Open Letter to AZHousePro

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Williebetmore

Member, .25% Club
Silver Member
Mike,
Thanks for your "state of the forum adress." Let me just say that I love your forum. After fleeing RSB/CCB/IP I have really enjoyed reading AZB for almost 3 years. I came just looking for a place to get some pool news, and never expected to participate. When I started posting I never expected to get drawn into relationships through this medium (the idea of meeting someone through the internet just seemed ludicrous); however, through AZB I have met 3 tremendous professionals, 3 tremendous instructors, several acquaintances, and 2 pretty decent friends.

I for one just want to thank you, and wish you the best in maintaining such high quality participation in your forum - it is very unique, not only in the pool world, but the sports world in general. I hope you will do your utmost to preserve a place for the true pool fanatics to exchange information, experiences, and enthusiasm.

In hope of promoting this goal, I would offer a suggestion. Perhaps some general guidelines from the emperor (errr, moderator) about the mission of AZB would be helpful; what are you really trying to accomplish/offer with the website, what kinds of behavior are you trying to discourage, do you have any unfulfilled goals for the site, what are you hoping the site will become, how would you like to see the behavior of the posters change? Hey, after all its your site.

While I love a flame war as much as the next poster (I definitely read them all), that is NOT my reason for coming here; and I vigorously oppose any flaming that in any way threatens the participation of the pro's (if anyone wants to flame Drivermaker, have at it). Yes its fun to engage in banter, woofing, and juvenile humor; but hopefully not at the expense of participation of pro's who have some potential to improve our knowledge and skills.

End of screed. Good luck Mike.
 
Newbie

Williebetmore said:
...
In hope of promoting this goal, I would offer a suggestion. Perhaps some general guidelines from the emperor (errr, moderator) about the mission of AZB would be helpful; what are you really trying to accomplish/offer with the website, what kinds of behavior are you trying to discourage, do you have any unfulfilled goals for the site, what are you hoping the site will become, how would you like to see the behavior of the posters change? Hey, after all its your site.
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As a newcomer to this site, but a vet of the net for well into double-digit years I first looked for a TOC (Terms of Conduct) and/or a FAQ before posting. Out of courtesy that should be anyone's first stop in new territory just to get the lay of the land. I realize that it doesn't actually stop troublemakers, but it's pretty common out here in the ether.
 
Williebetmore said:
Mike,
Thanks for your "state of the forum adress." Let me just say that I love your forum. After fleeing RSB/CCB/IP I have really enjoyed reading AZB for almost 3 years. I came just looking for a place to get some pool news, and never expected to participate. When I started posting I never expected to get drawn into relationships through this medium (the idea of meeting someone through the internet just seemed ludicrous); however, through AZB I have met 3 tremendous professionals, 3 tremendous instructors, several acquaintances, and 2 pretty decent friends.

I for one just want to thank you, and wish you the best in maintaining such high quality participation in your forum - it is very unique, not only in the pool world, but the sports world in general. I hope you will do your utmost to preserve a place for the true pool fanatics to exchange information, experiences, and enthusiasm.

In hope of promoting this goal, I would offer a suggestion. Perhaps some general guidelines from the emperor (errr, moderator) about the mission of AZB would be helpful; what are you really trying to accomplish/offer with the website, what kinds of behavior are you trying to discourage, do you have any unfulfilled goals for the site, what are you hoping the site will become, how would you like to see the behavior of the posters change? Hey, after all its your site.

While I love a flame war as much as the next poster (I definitely read them all), that is NOT my reason for coming here; and I vigorously oppose any flaming that in any way threatens the participation of the pro's (if anyone wants to flame Drivermaker, have at it). Yes its fun to engage in banter, woofing, and juvenile humor; but hopefully not at the expense of participation of pro's who have some potential to improve our knowledge and skills.

End of screed. Good luck Mike.
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Very nicely said!
 
I concur with Williebetmore. I was a lurker and poster in RSB many years ago and made quite a few posts there, but AzB feels much more cozier than any other forum.

Thanks Mike ! And I guess you've been busy, no sign of you at the pool hub ;)

Best regards,
Mikko aka [Fin]buddy
 
I've been a member of the site for about a year and a half and I haven't posted as much as some but this site has become a part of my surfing routine, it's one of the first sites I check out after I check my email. Everyone on this forum is here because they love the game of pool, I hope, and this site is one of the best places to talk about the game and get information about tournaments, players, equipment and the sport in general.
I think what the internet does in some instances is remove accountability, its like P2P downloading, people (including me) download music and movies that they didn't pay for without hesitation, but the majority of people wouldn't go into their local Circuit City or WalMart and physically steal the cd or dvd because they would be held accountable for their actions if they got caught. On a forum some people say things that they might not say if they were face to face having a discussion, some words when read on screen come off worse than if they were spoken, some people take the discussions more or less seriously/personally than others and there are a lot of other factors that probably contribute to some of the negative turns some of the threads take. The flame wars and shit talking is hilarious most times I think but it can get out of hand sometimes, if people just used some judgement and restraint there might be no need for bans but the idea of a committee to keep tabs on the forums is probably the best solution.
 
I also enjoy this forum. I may not post every hour, but I'm on almost an entire 12 hrs each day. Lots if very good billiards posts and sometimes some fire, overall it's great.
 
Hmm, that is a very good suggestion. I will definitely have to put some thought towards how I would like to describe all of that.

Keep in mind that this site (and forum) have grown way beyond anything I ever envisioned. Eight years ago, it was going to be devoted to local Arizona pool. I can remember a time when one of the other pool webmasters finally decided that Azb had grown to the point that I was competing with him for traffic and we discussed a merger. That site is still around, but hasn't been updated in over a year.

Off the top of my head, I want a place where anyone can log in and feel comfortable asking (or answering) a question. Cliques are certainly going to form and I don't mind that. I just don't want it as bad as RSB was in the past with newcomers being attacked just because they were new. I definitely want the pro players to feel comfortable sharing what knowledge they are willing to share (and I think everyone has done a great job of that).

As for my goals for the site, that is a good question. Let me think on that one.

Mike
 
Mike~
I pat you on the back, shake your hand, tip my hat (you choose the method of praise) for the job you have done and continue to do with the AZB site and forum. You have broaden the availability of the forum chats to accomodate the members wants/desires and simplify the flow from topic to topic. No moderator wants to restrict people from being a member, but from time to time you have to make that call, great job so far Mike! I like the direction the forum is going, educating the interested parties. There's a wealth of knowledge to be passed on by many to everyone, and it can be found here on AZB.
Keep up the good work Mike! It can only get better IMO!
Thanks,
Zim
 
Just a note for any of you that may have misconstrued, my original Drivermaker reference.

I absolutely did NOT mean to infer that D'maker was driving off any of the pro's. I was only trying to convey the thought that there probably should be a double standard for Mike to use. In other words its okay for anyone (including D'maker) to flame me, but not okay to be flaming the pro's. I picked him because I thought he had the thickest skin, everyone knows that he enjoys controversy, and because it sounded the funniest (I am definitely one of the posters that enjoys the juvenile humor and behavior). No hidden agenda here. I find his posts to be among the most entertaining on the forum, and I definitely hang out here partly for the entertainment value. .
 
Williebetmore said:
Just a note for any of you that may have misconstrued, my original Drivermaker reference.

I absolutely did NOT mean to infer that D'maker was driving off any of the pro's. I was only trying to convey the thought that there probably should be a double standard for Mike to use. In other words its okay for anyone (including D'maker) to flame me, but not okay to be flaming the pro's. I picked him because I thought he had the thickest skin, everyone knows that he enjoys controversy, and because it sounded the funniest (I am definitely one of the posters that enjoys the juvenile humor and behavior). No hidden agenda here. I find his posts to be among the most entertaining on the forum, and I definitely hang out here partly for the entertainment value. .
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Agree completely!

Both as to DM's value and also leaving the Pro's alone to answer questions and tell their stories.

I absolutely love the fact that this place has become somewhere the pro's come and would hate to see them leave because people feel the need to jump in their face through a computer screen.

Good post.
Koop
 
So far as people asking questions here...

I feel people should...

Only reply to the post if your post will be constructive, helpful, and on topic.

Share what you know about the question being asked.

Realize that sometimes other people will not agree on what is best or which is the best answer.

That it is OK to have several different answers to the same question, and respect other people's opinion.

The person reading the various answers to his/her question can try the different suggestions and determine what works best for them. I.e. make up their *own* mind.

Realize that when "stupid" questions are asked, there are probably many other people on the forum who would also like to know the answer to the question being asked.

There is no such thing as a stupid question! It is like raising a kid. People are not born knowing everything. You must teach kids each and every little detail. It can be trying at times - takes a lot of patience.
 
Billy_Bob said:
There is no such thing as a stupid question!
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This just reminds me of the phrase "There are no stupid questions, but there are a LOT of inquisitive idiots.".

Barbara
 
Barbara said:
This just reminds me of the phrase "There are no stupid questions, but there are a LOT of inquisitive idiots.".

Barbara
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HEY!!!! :mad: :mad: Please don't flame me!!!! I'll quote the inevitable: "Can't we all just get along?" :confused:
 
To reiterate one of the points above, I would encourage tolerance for questions that seem simple or basic (or just downright stupid) to the more experienced members. We all have to learn somewhere and, unlike the old days when you had to beat it out of someone at the table, one of today's methods is through internet interaction.

If an experienced member doesn't want to answer, don't. But don't flame someone for asking. Ok, maybe a little flick of the Bic to the butt to make a point, but no napalm! ;)

I come here for information, but I would also hate to lose the comic relief that is interjected by many of the members. Some of you should be playing in the Catskills!! So, I would vote (like I have a vote :rolleyes: ) against trying to make all posts only serious discussion. Laughing is good for you! :D
 
ScottR said:
So, I would vote (like I have a vote :rolleyes: ) against trying to make all posts only serious discussion. Laughing is good for you! :D
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allison fisher like to laff and so do i.

just for u scott
 

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Great Job Mike. This site is a great place to hangout. I have not participated much lately due to a medical condition aggravated by my age (48). This spring I experienced a full blown midlife crisis. The expression of which resulted in a new Harley, so at present the pool hall is just one stop in the continuous dance of riding around in circles all summer.

I agree wholeheartedly with Williebetmore that pro’s (and at least in my mind road warriors) should enjoy a degree of immunity since they have some presumed level of credibility and their public image can be important to their livelihood, if not today maybe tomorrow. I know of one particular instance a while back an individual’s behavior on this forum may have cost them a chance to do an exhibition, but in that case they alone were responsible. One can never tell for sure who the nice people are on the internet but you sure can tell who the raving lunatics are. Anyway thanks for the great site. I may not be a frequent poster but I certainly get knowledge and entertainment from the forums.
 
AzHousePro said:
Keep in mind that this site (and forum) have grown way beyond anything I ever envisioned. Eight years ago, it was going to be devoted to local Arizona pool.
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It took me 2 years to realize that the site domain name was supposed to mean Arizona (AZ) Billiards, instead of "A to Z" (IE Everything about) Billiards!
 
I agree with what everyone is saying about the Pros, as well as promoters and cuemakers. However, I believe that all of the above mentioned people are people too, and thus are no more important than anyone else. That being said, I think it should only be fair that disagrements happen...even with the "eliete" posters. For example the Danny Harriman threads. I think his hreads intailed discussion. Not everyone was against Danny and not everyone was for Danny, but for the most part civil discussion pursuded.

On the other hand, the crap with Mark Tad was uncalled for. Please keep in mind that I do not personally know Mark, but there was no reason for those events to go down, IMO. I think we should be allowed to respectfully disagree with ANYONE on this forum. But let's keep in mind that respectful is the key word.

However, you have have personal beef with someone from your personal life, then that maybe a diffrent story. JMHO.
 
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