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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:

"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 ___________"

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"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.

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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.

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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

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:

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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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Rule #10

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Decent Read -- P's staying put perhaps...

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  • #16
    Re: Decent Read -- P's staying put perhaps...

    Originally posted by Justin Tyme View Post
    The Pacers came a frog hair of having the biggest collapse in history of sports, and it has nothing to do with the media. All the players have to do is look in the mirror, and they'll find the answer.

    The media reports what's going on, and the players allowed the media to have something negative to report. Same as they gave the media something positive to report with their great 1st half start.
    But they didn't. My point wasn't that me media created our problems, but that their constant coverage makes it seem like a bigger issue than it really was.

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    • #17
      Re: Decent Read -- P's staying put perhaps...

      The last few days it's been cussed n discussed the Pacers are too slow up front with their bigs. Each time it is discussed Hibbert is the choice to be traded, I have no problem with Hibbert being replaced, but seldom is DWest ever part of being replaced.

      DWest brought leadership to this team, and kudos to him for that, but let's face it he's getting older and slowing down now after 3 years. It's just a matter of time b4 the Pacers have to find his replacement, so why not now with a long athletic PF that can guard both the paint and the arch? Get quicker as to not let other teams take advantage of our slow plodding bigs. DWest is an expiring contract which could be enticing to another team who has a need for DWest next year to help them get to the playoffs or further into the playoffs. I'm not going to put forth any players to try and get. I'm just putting forth the idea. I'm sure some will not like it, but I feel it is a worthwhile thought to be cussed n discussed.

      By trading DWest, it allows Hibbert another year to get his house in order again. Bringing in the right young quick long athletic player could really help now and not having to wait another year. Maybe even save the Pacers some salary to use elsewhere.

      Comment


      • #18
        Re: Decent Read -- P's staying put perhaps...

        Originally posted by Tom White View Post
        Well, we'll just disagree about whether the starting unit needs upgraded, but I think if it isn't we will be looking at the same results (or worse) each year.
        Fair enough.

        Comment


        • #19
          Re: Decent Read -- P's staying put perhaps...

          Originally posted by Justin Tyme View Post
          The last few days it's been cussed n discussed the Pacers are too slow up front with their bigs. Each time it is discussed Hibbert is the choice to be traded, I have no problem with Hibbert being replaced, but seldom is DWest ever part of being replaced.

          DWest brought leadership to this team, and kudos to him for that, but let's face it he's getting older and slowing down now after 3 years. It's just a matter of time b4 the Pacers have to find his replacement, so why not now with a long athletic PF that can guard both the paint and the arch? Get quicker as to not let other teams take advantage of our slow plodding bigs. DWest is an expiring contract which could be enticing to another team who has a need for DWest next year to help them get to the playoffs or further into the playoffs. I'm not going to put forth any players to try and get. I'm just putting forth the idea. I'm sure some will not like it, but I feel it is a worthwhile thought to be cussed n discussed.

          By trading DWest, it allows Hibbert another year to get his house in order again. Bringing in the right young quick long athletic player could really help now and not having to wait another year. Maybe even save the Pacers some salary to use elsewhere.
          Or we could have DWest help our team get further in the playoffs next year. Honestly, he never was an athletic player so I'm not really concerned about him slowing down. If he stops hitting that mid-range shot, then there might be an issue.

          I just don't think some people understand how hard it is to make trades in this league. I feel like people around here play NBA 2K and since they can offer whatever trade they want in Association mode, it must be doable in real life. If you have a player that is productive, you keep him until he stops being productive and then look for a viable replacement when the time comes.
          Last edited by BenR1990; 06-05-2014, 07:38 PM.

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          • #20
            Re: Decent Read -- P's staying put perhaps...

            Originally posted by BenR1990 View Post
            But they didn't. My point wasn't that me media created our problems, but that their constant coverage makes it seem like a bigger issue than it really was.

            The media is a 2 way sword, it can lavish praise or it can make things look terrible. Was the Pacers collapse really made out to be bigger than it was by the media? We probably have different views regarding that point.

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            • #21
              Re: Decent Read -- P's staying put perhaps...

              Originally posted by Justin Tyme View Post
              The media is a 2 way sword, it can lavish praise or it can make things look terrible. Was the Pacers collapse really made out to be bigger than it was by the media? We probably have different views regarding that point.
              Likely. For what it's worth, I also think the media made too much out of our hot start in the beginning of the year.

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              • #22
                Re: Decent Read -- P's staying put perhaps...

                Originally posted by BenR1990 View Post
                Or we could have DWest help our team get further in the playoffs next year. Honestly, he never was an athletic player so I'm not really concerned about him slowing down. If he stops hitting that mid-range shot, then there might be an issue.

                I just don't think some people understand how hard it is to make trades in this league. I feel like people around here play NBA 2K and since they can offer whatever trade they want in Association mode, it must be doable in real life.
                DWest stats fell off a little this year, and I feel it will continue next season as well. Just pointing out there may be another alternative available to fixing the slowness of the starting bigs besides trading Hibbert.

                As far as trades go, Bird is going to have to get real creative for any changes to come about. BUT after next season the the starting PF situation is going to have to be addressed anyway. I'm just suggesting possibly doing it a year earlier would help solve the weakness that has been made apparent by the Suns, Hawks, Heat, etc.

                Comment


                • #23
                  Re: Decent Read -- P's staying put perhaps...

                  Originally posted by cdash View Post
                  Who jumps us in the East? Why are we automatically getting worse? Has PG peaked? Assuming Lance comes back, has he peaked? Is it possible that this team learned from that 2nd half collapse and the near embarrassment at the hands of the Hawks in the first round?
                  Possible, perhaps, Likely? I don't think so.

                  This team was a VERY mediocre team for about half the season. Wins against good teams in the second half of the year were few and far between. To me that is much more of an indication of what will occur if this team is kept largely in tact as opposed to the first half. Obviously Lance and Paul can improve. With that said West isn't getting younger and Roy has regressed a tremendous amount. With the 2nd half collapse and a playoff run which included several befuddling losses (including getting out rebounded 61-23) it seems that this core has peaked.

                  Comment


                  • #24
                    Re: Decent Read -- P's staying put perhaps...

                    "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein
                    http://www.ChinaPacers.com

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                    • #25
                      Re: Decent Read -- P's staying put perhaps...

                      When it comes to the team I wouldn't say blow, but 3 can easily go in exchange for Rondo.

                      Comment


                      • #26
                        Re: Decent Read -- P's staying put perhaps...

                        Originally posted by Justin Tyme View Post
                        DWest stats fell off a little this year, and I feel it will continue next season as well. Just pointing out there may be another alternative available to fixing the slowness of the starting bigs besides trading Hibbert.

                        As far as trades go, Bird is going to have to get real creative for any changes to come about. BUT after next season the the starting PF situation is going to have to be addressed anyway. I'm just suggesting possibly doing it a year earlier would help solve the weakness that has been made apparent by the Suns, Hawks, Heat, etc.
                        I disagree West fell off this year. Statistically speaking, I felt his stats dipped because he conserved a lot in the regular season. West showed me he can still carry this team in the playoffs when it's needed as seen with those incredible game 6 performances in the first two rounds.

                        I understand where you're coming from with trying to plan for the future, but I don't believe we can upgrade the PF position is season from where we're currently at.
                        Last edited by BenR1990; 06-05-2014, 10:07 PM.

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                        • #27
                          Re: Decent Read -- P's staying put perhaps...

                          Originally posted by BenR1990 View Post
                          I disagree West fell off this year. Statistically speaking, I felt his stats dipped because he conserved a lot in the regular season. West showed me he can still carry this team in the playoffs when it's needed as seen with those incredible game 6 performances in the first two rounds.

                          I understand where you're coming from with trying to plan for the future, but I don't believe we can upgrade the PF position is season from where we're currently at.
                          Yeah, he saved us from elimination....West ain't going anywhere.
                          What you own is your own kingdom
                          What you do is your own glory
                          What you love is your own power
                          What you live is your own story

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                          • #28
                            Re: Decent Read -- P's staying put perhaps...

                            Ahhh.... that took me back.

                            Nothing like a good old puff piece from the fluffy rabbit himself to make me nostalgic for days of yore. Hell it had it all, we got a knee jerk and a couple of stand pats for good measure.

                            At the very least this does not offend me because he actually is nothing but a mouthpiece working for the team as opposed to when I had to read this drivel and he was pretending to be a journalist. Still think Ron had Migraines Mark?


                            Basketball isn't played with computers, spreadsheets, and simulations. ChicagoJ 4/21/13

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                            • #29
                              Re: Decent Read -- P's staying put perhaps...

                              Another big factor that dictates this strategy is - Herb Simon turns 80 this Oct.
                              He called Larry Bird to return last summer, by saying that he wants to make a run for it before it is too late.

                              As such, the front office could not afford to make huge change on the core, which will takes another 2-3 years before having another chance to make a run. At least they think it is not the end of this crew now. Make sense?


                              BTW, I met Herb Simon last Oct in Taipei during the overseas game, and sensed he was not as sharp as he was when I first met him in 2009 in Beijing.
                              Last edited by holick; 06-05-2014, 11:05 PM.
                              http://www.ChinaPacers.com

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                              • #30
                                Re: Decent Read -- P's staying put perhaps...

                                Originally posted by BenR1990 View Post
                                Yet we took Miami to 6 games and made the Eastern Conference finals. The other side of the coin is how much of this "unprecedented" collapse is media hype? We didn't have nearly the media coverage and stupid sports talk shows on TV today even 8 years ago, so naturally it's going to enhance the perceived severity of the situation.
                                Didn't the Heat have a worse record going into the playoffs than the Pacers did.

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