Just for clarity POPEYE and to stop rumours, it was me that deleted your first post about a new forum. I do not know you and have nothing against you and your views but there are a couple of reasons why this has been done.
The main reason is that your original comments were incorrect. This forum is completely independent from the football club, in fact if the club had their way this forum would be shut down and that is why the link no longer appears on the main site. Just recently, it has been suggested that the forum should be closed or certain members to be banned but it was unanimously decided that this would never happen, and the suggestion is just ludicrous because it is an independent forum.
Over the years I have been as outspoken and critical of players and management as anyone on here and certainly not everyone's "cup of tea" but despite this I am a moderator, and that should say something about this forum? I have no secret agenda, I have no reason to defend anyone at the club and I will say exactly what I feel, whether it upsets people or not. All the moderators have different thoughts and feelings on how things are run but NONE are lead by DW or the club. Believe me if we were a lot of people would be banned or it would be closed down.
The other reason is quite simply why should this independent forum advertise another independent forum? A lot of people spend a lot of time and effort running this and just think its a little disrespectful to them. I do think this is a fair forum giving an incredibly wide range of views but I have no doubts that the new forum has been started up for one reason and one reason only, hence why I deleted the link. If you want to advertise you can do it on face book, twitter or private message every member but not on here.
Every forum has to have moderators otherwise it would be like the wild west, and whether you like it or not you have to respect their decisions. I don't always agree with all the comments on here the same way a lot of people do not agree with mine but everyone is entitled to their opinion on this forum as long as it does not become nasty, rude and personal and that is why the moderators have never edited or deleted posts in the past.
John you are way off the mark here, itv advertise on sky and sky advertise on itv, so why shouldn't a link to another forum appear on here. With live in a democracy so people will post on the site which they feel most comfortable with. Some will post on both, I have read the other forum and I don't see your problems with a link being posted, unless you don't like what has been posted on there. Everytime at present a mention of new owners and a possible bid, an attempt to deflect people away is made, ie my banning, the thread on here, and there is thread on the other forum that mentions this. I also add it wasn't until I had sent my question to Steve regarding the chairmans forum, that a ban on questions for those not present was made.
The supporters of this club have a right to know the truth, and what is going on why did it take 4 months to hear about budget cuts, as admission prices are still the same.
Chris, I'm not sure you can compare ITV and Sky to our forums as I'm sure a few million pounds is behind their decision to advertise but that's being petty.
All I will say is you are right, the supporters do have a right to know whats going on in a lot of cases, but not all. So why don't you confront DW on match day and speak to him? The same way people judge you, I always make an effort to speak to you on match day and see and hear a different side at times so why don't you do the same? You can then make up your own mind whether you feel he is being honest, or has the clubs best interests at heart or not.
To be honest - yes the supporters do have a right to know what's going on but that should be by asking the Chairman or directors. Any club announcement should be made by the main website, not this forum. This forum is for debating issues certainly but I think Chris that you are searching for answers in the wrong place. Nothing here has ever been done to deflect people, that's just another one of your many conspiracy fantasies I'm afraid. Bans have only ever been made when forum rules are broken. Yes - anyone can join any forum they like but I don't see why the moderators have to advertise another forum at all. Especially given the contemptible bile that some of their posters put on about posters on this forum under hidden names. Cowardly in my opinion. Agree with John that you should talk to the chairman rather than base your opinions on what others tell you.
-- Edited by Pat on Sunday 1st of February 2015 09:17:03 PM
For the record, I am 100% behind this forum and those who run it. I totally support the views of John and Pat. I don't want to spark off another spate of internal argument but the simple question is this: Why didn't those who appear dead set to criticise the forum, the club and the Chairman at every turn bother to turn up at the Chairman's (well advertised) forum a week or two ago and put their grievances face to face? Yes we all want the club to be in a much much better place than the one in which we are in just now, but really can't we simply try to pull together?
For the record, I am 100% behind this forum and those who run it. I totally support the views of John and Pat. I don't want to spark off another spate of internal argument but the simple question is this: Why didn't those who appear dead set to criticise the forum, the club and the Chairman at every turn bother to turn up at the Chairman's (well advertised) forum a week or two ago and put their grievances face to face? Yes we all want the club to be in a much much better place than the one in which we are in just now, but really can't we simply try to pull together?
I totally agree .... is it any wonder other club forums like Worthing think we are in total melt down when they read what is being said on this forum ?? Even I am confused at times, as i was under the impression this is a Hastings SUPPORTERS forum, yes I fully understand that there is going to be controversy and a difference of opinion at times, and even questions that we would like answers to ... and that is what makes a forum healthy. But the guys on the pitch need to know we are behind them, the manager and the club as a whole, for them to 1, perform to there best, and 2, want to stay. let's face it .. if all you ever here is moaning and shouts of abuse why would you want to put it in ? Infact why would you want to stay ?
Thankfully the majority of the supporters are behind the players and club all the way. However there is a divisive element that seems to be the same few over opinionated, self important, bile spitting trolls, that no matter what is happening or who is in charge, are only too happy to try find fault and cast aspersions. enough is enough guys !!
Pat you say hear hear well said, to someone who is posting offensive remarks under an assumed name, something you apparently despise, don't think your double standards are very impressive at all. On the subject of speaking to the chairman I honestly don't trust myself too keep a cool head and I might say something I might regret. So best to avoid I think.
Chris if you click on dead balls username you will see that in fact Darren has actually made his name available for all to see, so there is no attempt to hide behind an assumed name unlike some of the posters on here.
Seriously Chris? Is that the best you can come up with? I think if you look up the definition of a Troll in the Internet sense you may see that differently. Why would you not trust yourself with the chairman? Are you not even able to ask a question in a rational adult manner?
I think you should concentrate on discussing football matters without constantly trying to wind people up.
So Chris, what part of you thinks it's acceptable to vent across constant criticism and slag things off behind a computer screen? Scared? Because you 'wont keep a cool head'? What a pathetic excuse!!! Hiding behind s computer screen, shameful!
