I want to get people's opinions on something that isn't exclusive to to 11W. I'm a huge Phish fan (as some phans might automatically pick up on based on my handle). Since Phish came back in 2009, a whole new (albeit younger) generation was exposed to the band. Thus, due to younger fans' lack of perspective, it's a common occurence to see every show, night after night, fluffed as "the best of the tour".
Where am I going with this? As 11W has grown, so has its following (for better or for worse). For the people who have been on 11W for awhile, I think it's clear that the "trash" floating around the site has grown exponentially in the last year. At this point, I know there's no way around the "Urbz ROOOLZ!!!1" commenters and the like (and I know I can choose to click or not click on things). Come 2013, it will only get worse, too. Such is the interwebs, I suppose. Thoughts?
It's just what happens when the population grows. You may get more good commenters but they will be overwhelmed by the bad ones. I've been here a little while (at least before the explosion of new members that took place during last season), and it's gotten pretty obvious. Gamedays are particularly bad with dozens of new forum posts during the game complaining or freaking out about our defense, Urban's playcalling, injuries, etc.
Unfortunately, in my honest opinion, as of right now the new voting system only makes things worse because people are already abusing it on a regular basis. It is supposed to promote a range of opinions and on a site as big as Reddit (the inspiration I assume) it works well but when the site is based soley on Buckeye athletics and Buckeye supporters you basically get one giant biased opinion. Anyone bashing our beloved Buckeyes, even if supported by good and honest thought, meet their demise in downvotes by the people blinded by their fandom...all the while the people shouting random, generally meaningless things like URBAN IS MY HERO will be upvoted. It really muddles the comments and genuine contributions get lost in the dozens of emotional knee jerk reaction comments.
Colin: glad there's someone else out there who sees this. I, too, have been here for awhile (migrated over once Keith left Buckeye Commentary). The 11W crew is smart; I think the wrinkles with the voting system will get hammered out. Also, as many people have iterated, I'd pay for this site in a heartbeat.
I can say this is so much better than the venom I read on another website from Cleveland. The negativity on that site is sickening. This site has been very refreshing. I started reading around November of last year and can say that I have noticed more bashing and negativity since then, but it's still a million times better than all of the other sites I have visited.
How Firm Thy Friendship....
I think their desire is to keep it a free product for as long as possible, which is noble because it gives more people access to great Ohio State related content, but I think it will eventually lead to a pretty unbearable user base as far as interaction goes. It's a fantasy to think we could keep it this good in the future with the direction it is currently heading. I don't really know what to do about it though because I'm not sure you will be able to convince an entire (internet) fanbase as large as OSU's to be civil and tolerant. It's kind of like Ghostbusters 2 when the Mayor asked in disbelief if he is supposed to try to make 8 million people be nice to each other.
And @Buckeyepride, I agree the voting actually works to weed out those that mean to just trash talk or spew hateful or ridiculous things... which was intended. But then people go and downvote everyone else not pro-buckeye as well which is where the problems start.
I saw you with a ticket stub in your hand
I agree with much of what you're saying. And I have only one thing to say:
This is the BEST thread I've ever seen on 11 Warriors Baby!!!!!!!!!
Bucks4Rreal: Under the light, middle of the night...
Colin: just as the OSU Football program will become an even bigger monster (if that's even possible) in 2013-14, so will 11W. Your statement of the interactions potentially being unbearable is spot on.
Urbz RuleZ, hoke droolz!
The voting does get abused quite a bit but it also seems to keep some of the more aggressive commentors from attacking others as much or as bad as they did before the voting. Its not perfect but the staff did say they are working on making it better. I think with a few tweaks it will be a decent system
O H I O is the Buckeye State