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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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What's your line in the sand?

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  • #16
    Re: What's your line in the sand?

    ECF or bust.

    Comment


    • #17
      Re: What's your line in the sand?

      In perhaps a rather strange development, I'm finding this question difficult to answer.

      You'd think there are obviously indicators as to what we should be looking for in terms of progress. Simply put, on an individual level our guys mostly live up to last year, but with a few notable jumps (maybe Paul and Roy to a slightly lesser degree). Then establish good chemistry, have a solidly over .500 year, and hopefully no less that a strong second round showing against an upper echelon EC foe.

      However, I find myself just a little uneasy about this year for some reason. Yes, there just nervous energy and excitement to get the show on the road. Yet, there's this persistent sense I've got that this year will throw some growing pains and challenges at us that will test all our mettle.
      I'd rather die standing up than live on my knees.

      -Emiliano Zapata

      Comment


      • #18
        Re: What's your line in the sand?

        Wow, a lot of you guys will be disappointed if an ECF birth is what you're aiming for.

        WHY?

        I hope for a long and healthy season. I want consistency and good shot selection.

        I need to see the bench not be a big gaping hole when it comes to scoring, especially when the starters have built a decent-sized lead. I need to see better post opportunities for our bigs. (Which will be there, no doubt.)

        I want a focused Roy. We're paying him a lot of money.

        I want to expect David West to sign a 1 or 2-year extension, because if he doesn't we have nothing for next year.

        Paul George needs to step up. Less flash, more finish. No need to go into detail. He's supposed to be the best player out of his draft this year, according to "prophecy".

        I want to see George Hill create more for Paul and Danny. Speaking of Danny, I don't want to see him lead the team in scoring. Not due to injury or production, but because of what I said about Paul George.

        I hope that we take advantage of Derrick Rose's injury and not necessarily run away with the Central Division, but not put us in a position where we will just coast and we fall flat on our faces.

        I want to see DJ Augustin take advantage of his new surroundings. I want higher assist numbers.

        Ian Mahinmi is going to be the X-Factor on this team.

        Tyler needs to finish at the rim. He gets to the foul line a TON. He's missed a lot of free-throws after getting fouled, and I'd like to see that number go up.

        Gerald Green needs to be someone who can score at will if we need it. He'll be in late when we need a quick three, but I don't want his only skill to be his jumping ability.

        Lance needs to get it out of his head that this is Rucker Park.

        A failure would be to take what we did last year and expect it to be handed to us this year.
        Last edited by duke dynamite; 10-30-2012, 08:37 AM.

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        • #19
          Re: What's your line in the sand?

          Happy- world champions. After proving we can hang with Miami, nothing less is acceptable

          unhappy- not winning a championship
          Being unable to close out a game in which you have a comfortable lead in the 4th Q = Pulling a Frank Vogel

          Comment


          • #20
            Re: What's your line in the sand?

            Losing to anyone not named Miami or Boston in the playoffs is probably going to be a disappointment for me. (in the East at least, though I think if by some act of God we were able to get by Miami there is no reason we couldn't beat the Lakers or Thunder.)


            Comment


            • #21
              Re: What's your line in the sand?

              Originally posted by Peck View Post
              What will it take for this season to be either a success or a failure?

              In other words what would it take for you to walk away from the season being very dissapointed or very happy?

              Obviously a title would make everyone, well almost everyone, happy.

              But what short of that will make you happy but don't stop there let me know what would make you shake your head in disgust as well.
              I think the best this group can do is wine 50+ games and win a round in the playoffs so I will be happy if they accomplish that. We need to add a starter and more important a star to move much more.

              I won't be disgusted with them over anything but I would be disappointed if they slid back to 44 wins and 6th in the east and lost in the first round of the playoffs.....

              Comment


              • #22
                Re: What's your line in the sand?

                Originally posted by Trader Joe View Post
                Losing to anyone not named Miami or Boston in the playoffs is probably going to be a disappointment for me. (in the East at least, though I think if by some act of God we were able to get by Miami there is no reason we couldn't beat the Lakers or Thunder.)
                Usually you stay pretty solid but thinking the Pacers could beat the Lakers or the Thunder in the finals or even get there is way out there.....

                Comment


                • #23
                  Re: What's your line in the sand?

                  very happy - we get the Heat to 6 games again. Only this time they are healthy and have no excuses. And of course that's at least round 2.

                  disgust - Danny's issues are serious, West takes a step back, bench struggles, PG and Hibbert are exactly the same players and we are a .500 team.

                  Comment


                  • #24
                    Re: What's your line in the sand?

                    I guess I am expecting/hoping to advance to the ECF. I guess I am expecting/hoping the Pacers can and will beat any eastern conference team besides the Heat. If the pacers get to the ECF and lose to the Heat I will be OK.

                    But there are so many variables that could disrupt what I am expectiung and hoping for.

                    Comment


                    • #25
                      Re: What's your line in the sand?

                      ECF would be really happy making. That would also require the starters to stay healthy and the 2nd unit to gell quickly and become a unit that can score at least enough to keep the leads the starters get. It also requires the 2nd unit to bail out the Starters when they have let downs(and they will) Failing to make the playoffs would make me question the direction of the team. I really want to see the Ps win the Division whether or not DRose comes back. We must find a way to compete with the Bulls and Heat on a regular basis.

                      Comment


                      • #26
                        Re: What's your line in the sand?

                        Would love ECF. Without the Bulls, it should be Miami and Indiana as the 1 and 2 spot.

                        Injuries are gonna be key though. Healthy most of last season. Hill and Granger are already dinged up. Not a good sign. Just gotta hope that bench really steps up.

                        Anything below 5th seed would be terrible. Not making the playoffs is unfathomable.
                        First time in a long time, I've been happy with the team that was constructed, and now they struggle. I blame the coach.

                        Comment


                        • #27
                          Re: What's your line in the sand?

                          Honestly, I just love watching this team play. I will be happy as long as they don't completely underwhelm and have a .500 season or something.
                          Time for a new sig.

                          Comment


                          • #28
                            Re: What's your line in the sand?

                            Most people seem to be on the same page as I am on this topic. I'll add one thing. I want to see some coherent offensive/defensive schemes put in place. It seemed last year, we either looked great or we looked abysmal. Even in some games we won, it looked like we didn't deserve it. As much as I love Vogel, he's still a newby and got out-coached in a lot of games. I'm hoping for as big a jump from him as I expect out of George. On that regard I'm ecstatic that they were able to keep all three assistant coaches in place.

                            Comment


                            • #29
                              Re: What's your line in the sand?

                              ECF is the goal. That or higher would be considered a completely successful season.

                              I would not be disappointed, however, unless we fail to show any improvement whatsoever over last year or even regress. If other teams get the book on us and are able to shut us down, there will be some coaching questions to answer. If certain players clearly plateau, there will be some lineup questions.

                              If we lose but lose because we are doing things differently in order to try to take the next step, I'm OK with that at a certain level.

                              I'd also consider the season a success if we sell out at least one non-playoff home game NOT against a Hype team (other than opening night).
                              BillS

                              A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
                              Or throw in a first-round pick and flip it for a max-level point guard...

                              Comment


                              • #30
                                Re: What's your line in the sand?

                                hah hah hah sand. sandy. sand. ok I digress -.-
                                Peck is basically omniscient when it comes to understanding how the minds of Herb Simon and Kevin Pritchard work. I was a fool to ever question him and now feel deep shame for not understanding that this team believes in continuity above talent.

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