20 Mar 2026 14:20:20
Eds I'm sorry and I hope I don't cross the line here.
It genuinely feels like the site has lost its ability to host proper debate and discussion without people getting upset.
What is the site actually for? Are we not allowed to have opinions anymore? Are we not allowed to have robust debate?
That's what brought me here in the first place. People could put their views across, others would challenge them, and we'd go back and forth. Sometimes you'd dig your heels in. Other times and this is important you'd actually have your opinion changed I have many times because someone made a point you hadn't considered. That's what debate is. That's what made this forum good.
What's changed?
If someone thinks a player isn't worth their salt, why shouldn't they be allowed to say that? That's football discussion. It's not abuse it's opinion. And if something genuinely crossed the line, the Eds wouldn't post it. There are safeguards in place.
This growing idea that everyone has to agree, or that disagreement equals a "pile-on, " isn't healthy. It shuts conversation down. Debate requires differing views otherwise it's just an echo chamber.
Healthy forums thrive on disagreement handled respectfully. Once people start mistaking disagreement for hostility, the quality of discussion drops. And that would be a real shame, because debate, discussion, and even rumours are the whole point of being here in the first place.
If we can't challenge each other's views without someone feeling attacked, then we've lost something that made this place worth logging into.
Just a thought!
20 Mar 2026 15:46:39
I have to agree Stig. ✌️ ? ??
20 Mar 2026 15:51:21
For a massive error on my part, I agree, Stig. I have apologized on numerous threads to you.
I cannot change the past.
20 Mar 2026 16:05:08
Is it like that, Stig?
I've had loads of back and forths with all sorts on here. Sometimes I've been proved right (not often), sometimes I've been proved wrong (more often), but that's it, and I still read bits from posters I've had debates with that I completely agree with.
I do sometimes see people that say they're not posting anymore or are stepping back for a while, but that's usually just down to how they're feeling, so it is up to them. Totally agree about the right to an opinion, as that's what makes a debate.
20 Mar 2026 16:17:33
Aphe,
I only saw your posts shortly after I shared mine.
This wasn't directed at you personally, but at the forum in general.
We need more healthy, constructive debate, proper back-and-forth discussions, instead of petty arguments.
Bazbear, that's why I said.
Sometimes you'd dig your heels in.
Other times, and this is important, you'd actually have your opinion changed. I have many times, because someone made a point you hadn't considered.
This is what the site is great for.
Sometimes it's spoiled by really silly arguments that are really over nothing more than spilt milk.
20 Mar 2026 16:25:19
Stig, I agree, my friend.
I know I can be one of the worst, I know I have had periods of not thinking straight over the last year, and I am annoyed with myself about that.
I really enjoy the well natured debates, and I think you provoked a fantastic one earlier.
Unfortunately, I have made errors of judgement due to my own headspace, which has frustrated me, especially when I have felt I was turning a page.
20 Mar 2026 16:42:19
Don't worry about it, she happens to us all.
20 Mar 2026 16:57:15
Respect is a two way street, but some set out to undermine that and cause friction.
20 Mar 2026 17:31:04
Stig great post
I completely agree. The whole point of a forum like this is the back-and-forth; there's no shame in having your views challenged. In fact, some of the best discussions I've had here involve someone raising a point I hadn't considered, leading to a genuine attempt to persuade one another. That isn't a "pile-on": it's just a proper football debate.
While I may not always agree, I accept that fans should be able to critique performances or tactics without being labeled hostile. By the same token, I will continue to provide my own rebuttals, as engaging in that exact type of debate is why we're here.
As long as we don't cross the line into abuse (which is what the Eds are there to manage), we should be able to disagree robustly. A healthy forum thrives on diverse perspectives, not just everyone nodding in agreement to avoid ruffling feathers. If we lose the ability to challenge each other, we lose the main reason for logging in.
Hopefully, we can get back to that, as healthy debate does seem to have become a bit of a sensitive issue lately.
20 Mar 2026 17:29:07
Who's the "She", Storm, so I have someone to blame? ?
20 Mar 2026 17:35:21
Aphe
We're all guilty of it over time mate myself included many times.
Poor Ed's I feel sorry for ?
20 Mar 2026 18:00:06
Aph, don't let it get to you, mate. We all have our days, well, apart from that bugger Parlane; he's always perfect. ? Hope you're well, Parly. ?
20 Mar 2026 18:07:43
Kasier, I thought I put "it", but just blame my wife; that's what I do.
20 Mar 2026 18:16:54
Think you meant ?, did u not. ?