Tom, Women's BB forum?

[Max Rebo]

That is 100% false. I said I would evaluate things after a month, which I will do. But, the message I received today (not asking for feedback from on3, but something our owner posted to all pubs today) was they would like us to do away with all free forums if possible. I am going to go go bat to see if we can keep something, but it might end up out of my hands. Time will tell.

I have tried to be transparent and fair with you, but the responses and attitude of, he's just not going to do it is not accurate or fair. I have been honest with you from the beginning and will continue to be. Just because you don't get what you want when you want it doesn't mean I already decided what was going to happen.

At this point, you might as well shut down the free boards. It’s clearly become too difficult to moderate them effectively -- a task that demands a rare mix of skill, energy, and probably a touch of insanity -- none of which seem to be present in the current infrastructure.

Interestingly enough, there were rumors before the On3 merger that the free boards were going away. The rumors were fueled, at least in part, by comments made by On3 ownership. But as the merger occurred, we were assured that this would not be the case for this board. I believe the direct quote was, "Posting here is 100% free and will remain that way." I have a recollection of at least one poster being called a liar for suggesting otherwise.

Yet here we are.

Perhaps the age of the free message board is over. So be it. Might as well let it die, right along with the concept of "amateur athletics." I just hope I can keep listening to free podcasts ... the most recent HR.com podcast with Dochterman was excellent, btw.

 

[He took my handle :(]

Yeah imagine having to read a thread title before clicking on it. The humanity.

So what exactly are you bltching about then?

 

[Burghawk87]

So what exactly are you bltching about then?

Your inability to read it appears.

 

[Bunsen82]

That is 100% false. I said I would evaluate things after a month, which I will do. But, the message I received today (not asking for feedback from on3, but something our owner posted to all pubs today) was they would like us to do away with all free forums if possible. I am going to go go bat to see if we can keep something, but it might end up out of my hands. Time will tell.

I have tried to be transparent and fair with you, but the responses and attitude of, he's just not going to do it is not accurate or fair. I have been honest with you from the beginning and will continue to be. Just because you don't get what you want when you want it doesn't mean I already decided what was going to happen.

What is false, I said you didn’t want to create a women’s forum, and you are now stating it’s because of your boss ie your hands are tied again. Why was rivals bought out if the goal was to get rid of free boards. You implied earlier your boss wanted rid of the free boards meaning you already knew the likely direction, and that’s likely the reason you never created the board.

You told us in the transition free boards would stay, nothing would require subscription, 2 all posts threads would transfer over. So call me pessimistic on a womens basketball free boards, when nothing that’s has been promised has occur and the free boards are being threatened to be eliminated.

 

[KyleHuesmann]

I don't want to start another pissing match because this thread already has that but the way you worded those two sentences make it sound like you have the ability to keep free forums but don't necessarily want to. In which case whatever, but I'll be damned if I pay extra to read hot takes on the interweb.

A hot take is a random fan/person posting their opinion.

We are allowed to interview players and coaches multiple times throughout the offseason and after every game during the season. We talk to local and national sources for other important info.

We give well informed opinions, not hot takes.

 

[Cidhawkeye]

What is false, I said you didn’t want to create a women’s forum, and you are now stating it’s because of your boss ie your hands are tied again. Why was rivals bought out if the goal was to get rid of free boards. You implied earlier your boss wanted rid of the free boards meaning you already knew the likely direction, and that’s likely the reason you never created the board.

You told us in the transition free boards would stay, nothing would require subscription, 2 all posts threads would transfer over. So call me pessimistic on a womens basketball free boards, when nothing that’s has been promised has occur and the free boards are being threatened to be eliminated.

I wouldn’t start that forum just because of you and your whining.

 

[Hawx224]

Not sure why but seems like there’s more animosity between posters and staff than there was on the old site

 

[Manfredi]

Not sure why but seems like there’s more animosity between posters and staff than there was on the old site

probably because on the old site the forums weren't moderated.

 

[Anon1751457816]

Just a purely curious question - what are the economics of 'free' vs paid eyeballs in terms of advertising? I'd have to imagine there is some estimate for how much site traffic would decrease if everything went paid, which would seem to negatively impact advertising. Are 10 'free' users worth as much in advertising revenue as the paid revenue generated from one paid user, for example?

 

[Zach Jump]

Are 10 'free' users worth as much in advertising revenue as the paid revenue generated from one paid user, for example?

Not even close...maybe a couple thousand regular free users could equal the revenue of one paid member.

I obviously have no knowledge of how they get all their advertisers...but do know from when I ran websites advertisers would pay far more to advertise to paying members over free users.

 

[Burghawk87]

A hot take is a random fan/person posting their opinion.

We are allowed to interview players and coaches multiple times throughout the offseason and after every game during the season. We talk to local and national sources for other important info.

We give well informed opinions, not hot takes.

Is every thread on the paid board started by one of the staff? I never said you guys give hot takes, but there's plenty of them through the paid avenue as well. And in the end this is sports so if my free time wasting site gets shuttered then so be it.

 

[alaskanseminole]

That is 100% false. I said I would evaluate things after a month, which I will do. But, the message I received today (not asking for feedback from on3, but something our owner posted to all pubs today) was they would like us to do away with all free forums if possible. I am going to go go bat to see if we can keep something, but it might end up out of my hands. Time will tell.

I have tried to be transparent and fair with you, but the responses and attitude of, he's just not going to do it is not accurate or fair. I have been honest with you from the beginning and will continue to be. Just because you don't get what you want when you want it doesn't mean I already decided what was going to happen.

Can you provide the owner's contact information so we can start berating him with phone calls and emails?

 

[Bunsen82]

Not sure why but seems like there’s more animosity between posters and staff than there was on the old site

Personally, the transition has been very poor, a month later and none of the posts have been transferred over - their initial timeline was 2 weeks. Kakert said there would be no charges on the boards and they would retain the free boards, now twice has stated they may go away, and aluded to that is the real reason they are not creating a womens board. My issue is things ran well on the other board, they gave the womens board a chance and it ran well. Here it appears they are just creating roadblocks, then threatening to pull the free boards. At no point did any administrator take that approach on the old boards. Even Kakert when he ran them. Personally its a much more aggressive approach, and creates more animosity and people pushing back. Yes I have pushed back, primarily because I could see from the beginning he had no intention of creating a womens board.

 

[SB_SB]

Personally, the transition has been very poor, a month later and none of the posts have been transferred over - their initial timeline was 2 weeks. Kakert said there would be no charges on the boards and they would retain the free boards, now twice has stated they may go away, and aluded to that is the real reason they are not creating a womens board. My issue is things ran well on the other board, they gave the womens board a chance and it ran will. Here it appears they are just creating roadblocks, then threatening to pull the free boards. At no point did any administrator take that approach on the old boards. Even Kakert when he ran them. Personally its a much more aggressive approach, and creates more animosity and people pushing back. Yes I have pushed back, primarily because I could see from the beginning he had no intention of creating a womens board.

I know TK won’t say it as it would be a bad look so I’ll say it. Please leave and find another free board to complain about.

 

[Bunsen82]

I know TK won’t say it as it would be a bad look so I’ll say it. Please leave and find another free board to complain about.

So you support TK not giving the full truth? He posted here free boards had been asked to be removed. On the off topic boards he said nothing had been asked or requested. So which one is it? Look its a free board and he is an administrator. He can remove me if he wishes. These aren't difficult questions on my end.

 

[nu2u]

So you support TK not giving the full truth? He posted here free boards had been asked to be removed. On the off topic boards he said nothing had been asked or requested. So which one is it? Look its a free board and he is an administrator. He can remove me if he wishes. These aren't difficult questions on my end.

I read his statement and explanation as follows: no intent to change forums which are now free but adding another free forum (WBB) will be a battle. I could be wrong, it is a little murky.

 

[Bunsen82]

I read his statement and explanation as follows: no intent to change forums which are now free but adding another free forum (WBB) will be a battle. I could be wrong, it is a little murky.

"our owner posted to all pubs today) was they would like us to do away with all free forums if possible. I am going to go go bat to see if we can keep something, but it might end up out of my hands."

I understand his statement he has posted since, but that means he grossly exaggerated the possibility of removing all the free boards. Or he was just trying to threaten me to make me be quiet?

 

[nu2u]

"our owner posted to all pubs today) was they would like us to do away with all free forums if possible. I am going to go go bat to see if we can keep something, but it might end up out of my hands."

I understand his statement he has posted since, but that means he grossly exaggerated the possibility of removing all the free boards. Or he was just trying to threaten me to make me be quiet?

Either way, just let it play out. No use bursting an artery over a potential action not yet decided.

 

[Bunsen82]

Either way, just let it play out. No use bursting an artery over a potential action not yet decided.

Seems like a pretty big threat though . . . the question is what is factual. His earlier post or the most recent toned down post.

 

[SB_SB]

So you support TK not giving the full truth? He posted here free boards had been asked to be removed. On the off topic boards he said nothing had been asked or requested. So which one is it? Look its a free board and he is an administrator. He can remove me if he wishes. These aren't difficult questions on my end.

All I know is that the boards are free and they’re here. If they go away, they go away. TK owes me nothing because I pay for nothing.

 

[SB_SB]

Seems like a pretty big threat though . . . the question is what is factual. His earlier post or the most recent toned down post.

You’re taking this way to personally that you’re taking it as a threat.

 

[Bunsen82]

You’re taking this way to personally that you’re taking it as a threat.

You are saying it wasn't? In that initial post he says all boards have been asked to do away free forums, its basically in his hands to try to decide whether to fight and save them or not. Thats what I got out of the post.

 

[Tom Paris]

At this point, you might as well shut down the free boards. It’s clearly become too difficult to moderate them effectively -- a task that demands a rare mix of skill, energy, and probably a touch of insanity -- none of which seem to be present in the current infrastructure.

Interestingly enough, there were rumors before the On3 merger that the free boards were going away. The rumors were fueled, at least in part, by comments made by On3 ownership. But as the merger occurred, we were assured that this would not be the case for this board. I believe the direct quote was, "Posting here is 100% free and will remain that way." I have a recollection of at least one poster being called a liar for suggesting otherwise.

Yet here we are.

Perhaps the age of the free message board is over. So be it. Might as well let it die, right along with the concept of "amateur athletics." I just hope I can keep listening to free podcasts ... the most recent HR.com podcast with Dochterman was excellent, btw.

Yes. America continues to be nothing is worth having unless someone can make money off of it. I will not pay anymore for stuff that has been free. It’s not like I am anywhere near as passionate about Iowa sports as I was up until college kids started getting paid more than me. So if Tom’s boss says we have to pay for the privilege of posting here, I will sadly be done. (Well, bye. gif)

 

[KarlRamrahd]

@Bunsen82 and @Franisdaman

 

[Tom Paris]

All I know is that the boards are free and they’re here. If they go away, they go away. TK owes me nothing because I pay for nothing.

Right, but losing or having to pay for things/community that one has been a part of for 25 years sucks. If we don’t have it, that will be a blow to a lot of us. We’re a big old dysfunctional family but we care about each other, generally. It would be a big hole to fill for many of us. Again, a quarter century. Do you ever see the reactions by board members when long time posters die? It’s always a feeling of loss. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Anon1751457816]

No sense in complaining about something that is free. If you don't like something that is free, don't use it.

 

[iThinkiWill]

No sense in complaining about something that is free. If you don't like something that is free, don't use it.

Never look a gift horse in the mouth.

 

[hawksfan2025]

We’re a big old dysfunctional family but we care about each other, generally. It would be a big hole to fill for many of us. Again, a quarter century. Do you ever see the reactions by board members when long time posters die? It’s always a feeling of loss. Just my 2 cents.

 

[TomKakert]

Personally, the transition has been very poor, a month later and none of the posts have been transferred over - their initial timeline was 2 weeks. Kakert said there would be no charges on the boards and they would retain the free boards, now twice has stated they may go away, and aluded to that is the real reason they are not creating a womens board. My issue is things ran well on the other board, they gave the womens board a chance and it ran well. Here it appears they are just creating roadblocks, then threatening to pull the free boards. At no point did any administrator take that approach on the old boards. Even Kakert when he ran them. Personally its a much more aggressive approach, and creates more animosity and people pushing back. Yes I have pushed back, primarily because I could see from the beginning he had no intention of creating a womens board.

Thats just not true. In fact I was actually leaning towards asking if we could get one until I saw what was said internally last week. Im going to look into and see what can and cannot happen. Hopefully you will appreciate the effort instead of looking for reasons to rip me at every turn.

 

[TomKakert]

So you support TK not giving the full truth? He posted here free boards had been asked to be removed. On the off topic boards he said nothing had been asked or requested. So which one is it? Look its a free board and he is an administrator. He can remove me if he wishes. These aren't difficult questions on my end.

Im being completely honest with you all along this last month. When I said nothing has been asked or requested what I am talking about is a specific request from On3 to remove the free forums here. It was simply "suggested" internally not to have them, but ultimately its up to me for our current setup. I don't see any reason to remove anything. Adding is unknown because I have not asked yet.

 

[Cidhawkeye]

Seems like a pretty big threat though . . . the question is what is factual. His earlier post or the most recent toned down post.

In this world pretty much everyone has to answer to someone. Someone runs this board(TK), someone owns this board(on3). The person running the board has a lot of influence on how it is run, but if the owner of the board decides that they want to change the format of the board the person running the board can lobby against it, fight it, argue it, etc. but ultimately the owner makes the call. Taking that as a 'threat' seems silly to me. If on3 say the free boards go away, no exceptions then they go away. A threat would be 'if you don't quit your pissin and moanin like a two year old about a women's BB board then I am going to take the free boards away'
That would be a threat. Your 'squeaky wheel' approach won't get that type of response. TK has been far more patient with your approach than I would have been. I probably would have started a Women's BB forum and then banned your IP address. I am guessing there are a few things going on behind the scenes that none of us are aware of. Were you ever a part of a software change? Let's just say the next one that goes off without a hitch will be the first one. Mix in some decaf and practice some patience.

 

[Max Rebo]

Thats just not true. In fact I was actually leaning towards asking if we could get one until I saw what was said internally last week. Im going to look into and see what can and cannot happen. Hopefully you will appreciate the effort instead of looking for reasons to rip me at every turn.

Might I humbly suggest that if it’s a matter of the number of free boards the On3 brass can stomach, you get rid of the Off Topic board and add WBB. After all, this is supposed to be a Hawkeye sports website, not a politics/free-for-all website.

Though I suppose there would be folks who would rage against that move as well.

When I was a young newspaper reporter (yes, I spent a good chunk of my professional career in the news media), my publisher had a quote hanging behind his desk that said, “There are three things which no man can do to the entire satisfaction of everyone: make love, poke the fire, and run a newspaper.”

Perhaps that quote could be modernized for the 21st century to add the phrase, “run a sports message board.”

 

[SB_SB]

You are saying it wasn't? In that initial post he says all boards have been asked to do away free forums, its basically in his hands to try to decide whether to fight and save them or not. Thats what I got out of the post.

How is that a threat? It's a statement. A better response would be, thanks TK for trying to save the boards.

 

[SB_SB]

Right, but losing or having to pay for things/community that one has been a part of for 25 years sucks. If we don’t have it, that will be a blow to a lot of us. We’re a big old dysfunctional family but we care about each other, generally. It would be a big hole to fill for many of us. Again, a quarter century. Do you ever see the reactions by board members when long time posters die? It’s always a feeling of loss. Just my 2 cents.

Agree 100%, I've been around since the Superhawkeye days. I will be upset if these boards go away but I certainly won't blame TK.

 

[TomKakert]

Might I humbly suggest that if it’s a matter of the number of free boards the On3 brass can stomach, you get rid of the Off Topic board and add WBB. After all, this is supposed to be a Hawkeye sports website, not a politics/free-for-all website.

Though I suppose there would be folks who would rage against that move as well.

When I was a young newspaper reporter (yes, I spent a good chunk of my professional career in the news media), my publisher had a quote hanging behind his desk that said, “There are three things which no man can do to the entire satisfaction of everyone: make love, poke the fire, and run a newspaper.”

Perhaps that quote could be modernized for the 21st century to add the phrase, “run a sports message board.”

Fair point. My retort would be one of the things I try to keep off the Iowa forums is political stuff and having an OT board gives them an outlet because some folks can't control that urge. But I get and respect your point.

 

[SB_SB]

Fair point. My retort would be one of the things I try to keep off the Iowa forums is political stuff and having an OT board gives them an outlet because some folks can't control that urge. But I get ans respect your point.

You are totally right, the other boards would become OT for sure.

 

[Franisdaman]

Not even close...maybe a couple thousand regular free users could equal the revenue of one paid member. I obviously have no knowledge of how they get all their advertisers...but do know from when I ran websites advertisers would pay far more to advertise to paying members over free users.

* No wonder the On3 CEO wants to get rid of all free forums

* For just Iowa Rivals, how many years of free posting was there? And think of all of the data that they are trying to transfer to this site.

 

[Franisdaman]

Yes. America continues to be nothing is worth having unless someone can make money off of it. I will not pay anymore for stuff that has been free. It’s not like I am anywhere near as passionate about Iowa sports as I was up until college kids started getting paid more than me. So if Tom’s boss says we have to pay for the privilege of posting here, I will sadly be done. (Well, bye. gif)

I am guessing Gronowski is our highest paid Football/MBB player. You don't make more than $1.3 million/year?

 

[fivecardstud14]

the

He's trying so hard to be funny. The effort is there! Won't somebody laugh with Karl? He's giving it all he's got...laugh with him, damnit!

 

[TomKakert]

Despite what several folks in this thread believed, today I put in a request to add a women's basketball forum here. I do not know if or when it will happen. Will let you know when I know, but the request to the tech side has been made.