The Recap That Will Live In Infamy: State Makes A Mockery Of Wake, 76-40

by SamuraiFoochs on Jan 16, 2012 1:09 AM EST in Wake Forest Basketball

I'm gonna start this thing with a few caveats. First off, I regret to inform any anti-Bzdelik posters that this game, even though it is one of the worst games I have ever seen, has not "converted" me any more than I already was. I have never said conclusively that I think Jeff Bzdelik should be the Wake coach of the future; to me the jury is out whether or not his contract should be extended after next year, though admittedly it's skewing towards a no.

I feel like there is this misconception that I am perhaps content with mediocrity or that I don't have any investment in the coaching situation other than what boils down to defending the administration (and part of that is a defense mechanism, but I won't get into that). This is patently false. If this level of performance continues next year then yes, it is GENUINELY time to start exploring other options or at least seriously considering them. No one will get any argument from me in that case other than perhaps the vehemence with which the sentiment is expressed.

Secondly, I will not be discussing or breaking down stats. I just don't have it in me this time guys, I'm sorry, but I feel as if I'd be doing my colleagues here on BSD a disservice by not providing something, and something substantial this time. So we're going to get that. Oh we're going to get it alright.

Thirdly, in a way I'm glad for this experience, because it will forcibly teach me how to express levels of rage, contempt, disdain, confusion, and disgusted resignation I previously wouldn't have been able to even fathom all without the use of profanity.

With those caveats out of the way, go through the looking glass after the jump if you dare...

I'm gonna do my best to say something about everybody, but some people are gonna get more attention than others. This is less because I'm trying to single people out (because just as it's a team effort when we win, it's a team effort when we lose, especially in such mind boggling fashion) and more because the flaws and failures of some stuck out in my mind more than those of others.

Tony Chennault: my God. I don't have any idea what he was doing, and I don't think he would've been able to tell me what he was doing either. Whatever song he was playing, it wasn't "I'm Gonna Be A Good Point Guard" by whoever did that one. I honestly can't remember. It's confusing to me; it's not as if the kid isn't capable of playing basketball. He wouldn't have gotten scholarship offers if that was the case. It's also not as if he's terrible 100% of the time. Tony has had good games for us. I think he's probably a good kid who works hard (and actually while we're at it, assume I said this about everyone because I really do like the cut of the players we have right now and I don't want it to ever be thought otherwise) and I fully think that Tony is CAPABLE of being a good point guard and growing as a player. But saying Tony was ineffectual today would be like saying General Custer got taken a little bit by surprise and thought "You know, I wish I had thought this through a little bit better."
Nikita Mescheriakov: apparently had his jaw wired shut and was still playing. I tip my hat heartily to the man for that, but his efforts today offensively (which was honestly the problem with this game in my opinion) was a lot like a milkshake coming out of a broken blender: it tried to be smooth and tasty, and you could vaguely tell what it was supposed to be like, but there was a whole lot of spinning around involved (in this case balls on the rim) and it ended up just being sorta chunky and failing to be the intended result.
Ty Walker: actually did everything he was supposed to again, really. Shame about the rest of it.
C.J. Harris and Travis McKie: both had the same problem, they just disappeared and ultimately couldn't break through their frustration and have success. Travis actually got ejected after an elbow to the face of Scott Wood. I honestly don't get how that works; apparently it was by the letter of the law and everything and that's all well and good but the good news is apparently Wood himself came up to Coach Bzdelik afterwards and said he didn't think it was a dirty play and didn't begrudge Travis for it. As an aside, that's a legitimately cool move by Wood and I have to give him props even though it feels vaguely dirty.
Chase Fischer: hit a couple pretty shots. That's basically it. But they were PRETTY when they fell.
Daniel Green: seemed to hustle when he was out there. Good on him.
Anthony Fields deserved to play more minutes. He didn't look terrible from what I could tell and with TC having what may very well have been the worst game of his career at any level I don't really understand why he wasn't in the game earlier when we could've theoretically made a comeback. Unless of course Anthony Fields is the Hulk Hogan to Scott Wood and oh, I don't know, Lorenzo Brown's Outsiders (dropping the references no one will get today, heck yeah).
Carson Desrosiers was big. As in physically large, just to be clear. Otherwise I didn't really notice him much.

This was basically the worst game I've ever seen and I was in a huge contingent of State fans. Lucky me. Look guys, I'm not gonna necessarily begrudge any Bzzout types for using this as ammo (though I'll thank them to not bring it up constantly, especially not right now. I'm trying to forget this garbage and it's not going to convince me of anything right now so just don't bother, at least not with me personally) but the fact of the matter is I feel like this game was SO bad I feel like you can't really fairly use it as an indicator of anything. It was a different team in the worst way.

No one looked like they cared. It was bizarre. I've never seen it on the level that we saw today from any team anywhere. Freak confluence of bad circumstances if you ask me. It was like there was something in the water. Or the air. Or something.

Hell, FSU beat UNC by 33. An admittedly Erick Green-less Virginia Tech lost to Boston College.. It's Bizzaro World. Man, if only those Men In Black amnesia light things actually existed...

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BC is 2-1 in conference.

That should tell you all you need to know about how weird the ACC is right now.

Also, I’ll go out on a limb and say we lose by fewer than 36 in Cameron on Thursday. But regardless of result, it’ll be interesting to see which team shows up to that game – the one that rolled over today, the one that fought tooth and nail in the second half against Maryland and beat Virginia Tech, or one in between (let’s say… the one that beat Yale).

by quzybuk on Jan 14, 2012 6:40 PM EST reply actions

Also...

…my dad, a Wake professor/administrator, asked me after the game today whether he thought this was a direct result of Bzdelik. I think the answer is yes with a caveat.

Yes, the coach has to be held accountable for his team sleepwalking through a game. There’s a classic Dave Odom quote, wherein he attempted to explain a loss by saying “I just couldn’t get their attention.” Newsflash: it’s your JOB to get their attention. And I’d be more willing to forgive Bzdelik if we hadn’t already sleepwalked through another couple games this year (Arizona State, Wofford). We’ve now played 16 games, and sleepwalked through nearly a quarter of them. That is, and should be, unacceptable.

Now the caveat. In the other 13 games that we’ve played, we’ve played much better than last year. We have a road win against a decent Nebraska team. We beat a schizo Virginia Tech team at home. We should’ve beaten Dayton (up with 2 minutes to go) and Maryland (on a neutral court, there’s no way that free throw disparity exists). We haven’t blown anybody out, but with the exception of the Wofford game (and the SoCon is a pretty strong low-major conference) we haven’t lost to anyone we really shouldn’t have (maybe Arizona State). No Presbyterian or Stetson games this season. In short, we have improved.

This led to a second question from my dad: “Do you think we’d be this bad under Skip or Dino?”

Now, this gave me pause. Because at the heart of this question is the basic schism that has been deliberated upon on this message board for awhile now. And ultimately, it can be broken down into two parts, I think:

1) To what extent are our troubles caused by personnel? Is it recruiting? Is it a change in culture leading to transfers? Is it a lack of player development?

2) To what extent are our troubles caused by poor tactics and poor on-court play in general?

It seems to me that the problems arising from the first question can be split, to some degree (and to what degree depends on your opinion), between Bzdelik and Gaudio. The second question falls entirely on Bzdelik. How you wish to apportion that blame is up to you as a fan.

If you’re interested, I told my dad that I thought we’d fare better under either of the previous coaches, but that we still would not have won. The bottom line is that one team showed up today, and the other didn’t.

by quzybuk on Jan 14, 2012 7:03 PM EST reply actions

Disgraceful. Embarrassing. Pathetic.

by WakeJake on Jan 14, 2012 8:54 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Good Article

I think that’s the worst Wake game I’ve ever been to. I don’t remember ever seeing us have 25 points with 7 minutes left in the game. That was horrific.

Just gotta keep looking forward. Look for an article up either tomorrow or Monday about the state of the team and then a Duke preview before classes start up too hot on Wednesday or Thursday.

Blogger So Dear

"Meet me on the Quad at midnight" Skip Prosser

by BJohnston on Jan 14, 2012 9:02 PM EST reply actions

On the Bright Side

Chris Paul looked pretty sharp on Jimmy Kimmel Live!…go Deacs?

Wake Forest University: Her sons, they are many, Unrivaled by any

by lets-go-dea-cons on Jan 15, 2012 12:23 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

lol

that was funny

by Grand Tanyon Sturtze on Jan 15, 2012 5:39 AM EST up reply actions

76-40

lol. What Skip built and Dino at a minimum maintained, Bzdelik is tearing down before our eyes. That is the tragedy of it all, Wake Forest basketball used to be both successsful and aspirational, now it’s a D-/F and simply a sad place.

If this level of performance continues next year

Not even getting into his cumulative losing record in a conference far weaker than the ACC, or any of the other issues with ‘coach,’ who would want to come to play for WF under “Bz”? Like someone said earlier, we’re briskly skating toward irrelevance with leadership/records/games like this if a “stay the course” kind of nonsense prevails where it matters and this loser coaches another year.

by Grand Tanyon Sturtze on Jan 15, 2012 5:37 AM EST reply actions

A top 20 recruiting class wants to come here under him apparently

Codi Miller-McIntyre
Aaron Rountree
Arnaud Moto
Andre Washington
Tyler Cavanaugh
Devin Thomas

Blogger So Dear

"Meet me on the Quad at midnight" Skip Prosser

by BJohnston on Jan 15, 2012 12:59 PM EST up reply actions

If past is prologue, this is a product of skimming off the Wake brand, not a reflection of the coach's ability to maintain or enhance it

Just go over to Scout, and look at Bz’s recruiting classes at CU. They were overall abysmal and most importantly and directly to your point, they got worse over time. He’s never even managed a winning season in his career with his own recruits. Just saying man, if you think this is anything but a product of the brand we have left that’s predictably going to diminish the longer he’s here, I think you’re fooling yourself.

by Grand Tanyon Sturtze on Jan 15, 2012 2:31 PM EST up reply actions

The plan...

GTS, your focus on recruiting is off-base. Bzdelik has said from day one that he isn’t going to build his team with “one and done” type players. He wants a well-balanced, skilled, and experienced team. So that’s the plan. No Teagues, Johnsons, or Aminus. He wants guys like Fischer, Green, and Fields who will be in the program as Seniors. If we’re going to complain about Bzdelik, let’s complain about his inability to excite anyone.

by deaconjohn on Jan 15, 2012 2:41 PM EST up reply actions

Deaconjohn I'll try to clear this up

My focus on recruiting is that his classes get worse over time, not that he lacks Aminus/Johnsons/Teagues. The diminished character of his recruiting classes over time at CU neither serves as an argument that he needs to recruit a bunch of those guys to win nor affirms his public M.O. of obtaining “character” guys who will stay in school for all 4-years and win. I simply want to air it out that based on his tenure at other schools, he milks what brand he’s got while he can, and as his W/L performance gets worse, the brand suffers while he’s there, as have his recruiting classes the longer he’s been at a given place. Does that clear what I said earlier up?

Your last point is super well-taken, he’s made the vast majority of our people crazy glum, and while it’s nice to be as positive as possible in the recaps, the reality out there is that most of our fellow Deacs are terribly unexcited and don’t see a happy horizon out there.

by Grand Tanyon Sturtze on Jan 15, 2012 2:51 PM EST up reply actions

As much as I hate to see the current state of our basketball program on a performance basis, we can’t expect a coaching change next year. If we only give a coach a two year window, no decent coach would want to step into a situation like that. I agree that each game like this or losing to Big South teams makes it that much harder to get back, but we do have a pretty nice crew coming in next year and if we make the second coaching change in two years and lose recruits, we better have John Wooden on tap to replace him, because that would be really bad. I hope that it is truly a talent thing and he turns it around. I just think that we need to see a sharp turn next year or we need to go in another direction.

by WFU on Jan 15, 2012 9:26 AM EST reply actions

We also don't have the money to be paying three coaches simultaneously.

I look at it this way: we’ve made some improvements this season. We better take another step forward next year (at the very least, going to the NIT) or Bzdelik will lose the entire fanbase.

It’s also important that Bzdelik is a good buddy of Wellman, and the decision to hire Bzdelik is entirely on Wellman’s shoulders. For that reason alone, Bzdelik will likely have a better chance to stick around than Dino.

by quzybuk on Jan 15, 2012 10:56 AM EST up reply actions

Agreed.

I’m not all in on saying Wellman is Bzdelik’s buddy, but Wellman strikes me as a careful boss who at least owns up to his own hires. I do think that the three salaries, three years to keep a coach, and another season of “experience” will give Wellman more than enough reason to wait a year.

by acchalfbreed on Jan 15, 2012 12:29 PM EST up reply actions

Oh, and thank God UNC lost in such a fashion...

Or we’d be eating this so much more.

by acchalfbreed on Jan 15, 2012 12:30 PM EST reply actions

If we finish behind BC this season there are no excuses. Although I doubt there is a change unless we just bomb and lose out. I’m pretty sure Battle will be gone after this season too, which will leave a big void. It’s all just so depressing.

by WakeJake on Jan 15, 2012 12:30 PM EST reply actions

Agreed

Boston College is improving and Donahue is a good game coach (recruiting remains to be seen though). Brownell and Bzdelik both appear to lack in game-coaching ability. I consider recruiting to be more than 50% of the battle though and let’s see if Bzdelik’s recruits don’t increase his style of play and his in-game coaching ability.

Blogger So Dear

"Meet me on the Quad at midnight" Skip Prosser

by BJohnston on Jan 15, 2012 1:02 PM EST up reply actions

As Fans

As fans we wear our hearts on our sleeves, which is often why they get broken (I’m from Cleveland so I know). But sometimes the wailing and expressions of doom and gloom get to be too much as we overreact to every game and every perceived shortcoming and draw far reaching, mind numbing conclusions.

For example, a Blue friend tells me some Carolina message boards are alight with lamentations that Roy can’t coach and this is the worst Carolina team ever. Really? A 15-3 record against a tough schedule and a top 5 ranking are so bad? Anybody remember the Doherty years? The point: some people will never be satisfied.

FB and BB games are just that, games. Games with inconsistent outcomes played by young people who are themselves inconsistent. Tebow was great last week, not so this week. Those who proclaimed post Wofford they could no longer drum up enough courage to support the team likely missed the unexpected joy against VaTech. We stunk for a half against Maryland but redeemed ourselves in the end. We entirely stunk against State. So it goes.

As fans we can only control our own emotions and support, both of which need be balanced with some perspective. Whether Buzz In or Buzz Out, the incessant wailing back and forth does little to advance the situation or support the team. Reality check: Buzz is not going anywhere this year or next. If he fails next year with the incoming recruiting class, he goes. End of story.

In the meantime, the current Wake teams are the only Wake teams we have. Enjoy them or not, your choice. Support them or not, your choice. But if you want to go cliff diving at low tide, don’t drag others along. And about half way down just remember, Roy can’t coach either. May your journey be worth it.

I remain a Wake, Tribe and Browns fan. God help me.

by childresslives on Jan 15, 2012 1:12 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

"Incessant wailing" - Really guy?

Calling dissent “wailing” is rude. Your “unity at all costs” may play among alot of the eternal sunshines here, but most fans, at least the vast majority of the ones I talk to frequently and the mass of Wake fans who are avoiding the games, are feeling pretty alienated right now and don’t want what we have right now. That is all.

by Grand Tanyon Sturtze on Jan 15, 2012 2:14 PM EST up reply actions

For once..

For once, I’m with GTS. Things aren’t going well. To admit that doesn’t make you any less of a Wake Forest supporter. Where we all agree is on the ultimate goal. We want Wake Forest basketball to be competitive with Duke and UNC (let alone NC State). Where we disagree on what is is going to take to get there. Showing Bzdelik the door is one idea. Giving Bzdelik 4 years to recruit his players build his program is another. Believe what you will. You’re still a Deacon.

by deaconjohn on Jan 15, 2012 2:45 PM EST up reply actions

thanks deaconjohn

sometimes it’s hard to get people at BSD to acknowledge the point you very eloquently made. We all appreciate it.

by Grand Tanyon Sturtze on Jan 16, 2012 8:44 PM EST up reply actions

And I have to say

For example, a Blue friend tells me some Carolina message boards are alight with lamentations that Roy can’t coach and this is the worst Carolina team ever. Really? A 15-3 record against a tough schedule and a top 5 ranking are so bad? Anybody remember the Doherty years? The point: some people will never be satisfied.

This is the worst analogy ever. Comparing dissatisfied UNC fans and their situation and Wake fans and our situation is like comparing apples and oranges to moon rocks. Just have a little more respect for the other side and don’t posture like you’re the only one with your emotions under control and those that disagree with you are emotionally imbalanced, there’s just no need or place for that kind of euphemism here.

by Grand Tanyon Sturtze on Jan 15, 2012 2:41 PM EST up reply actions

On a recruiting note . . .

Does anyone know if we have any guys with size that are considering us in the 2013 class (by size I mean muscle inside, not height). I know that Devin Thomas looks like he may be a banger, but I don’t see any other PF prospects that we are looking at (although all I look at is the Scout page, so I’m sure that I don’t know about some possible recruits). It just seems to be an area where we really need help.

by WFU on Jan 15, 2012 4:05 PM EST reply actions

I'm not following 2013 as closely as I should probably.

A cursory glance at ESPN has us going after a top 60 SG (not a bad target considering the loss of C.J.), a couple SF’s (uh why? One of them is top 100 at least), another SG, a top 60 C (6’9", 275; that’s a big boy right there) and a 6’8" 205 PF.

Contributing Writer for Blogger So Dear, SBN's Wake Forest Blog

by SamuraiFoochs on Jan 15, 2012 4:19 PM EST up reply actions

Didn't see the game...

Haven’t watched one all season. Just get my news from the headlines on BSD. Thought I might check the comments on this post and my 2012 has been made. GTS IS BACK!!! Finally ,practicality has returned. I have been re-inspired to watch and comment.

Just had to add that.

jfizzle86... Go DEACS!!

by jfizzle86 on Jan 15, 2012 8:48 PM EST reply actions

Thanks!! I'm glad to see you're back too jfizzle!

by Grand Tanyon Sturtze on Jan 16, 2012 11:21 AM EST up reply actions

some people & commenters at BSD are eating quite a bit of crow now eh

by Grand Tanyon Sturtze on Jan 16, 2012 11:22 AM EST up reply actions

I'm not really sure who this is intended to be inflammatory towards but..

I don’t know why anyone would or should be eating crow that posts here whatsoever. For the most part I believe that as a community we have had very civil dialogue and discourse (with notable exceptions) in the past, in the present, and I hope that it continues in the future as well. I’m legitimately confused about who should be “eating crow” because we are all pulling for the same team and are entitled to hold our own opinions.

Thanks for the comments as always

Blogger So Dear

"Meet me on the Quad at midnight" Skip Prosser

by BJohnston on Jan 16, 2012 6:07 PM EST up reply actions

"Inflammatory"? Please, you are reaching terribly. Cálmate.

There was a debate that lasted a long time that we’re not getting into last time that resulted in about half of all the commenters here at BSD leaving, including JFizzle and I, which centered upon the direction of the team & the coach. This is a recap thread of a game where we lost 76-40. It’s fair game.

Don’t try to make this into something it’s not. If you want to mediate a “fight,” you’re going to have to look elsewhere to save a blog from a dispute. Curtains.

by Grand Tanyon Sturtze on Jan 16, 2012 6:58 PM EST up reply actions

I'm not looking to mediate any kind of "fight" whatsoever.

I was simply pointing out that making a statement in which you say “some people and commentators at BSD are eating quite a bit of crow now eh” is clearly an aggressive comment in which you are insinuating that you were correct at the expense of others being wrong.

Blogger So Dear

"Meet me on the Quad at midnight" Skip Prosser

by BJohnston on Jan 16, 2012 7:31 PM EST up reply actions

I missed this sooo much!

I don’t know GTS, but it does seem “inflammatory”, because it just heated up in here a little. We all are supporters of the same team, but it’s differences in opinion that make a “blog” a “blog”. Just relax a little man. There should be some crow eaten here. There were two sides of the Buzz fence, and we were all fairly divided. Until your original opinions or “hopes” if you will come to fruition… get to chomping. That’s just what sports are. For now, I don’t see why there is any need to take anything personal. I have learned that the guilty dog barks first and loudest. We have been very quiet for a long time, and aren’ trying to stir things. You shouldn’t either.

Let’s all just get along?

Classic. I love this

jfizzle86... Go DEACS!!

by jfizzle86 on Jan 16, 2012 7:42 PM EST up reply actions

I see what you mean Fizz

Although the phrase “eating crow” hardly ruffles feathers in common usage/out in the real world, I can see how, this being a sensitive area for some, it could be felt as overly disrespectful. Your last point’s also well-taken:

For now, I don’t see why there is any need to take anything personal

I hope others are on the same level as you. Thanks for the message, and for putting it the right way & correcting what I had assumed was a pretty benign phrase by recognizing the sensitive nature some may need in this forum. I respect that.

by Grand Tanyon Sturtze on Jan 16, 2012 7:56 PM EST up reply actions

Also +1

I have learned that the guilty dog barks first and loudest. We have been very quiet for a long time, and aren’ trying to stir things. You shouldn’t either.

Let’s all just get along?

by Grand Tanyon Sturtze on Jan 16, 2012 8:00 PM EST up reply actions

You're clearly looking to start something, so I'm just going to ignore you politely leave you be

Two peoples’ subjective belief that they were right about something that (along with other things, not going there) caused them and many others to leave the blog, and a comment that they think a 76-40 loss validates what they thought, with the words “eating crow,” is not acting remotely aggressive toward anyone or any group. Two persons’ opinion that they’ve been validated and others have been proven wrong in this particular game’s recap thread ≠ aggressive. Also way to stand up when someone called the dissent here “incessant wailers.” That was hardly aggressive, just disrespectful.

There’s no need for you to let your trigger finger get in the way of your judgment. If you thought it was overly disrespectful, I’d totally take it back. But don’t go off calling certain people aggressive because you don’t share their opinion and give others a free pass because you share theirs.

JFizzle’s right, and used the right language. People listen when you talk like that guy. He gave me the 411 without being inconsistent in his judgment and without using escalatingly loaded language/moving from “inflammatory” to “aggressive.” Take a page from his book.

by Grand Tanyon Sturtze on Jan 16, 2012 7:48 PM EST up reply actions

Well I apologize if I came across as being quick to my trigger

Given the way you carried yourself the last time you were on the website I was fast to judge I suppose.

Also for what it’s worth I was and always have been Buzzout, so I would consider myself to actually be somewhat more compassionate to your cause than some others might have been in the past (or will continue to be). I didn’t call out the guy who referred to “incessant wailers” because we don’t have a proven track record with his behavior being derogatory towards other members of the blog.

Blogger So Dear

"Meet me on the Quad at midnight" Skip Prosser

by BJohnston on Jan 16, 2012 8:05 PM EST up reply actions

All good

No worries. But a word of advice on the latter part..

I’d advise being consistent writ large instead of just calling out people you think have a “track record.” I understand a categorical of discrimination based on behavior, but categorical is categorical, categorical doesn’t mean “derogatory behavior counts when there exists a prior bad act,” it means across the board – if you are being derogatory, you’re being derogatory. Derogatory comments don’t become “derogatory” because of histories, derogatory comments are intrinsically derogatory without any preconditions.

So just a little potentially helpful friendly advice, you and others at BSD should call out people when they’re being bad straight-up instead of conditionally, otherwise it will be and sure will appear downright arbitrary when you do.

Again, all good with the earlier stuff. Go Deacs.

by Grand Tanyon Sturtze on Jan 16, 2012 8:41 PM EST up reply actions

@GTS

Man, I love having you on here. You’re an instigator, but I think it’s awesome. You’ve turned this site into a market place of ideas. This is coming from someone who disagrees with you entirely. I am probably the biggest Bzdelik apologist here although I’ve kept relatively quiet (I think). Anyways, I love reading these dialogues. I definitely check the site more than I did while you were away. I look forward to future jousting. Bzdelik for mayor!

Wake Forest University: Her sons, they are many, Unrivaled by any

by lets-go-dea-cons on Jan 17, 2012 2:10 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks for the props guys!

Amazingly, BSD has remained somewhat of a nest for the very small and continually shrinking column of Bzdelik fans/non-fans that are willing to gamble the program on him. Guys like Fizz & I hope to help alter that.

But remind some of your peers here to remedy their behavior lets-go-dea-cons! Fizz and I have only tepidly come back. BSD lost about 1/3 to 1/2 of its commenters, including Fizz & I, due to some glaring inconsistencies in the way that BSD has played hall monitor to conduct – for anti-Bzdelik commenters of times long ago, BSD was disturbingly eager to play sheriff in re: issuing warnings, ban-hammer threats, etc., but for pro-Bzdelik commenters, they could call us all sorts of names and not even a warning would be issued until people like Fizz, me, Screamin’ Demons, and 3-4 other guys called them out on it/bias. Nobody likes to be on the receiving end of a rude euphemism or treated like a second-class citizen because of their association w/a POV. The point of this all being, thank you for playing nice and not playing double-standards – I hope that you can spread this kind of ethic!!!

Anywho, as you can see, for a while now almost all comments have originated from the same small group of guys (I assume guys, I haven’t noticed any ladies speaking here, but gender diversity would be awesome too) w/essentially indistinguishable opinions on most things important. Not disparaging their opinions in situ. But in the aggregate, this kind of homogeneity brings along with it diminishing returns in terms of quality of conversation and a stale character. Fizz and I aim to change that a lil’ bit with a difference of opinion. I hope the others who left for the same reasons we did return like us too.

Thanks again for the props!

PS btw

“Bzdelik for mayor!”

hahahaha. Nice (but on the real, Bzdelik for mayor only if you’re looking to turn a metaphorical city into a ghost town). Go Deacs!

by Grand Tanyon Sturtze on Jan 17, 2012 3:42 PM EST up reply actions

You can say it as many times as you want, but 3/5 BSD contributors have been vehemently Anti-Bz since the beginning. It’s just your repetition and presentation that were problematic. Trust me, I hate the current situation as much/more than you and see little hope in the best case scenario.

by WakeJake on Jan 17, 2012 9:52 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs