Alright, guys. Enough is enough. Joey hasn't been around to moderate the forums nearly as much as he used to, and things are just getting ugly. There is entirely too many personal attacks, irrelevant arguments, and verbal abuse going around, and I think we all have the responsibility to moderate ourselves.

I used to comment a lot more in 2010 and 2011, primarily because the readership was for the most part more kind, tactful, and respectful. The name calling and arguments without purpose are not necessary. This place is a baseball blog... There shouldn't be any personal attacks or degrading of individuals over a baseball related comment. Let's keep this place free for discussions, disagreements, and civility. If someone makes a stupid argument or point, TEACH THEM why trade XYZ is stupid or where the holes in their point are, rather than destroying them with ridicule and vulgarities.

Joey isn't around to really stop all this, so let's take some time to reflect on ourselves (I'm as guilty as the next guy) and make BBTIA a more friendly and courteous place.

Here is the excerpt from the Commenting Guidelines on BBTIA:

"It's really very simple: No ad hominem (personal) attacks, excessive vulgarity, baiting or otherwise abusive behavior will be tolerated. Basically, be civil and respectful towards others. Vigorous disagreement and debate is welcome, but personal attacks directed towards other commenters will be dealt with accordingly."

So come on guys... A little civility, a little more mercy for stupid comments, and a lot more fun.

^^^^^^ This ^^^^^^

Agreed.

this is how it should be

And they have wooden shudders....

Sorry to throw another "why can't we all just get along" post out there, but it is better than the "hey motherf*ckers! Quit calling each other names, dipsh*ts" posts that have been around lately. I want this to be a healthy safe and informative place to discuss BASEBALL.

I personally find that when people spell cuss words with asterisks in place of one letter that it is way more vulgar and offensive, because censorship is oppressive.

"TEACH THEM"
There's part of the problem right there. I don't need you 'teaching' me anything and I doubt you want me 'teaching' you. Think about it. That is very condescending.

@Billy, when I first came to this site in late 2009, I didn't know a thing about SABR or more in-depth analysis. I was a baseball fan, yet as the years have passed, I have gained incredible understanding into many new aspects of the game.

This is because when I posted a thought or question about something, guys like Tball, Scooby Dude, and Andy among others wouldn't bash me for being stupid and not knowing anything. They would tell me why a trade didn't make sense, what something stood for, or why a certain strategy was used in-game. I appreciated the ability to be TAUGHT why my thinking was off based, or challenged to think about an issue with different perspective. THAT is what I mean by TEACHING. Having the grace to explain a point/counterpoint with the ideal of helping someone understand the game better.

rangerborn
WHO CARES?

If you learned from those guys that explains a lot. LMAO

And we have our first dissenter. Way to tool it up, tex.

Andi:

If he learned anything from you That would explain a lot. I've forgot more baseball than you'll ever know. What is your LAR [learning above replacement]??

I don't care who you are. That was FUNNY

Not a regular poster anymore, but count me in the camp agreeing with this post. Arguing is part of the fun of baseball blogs, but it can be done in a respectful manner. Saying that though, it is the internet; a comment should be pretty terrible for someone to take offense to it.

@Tex: have you met Ricky in Ft. Worth? You guys would get along great.

Andi:
No I havent. I dont engage fools except on here. You know- guys like you. You and Ricki are a lot alike. Pretenders. Now run along

For example, Tex Baseball is just making me roll my eyes right now cuz he's acting like a bit of a troll. But I'm not gonna be super angry and start cussing out his mom through the internet.

@Joel, I never really take offense to anything said on here, as nothing someone says affects me personally. It is just annoying when every post turns to name calling or trolling. I just want this blog to have substance, which personal attacks and pointless arguments don't promote.

Rangerborn:

STFU

Good try rangerbourne...........

There's a good reason I don't post on the forums much more.

Nompton:

And for that we are ALL thankful

So Andi & Scooby Dud are gonna TEACH us. That's the funniest fucking thing I've ever read on here.

Can we get college credit for all that Scooby & Andy are gonna teach us?? Scooby couldn't teach a hooker to go to bed.