Ok, I give up

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I’m actually paying for my internet right now in Boston. I signed online to check email that needed to be checked. And I decided to stop in here just to make sure everything was ok. And I come back to people still making condescending remarks in the “Off the grid” post. Seriously, you couldn’t pick up the joke in “e-beatdowns”….? I attempted to change the format here, to require people to register at wordpress, thinking that if people really wanted to be a thorn in the side, they wouldn’t take the time to actually sign up and continue to be that way. But that isn’t going to stop people. So I’ve opened up the flood gates again. You know longer have to log in. I’m done trying to “stifle discussion”, but I’m also done posting in the comments section here. I’m going to get back to doing what I intened for this site. I’m simply going to write and share my opinion in the main piece. If I have anything else to add, I’ll update the main post. But I’m not posting in the comments anymore, I’m not going to allow myself to be drawn in to any more of the ridiculous back and forth banter. So, those of you who were so put off that I decided to add a registration process (that would take all of 60 seconds), you win, the site is yours again, feel free to make the snide remarks, the mindless banter, and whatever else you want. I’m going to enjoy the rest of my vacation. The flood gates are back open. Enjoy.

84 thoughts on “Ok, I give up”

  2. Why dont you just take away comment section ?

    Most people are too freaking dumb to understand this is a Phillie minor league discussion. Not a Charlie Manuel topic or how Utley sucked last night.

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  3. Darren that would pretty much kill the website…no offense PP but a huge reason people come is to get info on prospects and to occasionally banter. True it gets out of hand sometimes but getting rid of comments all together would hurt your readership big time…not that you suggested doing that.

    Enjoy Boston…great city and area for a vacation. Of couse I’m biased from having lived there for a while.

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  4. What there must be something like 10 sites dedicated to the Phillies. An 1 very good site about Phillies minor leaguers. This shouldn’t be to hard to figure out. This is a minor leagues site, they are major league sites. Just that simple.

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  5. I’m sorry but I have no idea what you are so worked up about. In the off the grid section, there were honestly 2 comments about the e-beatdown statement, followed by 3 comments explaining what you meant and then all the rest are discussion on the Phillies prospects and potential future for the major league team. I think you are overreacting just a little bit in this case and a lot of people are going to be disappointed not to have your insight in the comments section on random things they would like to have explained

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  6. Yeah, I just scrolled through the off the grid thread…it was pretty innocuous i thought. lots of discussion of d’arby myers, freddy galvis, dom brown, marson/JJ, and airborneranger’s insights. it seemed to me to be a fairly productive thread.

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  8. Look…the author of this site has obviously put a ton of work in to create this site…which, as far as I know…is the only site of its kind.

    He is also the holder of strong opinions concerning the subject matter as well as commenting on the commentary.

    It seems apparenht that he enjoys expressing his opinion…as perceptive as it may be…which SHOULD afford HIM the pleasure of conversing on what may be his favorite subject. His strong opinions are to be expecdted since he seems a very good study…..and sometimes he allows his geater depth of study to challenge others’ thoughts.

    Sometimes he falls prey to sarcasm…but so do many others here.

    So don’t expect him to give up his strong opinions…but resorting to sarcasm will only bring forth the same in his response.

    Allowing for ego, from which we all suffer, this site remains a gem. And being patient with the author is a fair expectation in the circumstances.

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  9. PP, I think you’re being a little melodramatic. 90% of all the banter on this sight is prospect related… and 70% of that is at least reasonably intelligent.

    If you stopped commenting and defending your opinions the whole content level of the site would dip dramatically. Half the time I just scroll through the comments section to read what you and about four other people have to say and ignore everyone else anyway… and I have a feeling alot of other people do the same.

    I have yet to really see ANYTHING close to the trash that gets thrown on to most sports blogs. If you want an example, read the comments on after a Jason Whitlock article on Foxsports.com.

    Besides, the season is almost over and no one will have any questionable double switches to complain about soon anyway. So just chill and ride it out.

    Thanks for the site, btw. It makes me feel smart in baseball discussions with my friends.

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  10. agreed with skunky…i feel like my knowledge of statistical analysis and the phils prospects has gone way up due to this site. i would never have been so juiced about marson coming up without this site, nor could i have developed man-crushes on michael taylor and dom brown.

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  11. I know some guys who spend an enormous amount of time following Phillies farm teams around. There was this guy who spent all summer with the Lakewood team last year. I mean home and away. His wife was working and he just took the summer off and traveled with the team. He even got the team rate for his accommodations. He was writing a book about a season in the minors. Had a great baseball mind. Fun to hang out with and talk to. Now that’s being a minor league fanatic. I find it kind of net that I can say hi and know the names of most of the equipment manager working for the Phillies system and they know who I am. I have foraged some good friendships with many of the player development folks. An no matter what park I show up in players will give my son a baseball. I love Phillies baseball from top to bottom an always will.

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  12. This sight is quite good, truly. The draft coverage was outstanding, and it is a one stop shop for aggregating opinions from around the internet on Phillies prospects.

    But it seems every day there is another post threatening dire consequences over posts that are ruining the author’s vision of his website. Dude, we are your vision. Without readers you are just another tree falling in the woods.

    Honestly, some people aren’t cut out for making their opinions public, that’s why politicians are rarely as smart as their policy makers, just better at presenting the policy. But I would suggest that everytime you want to scream into your computer because someone has somehow (and as far as I can tell, usually innocuously) offended you, take a deep breath, maybe take a walk around your house, and think about the positive this site has brought.

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  14. stop being such a damn drama queen. You have a very good site with great info. People aren’t always going to agree, some will be immature. But you look like a damn ass when you start crying every day. Grow a pair already

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  15. I think what all of the people who are not named “phuturephillies” need to remember is that it is his site, and his rules.

    Yes, I think James gets a little overly sensitive, but, figuratively speaking, we are guests in his home, and need to abide by his rules. He can cease to run this site if he decides to. If that happens, it would suck majorly. I visit this site regularly, post regularly, and now find myself following the Phillies farm system more than I do the big club. I look at stats differently now than I did a year ago, and a lot of that has to do with my frequent visits here. Yeah, I can be a smart ass, but I always make sure I notate my impudence with a smiley or winky. When I disagree with someone, I always make sure that I say that I am politely or respectfully disagreeing. Part of the problem is that this site has become extremely popular – probably far more than James could have anticipated, and with that popularity comes trolls, escalated arguments and silly name-calling. Yeah, it sucks. But I also love having discussions about Dominic Brown’s fielding issues, Michael Taylor’s explosion and whether or not Savery’s GO/AO ratio makes him a better prospect that Bastardo’s w-l record (I’m in the Savery camp myself).

    So I think we should respect James’ wishes. This site is THE place to discuss the Phillies minor leaguers. Let’s all keep it that way

    [/soapbox]

    – Jeff

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  16. How can u talk about the children without talking about the parents and how they are treating the children.
    (Happ e.g. might as well be a yo-yo)
    maybe a VENT section There is little elso but this site for
    the fans
    thank you
    (it is frustration that u can also understand)

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  17. I personally like this site a lot, and agree with Phuture that things get out of hand sometimes with comments related to the big league squad…

    But, I think this is a pretty big overreaction to the Off the Grid post. That was one of my favorite posts of the year actually, with freewheeling discussion and airborneranger providing firsthand accounts. I didn’t even remember the negative stuff from earlier in the thread until it was brought up.

    Its a bummer so much meta stuff has to become involved. Not that you’re asking for suggestions, but…keep the comments registration, ignore the 2% that doesn’t follow the rules, and ban (the very rare) people who are completely out of line. Otherwise, just close the comments, or start an old-fashioned paper newsletter. I’d subscribe.

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  18. 2 idiots said dumb things. almost as soon as they said them, people told them they were being stupid. The rest of the thread was productive discussion on prospects. I would enjoy your vacation and not worry about whats going on in internet-land.

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  19. I was just about to register as well. I just didn’t want to do it at work.

    It’s hard…I love this site and PP does so much work towards it I feel as if it’s his right to do what he wants with it. If he required registration just to log in and read I would do it. Heck, if he went pay I’d pony up a reasonable amount of money for the resource.

    TL;DR – I love this site and will follow PP blindly to ensure the continued operation of phuturephillies.com

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  20. I sometimes have gotten off the prospect path and talked major league. I have to realize this is pp site and should keep it under his rules. will try.

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  21. Hey man, I understand both sides of this. I also didn’t think the comments in off the grid were that bad, but it is your site and you can do whatever you want. You work your sac off and put a ton of time into it so it is your decision and I respect it. I also am with rodeo in saying I would pay money for this site. I love it.

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  22. Seriously, if you want to get rid of the dead wood, just charge people a small fee. People like me will pay it, you’ll lose the angry trollers and you’ll make some money. But, hey, it’s your site, do whatever the heck you want. If it ends, thanks for the hard work and entertaining posts.

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  23. Just wanted to advise our avid readers the Arbuckle went on the radio yesterday afternoon and told the world that C Carrasco was not ready for the majors and thats why they sent him home, thus leaving the hopes of the Phils in the hands of Kendrick and Eaton. Seems odd that every bit of info coming from this site and other learned jounalists indicated that Carrasco had great stuff and could flourish with a September callup especially since other clubs had not seen him previously. I am disgusted with the management of this organization

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  24. There are web forums out there that charge a $10 ‘registration’ fee and what it essentially does is keep the trolls and morons out…just a thought…I’d be happy to pay it and/or adminster it…

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  25. PP many of the sites in the Phillies network are run like little fiefdoms where the moderators or owners determine the whether you are wealthy of posting or not. If you disagree with them they either eliminate your post or get rid of you. I have steadfast refuse to get involved with these sites for that reason. I’m lucky, I have the time and resources to get to see Philies baseball and make first hand observations. But I’m not always right and I value each and every opinion from others whether I agree or not. Right this minute there is a little disagreement concerning R J Swindle. I don’t think he has the talent to contribute or make the Phillies. Others disagree, which is great, I could be wrong. That’s what baseball is about. Time will tell.

    The very fact that we are discussing Phillies minor league baseball it will sometimes carry over to the big club. I would like to be able to comment on Golson and Marson’s performances if and when they get a chance to play. Is that wrong? You have a wonderful sites. Let’s try to stay flexible.

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  26. Never registered and now I’m back.
    I appreciate the author’s work enough to respect his wishes. I care about the information he provides much more than the ability to post comments.

    That being said, most baseball blogs would envy the relative civility found in this forum. Discussions here often stray from the topic, they still tend to be of a reasonably high standard, compared to most other websites. You cannot fault your readers for being ignorant, because they come here for their education. I’d say the proprietor of this site has outgrown his former role, so it makes sense if he stops posting in the comment section. An occasional Q&A session could probably accomplish the same purpose, without the daily annoyances.

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  27. Rodeo, so you think charging 10 bucks is constructive and keeps what you refer to as morons or trolls out? Since you seem to want to administer this, are you the one who determines who are morons or trolls? Seem pretty elitist to me. It’s doesn’t help the forum you are referring to, not forums, there’s only one that use that method. That forum is full of lock step morons.

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  28. I come here for news and coverage that I can;t get elsewhere. The major league team gets all kinds of coverage on the web, on Comcast, and in the print media. I like to read the first hand reports from scouts and fans who have seen our minor leaguers play.

    Keep up the outstnding work, James!!

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  29. Airborne –

    I think what Rodeo is saying is that people who are willing to pay are probably not the rabble rousers. I’m not sure if that’s the case, and from your experience it doesn’t work.

    Personally, I tend to just shrug the flame wars off and ignore them – they’ve been around since the internet, and exist on any forum, no matter what the subject. At least on this site, they are generally on topic. However, I don’t think that it is asking too much for people to keep things civil and respectful – after all, we are all Philadelphia sports fans hers (no, wait, that’s not going to help my argument)

    – Jeff

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  33. Airbornranger Just wondering how long in the service. When does the florida instructional league start. How many people actual go to see the prospect in the games.

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  34. Dick Allen, Arbuckle knows what he’s talking about and so do the player development people. Carresco needs more innings at AAA. Knowing Carresco as I do, if he came to up and got tattooed, it would set him back a lot. It happened to him before when he didn’t do so well at Lakewood and got sent back to extented. He very young and needs to gain confidence that he belongs.

    As for your reference to Kendrick and Eaton. I don’t see either of them getting the call anytime soon. The Phillies are on short rest days with there rotation.

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  36. Roc, 26 years, starts two weeks after the end of the regular minor league season. Usually there’s more players, scouts, instructors, front office folks then fans.

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  37. James,

    I’m all for a fee to use this site. I have learned more about the Phils minor league system here than anywhere else (& I know I’m not alone on that too). There are knuckleheads everywhere man….. what can you do? Hurry & update your prospect list would ya….

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  38. The games they play is it just double a prospect against same. and single a against single a or is it mixed. This way they can see for instant how swimmer looks against better competition.

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  39. This site, along with thegoodphight.com and blackshoediaries.com, has some of the most productive and intelligent discussion of its topic I have seen, flamers included. Part of discussing phillies prospects is that the big league squad occasionally has a lot to do with certain prospects (Happ, Carrasco, etc.). Obviously, the prospect end of the blanton deal should be off limits…whats done is done. We can’t get those guys back. But noting that Happ can get the job done at least as well as blanton is, is IMO, intelligent discussion. He has proved that by often dominating at the AAA level, and by continuing to K lots of guys at the major league level.

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  40. Oh, I’m so sorry. You’re right, it is Carrasco. Is there anything more you’d like to tell us about him?

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  41. Gee, Mr. D maybe you can pay for all of us. What’s the point of charging money? PP’s either going to do the site or not. I don’t think money factors in with his decisions. He likes Phillies minor league baseball, period.

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  42. Man, I remember when this site just started out and there were like 5 of us and discussion was discussion and not just pure stupidity. Oh well.

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  43. phillywhatsgood, what’s with calling people idiots? Where is your insight on the level of play within the Phillies system? Do you have any?

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  45. I don’t know airborneranger, you call me elitest but it looks like you’re trying to be the new sheriff in town.

    If you don’t like a constructive idea there are better ways to approach it.

    It’s more of a registration with IP address logging, ban and record IP address issue, but I don’t know if wordpress has the functionality, I’m on blogger.

    I think my solution may be for me to stop posting and stop reading the comments.

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  46. Every successful website longs for the “good old days”, but this has become THE forum to discuss Phillies prospects. James should be proud of this development, because its a direct result of his hard work. More readers means more ignorant posters, but it also means more information and constructive debate.

    So whats the solution? Charging a fee won’t influence the quality of the posting, it’ll just limit the number of posters. Maybe there should be a set of rules beside the user login? Putting the rules in writing might curb some of this bickering.

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  47. I know as much about website technology as I do about the variable timing on my car’s engine (which is to say, I know nothing about it), but it seems to me that if we have habitual negative or detrimental posters (those who, for example, use abusive language, or consistently post either incomprehensive or truly irrelevant comments), it would be good to block them from posting. Perhaps this really is not possible – I simply do not know – but if it is, it might help, if only a little.

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  48. the bigger issue was that no one was posting anymore. it wasn’t as lively of a discussion. the threads were 20% of what they were.

    let’s talk about prospects now…enough of this silly stuff. makes me feel like i am talking to my teanage daughter.

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  50. Can anyone tell me who in the farm system has the best stuff. I don’t mean are right now the best pitchers. But who has the best stuff like fastball. 6-12 curve is there anyone who project to be a pure number 1.

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  53. So right now based on pure stuff its Drabek, now what two pitching prospect would you say. will be successful major league starting pitchers.

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  54. airborne ranger –

    i wasnt trying to be mean buddy, just trying to help. and i never called you an idiot. take it easy.

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  55. Just went back to reread the “off the grid” thread to see what cause this post and I just don’t see it. The only thing even close was that a couple of posters didn’t get the subtle humor in the beginning and there were a few brief forays into discussions about the big club. With 2 weeks left in the season, it is a bit difficult for fans of the entire organization not to take notice…

    No doubt you have been frustrated with the tone of the debate over the last few months but it appears that frustration has caused some over-sensitivity to any contrary response or deviation from the vision.

    This is your site and you can take it in whatever direction you wish. Hope you understand that the increase in traffic is a direct result of the fact that you offer information and insights that cannot be found elsewhere.

    The downside?? (seems to me to be an upside as well) of that increased traffic is that many more differing opinions are going to be expressed. IMO, for the most part, those opinions have been expressed in a responsible manner.

    The irony is that this thread has had more flaggrant violations of the expressed rules of engagement than anything within the off the grid post.

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  56. Jones, I may or may not posted ever on this site but I know one think charging 10 bucks is not a good idea and just alienates most of the people posting. Why would anyone need anyones IP address? All you’re talking about is stifling disussion. Ban, you need to find a site that keeps everyone under control. Wow!

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  57. Catch, why cause more fiction? Just ignore if you find anyones comments unacceptable to your standards. You want to get involved in judging whether someones offensive? It’s all subjective, it’s a lose, lose situation.

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  58. I like Drabek’s stuff, too. It’s his size and height that has me concerned. I’ve almost started to believe he’s going to end up as a reliever down the road.

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  59. Whatsgood, I understood that. I like reading everyone comments on here whether they know what they are talking about or not. So I don’t believe any ones an idiot. I think it’s degrading to think that way of others, especially Phillies fans. I want to know what you think of the system good or bad. Calling people derogatory name makes them less likely to post, which is a shame.

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  61. Given that this site depends quite a bit on aggregating (i.e., copy-and-pasting) the copy of other baseball journalists – journalists who would no doubt be unhappy that PP is profiting from their work without paying for it – wouldn’t implementing a fee have legal ramifications?

    As an aside I’ve always been curious why the original PhuturePhillies graphic was taken down, and I always figured it was because PP recieved a letter threatening legal action due to trademark infringement (for those who don’t remember, it beared more than a passing resemblance to the phillies logo). Getting money involved would no doubt make all these issue more pressing.

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  62. airborneranger, they way discussions are held here now is stifling discussion, don’t you see that? All I’ve seen from your comments on this thread is you judging people, what does that accomplish? Don’t you see the duplicity in your words and actions?

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  63. haha airborneranger i hope you’ll recognize this as a joke. couldnt help but note its vance, not vince. i promise thats the last time.

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  64. In what way has the discussion been stifled? Your idea is to charge $10 because you believe it will eliminate those you deem offensive. If that doesn’t work get their IP address, eliminate their post, ban them, and keep an IP record of their addresses. An you’re willing to be the judge, jury, and executioner of all this by administrating. Sounds to me as if you’ve had some experience. My advise to PP, stay as far away from you as possible. You are out to ruin his site.

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  66. Oh yea Jones, just give me one player you’ve brought forth any information on? In fact sunshine, you haven’t even mentioned baseball in any of your post. I really don’t care what your game is. You have one thing right I’ve pretty much made a valid judgement of you.

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  67. I check your site “everyday” and never comment. Just because some idiots want to banter back and forth, dont get frustrated, Im one of many fans of this great site who barely ever comment, so please dont punish us because of some dumb idiots. thanks

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  68. I’ll say one thing about this site. The word idiot is thrown around often without the users of it understanding the meaning.

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  69. Again…just let it die.

    James, If I were you I would just lock comments on this thread so everyone moves on. That would probably stop it.

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  70. Son, does any of this concern you? It amazes me that in America we have people who find it perfectly ok to try an silence others. When did this start to happen?

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  72. This is my last comment on this thread: Because you’re continuing an argument on a thread where the webmaster as already said to cut it out. Its his site, your comments are off topic and aren’t contributing. You have good stuff to contribute on some of the prospects and you should continue to do that. Bickering back and forth doesn’t accomplish anything. Get off your free speech high horse, its getting really old. Nobody’s trying to silence you because they don’t believe in freedom, its because its off topic. I’m personally stunned you can walk around with that huge chip on your shoulder.

    So can we all just move on and talk Phillies prospects?

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  73. This is one of the only phillies prospect and one of the greatest phillie websites and I would hate to see it go down So I came up with an sugguestion set up a spot on the web site where you can leave random post so that way people can leave do not leave off subject things on any post.

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  75. Find the other guy and get in his case. Get off my high horse about freedom of speech! The one thing that sets America apart from any other country is the right to free speech without the fear of retaliation. I’ll tell you what’s getting old. The fact that some of you actually believe what you’re saying about freedom of speech. It’s frieghtening, where are you learning this? That chip is because I earned the right to have it.

    BTW, the webmaster hasn’t said anything about this. Where’d you get that? Hey, an your post is off topic.

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  76. Ranger is right. This supposed to be a fun thing and compared with other things on the internet very adult. Please everyone
    calm down and stop looking for a argument. let the webmaster be the censor if he has to. amen

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  77. newsflash to ranger: You’re not the only veteran here…hell you’re not the only combat veteran here. Its great that you’ve “earned” your chip but get over it. I don’t know where your anger about free speech is coming from as all anyone said was try to stay on topic and quit calling others names.

    Just relax and talk baseball…its not that hard.

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  78. Hey Nepp – so much for your last comment on this thread yesterday. ;^)

    For the sake of this site, I hope James isn’t even reading this thread

    – jeff

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  79. That’s cool, then they know exactly what I’m talking about. Read my posting concerning this. I have been defending this site from the beginning. Jones and a few others have decided that everyone’s opinions aren’t worth hearing. They want to charge money, monitor IP addresses, ban, deleted, keep recorders of IP addresses and generally determine who’s worthy to post.. I on the other hand want everyone who wants to post freely and without the threat of being silenced. Now if you believe silencing is the way thinks should be run around here, I ask again. Where did you learn this sort of thing?

    Nepp, you want to talk baseball, let’s get to it. There’s nothing else in the world that matters away. Like in the movie Major League. Let’s win this whole damn thing.

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  80. Airborne – I did’t want to come back to this thread but:

    1. You don’t know me. Period. Don’t ever address me with condescending words like ‘son’ every again.
    2. Matter of fact, don’t ever address any comment towards me ever again and I promise to do the same and move forward to talk baseball only.

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  81. You brought the attention to yourself. Wrong is wrong, no other way to call it. I’m sure you’re a fine person, but your ideas about this site are let’s just say a bit totaletarian. Honesty I’ll try to show you as much respect as I can. One question, does not addressing any comments towards you include baseball comments?

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  82. ****Now if you believe silencing is the way thinks should be run around here, I ask again. Where did you learn this sort of thing?****

    Um yeah. I never said that. Deleting non topic inflammatory posts is standard on almost all discussion boards. Why would this site be any different? It has nothing to do with free speech rights.

    ****1. You don’t know me. Period. Don’t ever address me with condescending words like ’son’ every again.****

    He’s got a point. Its very insulting and condescending and there’s no reason for it. I’m familiar with the military tone of it and I personally don’t care for it either when its directed at me.

    ****Nepp, you want to talk baseball, let’s get to it. There’s nothing else in the world that matters away.****

    LOL…sounds good to me. Last non-baseball comment: Were you at 1st Ranger BN, Ft. Lewis? or were you at Bragg?

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  83. Nepp, who’s the one making the decision whether it’s imflamatory? It has everything to do with free speech and always will. I’ll tell you what. I find this inflamatory and threatening, but it shouldn’t be deleted.

    [QUOTE]1. You don’t know me. Period. Don’t ever address me with condescending words like ’son’ every again.
    2. Matter of fact, don’t ever address any comment towards me ever again and I promise to do the same and move forward to talk baseball only.[/QUOTE]

    Nor should Jones worry about someone recording his IP address. BTW, there are plenty of sites that don’t interfere with the posting.

    I’m confused. Do you find Jones implied threats offensive or me calling him son? Prime example, You’ve already misconstrued the idea that son is somehow offensive or was even meant to be offensive. I’m in my sixties and most of you could easy be referred to as son as many of you are babes in the woods when it comes to me. Now I suppose you find that offensive, too.

    An this will be my last reference to my military career, unless of course you want to hire me for about a half a million a year to come out of retirement. What I will say about it is that I am enjoying my all expense paid retirement. So please continue to contribute to it by paying your taxes on time.

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  84. good yell and scream then maybe find a common ground
    as for me i wish someone would call SON or BOY anything but
    POP.

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