My FOFC Pet Peeve

Ben E Lou · 03-23-2004, 12:15 PM

It isn't trolls.

It isn't the silly trout option on polls.

It isn't even "alot," "your" (for "you're"), or the other oft-used grammar errors.

It is this: It annoys me to *NO* end when I get a PM about something that could have been asked publicly.

Asking a question in private that could be posed to the board as a whole, where someone else could answer it just as well as I can, to me is very intrusive. I don't always have time to answer immediately, and I may forget to answer later on, but because you've asked the question via PM, no one else can help you out. If the question had been asked in the public forum, there are plenty of other people with just as much or more knowledge as me who could have answered the question. I'm not going to name names, but just glancing through a few PM's from the last few weeks, here are a few that really stand out:

Quote:

SkyDog,

I seem to remember a thread last week that had a link to a 50% deal on all EA games for a brief period.

I can't find the thread now, has it been closed? Was it some kind of shady deal?

I'm just wondering since I rented MVP Baseball and am on the fence about purchasing it. 50% off would certainly make it a slam dunk.

Even IF I had deleted the thread (or paid any attention to it whatsoever--which is doubtful if it had EA in the title), someone else could have told this person that. Surely it would have been noticed.

Quote:

hey Ben,

I know you don't coach your games, but do you watch them or just sim them. I'm a big fan of at least watching if not coaching games and was wondering if FBCB will still be fun if I'm only watching the games.

Well, considering that I said in my most recent post that I've only ever watched one single game from buzzer to buzzer, I'm not helpful. Post this one in public though, and you might get better answers.

Quote:

Hi SkyDog,

I remember reading a thread about rosters (you're the thread starter perhaps?) but am unable to search it back up.

It's about roster distribution (ie. how many QB, RB, FB etc. to carry) during the regular season.

Again, why rely on just my feeble brain? (Incidentally, I don't think I started this thread anyway, but I don't remember.) Someone else could help you out.

Quote:

Ben, quick question. When I hit recommend on the Defensive gameplan screens, it tends to put agressive run defense in the 90s and pass defense in the 50-60s. Against a pass oriented team, what should those numbers be, roughly?

What makes more sense--asking one man's opinion, or asking the whole board's opinion???

Quote:

Do you know much about gameplaning in FOF? IM new to the game and we started a mutli league not to long ago and im strugling on setting up gameplans. I have looked at the threads but I dont understand them fully. Like the WCO thread he has run settings at 50/75/50/25 etc I understand that, but then he has passing precentages like 4/10/40 etc I dont get that.

Any help would really be apprecaited, im somewhat lost.

I could go on, but I think you get the idea.

I'm not against using PM's. Most of the ones I get are definitely things that should be discussed privately. But, I think for the reasons listed above, I get annoyed to no end when I get a PM that could have been easily asked (and would have gotten a much better response) publicly. Just a request that folks think through what is being sent via PM.

wig · 03-23-2004, 12:18 PM

*wig hatches a new strategy*

SplitPersonality1 · 03-23-2004, 12:19 PM

Must resist urge to send SkyDog an inane PM. Must resist urge to send SkyDog an inane PM. Must resist urge to send SkyDog an inane PM.Must resist urge to send SkyDog an inane PM.........

Desnudo · 03-23-2004, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyDog

It isn't trolls.

It isn't the silly trout option on polls.

It isn't even "alot," "your" (for "you're"), or the other oft-used grammar errors.

It is this: It annoys me to *NO* end when I get a PM about something that could have been asked publicly.

Asking a question in private that could be posed to the board as a whole, where someone else could answer it just as well as I can, to me is very intrusive. I don't always have time to answer immediately, and I may forget to answer later on, but because you've asked the question via PM, no one else can help you out. If the question had been asked in the public forum, there are plenty of other people with just as much or more knowledge as me who could have answered the question. I'm not going to name names, but just glancing through a few PM's from the last few weeks, here are a few that really stand out:

Even IF I had deleted the thread (or paid any attention to it whatsoever--which is doubtful if it had EA in the title), someone else could have told this person that. Surely it would have been noticed.

Well, considering that I said in my most recent post that I've only ever watched one single game from buzzer to buzzer, I'm not helpful. Post this one in public though, and you might get better answers.

Again, why rely on just my feeble brain? (Incidentally, I don't think I started this thread anyway, but I don't remember.) Someone else could help you out.

What makes more sense--asking one man's opinion, or asking the whole board's opinion???

I could go on, but I think you get the idea.

I'm not against using PM's. Most of the ones I get are definitely things that should be discussed privately. But, I think for the reasons listed above, I get annoyed to no end when I get a PM that could have been easily asked (and would have gotten a much better response) publicly. Just a request that folks think through what is being sent via PM.

That must be tough on you're brain to have to read those alot. I suggest a poll to decide what to do.

Ben E Lou · 03-23-2004, 12:20 PM

Dola--

I hope no one misinterprets me that I don't *LOVE* talking game strategy, etc. I DO! It is just that I prefer not being *obligated* to answer your question, since you're asking it to just me. It is nice to be able to come to the board, see a question directed to "SkyDog, or anyone else who can help out," as see that someone else already helped out.

Ben E Lou · 03-23-2004, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wig

*wig hatches a new strategy*

stevew · 03-23-2004, 12:21 PM

Quote:

I seem to remember a thread last week that had a link to a 50% deal on all EA games for a brief period.

I can't find the thread now, has it been closed? Was it some kind of shady deal?

I'm just wondering since I rented MVP Baseball and am on the fence about purchasing it. 50% off would certainly make it a slam dunk.

I'll cop to deleting that 50% off thread that I started cause buy.com cancelled the deal. AFTER they told all their affiliates about it.

Ben E Lou · 03-23-2004, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevew

I'll cop to deleting this thread that I started cause buy.com cancelled the deal. AFTER they told all their affiliates about it.

There ya go. PERFECT example. The guy could have gotten a definitive answer very quickly had he asked it in public. Instead, he got

Quote:

I didn't close it, but I don't remember seeing it either.

from me.

heybrad · 03-23-2004, 12:26 PM

Hey Ben, quick question,

If a troll had a trout up his rectum, would that cause him to have alot of grammar errors?

I was going to ask just you, but maybe the whole board can help me.

HornedFrog Purple · 03-23-2004, 12:27 PM

So I take it someone sending you a PM asking questions regarding the emulation of the run-and-shoot offense in FOF would be a bad idea?

Ben E Lou · 03-23-2004, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HornedFrog Purple

So I take it someone sending you a PM asking questions regarding the emulation of the run-and-shoot offense in FOF would be a bad idea?

That might even be a bannable offense.

stevew · 03-23-2004, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HornedFrog Purple

So I take it someone sending you a PM asking questions regarding the emulation of the run-and-shoot offense in FOF would be a bad idea?

I dont think it works all that well. Tried it a couple times already

GrantDawg · 03-23-2004, 12:41 PM

So, what about the question I PM'd you? Am I supposed to ask in public whether you wear boxers, briefs, or go "commando?"

Ben E Lou · 03-23-2004, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

So, what about the question I PM'd you? Am I supposed to ask in public whether you wear boxers, briefs, or go "commando?"

There's nothing worse than a smart-aleck minister.

Oh, wait.....

KevinNU7 · 03-23-2004, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SplitPersonality1

Must resist urge to send SkyDog an inane PM. Must resist urge to send SkyDog an inane PM. Must resist urge to send SkyDog an inane PM.Must resist urge to send SkyDog an inane PM.........

ditto

Kodos · 03-23-2004, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

So, what about the question I PM'd you? Am I supposed to ask in public whether you wear boxers, briefs, or go "commando?"

That is just a silly question, and one which you already know the answer:

MikeVic · 03-23-2004, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kodos

That is just a silly question, and one which you already know the answer:

FBPro · 03-23-2004, 02:05 PM

Thanks for posting all my PM's to you in public.......

Maple Leafs · 03-23-2004, 02:14 PM

Of course, given that half the threads here immediately turn into either a.) tired, endless right vs. left debates, or b.) a string of inside jokes that haven't been funny in years... maybe it' s not so hard to believe that people would prefer the PM route when they're looking for a quick, simple answer.

Not that it would be any less annoying to the recipient, but it's understandable.

rkmsuf · 03-23-2004, 02:16 PM

Man, people love posting that photo...not that there's anything wrong with that...

Ben E Lou · 03-23-2004, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

Of course, given that half the threads here immediately turn into either a.) tired, endless right vs. left debates, or b.) a string of inside jokes that haven't been funny in years... maybe it' s not so hard to believe that people would prefer the PM route when they're looking for a quick, simple answer.

Not that it would be any less annoying to the recipient, but it's understandable.

I have found that when someone asks a specific question about a specific game, they get reasonable answers, and usually several good opinions.

korme · 03-23-2004, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

So, what about the question I PM'd you? Am I supposed to ask in public whether you wear boxers, briefs, or go "commando?"

http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/~fof/for...=boxers+briefs

Ryan S · 03-23-2004, 02:44 PM

That explains why you have over 1200 messages in your message box.

Senator · 03-23-2004, 02:48 PM

Ben, this might had gone over better in song.

your, you're, you are, yur - Thank God for speech writers.

Kodos · 03-23-2004, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

Oa string of inside jokes that haven't been funny in years...

Someone's trout must be going a bit too far "upstream" today...

Hurst2112 · 03-23-2004, 03:41 PM

Here's a thought, don't answer them.

The instances you gave sound pretty harmless and not worth complaining about. Most of them could be answered like:

"Sorry man, can't help you via a PM. You should ask the guys on the board via thread.

Have a nice day."

Shit, that took me about 20 seconds to write. It probably took longer than that to complain about it in this thread.

Isn't answering and handling PMs something that somebody in your power on this board must learn to do?

Oh, and here is some cheese.

Ben E Lou · 03-23-2004, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hurst2112

Here's a thought, don't answer them.

Isn't answering and handling PMs something that somebody in your power on this board must learn to do?

Oh, and here is some cheese.

As Ryan pointed out, I answer and handle *lots* of PM's, and I don't mind that at all. I am specifically speaking about the ones that it makes little/no sense to send to just me, or privately at all.

Hurst2112 · 03-23-2004, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyDog

As Ryan pointed out, I answer and handle *lots* of PM's, and I don't mind that at all. I am specifically speaking about the ones that it makes little/no sense to send to just me, or privately at all.

Understood.

Just a matter of opinion.

Senator · 03-23-2004, 03:47 PM

Operate computers in our hallowed halls

Fritz · 03-23-2004, 03:51 PM

suck it up big guy. You want to wear the big hat, you have to put up with some ring kissing.

Hurst2112 · 03-23-2004, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senator

Operate computers in our hallowed halls

I LOVE YOU

I am actually listening to that right now.

cthomer5000 · 03-23-2004, 03:54 PM

The only good canadians.

Fritz · 03-23-2004, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

The only good canadians.

bob and doug

Hurst2112 · 03-23-2004, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

The only good canadians.

Bryan Adams called...

wait, no he didn't.

JeeberD · 03-23-2004, 04:23 PM

Terrance and Phillip

JonInMiddleGA · 03-23-2004, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

The only good canadians.

Actually, I always thought Triumph was the less-successful-but- more-talented band of the pair.

Nothing against Rush, just thought Triumph was more enjoyable.

Hurst2112 · 03-23-2004, 05:16 PM

I really like triumph as well. Though my allegiance lies with Rush, Triumph has a shit load of really good songs under their belt.

Rik Emmett, I heard, is in partnership with the owner of LeStudio (where rush recorded some of their albums). I am not sure but I think he might own most of it now.

03-23-2004, 12:20 PM	#5
Ben E Lou Morgado's Favorite Forum Fascist Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Greensboro, NC	Dola-- I hope no one misinterprets me that I don't LOVE talking game strategy, etc. I DO! It is just that I prefer not being obligated to answer your question, since you're asking it to just me. It is nice to be able to come to the board, see a question directed to "SkyDog, or anyone else who can help out," as see that someone else already helped out. __________________ The media don't understand the kinds of problems and pressures 54 million come wit'!

03-23-2004, 12:27 PM	#10
HornedFrog Purple Hattrick Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Fort Worthless, Tx	So I take it someone sending you a PM asking questions regarding the emulation of the run-and-shoot offense in FOF would be a bad idea? __________________ King of All FOFC Media!!! IHOF: Fort Worthless Fury- 2004 AOC Deep South Champions (not acknowledged via conspiracy)

03-23-2004, 02:05 PM	#18
FBPro College Starter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SE	Thanks for posting all my PM's to you in public....... __________________ GM RayCo Raiders-est. 2004-2012 Charter member of the IHOF-RayCo GM GM Tennessee Titans PFL 2011-2014 GM Tennessee Titans FOWL 2020-2025

03-23-2004, 02:14 PM	#19
Maple Leafs Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2002	Of course, given that half the threads here immediately turn into either a.) tired, endless right vs. left debates, or b.) a string of inside jokes that haven't been funny in years... maybe it' s not so hard to believe that people would prefer the PM route when they're looking for a quick, simple answer. Not that it would be any less annoying to the recipient, but it's understandable. __________________ Down Goes Brown: Toronto Maple Leafs Humor and Analysis

03-23-2004, 02:16 PM	#20
rkmsuf Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2001	Man, people love posting that photo...not that there's anything wrong with that... __________________ "Don't you have homes?" -- Judge Smales

03-23-2004, 12:18 PM	#2
wig Banned Join Date: Jan 2004	wig hatches a new strategy

03-23-2004, 12:19 PM	#3
SplitPersonality1 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Grafton, WI	Must resist urge to send SkyDog an inane PM. Must resist urge to send SkyDog an inane PM. Must resist urge to send SkyDog an inane PM.Must resist urge to send SkyDog an inane PM.........

03-23-2004, 12:26 PM	#9
heybrad Norm!!! Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Manassas, VA	Hey Ben, quick question, If a troll had a trout up his rectum, would that cause him to have alot of grammar errors? I was going to ask just you, but maybe the whole board can help me.

03-23-2004, 12:41 PM	#13
GrantDawg World Champion Mis-speller Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Covington, Ga.	So, what about the question I PM'd you? Am I supposed to ask in public whether you wear boxers, briefs, or go "commando?"

03-23-2004, 02:44 PM	#23
Ryan S Quarterback Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: London, England	That explains why you have over 1200 messages in your message box. Last edited by Ryan S : 03-23-2004 at 02:44 PM.

03-23-2004, 02:48 PM	#24
Senator FOFC's Elected Representative Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: The stars at night; are big and bright	Ben, this might had gone over better in song. your, you're, you are, yur - Thank God for speech writers. __________________ "i have seen chris simms play 4-5 times in the pros and he's very clearly got it. he won't make a pro bowl this year, but it'll come. if you don't like me saying that, so be it, but its true. we'll just have to wait until then" imettrentgreen "looking at only ten games, and oddly using a median only, leaves me unmoved generally" - Quiksand

03-23-2004, 03:41 PM	#26
Hurst2112 College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Minneapolis	Here's a thought, don't answer them. The instances you gave sound pretty harmless and not worth complaining about. Most of them could be answered like: "Sorry man, can't help you via a PM. You should ask the guys on the board via thread. Have a nice day." Shit, that took me about 20 seconds to write. It probably took longer than that to complain about it in this thread. Isn't answering and handling PMs something that somebody in your power on this board must learn to do? Oh, and here is some cheese. __________________ http://www.myspace.com/longliveanalog Last edited by Hurst2112 : 03-23-2004 at 03:45 PM.

03-23-2004, 03:47 PM	#29
Senator FOFC's Elected Representative Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: The stars at night; are big and bright	Operate computers in our hallowed halls __________________ "i have seen chris simms play 4-5 times in the pros and he's very clearly got it. he won't make a pro bowl this year, but it'll come. if you don't like me saying that, so be it, but its true. we'll just have to wait until then" imettrentgreen "looking at only ten games, and oddly using a median only, leaves me unmoved generally" - Quiksand

03-23-2004, 03:51 PM	#30
Fritz Lethargic Hooligan Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: hello kitty found my wallet at a big tent revival and returned it with all the cash missing	suck it up big guy. You want to wear the big hat, you have to put up with some ring kissing. __________________ donkey, donkey, walk a little faster

03-23-2004, 04:23 PM	#35
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	Terrance and Phillip __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

03-23-2004, 05:16 PM	#37
Hurst2112 College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Minneapolis	I really like triumph as well. Though my allegiance lies with Rush, Triumph has a shit load of really good songs under their belt. Rik Emmett, I heard, is in partnership with the owner of LeStudio (where rush recorded some of their albums). I am not sure but I think he might own most of it now. __________________ http://www.myspace.com/longliveanalog

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