What would the Hangout be like if the Orioles were good, for once?

[Frobby]

Just daydreaming here. Let's say the O's were a pretty good team in 2012, and won 85 games or so. What would this place be like? Would people still complain just as much? Would remarks by the GM, manager and players get the same level of scrutiny they get now? Would the same posters be on the same sides of the issues?

[CA-ORIOLE]

Just daydreaming here. Let's say the O's were a pretty good team in 2012, and won 85 games or so. What would this place be like? Would people still complain just as much? Would remarks by the GM, manager and players get the same level of scrutiny they get now? Would the same posters be on the same sides of the issues?

They wouldn't complain as much for the first year. But people/fans are natually complainers and critics I guess.

[The Rick]

I think that there are tons of big picture posters here. So if we won 85 games next year, but weren't much further ahead in terms of developing into a consistent contender, I don't think too much would change. It would certainly be a little less dramatic, but I still think there would be lots of criticism and complaining to go around in terms of what still needs to be done.

[MrOrange82]

Just daydreaming here. Let's say the O's were a pretty good team in 2012, and won 85 games or so. What would this place be like? Would people still complain just as much? Would remarks by the GM, manager and players get the same level of scrutiny they get now? Would the same posters be on the same sides of the issues?

I think the bolded will always be true. There are a few posters who have shown themselves open to opposing opinions/mind-changing, but lots are simply entrenched.

[weams]

I think that there are tons of big picture posters here. So if we won 85 games next year, but weren't much further ahead in terms of developing into a consistent contender, I don't think too much would change. It would certainly be a little less dramatic, but I still think there would be lots of criticism and complaining to go around in terms of what still needs to be done.

There are, but for some of us, It would be nice if we were real good lets say twice in the next 20 years? I would like to celebrate a few more WS Championships. It would be real nice if Earl and My Dad could be in the parade.

[Sports Guy]

Way too many factors to know this answer.

[wildcard]

Busy, very busy. Tony would need a rake for his advertising revenue.

[GMU Orioles Fan]

Well many of you are fans of other teams in other sports. So, I'd use that as my measuring stick since I think fans regardless of team choice act pretty much the same when it comes to winning and losing. I think people would be more optimistic but at the same time we would be expecting more out of the FO if they won 85 games since that puts us between 5-10 games of contending. Now, if we were perennially successful like the Yankees or Red Sox have been in the past fifteen years then I'd think you'd see attitudes of entitlement development where a division title but first round playoff exit would be seen as a bad year. Hopefully 2012 is the year we break the losing streak. It's been too long. I got a kid brother who's never witnessed an Orioles winning season and the Yankees I think have as much pennants in my lifetime as the O's have winning seasons.

[bobmc]

Just daydreaming here. Let's say the O's were a pretty good team in 2012, and won 85 games or so.
1. What would this place be like?
2. Would people still complain just as much?
3. Would remarks by the GM, manager and players get the same level of scrutiny they get now?
4. Would the same posters be on the same sides of the issues?

1. Ebullient, back slapping euphoria as we continue to stay above .500.
2. Not so many negative posts for a while but like SOSH, the negative nellies will still rip PA a new one and diss DD, Buck and Andino playing everyday.
3. Yes and no. GM yes and players and manager not so much because DD is the new kid on the chopping block.
4. A resounding yes - SG slinging morons, Trea spending confederate $$$ and wildcard drinking the koolaid (it's a joke guys! :D)

But boy, it will be sweet (takes another drink from the sippy cup)!

[El Gordo]

If we finished with 85 W's people would be complaining that if we had just been willing to sign Prince we could've been a contender.:laughlol:

[weams]

1. Ebullient, back slapping euphoria as we continued to stay above .500.
2. Not so many negative posts for a while but like SOSH, the negative nellies will still rip PA a new one and diss DD, Buck and Andino playing everyday.
3. Yes and no. GM yes and players and manager not so much because DD is the new kid on the chopping block.
4. A resounding yes - SG slinging morons, Trea spending confederate $$$ and wildcard drinking the koolaid (it's a joke guys! :D)

But boy, it will be sweet (takes another sip from the sippy cup)! The everybody dancing thread would get a sticky.

[BilboBaggins]

Just daydreaming here. Let's say the O's were a pretty good team in 2012, and won 85 games or so. What would this place be like? Would people still complain just as much? Would remarks by the GM, manager and players get the same level of scrutiny they get now? Would the same posters be on the same sides of the issues?

People would be a lot nicer, I believe.

One of the reasons that it feels as if everyone is at each other's throats is because we have nothing positive to build on.

I've spent time on SOSH and the River Ave message boards and they complain about things like "how to approach the playoffs" and "whether or not CC can get his 20th win after 3 days rest" whereas we argue about people not liking a mediocre GM or if the owner has a revenue stream he won't use (when it's obvious that PA has money to burn).

We don't know how to discuss winning because we haven't been supporting a winning team in recent years. Instead, we snipe about nothing and break into useless virtual factions.

I look forward to the day when the Orioles become winners for many reasons, one of the biggest reasons is to see how this board evolves.

[bobmc]

The everybody dancing thread would get a sticky.

That's what we're talking about!

[weams]

If we finished with 85 W's people would be complaining that if we had just been willing to sign Prince we could've been a contender.:laughlol:If we did it without the round mound of revolutionary sound, he would be right. Just that the next season, we would have a hard time winning sixty, becaus we would have to sell off all our assests to make payroll.

[weams]

People would be a lot nicer, I believe.

One of the reasons that it feels as if everyone is at each other's throats is because we have nothing positive to build on.

I've spent time on SOSH and the River Ave message boards and they complain about things like "how to approach the playoffs" and "whether or not CC can get his 20th win after 3 days rest" whereas we argue about people not liking a mediocre GM or if the owner has a revenue stream he won't use (when it's obvious that PA has money to burn).

We don't know how to discuss winning because we haven't been supporting a winning team in recent years. Instead, we snipe about nothing and break into useless virtual factions.

I look forward to the day when the Orioles become winners for many reasons, one of the biggest reasons is to see how this board evolves.I actually disagree with this post quite a bit. This is a much more reasonable place with better folks than SOSH. And new folks here are welcomed. Not shunned.

[jonesing4pie]

The bigger question is what would Baltimore be like? The city is so die-hard with the Ravens and it is amazing. If the Orioles could have just 75% of the amount of interest fans have in the Ravens the city would be insane during the summer. I know baseball is a different sport but it would be great. Also, I don't consider anyone who has lost interest in the Orioles a fair weather fan. Yes the fair whether fans leave when you lose but many good and average fans leave when you're bad for as long as we have been.

[Can_of_corn]

There would be a deluge of free accounts running around in circles spouting nonsense.

Of course the half a dozen keepers we would get out of them would make it worthwhile.

Game threads would be huge and full of rep.

[weams]

There would be a deluge of free accounts From Boston IP addresses running around in circles spouting nonsense.

Of course the half a dozen keepers we would get out of them would make it worthwhile.

Game threads would be huge and full of rep. And we would have a seventh new statue. Dan Duquette.

[clapdiddy]

I actually disagree with this post quite a bit. This is a much more reasonable place with better folks than SOSH. And new folks here are welcomed. Not shunned.

I think this is a "reasonable" place because I think O's fans, even when things are going well are less uptight than Red Sox/Yankees fans. I think it's geographical.

[eb45]

Look at the Ravens forum.

[The Rick]

Busy, very busy. Tony would need a rake for his advertising revenue.

I would love for Tony to reap the rewards he deserves for this web-site.

[bobmc]

I actually disagree with this post quite a bit. This is a much more reasonable place with better folks than SOSH. And new folks here are welcomed. Not shunned.

Farmboy (http://forum.orioleshangout.com/forums/showthread.php/116346-We-passed-on-Cole-Kimball) bids adieu....:rolleyes:

[BilboBaggins]

Farmboy (http://forum.orioleshangout.com/forums/showthread.php/116346-We-passed-on-Cole-Kimball) bids adieu....:rolleyes:

Exactly.

I spent a day last week trying to prove that I wasn't a previous poster under a new name.

I really believe it has to do with what you say, not how you say it.

If the Orioles were good, we wouldn't be tearing into each other from time to time.

[BilboBaggins]

I actually disagree with this post quite a bit. This is a much more reasonable place with better folks than SOSH. And new folks here are welcomed. Not shunned.

Have you seen some of the arguments around here?

During my time as a lurker, I've seen the following:

a) An argument over someone referring to Andy MacPhail as Andy "MacFart."

b) Posters attacking Jtrea81 for anything he says, even if it's not completely crazy talk.

c) Camps of posters mocking other posters because of their lack of knowledge of sabermetric principles.

d) One group calling another group "negative" and those people referring to the former as "kool aid drinkers."

I'll say here and now that the OH is one of the best MLB forums in the country, but we do have the stigma of supporting a losing squad and the disagreements can be petty and illogical.

[DrungoHazewood]

Just daydreaming here. Let's say the O's were a pretty good team in 2012, and won 85 games or so. What would this place be like? Would people still complain just as much? Would remarks by the GM, manager and players get the same level of scrutiny they get now? Would the same posters be on the same sides of the issues?

Depends on how they got there. If they signed Fielder to an 8/200 deal, signed a couple pretty good pitchers for over-the-top O's-taxed contracts, traded Machado/Schoop for somebody like Votto... well, they'd be pretty well set up for failure in the future, and they only won 85 games this year, I'd be unyielding in my criticism. If instead they won with a bunch of international signings, young kids, talent that Duquette traded for, basically doing stuff the right way and overachieving, I'm sure I'd be a fanboy.

[andrewochs615]

Id be so happy if they won 85 games id buy everyone in this thread a beer.


Ok please don't hold be too that :)

[eb45]

Depends on how they got there. If they signed Fielder to an 8/200 deal, signed a couple pretty good pitchers for over-the-top O's-taxed contracts, traded Machado/Schoop for somebody like Votto... well, they'd be pretty well set up for failure in the future, and they only won 85 games this year, I'd be unyielding in my criticism. If instead they won with a bunch of international signings, young kids, talent that Duquette traded for, basically doing stuff the right way and overachieving, I'm sure I'd be a fanboy.

Yep. Winning 85 games using the Tampa or Texas method would be great. Winning 85 games with the New York or Boston method would not be good.

[jiminnj]

We would have to do something about Cindy. She would soon surpass SG for most posts. All of them about how she luvs every O. :D

[BilboBaggins]

We would have to do something about Cindy. She would soon surpass SG for most posts. All of them about how she luvs every O. :D

I wonder if she would continue to get a free pass if she were a guy?

[blid]

The long-suffering fans here would be resentful of all the so-called bandwagoners flooding in.

[Barnaby Graves]

Orioles Talk (784 Viewing)
Anything Orioles


Last Post:

Would 10/200 sign Fiel...
by JTrea81

[sangar]

Id be so happy if they won 85 games id buy everyone in this thread a beer.


Lets make this one a sticky. :beerchug1:

[bobmc]

Lets make this one a sticky. :beerchug1:

And if Beerer (http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch/2011/11/orioles-sign-beerer-to-minor-league-deal.html) makes the squad at any point this year, I'll buy.

[sangar]

And if Beerer (http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch/2011/11/orioles-sign-beerer-to-minor-league-deal.html) makes the squad at any point this year, I'll buy.Hey, when are you coming back? There is a place on the Redondo Beach pier with FANTASTIC fish tacos. :)

[scOtt]

Just daydreaming here. Let's say the O's were a pretty good team in 2012, and won 85 games or so.

1. What would this place be like?
2. Would people still complain just as much?
3. Would remarks by the GM, manager and players get the same level of scrutiny they get now?
4. Would the same posters be on the same sides of the issues?

1. Deer in the headlights because it's been so long. "Pinch me I'm dreaming!" :D

2. Mostly.

3. Absolutely the same amount of scrutiny. It's what we do here.

4. I think mostly the same people would be the same. A few would chnage. For example, Moose and Sean. I don't think they're inherently negative (no, not even Sean... :p ) I think they're just finished with the current losing ways. If we saw REAL change, REAL improvement I think those type of posters would be happy and positive about it.

[sakata_catching]

Exactly.

I spent a day last week trying to prove that I wasn't a previous poster under a new name.

I really believe it has to do with what you say, not how you say it.

If the Orioles were good, we wouldn't be tearing into each other from time to time.
Same style. Same substance. Same strawman rhetoric. Same kvetching on the same pet topics (groupthink, board factionalism, "losing culture," etc.). Same martyr complex. And probably the same IP address.

If you're not MSK, I'll eat my ornithologically correct hat.

[scOtt]

Same style. Same substance. Same strawman rhetoric. Same kvetching on the same pet topics (groupthink, board factionalism, "losing culture," etc.). Same martyr complex. And probably the same IP address.

If you're not MSK, I'll eat my ornithologically correct hat.
Oh suuurrrrrrrrreeee! Now that you probably already have a shiny new Cartoon Bird hat.

[BilboBaggins]

Same style. Same substance. Same strawman rhetoric. Same kvetching on the same pet topics (groupthink, board factionalism, "losing culture," etc.). Same martyr complex. And probably the same IP address.

If you're not MSK, I'll eat my ornithologically correct hat.

This again? :rolleyestf:

You really are grasping here.

Did MSK sneeze in your cheerios?

[Gurgi]

It would be just amazing. The only time that has been close was the first two months of 05. We were on top of the league and I was in heaven. Then Palmerio burned a piss test and a two ton weight fell on our team.

[sakata_catching]

Did MSK sneeze in your cheerios?
Au contraire, I'm glad to have you back, MSK. At least half my rep over the years has come at your expense.:cool:

[weams]

Hey, when are you coming back? There is a place on the Redondo Beach pier with FANTASTIC fish tacos. :)I need to join you guys there.

[weams]

Au contraire, I'm glad to have you back, MSK. At least half my rep over the years has come at your expense.:cool:You know they will check on that IP thing. It may be short lived.

[Dodt85]

mostly complaints of not getting tickets due to bandwagon fans .

[Hooded Viper]

It would be like the Ravens forum only magnified because of the larger amount of fans. There would be fighting, complaining and strategizing but it would all be in great fun, because of the great product on the field. Hopefully there is a time when both franchises are doing great and it will be quite a nervana not only here but in Baltimore as well!!

Oh and note to BilboBaggins...stop whining dude!

[TGO]

You know they will check on that IP thing. It may be short lived.

Yeah but he moved across the country IIRC. Different ISP = different IP address.

[xKHx]

Frobby check out the ravens threads. You would have people saying, "If Buck stops winning then he will lose the club house." You would have people complaining if in game management scratches the wrong side of their cup in the second inning. You will still have the, "why did he pull my favorite starter out too soon." You will still have the rest Matt Wieters more crowd. You will have people always wanting more wins/play off victories and people telling you how they should do it.

I do think you would have a bigger crowd of Orioles fans posting positively about the O's though.

[jiminnj]

Just daydreaming here. Let's say the O's were a pretty good team in 2012, and won 85 games or so. What would this place be like? Would people still complain just as much? Would remarks by the GM, manager and players get the same level of scrutiny they get now? Would the same posters be on the same sides of the issues?

Frobby, if you really want to know this, go back and read the threads from June 2005 up to the 19th or so. We were 14 games above .500 on June the 19th. My guess is you will find a lot of euphoria, a bunch of doubters (they were right), some complaining but a lot less than we see now. Mazzilli was a genius to most in early June 2005. Me, I was enjoying the cruise on the good ship Loolipop, little realizing we were about to strike a reef and be cast adrift in a lifeboat. I am still waiting to be rescued.

[MarylandAaron]

The forum would probably have like twice the activity it does now. There would probably also be an overwhelmingly positive vibe from most of the posts (although there would be some negative ones as well). Only bad thing would be that there would be alot of bandwagoners on here.

[BilboBaggins]

Yeah but he moved across the country IIRC. Different ISP = different IP address.

What does it say about you guys that you make it such an issue that a past poster has a new handle?

I'm not MSK, but I find this borderline wacky.

Are you this guy's biographer?

[weams]

Yeah but he moved across the country IIRC. Different ISP = different IP address.

See, I am completely out of the Loop. I did, however, spend much of my time as a kid in Memorial Stadium. I touch the foul pole evey time I walk into Camden Yards.

[weams]

What does it say about you guys that you make it such an issue that a past poster has a new handle?

I'm not MSK, but I find this borderline wacky.

Are you this guy's biographer? It's A ban-able offense. Not my rules. The Boss Man's. I happen to fully support them.

[weams]

What does it say about you guys that you make it such an issue that a past poster has a new handle?

I'm not MSK, but I find this borderline wacky.

Are you this guy's biographer?

Most people who have gotten banned have eventually been welcomed back after some time and thought. No so much with people who try to evable the plus premium.

[sakata_catching]

What does it say about you guys that you make it such an issue that a past poster has a new handle?
What does it say about you that you'd repeatedly create sock puppet accounts to welch on a lost bet?

[BilboBaggins]

What does it say about you that you'd repeatedly create sock puppet accounts to welch on a lost bet?

Uhm. Right.

:slytf:

[jets4ever]

Just daydreaming here. Let's say the O's were a pretty good team in 2012, and won 85 games or so. What would this place be like?

In a word......

Shocked!!!

[Dipper9]

Just daydreaming here. Let's say the O's were a pretty good team in 2012, and won 85 games or so. What would this place be like? Would people still complain just as much? Would remarks by the GM, manager and players get the same level of scrutiny they get now? Would the same posters be on the same sides of the issues?

Look at the Ravens threads for your answer to this question. Harbaugh and Flacco have made the playoffs every year here, have won a bunch of road playoff games, have a 67% winning percentage, and currently sit at 7-3 and leading the AFC North again, and YET people still criticize and over-analyze and act like we stink.

So in other words, there would still be complaining, it would just be different complaining.

[PaulFolk]

Look at the Ravens threads for your answer to this question. Harbaugh and Flacco have made the playoffs every year here, have won a bunch of road playoff games, have a 67% winning percentage, and currently sit at 7-3 and leading the AFC North again, and YET people still criticize and over-analyze and act like we stink.

So in other words, there would still be complaining, it would just be different complaining.What he said. I'm always amazed how people can be so consistently negative about a team as successful as the Ravens...or really, any winning team. A fan base will always find something to complain about, no matter how good the team.

[Hank Scorpio]

What he said. I'm always amazed how people can be so consistently negative about a team as successful as the Ravens...or really, any winning team. A fan base will always find something to complain about, no matter how good the team.

It's why people love professional sports. People loooooooooove to second guess & complain.

[Skeletor]

We would still complain. We demand excellence.

[Moose Milligan]

I used to say that if the Orioles ever won a World Series, people here would be whining that we did it in 6 games instead of 4.

[sangar]

Yeah but he moved across the country IIRC. Different ISP = different IP address.If he brought his computer with him then there is the MAC address.

[LookinUp]

We would still complain. We demand excellence.

At 85 wins, we'd still have plenty to complain about.

At 95 wins, we'd still have plenty to debate (re: trade deadline, offseason, long term contracts, etc.).

Why would I come to this site if I didn't want to read and debate this stuff? Also, why would 85 or 95 wins automatically mean everything's hunky dory? Look at the Patriots. They've generally been very well-run, but they've made some incredibly bone-headed moves with draft picks lately. They make mostly good moves with them, but it's never perfect.

[Icterus galbula]

What does it say about you guys that you make it such an issue that a past poster has a new handle?

I'm not MSK, but I find this borderline wacky.

Are you this guy's biographer?


So tell us who you are then. You wrote this


I signed up years ago


At this point I don't care if you are MSK or not. I have my suspicions, but I only really know that you are trying to cheat the 500 post system with this Bilbo name.

[BilboBaggins]

At this point I don't care if you are MSK or not. I have my suspicions, but I only really know that you are trying to cheat the 500 post system with this Bilbo name.

If I'm still around by the time I get to 500 posts, I will gladly pay whatever it costs as long as its not too expensive.

All this silliness is exactly what I'm talking about. We've jacked Frobby's thread because some of you have a weird obsession with "outing" past posters and I've foolishly indulged your suspicions by defending myself.

We've got people here digging into my electronic footprint. Really guys?

Nothing else to do with your time eh?

[Spoonless]

Nothing else to do with your time eh?Considering how much time some people spend on the forums, probably not. And let's not pretend that running some cursory searches is significantly time-consuming.

[Tony-OH]

Same style. Same substance. Same strawman rhetoric. Same kvetching on the same pet topics (groupthink, board factionalism, "losing culture," etc.). Same martyr complex. And probably the same IP address.

If you're not MSK, I'll eat my ornithologically correct hat.

Whether he is or not, and only he truly knows, he's not coming from the same computer or IP addresses on any of his logins between the two, so there is nothing we can do. If he's truly going through that much just so he doesn't have to pay the $35.95 a year than God bless him.

Let's drop the accusations now.

[OrioleMagic]

Whether he is or not, and only he truly knows, he's not coming from the same computer or IP addresses on any of his logins between the two, so there is nothing we can do. If he's truly going through that much just so he doesn't have to pay the $35.95 a year than God bless him.

Let's drop the accusations now.

I am more curious about Trea and Strawdawg... :slytf:

[Tony-OH]

I am more curious about Trea and Strawdawg... :slytf:

Nope, different people.

[BilboBaggins]

I am more curious about Trea and Strawdawg... :slytf:

:cussing:

*smacks palm to forehead*

:p

[OrioleMagic]

I guess OH has grown to the point where we have our own version of political parties... It's not just one person spouting the same rhetoric or "party line". LOL

[Nigel Tufnel]

Going by a link he posted, this guy (http://www.kickstarter.com/profile/brandoneaston) is MSK. Not sure if that helps.

[BilboBaggins]

Going by a link he posted, this guy (http://www.kickstarter.com/profile/brandoneaston) is MSK. Not sure if that helps.

That's not me.

But, again, paranoia and suspicion run deep around these parts don't they?

You've got folks digging into old posts by banned members. You've got another guy digging up old links. You've got others doing electronic surveillance on me.

All for what? To discuss the Orioles, or to be generally unwelcoming and clannish?

This is crazy.

[Frobby]

That's not me.

But, again, paranoia and suspicion run deep around these parts don't they?

You've got folks digging into old posts by banned members. You've got another guy digging up old links. You've got others doing electronic surveillance on me.

All for what? To discuss the Orioles, or to be generally unwelcoming and clannish?

This is crazy.

Personally, I couldn't care less if you are MSK, or not. If you've got something useful to say about the Orioles, I am all ears. Go for it.

[Spoonless]

You've got others doing electronic surveillance on me. :laughlol:

[BilboBaggins]

I guess OH has grown to the point where we have our own version of political parties... It's not just one person spouting the same rhetoric or "party line". LOL

Be careful talking about "board factionalism" or else they'll accuse you of being Albert Belle or Jeffrey Maier or maybe even Bob Irsay.

I thought we were allowed to express different opinions about the Orioles? Frobby's main point is illustrated herein. If we were doing well as a team and organization, would there be cyber witch hunts whenever someone new appears and happens to say something that the majority don't like?

Since I've signed up, I've been called a martyr and "bet welcher" and a "sock puppet" and never once did these people understand that I am not MSK or whomever they believe I am.

To say I am angry would be a bit much, but befuddled and disappointed would cover it. I just want to be online with Orioles fans, not get into stupid debates over nothing.

[Tony-OH]

Be careful talking about "board factionalism" or else they'll accuse you of being Albert Belle or Jeffrey Maier or maybe even Bob Irsay.

I thought we were allowed to express different opinions about the Orioles? Frobby's main point is illustrated herein. If we were doing well as a team and organization, would there be cyber witch hunts whenever someone new appears and happens to say something that the majority don't like?

Since I've signed up, I've been called a martyr and "bet welcher" and a "sock puppet" and never once did these people understand that I am not MSK or whomever they believe I am.

To say I am angry would be a bit much, but befuddled and disappointed would cover it. I just want to be online with Orioles fans, not get into stupid debates over nothing.

Maybe you can start doing that by ignoring this kind of stuff and focus on Orioles talk? You do seem to have some pretty strong opinions about this board for a guy with 68 posts. The guy you are accused of being is from California, as are you, although your IP addresses don't match. The way you paint the board in broad brushes is similar to the poster you are being accused of being and the way you are making yourself out to be victim here is pretty reminiscent as well.

This might all be one big coincidence, but the way you can get past it and start talking Orioles baseball to ignore the posts saying you are someone else and stop painting the board with generalities. We can't [prove you are the same guy and honestly, I'm not really going to spend a lot of time trying to figure it all out. We don't appreciate people who try and get around the 500 post rule and neither do a lot of our paying members. If you are truly new to the board, then welcome. If you have interesting things to add to the conversations you will be welcomed by the community, if you don't, or you try and broad stroke the board by claiming it's not inviting, then you will find this place pretty non-inviting. It really is that simple.

[Spoonless]

While I think the accusations are a bit over-the-top, it's not as if this behaviour is unique to the Hangout. Your posts displayed syntax and sentiments that are very close to those utilized by the poster MSK, and pretty unique amongst Orioles Hangout posters. Given how he behaved on the board, a reappearance under a new name would not be out of character at all, and so it's understandable that when a new poster shows up, posting in a very similar manner while claiming to have joined years ago and referencing past board conversations, veteran OH members would draw a connection.

Anyway, any time someone joins a well-established (internet) community, there is typically a transition period. The questioning of your identity is something that I've seen on many, many message boards over the years and has relatively little to do with the status of the Orioles franchise. If the team was a perpetual contender and a new poster showed up and was very similar to a long-vanished board member, it would be inquired after.

I'd say "don't take it personally," but I know that can be difficult. I suggest you stick it out. Whether or not people agree with your opinions, dissenting views are good to have expressed and can lead to great conversations.

[BilboBaggins]

Maybe you can start doing that by ignoring this kind of stuff and focus on Orioles talk?

Which I had done by posting info about Roch and bench depth and discussing some of Amber's ideas on free agency. This happened in this thread mainly.

I've been reading the site for many years and decided to join up after my time on the Sun boards as I had said in my earliest posts here. If I make it to 500 posts and I have the desire to do so, then I will happily pay whatever membership fee is required of me. However, the attitude I've gotten is a bit off-putting as I am sure you can understand.

Don't you believe its a little strange for people to go out of their way to be so uninviting?

[Tony-OH]

Which I had done by posting info about Roch and bench depth and discussing some of Amber's ideas on free agency. This happened in this thread mainly.

I've been reading the site for many years and decided to join up after my time on the Sun boards as I had said in my earliest posts here. If I make it to 500 posts and I have the desire to do so, then I will happily pay whatever membership fee is required of me. However, the attitude I've gotten is a bit off-putting as I am sure you can understand.

Don't you believe its a little strange for people to go out of their way to be so uninviting?

Well, I don't follow every thread nor do I really pay attention to every disagreement unless they start to break rules or a post is reported to us, so I really can't say that people are going out of their way to be uninviting. Every single one of the posters on this site were new at some point and every day we gain new posters who improve the community in some way. I've seen people come in and rack up rep points very quickly by making outstanding posts and I've seen others who come on here and mix it up right off the bat and things don't go as smoothly.

It's ok to have a differing opinion on any subject, but entering a new online community is just like moving into a real community or new job. If you state your opinions and then back them up with stats and facts, you will fit in well. If you come in and start telling everyone they are uninviting and full of factionalism than I'm guessing things are not going to go as well.

People can call it what they want, but one of the things I'm most proud of in regard to this community is how much pride they take in it and how willing they are to defend it against untrue accusations. At the end of the day, your actions will determine how inviting this community is towards you.

[BilboBaggins]

If you come in and start telling everyone they are uninviting and full of factionalism than I'm guessing things are not going to go as well.

Peoples can call it what they want, but one of things I'm most proud of in regard to this community is how much pride they take in it and how willing they are to defend it against untrue accusations. At the end of the day, your actions will determine how inviting this community is towards you.

Fair enough.

I believe that when I responded to Frobby's question, I said something that hit a nerve and drew comparisons to another poster's belief system. I'm fine with providing facts or supporting my statements if this can be done with the benefit of the doubt. Meaning allowing me to establish my presence here without unnecessary accusations and posturing.

I've no issue with anyone here. Why would I? Let's just move on and talk Orioles baseball.

[Barnaby Graves]

Apparently, if the Orioles were good, we would be lobbing baseless accusations over pointless internet drama.

Which is still better than drafting Matt Hobgood so I'll take it.

[BilboBaggins]

Apparently, if the Orioles were good, we wouldn't be lobbing baseless accusations over pointless internet drama.

Which is still better than drafting Matt Hobgood so I'll take it.

Fixed that for you. :)