Venom
 

[preach] one of the reasons I quit going to the ESPN board was all of the Venom. :(

I don't learn anything about horse racing reading the recent posts on here.

I'm glad Steve has provided a place to go and talk about racing. I enjoy reading his insights. As a matter of fact I included a 32-1 shot in my trifecta and made $$$ because of it. I've hit some really nice winners because of something he has said - Especially when it comes to the Breeder's Cup races.

I may have fallen into arguments with people in the past but I will try to never do it again (on this board anyway) [/preach]

I'd say the game of horse racing itself is based on differing opinions. In wagering, we do so against other horseplayers and not the house itself. When people put down their own cash on an opinion, they must be fairly passionate about it. So when you get a bunch of horseplayers together natuarlly you're going to have arguements on difference of opinion: horses, jockeys, trainers, owners, etc. I don't see that as venom. It's not pro-choice vs. pro-lifers in here, as I think most of us here are rational enough to know it's a horse arguement and not a life and death matter. In fact railbirds, at the end of the day, seem to share a bond like no other sport's followers do. Most of the horseplayers and people in the game I've come across are high-strung people. It's a game of being RIGHT more times than being wrong. So when you get a bunch of high-strung individuals who believe themselves to be right, it's not the same landscape as a Sunday drive in the country.

I think that what you stated is a very good perspective to have, and a right one. That pretty much somes it all up, and makes perfect sense to me. I know that I am a very high-strung person. However, there does come a time where I draw the line. For instance, I don't get into an arguement with someone who I clearly think knows better than I do. That would be stupidity on my part. I'm still learning about this game, and I believe that I am only an expert in very limited aspects of horse racing. I'd much rather listen to certain individuals than voice my uneducated opinion to them. Listening to what others have to say and reading is how you learn, and I want to learn.

I'm sorry I was not aware someone's family was threatened
that's getting too carried away, understatedly
hopefully 1-2 bad apples, won't deter this board from thriving
I think a lot of Steve, and appreciate what he's done here

Fact is that this would have never gone this far with moderators that are around. Both Steve and Ateam are EXTREMELY busy and I am sure it will be evaulated at a later date

i find it amusing that women are supposedly the ones who react emotionally, yet most posts that go over the top here are by men.

Well part of my point is there are a few "know-it-alls" or "can't be wrongs" here, and definately at the track. I know sometimes even I don't listen to other's POVs as well as I should. So it certainly is refreshing to hear someone admit they dont know everything, but want to learn from other's insight & experiences. Good luck with all of your aspirations and goals in this game. There still is a lot of joy to be had from being a race fan.

I've had plenty of disagreements. Still do. As a matter of fact the betting public and I disagree very often :D

It's the Venom over "this guy sooks or that guy does" and

what's the point?

I have other places to vent my anger.