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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rule #3

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

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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

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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.

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.

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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

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Rule #11

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Stern officially not fining the Pistons organization

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  • Stern officially not fining the Pistons organization

    Looks like Stern has decided to not fine the Pistons.


    http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/ba...p-221939c.html

    Word to wise guys

    Stern treatment for foul fans



    Here's a heads-up to all the hotheads out in Detroit and Indianapolis who live to heckle players and coaches and freely use profanity: Starting Jan. 1, you had better watch your language.

    While David Stern continues to take steps to introduce a code of conduct for fans in the wake of the Detroit riot, league officials say that rules presently on the books governing fans' language and behavior are going to be enforced as never before, starting on New Year's Day.


    "We do have rules on the books about how to deal with fans who use excessive profanity," deputy commissioner Russ Granik said Friday. "We've had fans taken out of the arenas who have gone over the line. But we have to take a whole new look at everything."


    This is not a league-wide problem. It's mostly a Detroit problem, with Indiana and Sacramento also needing some tighter security. Stern says, "I'm not singling out any one city" and in announcing the suspensions Nov. 21, he failed to do that by not penalizing the Pistons. He should have hit them with a $1 million fine for negligence and a litany of previous problems, all involving failure to keep their fans in line. It's hard to imagine that Stern allowed his long-standing relationship with Detroit owner Bill Davidson to cloud his judgment, but he missed a chance to force the Pistons to clean up the inappropriately named Palace.


    "I considered it," Stern said of a fine. "But I thought it was more important to penalize the players."


    Having done that, he has turned his attention to security, league-wide. Detroit, Indiana and Sacramento are the first arenas where the present "one-warning system" really needs to be enforced. It's been on the books, but rarely used. But it's at the top of the list of rules that are going to be enforced, according to those familiar with the league's security plans.


    When fans get out of line verbally with players, coaches or refs, rules state that they are to be given one warning by a security person to "cease and desist." That occurred in last month's Knicks-Celtics game at the Garden, when a fan who was sitting next to the Celtics bench and was riding Gary Payton pretty hard was given a warning. He complied. If he had not, and had been approached by security a second time, he would have been removed from the arena.


    Under the current rules, a second ejection from the arena in the same season results in the ticket-holder losing his seat for the remainder of the season. In a case where a season-ticket holder has given tickets to a friend and the friend is guilty of breaking the heckling/profanity rules, the season-ticket holder would still be the one penalized.


    The enforcement of those rules is what Stern talked about when he handed down the suspensions and said that security must be "aggressive" to make sure that fans "don't react badly."


    They never react that badly in 90% of the league's arenas, anyway. But just the same, the Garden has beefed up its security in the lower bowl down at courtside in an effort to prevent any trouble. During Knicks games, green-jacketed security guards now sit at the foot of every aisle leading down to the court, even those across from the benches. During play, they sit with their backs to the court, watching fans. During stoppages, they have been instructed to walk up the stairs to the area where fans can first enter the lower-bowl seats. There, they refuse to let anyone down who doesn't have a ticket.


    While those measures should go a long way to preventing trouble in New York, one area in which the league is sure to encounter resistance from its own teams involves beer sales. Some arenas, like the Meadowlands, cut off sales after three quarters. "Forget about cutting back on beer sales," said one league official. "That's where these teams make their money. They're not going to cut back when they can charge $7.50 (a beer) in some places."

    Kidd's odds and end


    With Jason Kidd returning to action, the meter is officially running on when the Nets deal him to a new team. Handicapping where Kidd will be sent before the Feb. 24 trading deadline:


    Team (Odds):

    Minnesota (5-1)
    Comment: T-Wolves might have to get a third team involved, so that the Nets come away with the young starter they seek.


    Dallas (7-1)
    Comment: Mavs have more assets than any team, starting with Devin Harris, Marquis Daniels and Josh Howard, but aren't in love with Kidd's long-term deal.


    Portland (12-1)
    Comment: Blazers want Kidd more than Kidd wants Portland.


    Denver (15-1)
    Comment: Nets have to think long and hard whether they'd take Andre Miller and Nene.


    Sacramento (40-1)
    Comment: If you're the Kings and time is running out in the Chris Webber era, would you give up Peja Stojakovic? Heck, why not?


    Lakers (50-1)
    Comment: A Kobe-Kidd backcourt doesn't begin to address the lack of a superstar up front.


    Slam Dunks



    Herb Brown, Atlanta assistant and older brother of Larry, had his new book, "Let's Talk Defense!" hit bookstores recently. "It's my view on how to play defense - just what we're not doing," said Brown with a laugh. "I haven't gotten it across to our guys." With that collection of Hawks, who can? . . . Already without Jamal Mashburn and Baron Davis, the Hornets were well on their way down Lottery Road. Now they have also lost their center Jamaal Magloire, for three months with a broken finger. He had played in 11 games, averaging 14 points and nine rebounds. . . . The fact that the NBA has gone to federal court to make sure the suspensions of Ron Artest, Stephen Jackson and Jermaine O'Neal stand up tells you how critical this case is to David Stern.

    It's hard to imagine that Jerry West is going to stick around with the Grizzlies after this season, with his power base shrinking. West, who had total power with the Lakers, is clearly not in charge in Memphis. Sources say he wanted to hire Eric Musselman as head coach to succeed Hubie Brown. Despite Musselman's losing record (75-89) with the Warriors, West is one of Musselman's biggest backers. But Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley wanted Mike Fratello to get the job. In a compromise that West can't like, Musselman is Fratello's No. 1 assistant.

    Charlotte's Steve Smith has seen a lot of great big men in 14 seasons. Does Smith think rookie Emeka Okafor can be a foundation player for the Bobcats? "Back when I came in, and you were the first or second pick overall, you could do everything. You were supposed to do everything. Now, it's different. It remains to be seen if he can dominate like a Kevin Garnett or a Tim Duncan. . . . He can score, but it's not the typical big-man way, where he draws the double-team and commands the double-team."

  • #2
    Re: Stern officially not fining the Pistons organization

    Great piece of information: the fan policy begins on New year's day, not immediately. Wha??? Oh yeah, and NOT on Christmas day. Hmmmmmmm....

    I think I need to go at least one day without shaking my head in disgust. There's always tomorrow to look forward to.
    “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill

    “If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to serve as a horrible warning.” - Catherine Aird

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Stern officially not fining the Pistons organization

      Indiana... Detroit... and Sacremento are the worst offenders?

      -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


      • #4
        Re: Stern officially not fining the Pistons organization

        Stern is nothing but a pompous ***, dick head, sonofa*****. When has Indiana caused problems in this league? **** you Stern! Damn c*ck sucker.
        The best exercise of the human heart is reaching down and picking someone else up.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Stern officially not fining the Pistons organization

          Yeah Indiana has such as bad rep **** you Stern.**** YOU
          Super Bowl XLI Champions
          2000 Eastern Conference Champions




          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Stern officially not fining the Pistons organization

            I was also wondering why Indiana and Sacramento were singled out, and paired together among Detroit? Out of all the teams in the league...us and Sacramento are comparable to Detroit? Why?

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Stern officially not fining the Pistons organization

              I like the fact that Stern thought it better to penalize the players. Obviously the fans weren't involved.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Stern officially not fining the Pistons organization

                maybe there saying indiana,sactown with detroit because of the cowbells and the infamous "Pinwheels" in the magic playoff series.
                But that was ages ago!~ so i donno

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Stern officially not fining the Pistons organization

                  And many on this board continue to act like David Stern treated the Pacers fairly in this matter. I can not fathom that anyone thinks a five million dollar fine for Ron Artest and almost a year's suspension was fair or needed. There was a reason half the Pacers team went looney tunes in Detroit and it had to do with gross fan abuse of the players, first verbally then physically.

                  I get outraged when I think of Detroit Pistons management allowing alcohol sales in the fourth quarter of a ball game.

                  Pacers players were not adequately and reasonably protected in Detroit.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Stern officially not fining the Pistons organization

                    this is pretty much as many people predicted it would play out.
                    excessive suspensions for the Pacers players involved, a slap on the wrist for the Pistons players and next to nothing happens to the fans involved or the Pistons organisation. Its hard not to come to the conclusion that Stern has a bias against the Pacers when the punishments are so disproportionate.

                    I thought this line was classic:

                    It's mostly a Detroit problem, with Indiana and Sacramento also needing some tighter security. Stern says, "I'm not singling out any one city
                    "I considered it," Stern said of a fine. "But I thought it was more important to penalize the players."
                    Reads to me, Detroit is the main problem but I dont want to penalize them or even impinge upon their income in the slightest, just destroy the Pacers season.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Stern officially not fining the Pistons organization

                      He doesn't want to single out any one city? You just did you stupid ****! Somebody needs to get the NBA a press agent to save Stern from himself.
                      The best exercise of the human heart is reaching down and picking someone else up.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Stern officially not fining the Pistons organization

                        And may I add one more **** you to Stern.
                        Super Bowl XLI Champions
                        2000 Eastern Conference Champions




                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Stern officially not fining the Pistons organization

                          Originally posted by pacerfan2425
                          Yeah Indiana has such as bad rep **** you Stern.**** YOU
                          Why, don't you remember how disrespectful of Iverson we were several years ago???? All AI did was drop some homophobic f-bombs on the crowd, have Bill Walton climb his Shyte on TV, and then start crying about the Indy fans. Suddenly the whole affair became the fault of the Indy fans.

                          Hmmm another case of the TV announcer ripping a player and then later the whole story gets flipped around. and once agian Indy fans get blamed...I'm surprised it wasn't the Indy fans that caused the fighting in the bleachers of Auburn Hills.

                          Hey Stern...bite me.
                          Ever notice how friendly folks are at a shootin' range??.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Stern officially not fining the Pistons organization

                            The reason Indiana is listed is because this is an NY paper, and they still haven't forgiven Indiana for fans calling Ewing a monkey.

                            Yes, I'm real sure that Conseco is worse than the Garden.
                            Come to the Dark Side -- There's cookies!

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Stern officially not fining the Pistons organization

                              I really don't like David Stern. ***wipe.
                              You're caught up in the Internet / you think it's such a great asset / but you're wrong, wrong, wrong
                              All that fiber optic gear / still cannot take away the fear / like an island song

                              - Jimmy Buffett

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