I didn’t know where to post this so thought this would be as good a place as any. First of all thanks to those who have kept the forums going, supported wrestling in our state and keep on keeping on.
Chief Renegade pointed out some things on the kids thread that reminded me to check out the minutes from the Kids Executive Council meeting. There are a number of areas that give me hope, and some that give me some concern, those areas are to be expected since we are all individuals with individual thoughts. One of the areas is individuals who represent various districts representing their districts positions as opposed to individual positions. I think that brings up an important question as to what is the responsibility of the delegates in supporting the positions of their district.
A specific area I would like to comment on. I quote from the agenda minutes:
WEB PAGE/TALK FORUM: There was some discussion regarding the Kansas Wrestling Web Page / Talk Forum. Leanna Grater stated that what started out as an information site for wrestling has changed with some individuals posting inappropriate statements and just a lot of “non-wrestling” information. She asked what could be done to limit these or place some new restrictions on it. The discussion included making them enter their full name, club or school affiliation instead of the log-in type name, using your wrestling membership card as a password to gain access similar to what USA Wrestling has, along with some good discussion. It was mentioned there are even some adults who seem to “add-in” to some of these conversations. Nothing was finalized and Mike Juby did ask Bob Gonzales to discuss it with the KWCA.
There are a number of things that I believe are valid for discussion here. I would comment that listing ip addresses of posters is a way to start to cut down on some of the “inappropriate” discussion. I am in favor of finding ways to identify posters, while at the same time allowing freedom to those who post. I believe that possibly the “other” forum is an attempt at this. The forum growing to a place other than what it was designed is not such a bad thing, it signifies growth and it signifies life. I do believe that clear guidelines for moderators is needed to help improve things on the forums. Truth is that right now there is a lot of subjective moderation, but more detailed guidelines would be beneficial. I moderate on The Mat forums, and those guidelines are more detailed and easier to follow. We have had teleconferences to discuss various issues and meetings among moderators here would not be a bad thing. I guess my point, as one who I think on occasion, or frequently according to some who may “add on,” is that we have to be careful to not take too lightly the positive relationships that are developed on the forums. Those relationships are often built on the interaction that takes place between those posting. I challenge that the positive relationships built is something that we should encourage, not discourage. Don’t get me wrong here, I don’t believe in the public put downs, or negative comments towards other individuals that have taken place in the past. In those situations, we should do all possible to squelch that type of participation. I do want to be careful though on who becomes the “thought police,” and who is determining what is and what is not appropriate. For that reason, well discussed ideas outlining what is, and is not, appropriate should be looked at. This committee should involve a broad spectrum of persons, including those who post on the forum. Otherwise what we will have is a “this is my ball and I’m leaving,” attitude.
In closing, I appreciate what all each person on these committees and our state board do. I don’t always agree with every decision, but I find myself agreeing with most everything you are doing, and in many cases not doing. I know that you don’t make decisions without debate, thought, and concern for the wrestling community in Kansas. Keep up the good work.