What makes BCB stand out

by cubstoseriesby100 on Oct 9, 2008 10:50 PM CDT Comment 47 comments

I got involved in a discussion this evening about online groups in general and sports in particular.

I had mentioned BCB before to these friends in the past and was asked specifically what made it stand out when I mentioned that this really stands out.

Since I said a lot of nice things about you all and specifically Al I thought I'd share what I said and I would be interested in what stands out for you all.

I said

"While we often argue and fight on the site and sometimes things go over the top the discussion covers all Cubs topics and the posters are very passionate on how the feel and come from different perspectives when it comes to Cub fandom which while sometimes it causes clashes it also leads to interesting discussion.

The man who runs the site, Al, as the owner of the site also stands out because he has really done a good job at finding the happy medium a good site moderator does. He has found just the right length of leeway to give us and is fair. When I take over an unrelated site I am next week (delayed a week) if I can do half the job Al does with BCB I'd do a great job"

(for the record the site is completely un sports related and the reason you won't see me much starting next week).

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Not sure how long you've been coming here....

but the site has gone downhill the past year and a half. It’s been ruined by far too many diaries that anyone and everyone feels welcome to start even if it’s something that has been discussed a thousand times before. Once upon a time, Al had a moderator who asked people to stop wasting bandwidth with such nothingness and everybody started b——-ing to her, she got upset and left.

There’s no “happy medium” anymore, Al’s been letting people post pointless diary after diary and is too nice of a guy to come out and tell people to stop……again.

by northsideguy on Oct 9, 2008 11:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I disagree!

He let people vent as much as they wanted after the Flop but, for the most part, he kept duplicate posts to a minimum. The heavy posting, IMO, is a result of more fans posting. However, I do feel the ’Recent Fanposts" sidebar should be enlarged.

"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields

by calicubfan on Oct 9, 2008 11:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You can do it yourself

Go into your preferences – you can change the number of fanposts that are displayed. I think I have 20 set for myself

Some people have 3 layers, like pie. Blog Blog Blog

by berselius on Oct 9, 2008 11:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks bro!!

I’ve been here for like 2 years and never known that. Thanks again!

"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields

by calicubfan on Oct 9, 2008 11:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your right...this place is really terrible...

in fact, is so bad that,if I were you, I would never come back. Then we’d be sorry.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 9, 2008 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The thing I hate the most...

Is this guy who posts these silly pictures all the time. I mean, c’mon, this is a serious baseball discussion network, not a funny photo funhouse!

Someday we'll go all the way...

by CubsBullsBears on Oct 10, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hate that guy.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 10, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Al should ban that bum. He never has anything of any substance

to add to this fine institution.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Oct 10, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, what a weanie, always hiding behind a picture

almost as bad as that idiot that stands out in the street waiting to catch home runs. As if…

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Oct 10, 2008 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd do anything for...

for the idiot that stands out there on the street waiting to catch homeruns if he would send me one of those autographed by aram,lee,sori,etc.

I BELIEVE!!!! GO CUBBIES!!!!!!!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Oct 10, 2008 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Al should ban that guy

And that Galvan316 dude too… I cant stand that jerk.

by Galvan316 on Oct 11, 2008 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wont

be voting for him in the upcoming election thats for sure. lmao

I BELIEVE!!!! GO CUBBIES!!!!!!!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Oct 10, 2008 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But Sue always gets our vote

All generalizations are false.

by Emelie on Oct 11, 2008 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can we vote for Sue without voting for SWL?

Or are they “a pair”? :-)

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Oct 11, 2008 7:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hee

by sue369 on Oct 12, 2008 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, on the one hand...

…I’d be lying if I said I didn’t find many fanposts to be frivolous, unnecessary and redundant – this one included. But the fact is that BCB has become, from what I can tell, one of the most well-known Cubs blogs on the ‘Net. And with popularity comes a certain amount of chaos. I’ve learned to live with it, and I think Al does the best he can to control the situation but – let’s be fair – this isn’t his full-time job.

So this is how it ends.

by dat cubfan daver on Oct 10, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Glad to know

someone else sees what I’m talking about.

We don’t need dozens of “my thoughts on 2008” nor “what we should do for 2009” diaries. Like Al said before, his thread about it is where people should post there thoughts.

I know it’s not his full-time job, but if Al has enough free time to travel to AZ for a couple weeks of spring training, go to nearly every home game, and even travel for a few road games, you think he could take ten minutes and readdress the issue and be more strict on the policy.

I’m not expecting him to do anything because it makes him look bad and unfriendly. Plus, all the traffic is great for ad revenue and he gets a chunk of the change. So he really doesn’t have any motivation to do it at all.

by northsideguy on Oct 11, 2008 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And before any points it out

their, not there.

by northsideguy on Oct 11, 2008 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I told everyone I'd let it go for a while...

… because of how abruptly this season ended. Starting next week, I’m going to start enforcing the general policy here, which is that people should look closely at the post list to see if their topic has been covered. In conjunction with that, it would help a lot if people would title their posts with what’s inside, rather than just “My Thoughts”, which could be about just about anything.

About revenue, I’ll try to say this as nicely as possible: a) it’s none of your business, and b) you’re wrong. I don’t get a “chunk” of anything. Yes, I have made a little $ on this site, not very much, and it’ s certainly not the reason I do it.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Oct 11, 2008 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for addressing the issue

rather than just telling me to leave like a certain someone….

And I’m pretty confused about your second statement. You say that “I’m wrong” and you don’t get a chunk of anything, and then you immediately go on to say you have made a little $ on the site. Even SB Nation says the blogger gets a piece of the revenue (which certainly could be considered a synonym of "chunk"). I’m not saying you do it just for the money, I know that’s not it, but I’m saying it might play a reason in why you’re nice about the aforementioned issue.

Not trying to be argumentative or disrespectful, just saying.

by northsideguy on Oct 11, 2008 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have made a little $ on this site, yes.

But, I haven’t gotten any “piece” of the revenue. I’m not sure where “SB Nation says” that. If you can point me to some specific page or post that says that, I’m interested.

In any case, it’s none of anyone’s business but mine, and that never has and never will factor into any decision I make regarding this site.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Oct 11, 2008 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Certainly....

http://www.sbnation.com/pages/faq

3rd question.

by northsideguy on Oct 11, 2008 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hmmm.

Haven’t gotten any of that. Not so far, anyway.

And in any case, I repeat what I posted above: whatever money I get from running this site has had no effect on what I have posted, and will not in the future.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Oct 12, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Al, I would like to thank you

for letting it go for awhile. I know I for one found it good therapy. Most of the Cubs fans I know are just casual fans(some fair weather). It was good to have a place to go where I could find others that felt just as deeply as I did. Prior to your saying you would do this, I have to admit I was a little intimidated to post anything. It was nice to feel comfortable about getting a few things off my chest. Keep up the good work. :) Thanks again

by katie casey on Oct 11, 2008 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

have you run a blog?

it’s bloody hard work with major behind the scenes time invested. Easy to criticize, hard to do.

All generalizations are false.

by Emelie on Oct 11, 2008 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Try

building websites.

Again, you might not have been here long enough to know this, but he used to have help, people were jerks to her, and she left.

by northsideguy on Oct 11, 2008 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's far more to that issue than what you state above.

And that is best left right there. I will say no more about it.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Oct 12, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

utterly in disagreement

I think that this site is one of the best around. We’ve engaged in contrary and intelligent banter about our baseball passion and haven’t been afraid to entertain contrarians as well as fanatics. It’s a free country and the Cubs Nation is no exception. Anyone’s opinion, no matter how boneheaded, as long as it ain’t outright uncivil is welcome.

It may bother you that there’s some repetition .. That’s fine. Just leave the thread. It ain’t that hard. There’s nothing perfect in the world.

FYI, in case you haven’t noticed we’ve also discovered the cure for several forms of cancer, the secret to cold fusion and discovered who actually wrote the book of love. They were probably in the links you dissed.

Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!

by cubnational on Oct 11, 2008 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love the arguing...

..that goes on here because, at least for me, there are never any hard feelings. The folks that post here, for the most part, are wise, passionate fans, and knowledgeable fans.

Most of all, however, I enjoy Al’s take on situations that are discussed here. He always has a well thought out opinion, and he is always the first person I ask a Cubs’ related question of. It was cool meeting him @ Wrigley and I was glad to buy him a beer. Here’s to you Al — and BCB!

"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields

by calicubfan on Oct 9, 2008 11:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

KOW, why don't you just go ahead and tell us...

…what the site you’re “moderating” is about. You keep mentioning it anyway.

So this is how it ends.

by dat cubfan daver on Oct 10, 2008 10:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Because

I don’t mention the subject because it’s political. I thought I mentioned that before.

Thngs of worth are worth fighting for regardless of the odds.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Oct 10, 2008 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Then why mention it at all?

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Final words of the water pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Oct 10, 2008 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It was meant

2 things if you noticed I mentioned I would love to emulate Al in how I do this.

And it will explain why I’ll be scarecer than a Theriot extra base hit for the next few months.

Thngs of worth are worth fighting for regardless of the odds.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Oct 10, 2008 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Scarcer than a Theriot XBH?

Wow!

RIP KOW, it was nice knowing you. See you in the next world… :-)

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Oct 11, 2008 7:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Intriguing

What’s the URL? Surely no one can object to you just posting the address.

My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.

by JohnM on Oct 10, 2008 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

When

It’s down to be rebuilt when it’s back up I think I’ll run it by Al first because of his no politics stance.

Thngs of worth are worth fighting for regardless of the odds.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Oct 10, 2008 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ah, go on

My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.

by JohnM on Oct 11, 2008 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't do this, please.

There’s no need for this baiting. Let it go.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Oct 11, 2008 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's a sickness

i was going to stay away for a couple of weeks and here I am. I need the BCB version of AA. What would that be called? BCBA? Terribly addicted.

This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).

by mrcubsfan on Oct 10, 2008 3:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I would be your sponser

but I’m a BCBaholic too. I believe there are quite a few of us around here so you are not alone.

A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson

by tucsoncubsfan on Oct 10, 2008 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hi, my name is ballhawk and I've been BCB-free for one secon... DAMN! off the wagon again!

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Oct 10, 2008 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"I Don't Mind The Occasional (rhymes with puck)"

I was a BCB lurker before I started contributing when I found that in one of Al’s posts, so I figured “any site whose moderator and host says something like that must be good!”

Al keeps it real, keeps it fun, and keeps it passionate. There’s a great balance among the members when it comes to talking hardcore stats, team history, and personal anecdotes. Basically it’s like being at Wrigley or HoHoKam sitting and chatting with a bunch of cool people who love the team as much as I do myself.

Never, but NEVER, put ketchup on a hot dog.

by CaliCub on Oct 10, 2008 10:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Cool people

except for that Guy whose always posting the silly pictures all the time…. Whats his name??? Oh and that Galvan guy….. god what a jerk. :)

by Galvan316 on Oct 11, 2008 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But Sue always rocks.

All generalizations are false.

by Emelie on Oct 11, 2008 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ahhh... but does she roll? ;-)

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Oct 11, 2008 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

by sue369 on Oct 12, 2008 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is a great site.

It has a very good mix of posters and I think the moderation has worked. Some great contributors have moved to other spots or who knows what, but that happens.

If Mike63 is allowed to return then it shows me that this blog is long on tolerance—and that’s good.

by DudeVf11 on Oct 11, 2008 6:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs