When discussion leads to argument (copy)

[R W S]

Originally Posted by Scott-Wozniak

R W S

Since when do I have to defend my position to anyone?
Scott

I associate myself with the eloquently worded respose from RDT below. And no you don't have to defend your position. You could chose the other option and remain silent, for which the boards would be poorer. Take your licks.

You could also try some humour to lighten intense disagreements.

Good point RE: Read/Jones -especially as I am a proJones!

thanks

[Scott-Wozniak]

Originally Posted by R W S

Good point RE: Read/Jones -especially as I am a proJones!

R W S

All that example does is further illustrate the point that the 'majority' opinion isn't always right and just because the majority think something, it does not make it right, just an opinion.

Scott

[Scott-Wozniak]

Originally Posted by Rachael

These opinions do not need to be treated with the same respect one reserves for the opinions of, say, Mark and Goatman... which have on the whole been shaped by open-minded discussion over god knows how long and with god only knows how many subtle changes in nuance, major revisions and about-turns.

Rachael

Well I think thats exactly the point I'm disagreeing with.

Just because people use statistics as a support to their opinions, does not make those opinions any more credible than anyone elses, and in fact breeds arrogance and beligerence in dismissing those opinions that do not use statistics to support a point of view.

As I've said in this thread and elsewhere on this board, which no-one seems to take on board, no matter how many times I say it - statistics are sets of historical data that indicates past performance and should only be used as a guide to try and predict future performance - yet all the statistical users on here seem adamant that because its happened in the past its also going to happen in the future - if it were that simple to predict the future - then they're far better people than I am!

The real fact here is - no-one can accurately predict the future by using statistics no matter how good they think they are, there are a lot more factors involved than mere 'number crunching' and the sooner people begin to realise this, the more pleasant the discussions here will be.

Scott

[Morris Dancer]

This thread feels like the start of how the BBC site started going down hill. However, I think that it is worth sorting this whole thing out from the start. Otherwise every other thread is a discussion on the messageboard rather than the cricket. If everyone can be clear on the ground rules then it will be a more pleasant place. I think their are two simple tricks, firstly, and this one is used for e-mails, only type what you would be prepared to say to that person face to face. Secondly, remember what this place is, somewhere to chat or read about cricket, don't take it too seriously.

[Occasional Fan]

I have only been coming here for ten days or so, but I have to say I am extremely surprised that this thread exists at all, and, even allowing for that, how long it is. The only "rule" which should be needed on any messageboard, in my opinion, is that everyone treats everyone else with respect. We can - and, let's face it, we will - disagree amongst ourselves on many issues and many occasions. If we don't, the board has no sense at all. I think it is next to impossible to set rules for debate in advance: Brits will know that they have tried it for years in the House of Commons, where everyone is "the Honourable Lady or Gentleman", but I'm not sure I'd want to be heavily involved in that particular daily bun-fight. Deep inside, we all know how we would talk to someone next to us or at the bar in the cricket ground - i.e. like cricket supporters, not like [English] followers of a certain other round ball game. If we do that on the board, no-one is going to get upset. For what it's worth, in my short time here I don't think I have seen anything which I could get offended at - including something over which Mr Admin had threatened suspension yesterday because it could be perceived as being anti-English. There was loads of more or less offensive stuff in the BBC boards in the last few weeks, and that's why I am here.

With respect to Mr Admin, I would suggest a very light hand in terms of moderation for the time being - and that simply because, in my view, nothing heavier is needed. This is a community for all users, and I think the users themselves know what we want, even if we can't quite put it into words. If it starts going wrong, the users will shout and posters will get reported, pre-modded, suspended and banned. But I wouldn't start trying to define in advance what offences should give rise to these sanctions. Free speech, but without the right to spread insult, panic or general offence, should be the way forward.

[admin]

Originally Posted by Occasional Fan

For what it's worth, in my short time here I don't think I have seen anything which I could get offended at - including something over which Mr Admin had threatened suspension yesterday because it could be perceived as being anti-English. There was loads of more or less offensive stuff in the BBC boards in the last few weeks, and that's why I am here.

I thought it best to caution Arshdeep now rather than wait for the inevitable complaint to which I would have to apply a ban. If Arshdeep takes my advice he won't end up like Vinoth. I won't always spot potential trouble before a complaint is received. If that happens I must apply the appropriate penalty.

[Kezza]

I think the Administrator role should be handled by a different individual every so often - maybe rotated on a weekly basis.

So, anyone catch the ten-overs-per-side Essex/Warwickshire match yesterday?

[Miles Cooper]

Morning Kezza,

I caught it yes. What a little and large show it was as Essex's openers walked out!

[Richard Jenkins]

Originally Posted by Kezza

I think the Administrator role should be handled by a different individual every so often - maybe rotated on a weekly basis.

So, anyone catch the ten-overs-per-side Essex/Warwickshire match yesterday?

dont think I'd relish the opportunity of being mod(power corrupts) but if it was done I'd try my best.
Nassar hussain, Smashing!

[Kezza]

Lord Cooper of Cawdor!

LOL! Is Jefferson really 6'10"? I thought the match was going to be boring but it turned out nice didn't it!