no rumors?

[agibson]

valpo04 says:

All right, I have been debating this, but I think it is time to institute a new rule here. Any thread with unsubstantiated rumors will be locked.

If you want to continue to talk about the potential problems with the program and discuss announced transfers, etc. do so in another thread. Starting a thread with a "rumor has it..." is no longer allowed, by anyone.

Edit: If anyone has a problem with this, feel free to PM me.

But, I figure, why not discuss this in public? So:

Frankly, what's an internet message board for? If you can't exchange unsubstantiated rumors on the internet, where can you exchange them?

In the off-season is this just supposed to be a book club where we exchange our reactions to press accounts?

Frankly, a number of the "unsubstantiated rumors" on this board seem to come from excellent sources, even if they prefer not to clearly state their identities or sources.

And, even when the post's not obviously from a parent, or friend, the conversion rate of the "unsubstantiated rumors" is rather good.

I'd prefer that we not intentionally eliminate those sources.

We've all heard the stories about players and recruits reading boards like this one. We know we have to be respectful, and a bit careful.

But, what's the internet for, if not for the free exchange of information?

[valpo04]

Jun 5, 2009 10:48:01 GMT -5 agibson said:

valpo04 says:

All right, I have been debating this, but I think it is time to institute a new rule here. Any thread with unsubstantiated rumors will be locked.

If you want to continue to talk about the potential problems with the program and discuss announced transfers, etc. do so in another thread. Starting a thread with a "rumor has it..." is no longer allowed, by anyone.

Edit: If anyone has a problem with this, feel free to PM me.

But, I figure, why not discuss this in public? So:

Frankly, what's an internet message board for? If you can't exchange unsubstantiated rumors on the internet, where can you exchange them?

In the off-season is this just supposed to be a book club where we exchange our reactions to press accounts?

Frankly, a number of the "unsubstantiated rumors" on this board seem to come from excellent sources, even if they prefer not to clearly state their identities or sources.

And, even when the post's not obviously from a parent, or friend, the conversion rate of the "unsubstantiated rumors" is rather good.

I'd prefer that we not intentionally eliminate those sources.

We've all heard the stories about players and recruits reading boards like this one. We know we have to be respectful, and a bit careful.

But, what's the internet for, if not for the free exchange of information?

But, I figure, why not discuss this in public? So:

Frankly, what's an internet message board for? If you can't exchange unsubstantiated rumors on the internet, where can you exchange them?

Unsubstantiated rumors about players leaving, players in trouble or other things are potentially damaging and do no good. If you can't give a source to your "rumor" then don't post it. Its that simple. I am aware that we have some "insiders" here who like to drop some information and I have no problem with that. You will also notice that our more 'credible' posters don't post negative things about specific players, except when they have to refute/confirm a rumor that is posted here. This is targeting people who come here and put things out there that can be flat out untrue and harmful. NO ONE benefits from this information. If you want to post a rumor that doesn't negatively impact someone, post away. But the days of "A little birdy told me that X was transferring" or "My friend had classes with Y and he cheated on all his tests" are over.

I understand that some may think reading about a players Honor Code issues or legal issues or unhappiness about the program is entertaining and interesting. But remember that these are young players at a small school and rumors can run wild and again, it does more harm than good.

The point of this board is to discuss what is going on with Valpo. IF someone is transferring, we will find out about it soon enough and then it can be discussed. We don't need someone coming here and saying that their kid was at a frat party and heard X talking to Y and X said he is leaving. If X does leave, then its open for discussion. We don't need a board full of posters trying to "scoop" everyone else, especially on sensitive issues.

Again, if you have a credible source or your "rumor" would not negatively impact someone, post away.

[vuweathernerd]

i'm behind you 04. it's time for the seeming personal attacks against players (current or former) to stop. thanks for stepping up to bat on the issue.

[rlh]

This is something I believe will make us better. There are a lot of things I've heard over the years that I don't divulge...some turned out to be true, others didn't....you never know for sure which is which...it's better for everyone to wait until there is an official announcement....rumors can't be good for anyone....even when true

[fwalum]

I have always taken the tact that something said to me by a coach, player or VU official concerning the program, that is not common knowledge, is said to me in confidence. None of it goes up on this board. If someone else brings it up before it is substantiated, I may try to temper the conversation especially if it directly effects one of the athletes. The higher ideal of college sports is to help our young men and women build confidence, character and the ability of working together to achieve goals. At VU I would hope we try to do this in a Christ centered atmosphere. I know that many may consider this to be an old fogey "put the best construction on everything" attitude, but it is what I prefer. Propagating unsubstantiated negative rumors doesn't help anyone achieve anything worth while. Our board has always seemed to hold itself to a higher standard than the norm, this action may help it remain that way.

[jj]

I'll step up to the plate (not bat) and share a RUMOR with y'all. Tim Floyd's shopping for a job and expects to bring an OJMAYO type player with him. Geez, if by chance he (Floyd) would come to Valpo we could clear the fences and be #1. On the other hand,we're such good guys that we can only finish last.

"There's only one thing as difficult as unscrambling an egg,and that's unspreading a rumor."