An Open Letter to Ed Valentine
by Wraithpk on Oct 29, 2010 10:57 PM EDT
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First off, I would like to thank you for your work with this site. I've personally been reading and contributing here for a few years now, and it has become my only stop for Yankees talk. That said, and I'm speaking now for all the regular contributors to this site, we are all very unhappy with your decision to remove FreeBradshaw from our community.
Let me give my personal experience. One of the main reasons this site stuck with me, and I started coming here so much, was FB's comments. First of all, he was always very knowledgeable. Everything he said made sense, and he often had ideas I hadn't even thought of. On the internet, it's rare to find someone with such logical thought process. I really believe that he, and I've always tried to do the same as well, has contributed tremendously to the education of the subscribers to this site. I'm not saying he's a Tom Tango or anything, but his ideas were always well thought out, and if he had a gripe with your idea, he would tell you why. The quality of thinking on this site will surely decrease without his presence.
Certainly, FB would at times be very blunt and brutally honest with people. If you came on to tell your great idea about how the Yankees should resign Nick Johnson and trade Mark Teixeira, FB would rightfully tell you that your idea was really stupid, and explain why. Let's be honest here, he, or any of the rest of us, only react strongly to idiotic suggestions like that. FB is an opinionated person, as are some of the rest of us, myself certainly included, but he backs up all his opinions with clear reasons and facts. When someone comes in and makes a comment that is ridiculously ignorant of the facts, it either means they are a troll, and should be dealt with as such, or they seriously need some education on what they're talking about.
FB would not mince words, he would give it to you straight, and we all appreciated him for that. If he ever spoke negatively about a suggestion I made, instead of taking it personally, coming from him it would have made me go back and check to see if I made a mistake somewhere. There was another member in a game thread a few days back, when talking about this, who said that FB had once shot down one of his ideas. His comment was that he at first thought FB was a jerk, but as time went on he realized that he really knows what he's talking about, and that he came to like him and appreciate him for being honest.
We are aware that another reason he was under your skin is that you felt he made too many inappropriate comments. Well, the fact is that most of us found his comments to be hilarious. All the jokes about Wood and Johnson and Wang leading to the obvious innuendos were part of the culture of our community this season, just like the black tacos were last postseason. No one, not even the female members, found anything he said to be out of line. If none of us found his comments and jokes to be offensive, then they really weren't inappropriate at all.
In conclusion, we are aware that you run this site. You can chose to run it in different ways, however. You can chose to run it as a Despotism and say that you are going to do whatever you want because it's your site. You would be right, it is your site, but you might look at what happens in history under despots. Many people leave the country and go to where there is freedom. On the other hand, you can chose to take us, your subscribers, into consideration with this decision. Although you run it, this is OUR community, and I believe that we should all have a say in this. The bottom line is that we want FreeBradshaw as a part of our community. The lack of his presence is going to greatly diminish the quality and color of this site, and I personally don't want that to happen. As a group, we ask you to reconsider your decision, all those in agreement with what I've said will post their consent below. Thank you.
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I think Free is a great example of not taking the internet too seriously.
I think there were people who just decided they would never find him funny and sort of held a grudge against him, waiting for the first opportunity to tell the teacher, so to speak. When I think of my first impressions of PSA, long before I actually bothered to join, I remember noticing Free being Free and thought “hey, this place is really fun and I’d like to hang out with these people”. He is one of the major reasons why I finally decided to join the community here, and has never once made me feel unwelcome.
Was his humor for everyone? Evidently not, but the great thing about the internet is you can ignore people you don’t like. People with strong personalities can take some time to get used to, but no one can deny that he knew what he was talking about. This community won’t be the same without him, because like him or hate him, he was one of us. Living outside of New York means that I don’t have a circle of friends who are Yankee fans, or even care as much about baseball as I do. That is why I was so happy and fortunate to find PSA and become good friends with a few of the people I have met here, and I definitely count Free among those friends.
***Free FreeBradshaw***
And if you forget our names, just tell them we were Yankees
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Oct 29, 2010 11:21 PM EDT reply actions 7 recs
I start off by saying this...
I read all the stuff over on BBV. I’m not a Giants fan, and didn’t read BBV, so I can’t say what Free was like over there, but I can assume he was the same. In the article Ed posted on BBV he said part of the reason Free was banned, was Free’s propensity to have a “My opinion>your opinion” attitude. Yes, that occasionally was the case. But in my experieces on PSA, the people with whom Free used that attitude, also had a “my opinion>your opinion” attitude. The person came in with what they believed to be the greatest idea ever, and when someone disagreed, in a very sarcastic manner yes, they got, sorry for the term, “butthurt.” You could tell that the people who complained took themselves way too seriously, Free really didn’t.
I came to PSA because other than my family, no one I’m close to knows crap about the Yankees. And good lord….he’s my dad and all, but my dad is as gloom and doom as they come. PSA is a place for me to have fun discussing baseball with fellow Yankee fans without having my annoying friends tell me that the Yankees suck. Free was one of those people who I enjoyed reading their comments. Yes, he’s a goof, but when it comes to his legitimate posts about baseball, I agreed 99% of the time. Banning Free is banning a valuable part of this community.
Yes, we do not run this community and chances are Free will remain banned. We may not run this, but commenters are a major part of this community, and any blog. Getting rid of one of the most integral commenters, no matter how goofy and or obnoxious he may be, is in my opinion, a mistake.
I would totally stand outside Marc Albrighton's house playing Peter Gabriel music.
Freetarian
***FREE Free Bradshaw***
by MattF15 on Oct 30, 2010 12:05 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
That person in the game thread was me
My first fanpost, FreeBradshaw ripped me. Although I thought I was correct on most accounts… I later realized that what he said made sense in the grand scheme of things. Throwing in my two cents quickly… FreeBradshaw belongs on this site. I love his honesty and most of his knowledge. Most of all, I love his commitment to Pinstripe Alley. I don’t think anyone else has posted over 25,000 times on PSA. He’s vital to us.
**FREE FreeBradshaw***
Pitchers and catchers report in 108 days.
I've had my disagreements with Free at times...
…but it seems I always came away with a smile on my face after an exchange with Free. Free is our class clown but he also brings alot the conversation. The man is very knowledgeable when it comes to sports and while I dont agree with everything he says, I appreciate the passion he brings to his arguments. Free is a part of PSA’s foundation and belongs here as much as anyone of us.
In closing, I will say that I dont want some neutered, watered down FreeBradshaw. If the man cant be himself than disregard my wanting his reinstatement. I’m sure he would agree with this.
On a side note, it is nice to see our community come together for this matter, I hope it makes a difference.
***FREE FreeBradshaw***
by YankeesJets on Oct 30, 2010 2:23 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Agreed.
If you are an outsider you may find Free’s brand of snark and sarcasm to be harsh or insulting, but he knows what he’s talking about. Once you did get to know him he would back you up or remind you that you don’t have your facts straight or that you might be overreacting. All in all he was for the benefit of the community and is missed by those who got to know him. The internet is filled people with opinions and “I’m always right, and you’re always wrong” attitudes without the fears normal face-to-face conversations can have (i.e. Trolling). When someone can sit and insight near riotous conditions, Free was there to put the matter to bed as quickly as possible, for our benefit. When he had an idea, it mattered. He’s a great asset, he’s our class clown, he’s our everyman. We all have the right to speak our mind, within reason. But we also have the right to defend our own community. Our community is like a dysfunctional family. Outside of here, we might rub people wrong, or sound offensive to those who aren’t used to heated debate and sarcasm. But like a family, we miss Free and everything he brings to PSA. We’d like for him to come home.
R.I.P. George "The Boss" Steinbrenner
R.I.P. Bob Sheppard
R.I.P. Freddy Sez
**Free FreeBradshaw**
by Bronx_Booyah on Oct 30, 2010 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
This is all I have to say on the matter.
Actually, I just wanted a reason to post the song.
"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
by I'mGivingYouARaise on Oct 30, 2010 3:35 AM EDT reply actions
fitting
QUITTER'S PEOPLE UNITED # 3
WHAT?
honor, family, tradition, DONUTS!!!
"As soon as I got to the plate with my bat, I saw the Baltimore manager come out of the dugout to talk to the pitcher. And I knew what he said, he said, "whatever you do, do not walk this guy". Then right on the first pitch, I hit a home run over center field of the fense."
....That was the easy part, the hard part was running around the bases"
"I didn't mean to hit the umpire with the dirt, but I did mean to hit that bastard in the stands."
Well it was that or Emma Bunton's Free Me
I figured this was the better choice.
"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
by I'mGivingYouARaise on Oct 30, 2010 3:51 AM EDT up reply actions
ok time out
if you ban free for what he says, you might as well ban almost half of the people here. and the one difference between him and the rest is that he MAKES SENSE!!!
QUITTER'S PEOPLE UNITED # 3
WHAT?
honor, family, tradition, DONUTS!!!
"As soon as I got to the plate with my bat, I saw the Baltimore manager come out of the dugout to talk to the pitcher. And I knew what he said, he said, "whatever you do, do not walk this guy". Then right on the first pitch, I hit a home run over center field of the fense."
....That was the easy part, the hard part was running around the bases"
"I didn't mean to hit the umpire with the dirt, but I did mean to hit that bastard in the stands."
I agree
I made my feelings known last night. Those trolling with provocative statements are the ones who should be banned. Free is part of our family and as stated by Wraith a big contributor to this site. We are all human and each of us have our ways and we should all be accepted as such and not expected to be little programmable Yankee robots for the ruling few.
FREE FreeBradshaw
Rec'd
Free is a part of this community. I don’t think that it’s right that he’s banned. I made my thoughts known a couple nights ago and I don’t want to have to repeat everything, but Free should be unbanned as soon as possible.
You said everything for me Wraith. Nice job.
**FREE FreeBradshaw***
"I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot."- Kobe Bryant
Sup Ed!
I don’t know what had occurred at BBV but I didn’t see anything that Free had done here at PSA that warranted a ban.
I don't think I could have said it any better, Wraith.
Free was hilarious and sarcastic and intelligent. He knew what he was talking about and was able to back up his arguments with facts. When I think of PSA I think of Free Bradshaw.
***FREE Free Bradshaw***
A penny for your thoughts; $20 to act them out.
If you think of Free first when you think of PA that’s not good for us writers.
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
You can't help what makes you think of PSA.
Free has more of an impact than other people so naturally he’s gonna stick out in people’s minds when they think of this place.
***Free FreeBradshaw***
And if you forget our names, just tell them we were Yankees
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Oct 30, 2010 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, I’m not complaining, I just find that funny.
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
It's not like Free was an idiot.
He knew what he was talking about and he was funny. How could I not think of him when I think of PSA?
***FREE Free Bradshaw***
A penny for your thoughts; $20 to act them out.
not me? ;)
Watch The Internet Sport Show
Read about the MLB at Total Bases
"That place was for diehard sports fans. I only follow my team when they're in the playoffs" - Homer Simpson
Join the Lacrosse community The Lacrosse Blog
by bestbostonsports on Oct 30, 2010 2:24 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Sigh.
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
Sarcasm.
I understand my stance here.
Watch The Internet Sport Show
Read about the MLB at Total Bases
"That place was for diehard sports fans. I only follow my team when they're in the playoffs" - Homer Simpson
Join the Lacrosse community The Lacrosse Blog
by bestbostonsports on Oct 30, 2010 2:29 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
So you've finally caught on to sarcasm?
**FREE FreeBradshaw***
Pitchers and catchers report in 108 days.
by Chris McKeown on Nov 1, 2010 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Read the Fanpost I wrote today
I am not getting into it other than to say this was not about one thing he said. This was the result of 18 months of my asking him — unsuccessfully — to stop insulting the intelligence of people who disagreed with him. I don’t believe that’s asking too much.
by Ed Valentine on Oct 30, 2010 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I don't mean to speak for everyone
But I feel that, from reading the comments, that most people want him back and don’t think he did anything wrong. If he really was insulting people’s intelligence to the point where it makes sense to ban him, then don’t you think the reaction of his banning by the community would be a little different?
**FREE FreeBradshaw***
"I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot."- Kobe Bryant
by nyyrocks29 on Oct 30, 2010 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
People are banned all the time with no response from the community because the person clearly deserved it.
The fact that so many people have decided to speak out against this has to say something about how people feel about Free and this situation.
***Free FreeBradshaw***
And if you forget our names, just tell them we were Yankees
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Oct 30, 2010 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions
All I’m going to say is Ed wouldn’t ban without cause and don’t act like you know why he was banned.
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
Actually, he said in his post why he banned him...
***Free FreeBradshaw***
And if you forget our names, just tell them we were Yankees
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Oct 30, 2010 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
What post?
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
AhASh, well having seen that you can’t say he didn’t have a legitimate reason to ban him.
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
That first word was just ah, it’s tough to type on this thing.
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
I was wondering
“What is AhASh?” LOL
***FREE Free Bradshaw***
A penny for your thoughts; $20 to act them out.
Melkman might not be able to say that, but I can.
***Free FreeBradshaw***
And if you forget our names, just tell them we were Yankees
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Oct 30, 2010 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
“First, let me say something I did not say when I addressed this issue over at BBV. I am not opposed to ‘Free’ returning to either site at some point. Truthfully, it is not up to me. It is up to him. All he has to do is ask, and agree to do the best he can to keep in check the kind of posting that led me to issue the ban in the first place.”
If he wants to be unbanned he’s just gotta apologize and agree to the rules. In my opinion, you’re better off talking to Free than Ed.
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
by Brandon C. on Oct 30, 2010 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I read the post, Brandon.
If I didn’t feel I did anything to deserve a ban, I wouldn’t beg for someone to let me back either. Free isn’t going to do that and I don’t blame him.
***Free FreeBradshaw***
And if you forget our names, just tell them we were Yankees
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Oct 30, 2010 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions
....
***Free FreeBradshaw***
Photoshop Gallery: http://img704.imageshack.us/g/ggbg.jpg/
by Jedi Master A-Rod on Oct 30, 2010 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I just looked through your Photoshop album…it’s awesome dude.
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
The whole my opinion > your opinion thing?
Maybe its just me, but i never noticed him doing that.
***FREE Free Bradshaw***
A penny for your thoughts; $20 to act them out.
he has
But everyone does at some point.
Watch The Internet Sport Show
Read about the MLB at Total Bases
"That place was for diehard sports fans. I only follow my team when they're in the playoffs" - Homer Simpson
Join the Lacrosse community The Lacrosse Blog
by bestbostonsports on Oct 30, 2010 2:36 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Everybody thinks they are right.
The issue is when it becomes my opinion= fact.
***FREE Free Bradshaw***
A penny for your thoughts; $20 to act them out.
Having an opinion doesn't mean your opinion is correct or based on real life events.
I don’t know why telling someone that Joba and GGBG won’t get Greinke from the Royals in this lifetime or the next is wrong.
***Free FreeBradshaw***
And if you forget our names, just tell them we were Yankees
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Oct 30, 2010 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions
His response to this letter.
***Free FreeBradshaw***
And if you forget our names, just tell them we were Yankees
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Oct 30, 2010 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Where’s that?
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
http://www.pinstripealley.com/2010/10/30/1783470/a-response-to-your-open-letter
***Free FreeBradshaw***
And if you forget our names, just tell them we were Yankees
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Oct 30, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Is this on the main page? I can’t find it.
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
wraithpk
Please don’t speak for me. Over and over again in your post you suggest that you are speaking for all members of this community. Funny then that you never once asked for my opinion.
I have no problem with Mr Valentine shutting down offensive commentators. I have no comment to make on this particular case for I have never noticed the poster in question. What I do know is that Yankee fans come from all corners of American life and they should all be welcome. They cannot defend themselves from juvenile or worse comments on this site.
There is a lot of ugliness on the internet. Hatred can hide in the internet. Cowards and bullies have always enjoyed the power of numbers (mobs)or anonymity (internet) to exercise their particular venom.
I have been on many sites which blew up because civility wasn’t recognized as important..
To me it seems far better to err running a site cautiously than otherwise. Mr Valentine has not made habit of banning people. I expect that he might have a good reason.
Respectively disagreeing,
I have no comment to make on this particular case for I have never noticed the poster in question.
Yet you choose now to get on your soapbox. You complain that no one asked your opinion, and then immediately follow it by saying you have no comment and know nothing about the case…
lol wut
***Free FreeBradshaw***
Photoshop Gallery: http://img704.imageshack.us/g/ggbg.jpg/
by Jedi Master A-Rod on Oct 30, 2010 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, if you never noticed the poster in question, then he couldn’t have been all that inflammatory, could he? And I said I was speaking for the regular contributors, meaning the people who are in the game threads every night and have been posting here for years. I obviously can’t personally ask every person who reads this site, but I had the overwhelming support of everyone who was in the game threads when this was being discussed.
What you have touched on is not even what Free is guilty of. He does not make random offensive comments. He would make jokes like “that’s what she said,” and things like that, which no one other than apparently Ed had any problem with. If even the female posters found him funny and had no problem, then what’s the issue?
And Free was never just blindly mean to people. He was opinionated, and would argue his opinion, and that is his right. If I disagreed with him, I have a right to argue my opinion and try to prove why his is wrong. There was never any “hate” involved, just debate. If we can’t even have debates on differences of opinions on this site, what’s the point of talking about baseball?
*** FREE FreeBradshaw ***
Hmmm
I have no comment to make on this particular case for I have never noticed the poster in question.
Well maybe that’s why he didn’t ask for your opinion. If I’m a pollster for the upcoming election then I’m not going to bother asking middle school students who they’re going to vote for.
22 recs suggest this post represents the “community” quite well.
Curtis Granderson.
***FREE FreeBradshaw***
I don't know how you can see that and not realize what he means to the community.
Most rec’d fanpost on PSA by far.
***Free FreeBradshaw***
And if you forget our names, just tell them we were Yankees
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Oct 31, 2010 12:20 AM EDT up reply actions
its gonna be legen...
wait for it….i hope you’re not lactose intolerant cause the next word is…dairy!
I believe in the Church of Baseball
Free FreeBradshaw!
by Frank Campagnola on Oct 31, 2010 2:04 AM EDT up reply actions
hopefully somebody catches my how i met your mother reference
I believe in the Church of Baseball
Free FreeBradshaw!
by Frank Campagnola on Oct 31, 2010 2:05 AM EDT up reply actions
HI-YO!
**FREE FreeBradshaw***
Pitchers and catchers report in 108 days.
by Chris McKeown on Oct 31, 2010 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions
rec'd (like it even matters at this point)
All I can add to this is that the bottom line is some folks were directly emailing editors of BBV and PSA complaining about Free’s comments – and you can’t blame them for doing their job. Having said that, Its a shame Free hurt your cyber feelings, whoever you are. Keep your head up Free….and start thinking of a new screen name!!
Ronny Turiaf plays here
DECLARE
by total hermination on Oct 31, 2010 2:08 AM EDT reply actions
I love this.
Having said that, Its a shame Free hurt your cyber feelings, whoever you are.
***Free FreeBradshaw***
And if you forget our names, just tell them we were Yankees
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Oct 31, 2010 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s really sad that people feel the need to complain. I’m sorry, but I have no compassion for these people. It’s the internet, if someone says something you don’t like, ignore it. There is no way that someone you don’t even know should get to you that much. Besides that, Free didn’t personally attack people, he would just attack their ideas, which is the basis for debate, THE WHOLE POINT OF THIS WEB SITE. If we’re not allowed to debate, then what’s the point of this site? And if people can’t take jokes like the whole wagoning thing, then they should just leave because we don’t need people who are gunna get so butt hurt whenever someone jokes with them.
*** FREE FreeBradshaw ***
Why should we all agree on things we don't all agree on?
If I say that the moderators were right to ban FB, why should those who disagree reply to my posts? If I say something you don’t like, ignore it. Isn’t that what you just said? People have the right to complain. Whether you agree with what they are complaining about or not is irrelevant; it is their right. This is not your site, you are not the community.
The whole fact that one members banning is even an issue on this site is disturbing to me. They were banned, move on. If you disagree with said banning, create your own site, with your own rules and then implement said rules however you wish. You’d be in the right because it is your site. This, however, is not your site. There are rules that need to be followed. If you don’t agree with those rules, then maybe you are the one, not those that complained, that needs to leave.
Say what you want about me, I honestly don’t care but I can’t sit back and not say anything. FB didn’t follow the rules and was banned. Deal with it and move on. He can come back whenever he wants; that was already stated. So, instead of complaining about how it was wrong of him to be banned, maybe you ought to just ask FB personally if he wants to come back…since he’s your friend and you know him so well. If he wants to come back, he’ll be back.
The funniest part of all of this is that he probably doesn’t care as much as you all do. If he does, then he’ll make an appeal to the powers that be and he’ll be back so you all to worship him.
I ain't freeing nobody! This ain't 1864. Everyone is already free.
The reason Free was banned is that he “had a my opinion > your opinion” attitude. Uhhh, HELLO, have you heard of debating? Am I supposed to say, “oh yeah, your idea is way better than mine.” The entire process of debate is taking your point of view and trying to prove that it is correct, whether by strengthening your own view or undermining the other person’s. There’s nothing personal in this, so don’t take it so personally if I tell you that your idea is wrong.
I agree that the mods have the right to ban people who are trolling and just trying to incite arguments, but that’s not what Free did. He was not a troll, he was a valuable contributor to this site. And sure, people have the right to complain, but what does it say about you if you feel the need to do so? This is the internet, nothing anyone says on here has any impact on your life. If I disagree with you and then say I think you’re ugly, should that hurt your feelings so much that a person who doesn’t even know you said that? People need to grow up and instead of whining, if your idea was ridiculed, maybe you should back up what you said with some facts and try to persuade us why you’re right.
And your last paragraph is just stupid (uh oh, don’t flag me!). We don’t “worship” Free, we just recognize that he was a valuable contributor to this site, and those of us who were born with a sense of humor recognize that most of the things he said to people weren’t serious. It’s a real shame that he was banned for debating his opinions and joking a lot. It just is not right.
*** FREE FreeBradshaw ***
Having respect for someone and enjoying their post = Clique Worship, don't you know?
We should just move on and never question what happens because authority is always correct and always fair. Right.
The whole delusion of this “inner circle” is so hilariously stupid.
***Free FreeBradshaw***
And if you forget our names, just tell them we were Yankees
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Oct 31, 2010 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I will make sure this gets on the agenda at the next Clique meeting.
I would totally stand outside Marc Albrighton's house playing Peter Gabriel music.
Freetarian
***FREE Free Bradshaw***
Hmm...
I think you all are sort of proving my point. I’m not a newbie to the Interwebs; I know how things work. I don’t really care what people say about me or if they like my posts. I don’t post to make other people like me. If that was the case, I’d blindly agree with all of you, but thankfully, I have a mind of my own and will continue to march to the beat of my own drummer, whether people want to read/hear it or not.
How can you speak for someone and defend their actions? You keep saying how his posts weren’t insulting, but maybe to some people they were. Just because you and a few others found his posts to be highly entertaining doesn’t mean everyone did. And those who did most likely aren’t going to speak out on it. Why would they? I’ve said nothing to warrant the condescension or mocking (or is it that sarcasm everyone holds in such high regard around here), but in every reply to my post, it’s all I’ve gotten. Do I care? Not really. But not everyone feels comfortable voicing their opinions openly. And in all honesty, if these are the kind of replies they’ll be getting, I don’t blame them.
You should move on because the person who did the banning told you why it was done and what FB has to do to come back. FB has a choice, all his own to make. Making posts, belittling people and whining (which is what you all are doing) isn’t going to magically change things.
And no, I haven’t flagged any comment from anyone on this site, thank you very much. If I did, I would have said so already. FB never said anything to warrant it in my opinion, but it’s more because I tended to ignore most of what he said and disregard it. That’s just me, however.
I guess I should really blame the Yankees; if they hadn’t sucked in the 2010 postseason (okay, so the Twins series wasn’t so bad) maybe we’d all be preoccupied with more jovial pursuits.
I ain't freeing nobody! This ain't 1864. Everyone is already free.
by jigglytuffy on Nov 1, 2010 12:57 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Whining, you say?
Those in glass houses…
***Free FreeBradshaw***
And if you forget our names, just tell them we were Yankees
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Nov 1, 2010 1:28 AM EDT up reply actions
First, I have not mocked anything you said. Second, if you personally were able to ignore things he said that you didn’t like, then you are obviously not part of the problem. I encourage you to have your own opinion, but don’t take away my right to argue against your opinion if I want to.
*** FREE FreeBradshaw ***
Really?
I’m actually being “encouraged”? Is that what you call this?
No one is taking away your opinion, but don’t be so foolish as to think everyone else agrees with it and don’t get so bent over shape when people like myself post things that don’t go along with what you or anyone else thinks.
And not everyone has a thick skin. There are people out there who are sensitive. The internet didn’t just magically create these people; they have ALWAYS been around. One should always be mindful of what they post. Sure, it may seem harmless and innocent to you, but it might not be to others. I just think people have a responsibilty to watch what they say and that goes for anyone anywhere, not just on the Net.
I ain't freeing nobody! This ain't 1864. Everyone is already free.
by jigglytuffy on Nov 1, 2010 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Really
How about the Rutgers student? Why don’t you study the mind before making blind ignorant statements such as “nothing anyone says onhere has any impact on your life”?
I fail to see how video taping someone having sex against their will and spreading it on the internet compares to telling someone you don’t like their idea
*** FREE FreeBradshaw ***
+1
**FREE FreeBradshaw***
Pitchers and catchers report in 108 days.
by Chris McKeown on Nov 1, 2010 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
If people on this site ever said anything hateful about that kind of thing
the community, before the moderators even got involved, would tell them they were wrong and needed to stop. If the community feels someone has gotten out of line, they say so, and have done so many times before.
That’s apples to oranges in this case, because no such hate was ever a part of how Free disagreed with people.
***Free FreeBradshaw***
And if you forget our names, just tell them we were Yankees
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Nov 1, 2010 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
In addition to this
I have seen people say to Free that his comments were harsh on multiple occasions. Just because he’s Free doesn’t mean he can do whatever he wants… but often times the community is satisfied with what he says.
**FREE FreeBradshaw***
Pitchers and catchers report in 108 days.
by Chris McKeown on Nov 1, 2010 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Whoa
Just got back from a long overseas trip to come back to PSA to see what was shaking in the Yankeeverse. Just been reading the threads and saw that Free was banned. Now I will be honest, I am not his biggest fan. I find him a highly smug, overly opinionated jack ass who likes to treat people poorly. He sometimes crosses boundaries I may have found offensive, which is a lot for me since I am not of the P.C. ilk. His self indulgent single word posts to annoy and provoke others was sometimes tiresome. With that said, he is an absolute necessity for PSA. He is very knowledgeable and passionate. If you argue with him you better make sure you have your data ready to back up your opinions. I would much rather have someone like Free who has strong, obnoxious opinions as opposed to certain members here who are so politically correct it makes me wonder if any of them have spend a second in the Bronx other than the train platform and the stadium. Being a native New Yorker we are bred with a kind of automatic douchieness and self aggrandizing philosophy that Bradshaw brings to the table in spades. I may not like 75% of what he writes but I respect how he cuts. I have no idea about what the dude did to get banned, Lord(duggan) knows I have had my warnings in the past. But bottom line, Free should be let back in. I swear if the Brandon the Boyscout (no offense) is the gold standard for contributors I would rather find some sleazy back alley blog where jerks like Free and myself can accuse each other of performing sexual acts upon animals in peace and dignity. Hey Ed, you’re a good dude… let the jerk back in.
To quote Bender:
“Yeah, but everyone is a jerk. You, me… this jerk”
by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Nov 1, 2010 4:28 PM EDT reply actions
I laughed way too hard at this sentence.
***Free FreeBradshaw***
And if you forget our names, just tell them we were Yankees
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Nov 1, 2010 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I believe the correct term is "Barndon the Boyscout"
**FREE FreeBradshaw***
"I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot."- Kobe Bryant
Oh.... my...
I would rather find some sleazy back alley blog where jerks like Free and myself can accuse each other of performing sexual acts upon animals in peace and dignity.
Free FreeBradshaw!
Shirt it!
I’m not sure where I come into play here, but I was never in the boyscouts. Just saying. All the mods know how many warnings you’ve had and saying “no offense” doesn’t negate what you said. I don’t really care if you guys think I’m too strict about the rules, I just do what I’m supposed to do.
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
And yes, us New Yorkers have a special kind of doucheness…it’s why I want to move as soon as I can get the money.
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
San Diego or Arizona!
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
So...
you’re going to bring your doucheness to another part of the country…Is this potential move to spread it or get away from it?
There's always next year
Are you calling me a douche? Haha, I actually want to get as far away from the douche capital of the world as possible. If I have doucheness in me, sucks for wherever I go. That would make their first. (if you’ve ever been to SD or ARI, people are awesome there!)
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
I’ll take that as a compliment?
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
SOUTH BEACH!
**FREE FreeBradshaw***
"I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot."- Kobe Bryant
I actually knew Shawn Goldsmith, he got every badge possible or something. Great guy.
http://themoderatevoice.com/25329/shawn-goldsmith-a-scouting-legend/
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
Wow.
I think I earned just enough to get my badge- I know I had my Board review after my 18th birthday, so it was down to the wire. Maybe I picked up one or two extras, but that’s something like 4 times more than me.
"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."
Haha don’t be upset, he was on FOX and CNN and CNBC the media loved him (loves? I don’t know him anymore) he was unbelievably dedicated to it.
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
You are too strict with the rules
Thats not really a secret. You learn to live with it though.
I was in boyscouts once. I didn’t go to any meetings or do any work. I just liked the campouts and stuff.
**FREE FreeBradshaw***
"I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot."- Kobe Bryant
I think I’m strict in the sense that I tell people not to do stuff in the threads, but I warn/ban almost never. Unless you do something awful, I don’t warn/ban.
Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Big Yankees and NY Rangers fan!
R.I.P. Freddy 'Sez', Bob Sheppard, George Steinbrenner
WELL!
I really have no idea what pushed this over the edge. Really don’t. All I know is I woke up the Tuesday morning after the Giants game, was told “you were an ass to people, I’m tired of you”, so that was that.
I read and heard all a this. Whatever needs to be said been said. All ways, whatever orientation you got about it, its been said I heard you. I heard all the warnings, I think. Most of em basically said “don’t do that”, so I tried doing not that…really thought I did. I’m really not sure.
I guess going forward I’ll just have to be what it is. I guess I’m wanted here, so I’ll stay and try and make better of whatever it is I did. I’m not entirely sure of where the line is, but however vague it is I’ll try not and cross it. If I do I’m sure the hammer will come right back out.
I ain’t gonna apologize for a line I had no idea what crossed where. Nor do I feel the need to apologize for being made an ‘example of’. But I’ll be more careful of what I gots to say given all of this. I will leave an argument alone. I’ll try and ignore the reply button unless all else fails.
PSA is what it is since it is the best Yanks site on the net. Its all level headed, stats and all that good stuff by all the writers back up their thing things. I’d rather have my commenting ability in tact then lurking. Its kinda annoying.
There’s my peace. Ban it, delete it..what have you. That is all. But I think all need to just go on with this.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Nov 1, 2010 7:31 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Nice to finally hear what you have to say about it
Although it would be nice if you could be unbanned and use the old account, because the new user name is gonna confuse me too much.
I don’t personally want you to ignore the reply button. Part of what makes your comments fun to read and makes it fun to talk sports with you is because of the arguments. Leaving the arguments alone sort of takes the fun away, doesn’t it?
**FREE FreeBradshaw***
"I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot."- Kobe Bryant
+1
***Free FreeBradshaw***
And if you forget our names, just tell them we were Yankees
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Nov 1, 2010 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Folks
It’s really time to close this out and move on. I am closing comment on it because, at this point, everything useful has been said.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
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