Fans and Critics: BEWARE!!! Think before you speak(write)!

[jonesman]

For every single person who visits this board and others(Domer Domain, Gold Helmet) like it, we need to keep a few thoughts in mind. I know that this season is ripping our hearts from us and putting all our confidence to test, but let's all do a better job with our comments and who they are directed toward.

First, the kids on this team are suffering thru this far more than any of us. They must wake in the morning with an entire day and night filled with reminders of how tough this season has been. They must go to class, practice, film study, talk with friends and family. They have to deal with press at every turn. So, let's all remember this when we are critical of their play. Calling out players is a tough deal. I have been critical when I see a lack of effort or blatant missing of assignments, but we must remember that these kids are spilling their hearts out in front of the entire ND family every week. Let's try to be as good at supporting as we are at bashing. In tough times like these, you have to count on your family. We are the ND family!!!

Second, let's try to give our new coach atleast one season before we assemble the lynch mob and tie him to the stake for burning. He may not have been every person's number one pick, but he surely was lauded as a great choice by most in the ND family and in the media. They guy brings a solid history of success and has done so at several levels of college football. Further, he has shown a passion for ND unlike a couple former coaches, TY and Davie. None of us agree with all the calls or position moves, but let's no pretend that we have all the answers.

Finally, as you go ballistic in your comments about both the coach and players with some really degrading comments remember that RECRUITS are watching you every day. Those kids you are hoping are the saviors of ND in future are reading our crazy pyscho babble. They are reading when a given fan or fans is taking ugly pot shots at both coaches and players. Criticisms of a game plan, given play or even a player having a bad game are one thing, but blatant abusive comments just feed into a recruits concerns. We want these kids to see that ND is different.

Remember, we are all part of the ND family. Let's not be the ugly step-brother that nobody wants at Thanksgiving dinner. Being critical is part of America and big time college football, but let's remain classy. I love every player who comes to ND and can't wait for the new recruits in years to come.

GO IRISH!!!! BEAT BC!!

 

[NDFan4Life]

Excellent post, jonesman.

Thanks for putting into words what myself and others have thought about.

Taking potshots at players is unnescessary and extremely heartless. These kids are giving their all out on the field. They deserve our respect and admiration.

 

[phork]

Calling for Kelly's head after 4 games is a little ridiculous, no? You can be angry at the man, but to seriously think that jettisoning him after this year is the right move.. I really don't know what to say about that.

 

[daytonirish]

Finally, as you go ballistic in your comments about both the coach and players with some really degrading comments remember that RECRUITS are watching you every day. Those kids you are hoping are the saviors of ND in future are reading our crazy pyscho babble. They are reading when a given fan or fans is taking ugly pot shots at both coaches and players. Criticisms of a game plan, given play or even a player having a bad game are one thing, but blatant abusive comments just feed into a recruits concerns. We want these kids to see that ND is different.

This one is pretty big. Folks should also remember that alot of sites have parents of kids playing at Notre Dame, committed to Notre Dame or being recruited by Notre Dame.

 

[Irish Houstonian]

All great points, and I wholeheartedly agree.

I will say one thing though. And I made this case for NDOM. In many ways an internet message board serves as sort of a punching pillow. It lets a person vent his or her frustrations with impunity. For example, I personally don't have a single friend who's an Irish fan. So basically, when I'm mad about losses I have to come on here.

Also, I think by now people should be a bit de-sensitized with regard to over-the-top rhetoric on message boards. I honestly don't think anyone on here seriously wants Kelly fired. People just get a little heated and say things to vent accordingly. Better here than in public, I say.

 

[jonesman]

Houston,
thanks for your thoughts. I do understand that we all use this site to do some venting, but we just need to show some caution as to who and what we vent.

One thing to consider when venting is some of the player hating that goes on. Do you think any recruit wants to become the next hated player when things go bad?

I appreciate that I am seeing some folks with sanity respond.

 

[NDOM]

For every single person who visits this board and others(Domer Domain, Gold Helmet) like it, we need to keep a few thoughts in mind. I know that this season is ripping our hearts from us and putting all our confidence to test, but let's all do a better job with our comments and who they are directed toward.

First, the kids on this team are suffering thru this far more than any of us. They must wake in the morning with an entire day and night filled with reminders of how tough this season has been. They must go to class, practice, film study, talk with friends and family. They have to deal with press at every turn. So, let's all remember this when we are critical of their play. Calling out players is a tough deal. I have been critical when I see a lack of effort or blatant missing of assignments, but we must remember that these kids are spilling their hearts out in front of the entire ND family every week. Let's try to be as good at supporting as we are at bashing. In tough times like these, you have to count on your family. We are the ND family!!!

Second, let's try to give our new coach atleast one season before we assemble the lynch mob and tie him to the stake for burning. He may not have been every person's number one pick, but he surely was lauded as a great choice by most in the ND family and in the media. They guy brings a solid history of success and has done so at several levels of college football. Further, he has shown a passion for ND unlike a couple former coaches, TY and Davie. None of us agree with all the calls or position moves, but let's no pretend that we have all the answers.

Finally, as you go ballistic in your comments about both the coach and players with some really degrading comments remember that RECRUITS are watching you every day. Those kids you are hoping are the saviors of ND in future are reading our crazy pyscho babble. They are reading when a given fan or fans is taking ugly pot shots at both coaches and players. Criticisms of a game plan, given play or even a player having a bad game are one thing, but blatant abusive comments just feed into a recruits concerns. We want these kids to see that ND is different.

Remember, we are all part of the ND family. Let's not be the ugly step-brother that nobody wants at Thanksgiving dinner. Being critical is part of America and big time college football, but let's remain classy. I love every player who comes to ND and can't wait for the new recruits in years to come.

GO IRISH!!!! BEAT BC!!

We have had a thousand of these exact same posts. Maybe if we started winning more we would'nt have to worry about this. And we are NOT the only fan site that has negativity floating around. So it's not just us, once again....maybe if we won more we would'nt have to worry about this.

 

[fitz_bu47]

And you have had a 1000 of those respones NDOM.....Come on brah, positivity!!! Great post Jonesman, wouldn't let me rep you again, so REPS!

 

[iamtrulyblessed]

I stopped posting in here because of this very thing. I still would come in here and read the threads but I thought it was best for me to not post in here anymore. I even told Aaron and he told me to keep posting and not to let what some of the people in here say get to me, but I told him that is just simply hard to do. Well you guys its like this, I came on board here after months and I mean months of just reading thru threads, of course my sons thread was the most exciting, but I wasnt a member......I enjoyed it so much that I told Aaron about it. We both got a kick out of it and every day we would read and laugh. Then, I finally decided it was time for me to join. I am glad I did.....it just got to where I was wanting to go thru the computer or my phone and choke a ignorrant, stupid, and wise cracking fool, so I thought this wasnt a good idea anymore and maybe it still isnt, but I had to let you guys know.

 

[TDHeysus]

I am coqnizant of calling out specfic players, I know they are just kids learning a new system. There has been quite a few times I chose not to post anything because I would have been putting an irish player on blast, which is something I dont want to do. It would be different if they were professional players, but obviously they are not (except at U$C, they get top dollar).

example:
I really wanted to post about one of the games this year(i wont tell which one), but I chose not to after typing the whole thing out because it was maybe focused on one player, and it wasnt too flattering.

I have tried to get my point(s) across with generalities in other posts.

 

[nd1]

I stopped posting in here because of this very thing. I still would come in here and read the threads but I thought it was best for me to not post in here anymore. I even told Aaron and he told me to keep posting and not to let what some of the people in here say get to me, but I told him that is just simply hard to do. Well you guys its like this, I came on board here after months and I mean months of just reading thru threads, of course my sons thread was the most exciting, but I wasnt a member......I enjoyed it so much that I told Aaron about it. We both got a kick out of it and every day we would read and laugh. Then, I finally decided it was time for me to join. I am glad I did.....it just got to where I was wanting to go thru the computer or my phone and choke a ignorrant, stupid, and wise cracking fool, so I thought this wasnt a good idea anymore and maybe it still isnt, but I had to let you guys know.

you can not stop posting because of that kind of stuff. we all get carried away from time to time and let emotions show. i enjoy reading your post and talking to you sometimes. at the end of the day it's a message board with alot of different types of personalities and you are bound to clash with a few from time to time, but nothing anybody on this board says should effect anyones personal life and if it does then you need to get over it. this is a great board with great people and a few bad people but thats everywhere you go in life.

 

[iamtrulyblessed]

Yes Nd1 you are right and thank you because truly I do love this site.

 

[daytonirish]

I find the easiest thing to do especially after a Notre Dame loss, is to stay away from the current gameday thread. Most of us are upset after a loss and some have had to much to drink. Heck I'm a mod at another site and haven't posted after any of the last 3 games. Best to stay away and let folks get it out of their system.

 

[Irish in Hudson]

I totally agree. Believe me those young men are trying their hardest, and this type of adversity will surely help them later in life when entering the working world.

I remember going to a game with my Dad back in the 70's and there was an ND fullback that fumbled the ball and killed a drive. A man behind me shouted "You Stink!" and I was inclined to think that way until my father asked me "Do you think that? Do you think he wasn't trying to hold on to the ball or to win the game? Do you think he wasn't one of the finest high school players in the land? Do you think he wasn't killing himself on hot summer days to be the best? So do you think he stinks or just had a bad play?"

I think of that when I see these players struggle. I know it's painful, and everyone likes to spread the pain as if that will help, but suck it up, put your shoulders out, chin up, and take it like an adult. Our day is coming, I am sure of that. I have seen four championships, and a number that should have been. We will see them again.

Believe me, as a Browns fan, I know how to suck it up...

 

[Old Man Mike]

God bless Jonesman and God bless Mama Lynch. Exactly on the bullseye. And to those who want to vent: isn't there some way to "vent" than make personal-smearing remarks? Can't we argue with and get angry about plays rather than players? Decisions rather than coaches? Love the brother; hate the behavior---the point being that there are ways of being a critic which are helpful and ways that are just destructive. The great divide that I've noticed on this board is between the posters who are all about themselves [exploding their emotions on others] and people who are all about the development of the Team [seeing a process taking place over time]. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For me the season has had its pains, but has its hopes as well. Can't we be as happy for the guys and what they ARE accomplishing, as well as angry and screaming about what [we think] they're not? Some of the statistical read-outs presented here on our site show me a team that is doing some very good things and am I delighted at that. AND, what we lack seems eminently fixable or fixable-in-time when the speed and power of the current recruits arrive to add the missing ingredients. Mama Lynch, when Aaron and his buddies take the field, the rest of this will be in order and waiting for them. And THAT will be a fine ND day indeed.

 

[mgriff]

I think debate is healthy and I don't think laying into players is proper, but constructive criticism and critiques are a part of the game. It's different when the coaching staff gives it to them in the film room, but if anyone here is under the impression that these kids don't get called out on all the stuff we see in the games, they're kidding themselves. They hear it in the film room, in some not so nice terms I'm sure, but the difference is the coaches have a relationship with them.

 

[eNDzone]

It's always a good idea to take a day after a loss and let your head clear before you post. I find myself sensible enough to make a respectable post by then. Good post jonesman.

 

[irishtrain]

This one is pretty big. Folks should also remember that alot of sites have parents of kids playing at Notre Dame, committed to Notre Dame or being recruited by Notre Dame.

These kids should never be singled out and slammed. You are right their parents and the kids themselves may be reading. Notre Dame needs players plain and simple-do not discourage any young man from bringing his talents to Notre Dame. We need studs. Off the field gentlemen but on the field unpleasant physical football players. This is off the field stuff and I for one think we should act like the gentlemen we want them to be. You cant rant and rave and then expect some kid to respect the fans on game day. Look in their eyes when they lose they now whats going on. They're more disappointed than any fan. Long live Notre Dame Football.

 

[Irish Houstonian]

... Best to stay away and let folks get it out of their system.

Exactly. What readers need to know is that most post-game negativity is hyperbole, exageration and rhetoric, and not to be taken literally. It's like "jeez my wife is a @&#!" after a heated argument -- it's not intended literally. What you're really expressing is your displeasure with her behaviour.

A great example of this is the "Fire Kelly" rhetoric. Nobody who wrote this meant that Kelly should actually be fired. They're really just expressing their displeasure with the team's performance.

So instead of shunning this candor, I say we should learn to accept it and chalk it up to the passion of Notre Dame fans.

 

[The Polish Irishman]

Welcome to the Internet.

There is a reason Fan is short for Fanatic. The emotional investment I have every Saturday could tear down nations. I fly my Notre Dame flag outside my house surronded by SEC colors everywhere I look.

But Al Gore created this thing and brought the Irish Nation together. I am still amazed almost everyday by posters on here. You people are crazy. Serious. A good majority of people on here have had a verbal jousts with someone on this board including me. How foolish we must look to the outside world. From name calling, to requesting resumes, and challenging others to physical confrontations. Would this happen is the Irish were winning? Probably, just a little less. But it is great to talk to Irish fans. Rational or not.

The Internet...where a nobody becomes a keyboard bully. But I believe in Kelly. There is something different about him.
He is bringing in speed this team has lacked the past couple of years. I have faith.

 

[phgreek]

For every single person who visits this board and others(Domer Domain, Gold Helmet) like it, we need to keep a few thoughts in mind. I know that this season is ripping our hearts from us and putting all our confidence to test, but let's all do a better job with our comments and who they are directed toward.

First, the kids on this team are suffering thru this far more than any of us. They must wake in the morning with an entire day and night filled with reminders of how tough this season has been. They must go to class, practice, film study, talk with friends and family. They have to deal with press at every turn. So, let's all remember this when we are critical of their play. Calling out players is a tough deal. I have been critical when I see a lack of effort or blatant missing of assignments, but we must remember that these kids are spilling their hearts out in front of the entire ND family every week. Let's try to be as good at supporting as we are at bashing. In tough times like these, you have to count on your family. We are the ND family!!!

Second, let's try to give our new coach atleast one season before we assemble the lynch mob and tie him to the stake for burning. He may not have been every person's number one pick, but he surely was lauded as a great choice by most in the ND family and in the media. They guy brings a solid history of success and has done so at several levels of college football. Further, he has shown a passion for ND unlike a couple former coaches, TY and Davie. None of us agree with all the calls or position moves, but let's no pretend that we have all the answers.

Finally, as you go ballistic in your comments about both the coach and players with some really degrading comments remember that RECRUITS are watching you every day. Those kids you are hoping are the saviors of ND in future are reading our crazy pyscho babble. They are reading when a given fan or fans is taking ugly pot shots at both coaches and players. Criticisms of a game plan, given play or even a player having a bad game are one thing, but blatant abusive comments just feed into a recruits concerns. We want these kids to see that ND is different.

Remember, we are all part of the ND family. Let's not be the ugly step-brother that nobody wants at Thanksgiving dinner. Being critical is part of America and big time college football, but let's remain classy. I love every player who comes to ND and can't wait for the new recruits in years to come.

GO IRISH!!!! BEAT BC!!

I like this message...it had a point as opposed to other threads that come off in a "why don't you guys all post like I do" kihda way...good on ya!

 

[PatsandBostonfan1975]

Great post as a fan its been a hard road and i'm glad I have people who care about this football team like I do. I have thought about something that will make Kelly's 1st season a good one besides the awesome recruiting class. Ready? Beat USC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ndcoltsfan2010]

Excellent post Jonesman!!!!!! Excellent! This is an excellent site and we have so many people with varying thoughts, opinions, frustrations, hopes, dreams etc....., expressing themselves here. That is the point, but we also need to be considerate and mindful at the same time. I am Irish to the core, and at times I get so frustrated.., but I take it all in stride as well, and remind myself that there is a right way and wrong way to go about posting. Everything we post on here is read by tons of people, whether it is young recruits, parents, players or your average fan. I was reading about Daniels and his recent commitment to us. He said in this article that it wasn't just coach kelly and the recruiter's pitch that sold him.., but it was the Notre Dame family..., and he also mentioned something about how the fans were giving him some love and it was everything combined that made him commit. You think a young man like Daniels possibly read some of our thoughts and opinions? I bet you he did...., I for one along with so many others were encouraging him and praising him as the kind of kid we all wanted. With that being said..., these boards need to keep that in mind. There are as mentioned earlier, all kinds of people on here. Just be mindful of how you say things. It's ok to vent and critique.., but lets try to do it the right way.., the intelligent way. Ms. Lynch..., I for one as most everyone on here are happy to see your posts and we are all very happy that you are here and that your fine son has chosen to join our Notre Dame family. Let's keep the faith, and know that we are headed in the right direction. It is frustrating at times..., but lets try to keep our eyes on the bigger picture here..., I for one will enjoy our season as we continue to develop and improve.

 

[Merlin]

For every single person who visits this board and others(Domer Domain, Gold Helmet) like it, we need to keep a few thoughts in mind. I know that this season is ripping our hearts from us and putting all our confidence to test, but let's all do a better job with our comments and who they are directed toward.

First, the kids on this team are suffering thru this far more than any of us. They must wake in the morning with an entire day and night filled with reminders of how tough this season has been. They must go to class, practice, film study, talk with friends and family. They have to deal with press at every turn. So, let's all remember this when we are critical of their play. Calling out players is a tough deal. I have been critical when I see a lack of effort or blatant missing of assignments, but we must remember that these kids are spilling their hearts out in front of the entire ND family every week. Let's try to be as good at supporting as we are at bashing. In tough times like these, you have to count on your family. We are the ND family!!!

Second, let's try to give our new coach atleast one season before we assemble the lynch mob and tie him to the stake for burning. He may not have been every person's number one pick, but he surely was lauded as a great choice by most in the ND family and in the media. They guy brings a solid history of success and has done so at several levels of college football. Further, he has shown a passion for ND unlike a couple former coaches, TY and Davie. None of us agree with all the calls or position moves, but let's no pretend that we have all the answers.

Finally, as you go ballistic in your comments about both the coach and players with some really degrading comments remember that RECRUITS are watching you every day. Those kids you are hoping are the saviors of ND in future are reading our crazy pyscho babble. They are reading when a given fan or fans is taking ugly pot shots at both coaches and players. Criticisms of a game plan, given play or even a player having a bad game are one thing, but blatant abusive comments just feed into a recruits concerns. We want these kids to see that ND is different.

Remember, we are all part of the ND family. Let's not be the ugly step-brother that nobody wants at Thanksgiving dinner. Being critical is part of America and big time college football, but let's remain classy. I love every player who comes to ND and can't wait for the new recruits in years to come.

GO IRISH!!!! BEAT BC!!

This is with out doubt the best post I've ever read on here, congrats Jonesman

Go Irish!!!

 

[jonesman]

Thanks to all you for your supporting comments on this post. As we prepare ourselves for another classic BC clash, let's keep our heads about us. I believe things will go well, but if for some God foresaken reason they do not, please try to keep your heads and hearts in the right place.

We are all within our rights to criticize bonehead plays, missed tackles, dropped balls, bad coaching decisions or **** poor officiating which seems to be more and more prevalent. BUT, let's all remember that both the coaching staff and players are suffering way worse than any of us during this tough time.

If you are questioning the effect this has had on some of the guys, go watch the interview with Harrison Smith where he compares the losses to dying. I remember last year when guys were just bashing the crap out of him for missing assignments and tackles. Those errors were happening, but I do not believe anyone can question his overall guts. I have watched him this year just sell out his body.

Finally, for all those that say ND is NEVER going to get back to the top, we are headed that direction. The talent is getting better, and we have a coach who will fix what is broken. Offensively, ND is where they need to be talent wise. The O has really carried us the past couple years. It is on D where we need some more reinforcements. They are coming very soon. If you are a recruit committed to ND, thank you and welcome to the greatest football tradition on Earth.

 

[ndcoltsfan2010]

Thanks to all you for your supporting comments on this post. As we prepare ourselves for another classic BC clash, let's keep our heads about us. I believe things will go well, but if for some God foresaken reason they do not, please try to keep your heads and hearts in the right place.

We are all within our rights to criticize bonehead plays, missed tackles, dropped balls, bad coaching decisions or **** poor officiating which seems to be more and more prevalent. BUT, let's all remember that both the coaching staff and players are suffering way worse than any of us during this tough time.

If you are questioning the effect this has had on some of the guys, go watch the interview with Harrison Smith where he compares the losses to dying. I remember last year when guys were just bashing the crap out of him for missing assignments and tackles. Those errors were happening, but I do not believe anyone can question his overall guts. I have watched him this year just sell out his body.

Finally, for all those that say ND is NEVER going to get back to the top, we are headed that direction. The talent is getting better, and we have a coach who will fix what is broken. Offensively, ND is where they need to be talent wise. The O has really carried us the past couple years. It is on D where we need some more reinforcements. They are coming very soon. If you are a recruit committed to ND, thank you and welcome to the greatest football tradition on Earth.

Again Thank you for your excellent post. I also agree with you that we are in the process of turning this thing around and with the stellar defensive recruits that will be coming in we will be alot faster, talented and deeper at most positions than we have in years past. It won't belong before we have this thing going our way. In the meantime., let's watch this team develop into something special. At least this year we see this team playing with and intensity and passion that seems to have been lacking in the years past.

 

[IrishGiant]

Fear is the path to the dark side.

Fear leads to anger.

Anger leads to hate.

Hate leads to suffering.