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The Rules of Pacers Digest

Hello everyone,

Whether your are a long standing forum member or whether you have just registered today, it's a good idea to read and review the rules below so that you have a very good idea of what to expect when you come to Pacers Digest.

A quick note to new members: Your posts will not immediately show up when you make them. An administrator has to approve at least your first post before the forum software will later upgrade your account to the status of a fully-registered member. This usually happens within a couple of hours or so after your post(s) is/are approved, so you may need to be a little patient at first.

Why do we do this? So that it's more difficult for spammers (be they human or robot) to post, and so users who are banned cannot immediately re-register and start dousing people with verbal flames.

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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Big George is a hero on and off the hardwood

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  • #1

    Big George is a hero on and off the hardwood

    SPORTS Bill Benner

    Big George is a hero on and off the hardwood

    It just occurred to me that 30 years ago this month—hey, who put the brick on my life’s accelerator?— I was a journalism pup preparing for my initial run with the big dogs.

    I had been tapped to be The Indianapolis Star’s beat writer covering the Indiana
    Pacers, who then resided in the late, great American Basketball Association.

    It was heady stuff for several reasons.

    The Pacers were a huge ongoing story, just one season removed from the last of their three ABA titles. They were moving into their downtown home, Market Square Arena. They were coached by Bob “Slick” Leonard, whom I had idolized since his 1953 national championship days with Branch McCracken’s Hurryin’ Hoosiers.

    And they were led by George McGinnis.

    Even in basketball-crazy Indiana, we’d never seen anyone quite like McGinnis. He had bulk, strength, agility and quickness. It was as if God had said, “Hmmm … I think I’ll take a little extra time making this one.” By the time he was a sophomore at Washington High School, McGinnis was 6-foot-6-inches, 220 pounds, and a man among boys. By his senior year, he had added a couple of inches and about 15 pounds. Playing alongside Steve Downing, McGinnis helped the Continentals go unbeaten and win the state championship. McGinnis, of course, was Indiana’s Mr. Basketball, and he backed it up with the greatest individual performance in Indiana-Kentucky All-Star Game history: 53 points and 31 rebounds.

    From there it was on to Indiana University (with Downing), where McGinnis became an all-American as a sophomore, leading the Big Ten in both scoring and rebounding. He then declared “hardship”— and it really was, because his father had died in a construction accident—and turned professional, joining his hometown team.

    It was a perfect fit. George quickly blossomed into an ABA all-star. By the 1974-1975 season, Roger Brown was in the twilight of his career and Mel Daniels and Freddie Lewis had been traded away. The Pacers were, that season, clearly McGinnis’ team. He averaged 29.8 points, 14.6 rebounds and six assists in the regular season and increased those numbers in the playoffs. He and rookie Billy Knight led the Pacers to the finals, where they lost to Kentucky.

    McGinnis was co-MVP (with Julius Erving) that year and I didn’t think covering basketball could be any more fun. Big Mac put on a super-size show virtually every night.

    Today, his retired jersey—No. 30—hangs from the Conseco Fieldhouse rafters, a reminder of the player he once was.

    But now he has recognition of the man, and community leader, he has since become. And, in the long haul, that’s more important. This coming week, at the Circle City Classic, McGinnis will receive the Major Taylor Award.

    “This one,” he says, “makes me feel really special.”

    Presented by Indiana Black Expo and the Classic, the Major Taylor Award recognizes an African-American athlete, coach, athletic administrator or official who has made significant local and national contributions to youth while encouraging excellence in future generations.

    McGinnis has done all the above. He has built a successful business, GM Supply, on the city’s east side. He has given his name, and his time, to countless charitable endeavors, such as the March of Dimes, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Meals on Wheels.

    He also has worked to advance sports in his hometown, serving as co-chairman for NCAA Men’s Final Fours in 1997 and 2000; he will do so again in 2006. He also was a co-chairman for the city’s successful 2010 Men’s Final Four bid.

    He is humbled to receive the Major Taylor Award, named for the turn-of-the-century Indianapolis cyclist who wouldn’t allow bigotry to prevent him from becoming the best in the world. He is even more humbled to join a list of recipients that includes Dr. LeRoy Walker, Eddie Robinson, Clarence “Big-House’’ Gaines, Anita DeFrantz, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and last year’s dual recipients, Muhammad Ali and the late Rev. Charles Williams, founder of the Circle City Classic and longtime president of Indiana Black Expo.

    “Just seeing those names underscores what this award means,” he says, “as well as what the Circle City Classic has meant to the city of Indianapolis.”

    McGinnis has meant a lot to the city, as well, perhaps more for the life he lives and the example he sets now than for all those basketball exploits.

    And that’s saying something.


    Benner, a former sports columnist for The Indianapolis Star, is now vice president of communications for the notfor-profit Indiana Sports Corp. His column appears weekly. To comment on this column, go to IBJ Forum at www.ibj.com or send e-mail to bbenner@ibj.com.
    [edit=72=1096604866]Added the article[/edit]
    Why do the things that we treasure most, slip away in time
    Till to the music we grow deaf, to God's beauty blind
    Why do the things that connect us slowly pull us apart?
    Till we fall away in our own darkness, a stranger to our own hearts
    And life itself, rushing over me
    Life itself, the wind in black elms,
    Life itself in your heart and in your eyes, I can't make it without you
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: Big George is a hero on and off the hardwood

    Boy . . . this will date me. I remember reading something during McGinnis last year with the Pacers ( I believe) that he was making $100,000+ a year and upon retirement would receive $30,000 A YEAR. I thought - what more could a guy want!!!!!

    Good story by Benner - local boy makes good.
    The best exercise of the human heart is reaching down and picking someone else up.

    Comment

    • #3
      Re: Big George is a hero on and off the hardwood

      Who is the George McGinnis fellow you speak of?




      Actually, it's about time he was recognized for all of his contributions he has made, especially to this community (Indianapolis area). Thanks for finding that article Jay.

      As you may know, he is my favorite Pacers player of all-time and someone who has been very nice to me and my family over the years. Another local kid turned hero. Nice read.


      Two=the number 2
      Too=means "also"
      To=many definitions-also known as the one to use when the other 2 (two, too) do not apply.

      Their=shows ownership-'it is their house'
      They're=they are
      There=many definitions-also known as the one to use when the other 2 (their, they're) do not apply

      Sorry but it bugs me when these are used incorrectly when I read posts on PacersDigest.com.

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: Big George is a hero on and off the hardwood

        I've also known George several years, and the article can't stress enough just how humble the man is.

        I've watched many games from George's suite, which he shares with another prominent local business owner. And with all of the folks and celebrities who have passed through the suite, there are many, many funny stories.

        Last season, a well-known southside home builder brought his loevely mid-twenties daughter along to watch a game. The young lady spent most of the first half sitting next to George.

        Watching games from the suites is very conducive to casual conversation and the two were talking throughout most of the first half.

        The young lady recognized that George was tall and a little older and asked if he had ever played basketball himself.

        George acknowledged that he had.

        The young lady then asked if he had played college ball or professionally and who he had played for.

        George answered that he had played at Washington HS, a year for IU and for the Pacers, the Sixers, the Nuggets, then the Pacers again.

        The young lady says "Oh, really, you played for the Pacers? And sheepishly asked George if he was ever "any good".

        Most of use within ear shot are doing everything we can not to roll on the floor laughing. George looked at the young lady and simply says, "Well, I fooled some people into thinking so. There were a few years where I averaged a lot of points and a rebound or two."

        There is often a draft that moves through the suites if the door is left open, and the young lady had been complaining about being cold. So anyway, I look at George, and tell him that maybe the young lady would like to wear the jersey, since it is big and baggy and probably would be warm and comfortable.

        George acted like he was going to get up, and the young lady just looked at him and said, "Oh, you don't have to bother. I can get it. Just tell me where it is."

        Even her own dad couldn't take it anymore, telling her that she might need a pretty tall ladder, as he pointed to the jerseys hanging from the rafters.

        The young lady just yelled out "Oh....... my....... god!" as George rapped her up with a big consoling hug as everyone laughed their butts off.

        [edit=98=1096651222][/edit]

        Comment

        • #5
          Re: Big George is a hero on and off the hardwood

          That's a good story!

          Comment

          • #6
            Re: Big George is a hero on and off the hardwood

            Very nice story.

            Two=the number 2
            Too=means "also"
            To=many definitions-also known as the one to use when the other 2 (two, too) do not apply.

            Their=shows ownership-'it is their house'
            They're=they are
            There=many definitions-also known as the one to use when the other 2 (their, they're) do not apply

            Sorry but it bugs me when these are used incorrectly when I read posts on PacersDigest.com.

            Comment

            • #7
              Re: Big George is a hero on and off the hardwood

              "Just look at the flowers ........ BANG" - Carol "The Walking Dead"

              Comment

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