<john.blake@clara.co.uk> wrote:

>As RD says, there is something odd about UKSF.

Yes, I've noticed that. Most folk here are polite, intelligent, witty,
and let's not deny it...quite handsome (it's all relative you
understand). Sure there's always the odd "joker" who pops in for a
couple of days and makes a tit of themselves by top-posting, quoting
entire messages when unnecessary, spouting the usual shit about
loving/hating a particular team/player, and seems totally oblivious to
normal codes of conduct. They can't understand why they don't fit in,
blame the newsgroup and move on to greener pastures which in turn
don't suit their particular idea of green and again move on ad
infinitum.

What UKSF has in common with every newsgroup or mailing list I've ever
subscribed to is the odd posters that whine about a lack of content
that _they_ wish to discuss, yet for some inexplicable reason never
seem to themselves. The subsequent barrage of self-righteous bandwagon
jumpers often have difficulty pointing to more than two posts that
they've contributed in the last six months or more.

What it basically boils down to is that these whiny types are looking
to be entertained. Sure you might argue that they're here for facts,
stats, and in depth tactical analysis of last night's Worthington Cup
action, but if they don't want to participate in same I wonder why
they don't just visit a web site where someone else has done all the
work for them...there's plenty out there.

UKSF like most groups is a dynamic entity which reflects what its
_contributors_ give to it. If strictly football topics don't get as
much of an airing as you'd like it's likely because the majority of
readers can't be arsed. You have the power to change that if you want
to...and don't give me any of that "if I do the clique picks on me"
crap. Surely there's enough thick-skinned, hard-nosed football only
posters out there capable of having a discussion or two without
succumbing to the wiles of the regulars' attempts to entice them into
their seedy underworld. Or perhaps not...

Finally, before anyone comes over all "it's a football newsgroup for
football people" I'd suggest you take a gander at the FAQ which quite
plainly states that in this group you are likely to encounter a number
of urbane chaps and chapettes who may discuss a range of other topics
and lists a number of alternative groups to explore should this not be
the group for you. It really is an excellent read...put together by a
fine group of people who care a lot.

I'm not having a go at you in particular John...it's more of a general
ignorant rant. Though I will look forward to the great swag of footie
related posts you're about to unleash upon the group.

--
Dat