Quote:
Originally Posted by Rudeboyelvis
Hoss the 2 posters I mentioned by name are extremely knowledgeable horseplayers and while I'm not sure if IC actually bets, he knows more about horseracing than anyone I know. Both posters also frequented both rooms.
I have it on good authority that he no longer even lurks here.
To Nicole's point below, I could not even be certain what percentage of folks that frequented the Poly room were avid players, because the Paddock was so full of vitriol toward anyone that dared voice an dissenting opinion that most just avoided the conflict entirely. So I'm not prepared to assume nor draw the conclusion that just because they came here for the Poly room meant they were not horseplayers thus added no value to the horseracing discussions.
Additionally, there were plenty of folks that went to both rooms and offered lucid, knowledgeable opinions on both topics, but without one, they no longer post in the other. How is it that 7 weeks out, the most attended thread in the Paddock is a frigging Tony Black retirement thread? In years past the Derby Trail target thread would have been 10 pages deep at this point. Cause / Effect would dictate that the lack of the Poly room is affecting not only overall attendance here, but quality horesracing discussion.
 Could not have said this any better - Thanks! |
I'll put a little different spin on this Dan. One reson I enjoyed the Politics forum ( most of the time
) is because it humanized and brought down to what I felt was more my level some fairly intimidating paddock types. I remember early in my DT days Andy Serling would post in Eso about movies and books. They were incredibly articulate and intelligent threads that allowed me to get to know someone who, quite frankly, could be an imposing figure to a casual horse player like myself if strictly dealt with on a Paddock only basis. I know a lot of people here because of Steve's site, both personally and internet only. Right or wrong I've tended to wear my heart on my sleeve and that can be a good thing or get me called a p.ussy when it backfires
. I don't have the horse acumen to post in the Paddock and certainly don't have the knowlege to back up something I might say when challenged by those who really know this game. So..it's just human nature to shy away. I still troll regularly and lament the loss of so many great voices and threads but since Politics is gone, really don't feel comfortable posting anywhere other than sports. I think it's just human nature.