An Explanation and an Apology

[Mitch]

In recent weeks I have been finding it harder and harder to ignore the consistent post bashings and ad hominems that I see not only on my own posts but on others'. In the past I have done my best to gloss over such comments and ignore them...but as Red said to his fellow inmates in the Shawshank Redemption, "every man has his breaking point."

I would like to make something clear about my own posts...while I do sincerely appreciate the positive feedback I receive...that does mean a lot to me and I thank all of you who take the time to show your appreciation...the last thing I expect or want is for evryone to agree with my positions. In fact, what I love about this board is that I learn as much from you as you learn from me...we talk through the issues together and usually we find that the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

What I do object to, though, is the disrespectful tone of some of the responses. When a poster takes the time to elaborate on his/her thoughts, it seems only fitting that he/she be treated with at least a modicum of respect.

I also object to posters who never or very rarely says anything positive or inherently respectful to another poster.

Lately I have been fighting fire with fire. I am not happy doing that, and it's not in character. I have been stifling this urge for years, whether you realize it or not. Thus, I would like to offer a sincere apology to md, shane, and canuck in particular and anyone else I may have fired back at.

I am going to show better judgement from now on.

It is my greatest hope that we can all learn to respect and appreciate each other...whether we generally agree or disagree with the issues.

ASFN is special place...because of ALL of you. And I should have been more mindful and cognizant of that. Thus I hope you can pardon me for my recent indiscretions.

Peace. Mitch

 

[BW52]

Mitch while i don`t agree with everything you write and at times i don`t see the rationale for some of your posts i and many others DO APPRECIATE the effort and time spent on them.Keep up the good work and keep posting.

 

[Krangodnzr]

Keep it up Mitch! Even though I don't always agree, your posts are entertaining and and enthusiastic!

 

[Garthshort]

Mitch, amen.

 

[SpokaneCardfan]

Thanks for your efforts . Your post are most appreciated.

 

[LittleDavis]

Mitch...I don't think you have any reason to apologize. You have been writing thoughtful analytical posts for some time. I get frustrated as well but this problem is across the board. There are people on here that look to point out grammatical errors, spelling errors, logical faux pas, and etc. I try not to pay attention but it is impossible not to want to defend yourself. Anyway, keep going Mitch.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Mitch - Word to the wise. Dont' take it so seriously my man. In everything in life there is going to be people who are on board with you and those who are not. This isn't war - its spirited debate.

This is the equivalent of talking sports with your buddy at the bar. And when they don't agree with you you don't throw a beer in their face and get upset do you?

We all have our touchpoints (i.e. me and Matty) and get heated when others challenge you but maybe take a step back and give yourself 10 minutes to post maybe.

As many have said - I don't always agree with you but I appreciate many of your view points and the obvious time you put in to these posts.

Just don't take it personally if someone takes a tone with you. Be the better man. Or even better be clever and make fun of them

 

[cardsfanmd]

That isn't an apology, it's an attempt to excuse your pathetically immature rudeness and lack of class. I saw this thread and said to myself, "good stuff, Mitch is gonna man up for being somewhat of an @$$ yesterday. True sign of a good person, admitting when they're wrong." Instead it was just more insults with a nice thread title.

Please explain to me how Shane's post in this thread that said "yup" made it at all excusable for you to attack him so personally. http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/f4/obviously-to-early-power-rankings-134373.html Is that "fighting fire with fire"? You are a sad individual. Gee would have been sent packing for a week over those insults.

 

[Pariah]

That isn't an apology, it's an attempt to excuse your pathetically immature rudeness and lack of class. I saw this thread and said to myself, "good stuff, Mitch is gonna man up for being somewhat of an @$$ yesterday. True sign of a good person, admitting when they're wrong." Instead it was just more insults with a nice thread title. You are a sad individual.

Please explain to me how Shane's post in this thread that said "yup" made it at all excusable for you to attack him so personally. Is that "fighting fire with fire"?

Dude, just let it go.

Who cares?

 

[cardsfanmd]

Dude, just let it go.

Who cares?

Good point, I'm done.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Apology???

Sounds more like an invitation to join "Mitch and the fawning Mitchettes".

I'll continue to question inconsistencies, leaps in logic and posts based on mind and body language reading through some sort of "Vulcan mind meld", Walter has going with his TV.

No apology needed because, no doubt, you'll be calling me - evil, malevolent and a waste of time and space, at some point.

 

[Mulli]

Apology???

Sounds more like an invitation to join "Mitch and the fawning Mitchettes".

I'll continue to question inconsistencies, leaps in logic and posts based on mind and body language reading through some sort of "Vulcan mind meld", Walter has going with his TV.

No apology needed because, no doubt, you'll be calling me - evil, malevolent and a waste of time and space, as some point.

truth hurts, sir.

 

[Captain Matt]

Mitch you have a deep line of credit in the bank of good judgement, level-headed thought, and fair treatment... I think we all will very easily forgive a moment of indescretion. And if anyone ever deserves the right to lash back at some negative comments its you.

I'm one of your biggest fans (even though I hardly ever comment about how much I appreciate your thoughts). Keep it up. This would be a dull place without you.

 

[DoTheDew]

Some people take it too far. There needs to be a better separation between constructive criticism or open debate, and personal attacks. I enjoy all of your posts personally Mitch, and while I don't always agree, I appreciate the forward and creative thinking, that at times may be just what this team needs.

 

[jefftheshark]

Apology???

Sounds more like an invitation to join "Mitch and the fawning Mitchettes".

I'll continue to question inconsistencies, leaps in logic and posts based on mind and body language reading through some sort of "Vulcan mind meld", Walter has going with his TV.

No apology needed because, no doubt, you'll be calling me - evil, malevolent and a waste of time and space, as some point.

Why not go for the Superfecta and get a racy avatar too?

Mitch might not appreciate the female form, but there are many here who do.

JTS

 

[Shane]

Its always good to know when someone doesnt think you are a "decent human being."

But hey whatever. Apology accepted.

 

[TJ]

I'm with AZ's Finest on this one. This is a forum geared towards spirited debates.

The great thing about these forums is that we all have a difference of opinion. If someone does not agree with your post, it doesn't mean your stupid, it just means they see things through a different lens. I think some people take it a little personally when there is a disagreement.

Imagine if we all agreed on everything on this forum. No one would visit.

 

[JeffGollin]

1. Kumbaya (I say this both tongue in cheek but also with more than a little seriousness).

2. Takes all kinds of Cardinal nut-cases to make a village. (From fearless forecasters to roster-wonks to "let's make a dealers" to homers to homer-haters to front-office bashers to front office apologists to casual fans to Madden 2010 geeks).

3. You all have a rightful place in Cardinal Nation.

4. To elaborate - I may come down on Mitch for being too "trade-happy" and may disagree with some of his viewpoints, but this doesn't mean I don't look forward to regularly reading him or respecting what he has to say. That goes for the other folks who may chime in with opposing views.

5. This board is kind of like a Fellini street scene with all kinds of bizarre characters (me included) doing their thing to form a kind of back-drop for the actual plot line (which in our case is "the eternal struggle by the Cardinals to get to - and win - The Super Bowl").

6. That's what makes it fun.

7. Suggest we all check our razors at the door, come in and watch the show.

 

[82CardsGrad]

truth hurts, sir.

And you sir are a genius!

 

[82CardsGrad]

For the record, I appreciate your posts Mitch. I'll admit that I did get a bit frustrated with your wild, daily pre-draft trade ideas... But hey, you were suffering from off-season/pre-draft mania... I see that you've gotten your meds and all is good!

Besides, your from Greenwich man... NOBODY from Greenwich is all that bad!!

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Why not go for the Superfecta and get a racy avatar too?

Mitch might not appreciate the female form, but there are many here who do.

JTS

I've got a bet going with Shane. If I win... I get the avatar, and, as you say - the Superfecta...

 

[CardLogic]

Excellent post, JG!

I agree with each and every point made!

This statement is pure genius:

This board is kind of like a Fellini street scene with all kinds of bizarre characters (me included) doing their thing to form a kind of back-drop for the actual plot line (which in our case is "the eternal struggle by the Cardinals to get to - and win - The Super Bowl").

And: mine is electric, the worst it can do is cause a little razor rash...

 

[Crazy Canuck]

truth hurts, sir.

Truth would...

 

[DemsMyBoys]

Mitch, I can appreciate what you said and I think you've shown a lot of character. Sometimes after I post I think, "Everybody knows so much more than I do they are going to think I'm an idiot". But you and everyone else make this board so compelling and, for me, educational, I keep doing it.

Now if you really want to get everyone's BP up, start a discussion about putting leashes on children. The people on the Disney boards make everyone here look like Ghandi.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

And you sir are a genius!

Well, that makes one...

Mitch, the avatar cop, no doubt... has a problem with yours.