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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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COVID-19

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  • Originally posted by Peck View Post

    Oh you have no idea. I have had literal fights between some of my staff and E.R. staff that wants our guys to take of the N95's we have and put on their stupid surgical mask. My guys rightfully do not want to remove the N95 because that is what protects them from getting the virus. However the E.R. staff is correct in that the N95 does not stop them from spreading the virus if they have it. So the compromise has been to wear both in the hospital, which of course my guys throw a fit about.
    why's that?

    Comment


    • Originally posted by dal9 View Post

      why's that?
      One way valve. Filter stops virus from being inhaled, however if person on inside has virus it does not filter exhalation.

      Plus honestly unless the N95 has been seal test fitted to the person it is questionable how effective the N95 is. It is still certainly better than nothing but prior to Covid hitting we had to be seal test fitted and then when the shortage hit and the KN95 were introduced they stopped seal test fitting. So when we got new N95's they no longer were doing it either.

      So either we were wasting our time in the past (always possible) or they are just rushing this out without us having the real protection.
      Last edited by Peck; 08-27-2021, 08:38 AM.


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

      Comment


      • Originally posted by Peck View Post

        One way valve. Filter stops virus from being inhaled, however if person on inside has virus it does not filter exhalation.

        Plus honestly unless the N95 has been seal test fitted to the person it is questionable how effective the N95 is. It is still certainly better than nothing but prior to Covid hitting we had to be seal test fitted and then when the shortage hit and the KN95 were introduced they stopped seal test fitting. So when we got new N95's they no longer were doing it either.

        So either we were wasting our time in the past (always possible) or they are just rushing this out without us having the real protection.
        Yeah they stopped the seal test for us as well. To be straight with you Peck common sense could easily replace the seal test. People who have had it done in the past with the same type of mask should be fine. I have never failed a test with a regular N95. The duck bill was the only mask that failed but failing is probably the wrong word. It was less effective but certainly better than a surgical mask.

        In my fire fighter days the scba mask would fail a lot when you sweat. Of course that was positive pressure so you do not run the risk of breathing crap in but like anything tighter is better which is the main problem with any of these mask.


        Last edited by Gamble1; 08-27-2021, 08:55 AM.

        Comment


        • Originally posted by Peck View Post

          One way valve. Filter stops virus from being inhaled, however if person on inside has virus it does not filter exhalation.
          huh...i bought a n95 for my mom way back when and don't remember it having a valve...it looks like only some of them have it...

          Comment


          • My KN95 masks don't have the valves.
            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


            • Originally posted by dal9 View Post

              huh...i bought a n95 for my mom way back when and don't remember it having a valve...it looks like only some of them have it...
              Valves are typically used for people who work in places where there isn't a biological threat. So stone masonry, carpentry and things like that. The reason that a valve is preferred is because it's easier to breath and limits moisture build up and heat inside the mask. It is taxing to wear an n95 for 8 plus hours with little break and I imagine this is why Peck gives his guys the option to do so.

              Comment


              • ^^^^ I dunno... there is alot of "evidence" out there that it works. Lots of doctors in poor countries are using it because they simply don't have access to other treatmetns, therapy, or vaccines. Its never even been seriously looked at by the CDC or FDA in terms of COVID. No money to be made off some generic heartworm drug used in pets?
                You can't get champagne from a garden hose.

                Comment


                • An interesting discussion about Masks in schools... I tend to agree with her. Most of the kids in my daughters kindergarten class can't keep the poorly fitted masks in place. Also I wonder what good if any does cheaply made 2 layer Paw Patrol mask from target actually do in terms of any protection? Are they doing more harm than good when you consider social interaction, learning to read, etc...




                  Curious as to what any of you make of this video as well? He shows you why the masks are for the most part pointless. I tried it with one of my 3 layer cloth masks on some glass and i couldn't couldn't fog it up, so maybe i got a good mask LOL

                  Last edited by graphic-er; 08-27-2021, 12:37 PM.
                  You can't get champagne from a garden hose.

                  Comment


                  • Originally posted by Bball View Post
                    My KN95 masks don't have the valves.
                    Most N95 mask don't have "valves" either. They have the micron filtration netting and while it has some binding material both ways the filtration system is on the inhalation side. That is why the hospitals do not want people walking around with them on. At least that is what they have told me anyway.


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

                    Comment


                    • Originally posted by graphic-er View Post
                      An interesting discussion about Masks in schools... I tend to agree with her. Most of the kids in my daughters kindergarten class can't keep the poorly fitted masks in place. Also I wonder what good if any does cheaply made 2 layer Paw Patrol mask from target actually do in terms of any protection? Are they doing more harm than good when you consider social interaction, learning to read, etc...




                      Curious as to what any of you make of this video as well? He shows you why the masks are for the most part pointless. I tried it with one of my 3 layer cloth masks on some glass and i couldn't couldn't fog it up, so maybe i got a good mask LOL

                      The trick is to seal around your mouth and breath out as hard as you can.

                      The overall video doesn't address the point. An N95 mask has an average pore size of 30 micrometers. The reason why it works is that those pore sizes are not all lined up in the fabric but dispersed in multiple layers. The reason why he produces water vapor is because he is forcing water vapor through a smaller diameter of mask material and increasing the velocity of that air. Lower the velocity and you do not get the water vapor.

                      The point of mask is to lower the amount not eliminate the amount. How much they lower is debatable but certainly compliance and fit and material matter. IF all anyone cares about is a cute mask then sure it is more about looks than effectiveness. IF you get a multi layered mask made of different material then it will filter a range of particles and lower the velocity of such particles coming out. The virus is in a range of particle sizes. The larger particles contain the most virus and if you block those then you are doing something. Its not nothing like a person who doesn't mask at all.

                      Comment


                      • If a mask reduces transmission by just 5%, I'll take protecting 5% of people over 0.
                        I'd rather die standing up than live on my knees.

                        -Emiliano Zapata

                        Comment


                        • Merck makes Ivermectin... It's pretty hard to say there's nothing in it for Big Pharma if it worked...
                          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


                          • Originally posted by Peck View Post

                            Most N95 mask don't have "valves" either. They have the micron filtration netting and while it has some binding material both ways the filtration system is on the inhalation side. That is why the hospitals do not want people walking around with them on. At least that is what they have told me anyway.
                            Hmmmm... that doesn't seem to jive with my understanding of things... But am I missing something?
                            https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019...r-use-faq.html
                            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


                            • Originally posted by Bball View Post

                              Hmmmm... that doesn't seem to jive with my understanding of things... But am I missing something?
                              https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019...r-use-faq.html
                              You would need to go argue with the staff at two very large hospitals in Indianapolis. I typically agree with you, although I know if they are not tight and fit tested it certainly is possible to leak both out and in. For whatever reason they just will not accept the N95's as a stand alone, they want those surgical masks as well. I can't tell you why for certain other than their fear that it does not reverse filter enough to their satisfaction. However in my position there are some battles I can win (very few) but there are others I have no chance in hell. This is one of the latter ones.


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

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