first 21 games. In the last 19, however, he has become a fixture in the rotation. Rush has played at least 20 minutes in his last 12 appearances and has scored in double figures 12 times in the last 19 games.

    "It's been a roller-coaster," Rush said. "I came in here with high expectations but then I got injured but knew eventually my time would come. I stayed patient, continued to work hard in practice and coach gave me an opportunity and I took advantage of it. Now, hopefully I can take advantage of starting."

    It's a particularly odd twist that Rush has made more of an impression on the coaching staff with his defense than offense but that doesn't mean he's fallen short as a scorer.

    "I think there's been some times he's had some brilliant offensive games," O'Brien said. "I think what you're seeing is a complete player rounding into shape. I think he's playing both ends of the court and that's what you want every player to do."

    _________________________

    So Rush is now our premier perimeter defender?

  • #2
    Re: Good Article on Rush

    This brings up an interesting question......are we going to resign him next season?

    I'm guessing that the answer is, "for the right price".....but my concern is that without any significant changes made to the roster ( and resulting Salarycap ), we may not have the $$$ to resign him ( assuming that Foster doesn't opt out ).
    Ash from Army of Darkness: Good...Bad...I'm the guy with the gun.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Good Article on Rush

      Dick Harter sure does change his mind about who the best defensive player is...

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Good Article on Rush

        I know things could turn back the other way, but I wish the same volume of people who were quick to turn on Kareem when he was playing bad would speak up about how good he is right now, too.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Good Article on Rush

          Originally posted by rexnom View Post
          Dick Harter sure does change his mind about who the best defensive player is...
          The last time I remember him speculating on the best defensive player on the team, was during the preseason.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Good Article on Rush

            Originally posted by Mal View Post
            I know things could turn back the other way, but I wish the same volume of people who were quick to turn on Kareem when he was playing bad would speak up about how good he is right now, too.
            Although I don't think that I have complained about Rush, Deiner, Harrison or Ike.......this happens with everyone on the roster....especially for those on the end of the bench. Starting with Harrison, then to Diener, then to Rush....all players that were deemed useless....then a change of heart once they got minutes and showed what they have. The current player on the top of the list is Ike whose sitting next to Harrison on our "they can't do anything right" list.

            I wouldn't be surprised if in a couple of weeks, if Ike even gets to sniff the Big Man rotation and we get to see the same old Ike that we saw before his injury...that everyone changes their mind about him too.
            Ash from Army of Darkness: Good...Bad...I'm the guy with the gun.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Good Article on Rush

              Kareem has been a big addition.

              I thought when we signed him, hey maybe he is a solid player off the bench but I don't expect to much from him. However Kareem has came in here and he has EARNED A starting job. His shooting has became more consistant, although it will probably come and go every shooter has a bad game, but his defense has blown me away. Kareem has really impressed me.

              As far as re signing him I think we will. I think he will want to stay here and honestly I don't think he gets more than 3 or 4 million.

              I started a thread a while back about the job Larry Bird has done. And sure it makes me very happy that Kareem has worked out but it makes me even more happy because it's a Larry Bird move. It gives me more confidence in Larry.

              Interesting to think that the Pacers were thought to be the team that was going to select Kareem in the 2002 draft but instead took Fred Jones. I bet you that if we had taken Kareem, he wouldn't be here right now.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Good Article on Rush

                Originally posted by CableKC View Post
                This brings up an interesting question......are we going to resign him next season?

                I'm guessing that the answer is, "for the right price".....but my concern is that without any significant changes made to the roster ( and resulting Salarycap ), we may not have the $$$ to resign him ( assuming that Foster doesn't opt out ).
                Hoopshype has it wrong, Foster doesn't have an option.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Good Article on Rush

                  Originally posted by rommie View Post
                  Kareem has been a big addition.

                  I thought when we signed him, hey maybe he is a solid player off the bench but I don't expect to much from him. However Kareem has came in here and he has EARNED A starting job. His shooting has became more consistant, although it will probably come and go every shooter has a bad game, but his defense has blown me away. Kareem has really impressed me.

                  As far as re signing him I think we will. I think he will want to stay here and honestly I don't think he gets more than 3 or 4 million.

                  I started a thread a while back about the job Larry Bird has done. And sure it makes me very happy that Kareem has worked out but it makes me even more happy because it's a Larry Bird move. It gives me more confidence in Larry.

                  Interesting to think that the Pacers were thought to be the team that was going to select Kareem in the 2002 draft but instead took Fred Jones. I bet you that if we had taken Kareem, he wouldn't be here right now.
                  Kareem has certainly made strides. He's better than I expected, particularly on defense. The fact he's the only true SG since Reggie Miller makes him seem even better...and much quicker than all the SF's we throw at the position, who are even fairly large for being SF's.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Good Article on Rush

                    I don't believe I ever badmouthed Kareem - I always said that if he got consistant minutes, he would score for us.

                    But I had no idea he was this good defensively - he is really good.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Good Article on Rush

                      Originally posted by Will Galen View Post
                      Hoopshype has it wrong, Foster doesn't have an option.
                      I'm relieved....I really thought that if he was given the chance....he will opt out.
                      Ash from Army of Darkness: Good...Bad...I'm the guy with the gun.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Good Article on Rush

                        I thought Rush should never have been a Laker.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Good Article on Rush

                          So yeah, let's re-sign him.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Good Article on Rush

                            Hooray!

                            The Kareem Rush Story is the best thing going in Pacer land this season. He was drafted high, he knocked around the league and was then shamefully exiled from the NBA. Now he is back and playing with an appealing combination of heart and skill.

                            I think it is great stuff. More than just benefiting our team -- it begs to be made into a movie.
                            And I won't be here to see the day
                            It all dries up and blows away
                            I'd hang around just to see
                            But they never had much use for me
                            In Levelland. (James McMurtry)

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Good Article on Rush

                              Originally posted by Putnam View Post
                              Hooray!

                              The Kareem Rush Story is the best thing going in Pacer land this season. He was drafted high, he knocked around the league and was then shamefully exiled from the NBA. Now he is back and playing with an appealing combination of heart and skill.

                              I think it is great stuff. More than just benefiting our team -- it begs to be made into a movie.
                              Lol don't take it too far

                              But it has to be said adding Kareem to the roster has been a good move. I was also surprised by his defense. He's probably best on our team at stayin in front of his man, also better than Danny (who btw gets beaten way to easy sometimes). As far as his shot goes, it's like with Reggie: if he lines up for a 3, you just expect it to go in...
                              Word on the street is he doesn't want your money, he only wants to please your ears...
                              Bum in Berlin on Myspace

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