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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.

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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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CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers

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  • #16
    Re: CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers

    Just realized there was a CONCACAF thread here. USMNT is only 2nd to the first-place three-way tie of Pacers/Colts/Hoosiers for me

    We can talk about Jozy's surge, and it has been great. We can talk about Besler finding a groove, Zusi really developing into a great service role, Fabian Johnson's catalyzing ability down the touch line, etc. But to me, it all begins and ends with Michael Bradley, the most talented player on the squad. When Bradley plays going forward, the Nats have great potential. When he's more conservative or sits back, the offensive bogs. His awareness, ball skills and general ability to direct traffic from a midfield role is unparalleled on this roster.

    Unfortunately, too often, Jones plays up and Bradley plays back. If Klinsy can consistently reverse that dynamic, this squad will be solid.

    Comment


    • #17
      Re: CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers

      Originally posted by Dr. Hibbert View Post
      Just realized there was a CONCACAF thread here. USMNT is only 2nd to the first-place three-way tie of Pacers/Colts/Hoosiers for me

      We can talk about Jozy's surge, and it has been great. We can talk about Besler finding a groove, Zusi really developing into a great service role, Fabian Johnson's catalyzing ability down the touch line, etc. But to me, it all begins and ends with Michael Bradley, the most talented player on the squad. When Bradley plays going forward, the Nats have great potential. When he's more conservative or sits back, the offensive bogs. His awareness, ball skills and general ability to direct traffic from a midfield role is unparalleled on this roster.

      Unfortunately, too often, Jones plays up and Bradley plays back. If Klinsy can consistently reverse that dynamic, this squad will be solid.
      Jones might be one of the 3 best players on the team, but I think we play better when Cameron is in his position. Cameron complements Bradley better.

      Comment


      • #18
        Re: CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers

        As an SKC fan, so happy to see Zusi get his due. He and Jozy have teamed up for a few really nice goals.

        Looking forward to the Gold Cup coming up, as well.

        Comment


        • #19
          Re: CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers

          Originally posted by PacersHomer View Post
          Jones might be one of the 3 best players on the team, but I think we play better when Cameron is in his position. Cameron complements Bradley better.
          I'd have to see a way bigger sample size with Cameron at CM to make that call, but I don't disagree at all with the assertion that Jones prevents the USMNT from getting 100% best use of skill from their best player.

          Comment


          • #20
            Re: CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers

            Originally posted by TheRyanExpress View Post
            As an SKC fan, so happy to see Zusi get his due. He and Jozy have teamed up for a few really nice goals.

            Looking forward to the Gold Cup coming up, as well.
            It will be interesting to see what form Landon Donovan is in. He would have to show A LOT to make the WC roster at this point, IMO. Not that the current USMNT is great or anything, but everyone at every position he could slide into seems to have a pretty firm hold at the moment.

            Comment


            • #21
              Re: CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers

              I fully expect Landon to make the team next year, his creativity in getting the ball into dangerous scoring positions is valuable. The person I'm looking forward to the most is Stu Holden. I think if he can get back to full fitness and he shows the same creativity he did in this last friendly, a Bradley/Holden pairing in midfield would be a dangerous duo
              Don't ask Marvin Harrison what he did during the bye week. "Batman never told where the Bat Cave is," he explained.

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              • #22
                Re: CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers

                Originally posted by Dr. Hibbert View Post
                It will be interesting to see what form Landon Donovan is in. He would have to show A LOT to make the WC roster at this point, IMO. Not that the current USMNT is great or anything, but everyone at every position he could slide into seems to have a pretty firm hold at the moment.
                He looks pretty damn good in the past two matches. Granted comp is way sub par, but still his set piece feeds look strong and he just looks really engaged.

                Klinnsman is really getting his style installed and the team is starting to get healthy. We have more depth than we have had in a long time.


                Comment


                • #23
                  Re: CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers

                  Originally posted by Trader Joe View Post
                  He looks pretty damn good in the past two matches. Granted comp is way sub par, but still his set piece feeds look strong and he just looks really engaged.

                  Klinnsman is really getting his style installed and the team is starting to get healthy. We have more depth than we have had in a long time.
                  I love what he's doing to the culture of this team. Nobody gets free passes, everybody has to earn their spot on the team, including Donovan. It makes for great competition and increases the level of play and players on the USMNT. I think this is going to be good for Donovan in the long run, because it'll light a fire under his *** and get him to play the way he's capable of. There's no reason to think he won't be starting next year in Brazil.

                  And I love seeing Holden play well the last couple games. He needs to continue to get minutes (and eventually start here in the GC). I think if he continues to play like he's capable of, he will end up in the starting 11 next year as well. He ability to find the open man and seams is tremendous and a pairing with Bradley would be dynamic.

                  For now I see:

                  ----------Altidore----------
                  Zusi-----Dempsey------Donovan
                  -----Bradley------Holden-------
                  F Johnson--Besler---Gonzalez---Cherundolo
                  -----------Howard/Guzan-----------

                  I think this is subject to change depending on how people play over the course of the next year, but that's a pretty strong lineup. Still hoping for someone better at RB, and I honestly would prefer Fabian at L mid because he's super deadly with service into the box, but that's not too bad at all.

                  It'll be interesting who ends up at GK. I know it's crazy to think Howard may not start, but with Moyes leaving Everton and them signing a 23 GK, it's possible Howard may not be the #1. Plus Guzan's been terrific while Howard hasn't been quite as good as he was. But like I said, a year is a long time.
                  Don't ask Marvin Harrison what he did during the bye week. "Batman never told where the Bat Cave is," he explained.

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                  • #24
                    Re: CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers

                    Having to pick between Timmy and Guzan is a decent problem to have.


                    Comment


                    • #25
                      Re: CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers

                      So...yeah. Donovan had to show a lot. Donovan has shown a lot. I don't overreact to much against Cuba, Belize, etc. but I think you can safely pencil Donovan somewhere in the starting XI. Question is if he and Zusi are in the same starting XI, or if that lends itself to a lineup JK even wants.

                      Comment


                      • #26
                        Re: CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers

                        I think you can put one on the left, one on the right. That way you have got 2 people who can create chances for Altidore/Dempsey. Plus you can use Donovan moving forward and into the goal area with Zusi feeding him as well. That means sticking Fabian at left back, which means that side will probably be very aggressive moving forward, and Fabian is great at feeding it in.
                        Don't ask Marvin Harrison what he did during the bye week. "Batman never told where the Bat Cave is," he explained.

                        Comment


                        • #27
                          Re: CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers

                          Originally posted by Suaveness View Post
                          I think you can put one on the left, one on the right. That way you have got 2 people who can create chances for Altidore/Dempsey. Plus you can use Donovan moving forward and into the goal area with Zusi feeding him as well. That means sticking Fabian at left back, which means that side will probably be very aggressive moving forward, and Fabian is great at feeding it in.
                          I'm not going to unrealistically overrate the US heading into the WC, but I'm legitimately excited about Jozy (in the form he's in now) getting service from Donovan and Zusi. His hold-up play is going to allow for some exciting combos, and when Donovan and Dempsey start making runs after the initial give, look out...

                          Comment


                          • #28
                            Re: CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers

                            There's still a lot of work to be done. What we've done in the past few months is a great start, but the team needs more time with each other to improve upon the technical aspects of the game. I want to see it done better against better teams. We have a friendly in August against Bosnia-Herzegovina which should be a good test. I want us to play as many friendlies in the next year leading up to the WC against non-concacaf teams so that we improve our technical skill against teams that are good in possession.
                            Don't ask Marvin Harrison what he did during the bye week. "Batman never told where the Bat Cave is," he explained.

                            Comment


                            • #29
                              Re: CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers

                              And my biggest wish is that the Nats get some more practice against teams that are gonna park the bus. Too often vs bunkering teams, they are just content to knock the ball around in front of the back line, not make any challenging runs up the sideline, poor at using width, poor at connective runs inside, etc. Too much settling for merely possessing the ball.

                              Comment


                              • #30
                                Re: CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers

                                I think one of the benefits of playing in CONCACAF is that all the teams outside of Mexico do exactly that (as we did as well before Klinsmann) since they don't have the talent to beat us through possession.

                                I actually want more practice against teams that hold possession better. Those are the teams that we have to beat at the WC, and in those games we are going to have trouble holding onto the ball. As a team that is beginning to get better at holding the ball, I want to see how we play that. Do we continue to push forward and expose the back line against their better attack, or do we play CONCACAF ball and play counter soccer?
                                Don't ask Marvin Harrison what he did during the bye week. "Batman never told where the Bat Cave is," he explained.

                                Comment

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