Blog upkeep

You're kidding right?

When you born, like yesterday? It's a blog... that means anything goes.

You wonder why newspapers didn't want to get into the world of bogging. it's because the readers typically argue about everything when there's a strong opinion. It's also because they never figured out that to run a blog with comments, they need to be in the message board business.

Where's the TOS or the forum guidelines?

is this your paper's first venture out onto the "in-ter-net"?

I'm not condoning inappropriate behavior, but you should at least put gas in the tank and check that all the parts are in order before you drive your SUV out into the desert. You should have done the same thing for this blog. How the hell else are people supposed to know what's fair game and what's not?

no use in getting mad at the sun for baking your skin as you find that the spare isn't in the trunk and the gas gauge was broken.

OH, and posting a "I will Ban you" warning is a bit sophmoric. Just link to the TOS (Or write one if you don't have one), and go on about your business. Then go ask a mod at a busy BB what they do, so you have a better understanding of what you're really supposed to be doing in a forum like this beside posting your thoughts and getting mad at your readers.

Nobody gets attacked more on this blog than me, but yet I would fight to the death for the bloggers' right to offend me (something about free speech gets me worked up).

Scott Wolf at SC does not believe in censorship and his blog is more interesting with more diverse commentary. Some bloggers run scared of Mr. Dohn and hedge their their comments, thus they are less firey than they would normally be.

Censorship never works.

Um, did you guys even read his post? He's not blocking anything you say that might be argumentative or contradictory? That's censorship (not what you described) He's saying you can't use foul language or personal attacks--you know, the stuff that most mature adults should be able to do without in a debate. It's unfortunate that a few posters ruin it for everybody.

Second, this blog is HIS blog for you--he's not required to keep this for you. TOS? Are you kidding me? Are you paying him something? If you don't like it, then leave. The other 99% of the readership of this blog will continue to enjoy his insights and scoops--without the personal attacks or foul language. FWIW, Scott Wolf follows the EXACT same guidelines as Brian just laid out--no cursing and no personal attacks. Scott Wolf also says he'll ban you for those things.

Free speech does not equal cursing on someone's blog or personally attack other posters. Free speech means you can argue with Brian's point of view or another's point of view freely (both of which I've done freely). The former is what Brian is stopping (thank goodness).

As I said Brian, these two are probably the 1%. The rest of us really love this board (as probably exemplified by the viewership). Keep up the good work!

Some people . . .

Exactly. This blog has always been a place to express differences of opinion, and everyone should be able to do so without resorting to foul language or personal attacks. It's called respect, something which seems to not have been taught, unfortunately, in growing numbers of individuals. And this is not some public street corner where people can spew whatever venom they like. This is a private enterprise, and the owners and operators are free to establish or enforce whatever parameters they like, written or unwritten; if anyone were to come into my house and start spouting off, I would be perfectly within my rights to kick them out.

Indeed...this the UCLA blog, not Yahoo! which finally had to eliminate the comments portion of their news boards until they figure out a way to flush out the fecal matter that was being passed off as "free speech." You would think that with a UCLA education, some posters could come up with more creative material when expressing themselves...maybe those isolated individuals really aren't Bruins fans, just rage-filled persons with a thinly-veiled agenda that has nothing to do with UCLA athletics (read L'affaire Dorrell from 2007).

Brian - Welcome back, and I'm sorry that you had to come back and deal with this pettiness.

It seems like there's a tendency for people to forget that the Internet isn't always public domain with full rights to all. The ".com" at the end of the URL means it's someone's company, people.

Since we're going with analogies - this company and its representative (Brian) have invited you in to their home. Relax, take a load off, enjoy the conversation, the fridge is open. But it's still their home and they still get to decide what's appropriate or inappropriate. If you don't like it, you don't have to be here.

Would you allow a guest to attack others at your own home? Or would you throw that bad apple out?

the fridge is open!? woohoo, toss me a beer!

Thanks Brian.

Aram

To the first poster, its actually spelled "sophomoric."

On an unrelated note: ironic is spelled "i-ron-ic."

Thanks Brian and keep up the great work.

Yes, good job Brian. Fight on!

Yes, good job Brian. Fight on!

Brian,
I have been wondering when you would comment on this ever since you got back. The blog got a little unruly there for a couple of days....it reminded me of high school seniors torturing a substitute teacher. I got to hear about all sorts of things like politics, economics and where some of the readers tailgate at the rose bowl. Basically a bunch of crap I don't care to read about on a sports blog.

I hope you don't have to get rid of the comments, because some readers have a lot of great extra info and I like knowing what other Bruins are thinking. By all means, censor away.

I blame VB (Video Bruin) for this post. Clearly his antics are the activation energy for this discussion. He really needs to clean up his act! :-)

Glad you're back. Can't we all just get along ?!?
I don't think a basic code of conduct equates to iron fisted censorship, but the comments can get entertaining.... Still, your blog, your right to dictate.

pfffffffffffffffff.. Whatever Brian! No censorship is needed. Stop erasing my posts. I called Sheller a "doofus" and you erased it.

Please allow us to combat and express our opinion without having to worry about the Big Bad Dohn coming on to "ban us."

VB:

I don't mind the topic of your posts, and I find you entertaining. However, there is no reason for name calling. It's childish. You can make your point without the name calling.

Supoport your position Brian. I particpate in this blog because it contains intelligent comment, not a bunch of childish behavior aimed at satisfying the commentors need for special attention. Bounce whomever you feel is acting like a child. OK by me.

Onlythetruth,
You've been overthrown. VB gets attacked more than you these days.

VB,
If you can't say anything without beginning your post with pfffffff, don't say anything at all ;) Live by this rule and maybe Dohn won't have to delete your posts.

We should put an end to thid discussion. It's pathetic. This is like the UCLA football players ditching practice because it's "tradition" while the kids across town at USC are working their butts off. I don't see this kind of crying happening over at the Scott Wolf SC blog.

I agree with the approach, Brian. thanks. As far at OTT goes, while he's overtly provocative and a diehard 'SC fan, I must say that some of his posts are on the money. It won't keep me from calling him out, though, without any names of course. BTW, OTT, what is Davon Jefferson going to do now that his college basketball career is over and his pro career in doubt? Bad decision making, IMO, which is shared by those in the know too. Never liked his game anyway, and Russell shut him down when asked.

Wow, with all the I'll ban you talk, Brian is starting to sound like Nestor, Tydides, and all those other control freaks at Bruins Nation, which is NOT a good thing. I follow this blog pretty regularly, and while there has been animated dialogue going on between posters, I don't recall anything that I personally would deem objectional, personally attacking, or profanity laden. IMO, this is a blog and everyone should feel free to express their opinions w/o the threat of being banned. I respect that Brian wants some civility on the site, which is fine, but was it really necessary to start threatening banishment?