Before I started reading, I expected use of the TSL Ban Hammer to be very much threatened.

Instead, Will simply and calmly laid out his case, and asked for feedback. I answered all of the poll questions, and hope everyone reads it and participates in the poll.

Sports are an escape for many, and a cash cow for a few people and entities. Whenever money is involved, things take on a whole new dimension. The game you might merely enjoy, means livelihoods to some.

As fans, without a financial stake (unless by way of donations to VT), we miss sports, but can do without them.

("Blasphemy!", cried out 1hokies1.)

Greater issues than football, are topics of often heated discussions right now. Considering the situation, this is not a shock. I commend Will for his patience, and a somewhat relaxing of the rules.

One of the hardest things to do, when discussing something with someone who might totally disagree with you, is to avoid attacking the speaker - especially if someone does it to you first. It takes a great discipline, to not be drawn into the muck.

One great thing about discussing things in this format, as opposed to face to face, is you can step back from the keyboard, take time to think, type then wipe it away, and start over. Nobody sees your drafts, just your eventual post. I find that to be a very good thing.

So, in this format, you do not feel pressure to "break the silence" while you contemplate a response. Overall, this makes for much better discussions.

And yet, most of us, certainly including myself, at least sometimes, fail to use the advantage of this format. (Or, maybe you find yourself *wanting* to attack or counterattack another poster on a personal level, so it is done purposefully.)

To sum it up - Will is allowing some leeway, in these uncertain times.

Let's use it wisely. And, one last thought...

Drinking and posting, can lead to some 'fatal' threads and conversations. I have done so, and suspect several to many others reading this have as well. Hard habit to break, but a good thing to avoid.

[Post edited by No_Limit_Hokie at 07/24/2020 4:24PM]