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The Unwritten Rules of the COYS Saints and Sinners Board


By COYSDC Limited
January 6 2015

There has been some debate about what is, and is not acceptable on the Saints and Sinners message board of ComeOnYouSaints.com. In order to clarify some of the whys and wherefores of the site, we produced some time ago a list of "do's and don'ts” for the site. This not something we have felt the need to revisit, as we are dealing with a (mostly) adult reader/postership, but events of the last few months lead us to believe that it would be useful for some people to know where the boundaries are.

 

 

The UNWRITTEN rules of COYS Saints & Sinners Message Board

These rules are not prescriptive, exhaustive, or even mandatory, but the site does need to protect itself from any legal action. So imagine the following to be like a good contract. Read it once, and then file it away, with hopefully no need to ever to return to it!

 

Why is this site not Facebook?

 

COYS was originally set up on the old GeoCities web services and was taken into the Rivals organization by the founder, Chris Gleadell. The business model for Rivals very soon became untenable, and Durham Associates, a PR and Marketing Communications company, set up Sportnetwork and offered a home to the sites that had been on Rivals and widened the network to include many other sport’s sites. It is now the largest Network of unofficial supporters sites in the U.K. with the fastest growing sports-based web portal serving over 10 million page impressions per month (and growing) to more than 500,000 unique users – offering a perfect advertising and sponsorship platform for brands looking for a young, sport-mad, male marketplace. Click here to open a new browser window to visit the site.

 

When the founders of ComeOnYouSaints decided to step back, a not-for-profit company – COYSDC Limited - was set up and shares offered to raise the capital to buy them out and ensure that the site moved forward. The current board comprises:

 

Jonathan Stockham

Tim Empson

Wilma Thomson

Phil Hollis

 

 

The role of COYS is to publish a News-Based discussion board, which in turn helps to generate the revenues to keep the Network viable. COYS is usually at or near the top of the Rugby sites, which is why our requests for articles and previews/reviews are so important.

 

This is the current leader board for the rugby network (January 2015)

Site Views Visitors
Comeonmylovers.co.uk 25278 2743
ComeOnYouSaints.com 20291 1960
DrunkenWasps.com 19588 1709
TheLeicesterTigers.co.uk 14277 1231
The Craic www.londonirish.org 13696 1271
ComeAllWithin.co.uk 12658 1571
bristolrugby.net 11327 1169
TheSaracens.com 10556 1258
Comeonyouwarriors.co.uk 9540 1103
SaleRugby.co.uk 7893 1152

 

 

 

The Saints and Sinners Board on this Network has been in use for over 15 years. It is not connected with the recently set up  “Saints Sinners" group on Facebook.

 

We have a Facebook presence for emergency communications - it can be found here

 

The (un)written COYSDC rules

 

  •              There is such a thing as free speech, but only if you're prepared to pay the legal bills. Postings of a libelous or inflammatory nature will be removed. This applies to messages about players, opposition, referees, other posters, etc. It's best to say "I think Player Y is better than Player X because..." rather than just "Player X is useless." (Criticism should always be constructive with basis in fact as the poster sees it) “IHMO” is a good rule of thumb as a starting point for such posts.

 

             Good-humoured banter can be expected from all quarters. If you feel something is offensive, or have any complaints, report it to an administrator at once.

 

             Please keep any pictures in messages (including signatures) to a reasonable size - just because a lot of people now have broadband it doesn’t mean everyone has. When submitting photos to editors@comeonyousaints.com , please try and put a label on each one, describing the action.

 

             For legibility reasons, we much prefer messages in English as opposed to "text speak". Bad language, even using ***'s, is not allowed - there are many youngsters who read this site.

 

             Posting under multiple names to put weight behind your own ideas ("sockpuppeting") is frowned upon, except, of course, when done in an overtly comic manner.

 

             Golden rule - don't say anything on the message board you wouldn't say to someone's face. Especially when some posters are bigger than others! If in doubt, best to leave it.

 

             Saints and Sinners Board is for Rugby Related items BUT FRIDAY IS ANYTHING GOES DAY when this rule does not apply 

 

             NO SPAM. All spam messages will be deleted. In addition unagreed adverts or links to other sites which can be construed as “Click-Bait” will also be deleted.

 

             Do not link to or advertise sites, which offer free to air streaming of Paid for TV matches. There will be zero tolerance of posters who do this on the site.

 

         Non-Saints or rugby-related messages should be on FLATT EARTH. (Although we are considering the future of this site). Threads that start on topic and veer away (as many often do) are OK.

 

         Just because you disagree with someone's views, this is no reason to attack them. This site encourages reasoned debate, and indeed delights in rambling waffle. As long as it's within reason. If people disagree with you, it’s just that, they disagree with you. If many people disagree with you, its just that, many people disagree with you. It’s not a clique ganging up on you. Further reading suggestion

 

         The editors do not like deleting posts but, if we feel the need to, we will.  This isn't a democracy and our decisions are final.

 

         Don't think we're cliquey or "closed shop" because we've put these rules down, we have to draw certain lines or we'll be in deep trouble.

 

         Errr.............that's it

 

If you don't like the above perhaps you should consider where you want to post - other rugby websites and forums are available and can be found by the click of a mouse.

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The unwritten rules on this COYS Saints and Sinners
Discussion started by ComeOnYouSaints.com , 06/01/2015 22:58
ComeOnYouSaints.com
06/01/2015 22:58
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

desbralass
07/01/2015 06:59
Thank you Eds,I believe we DO need reminding occasionally that there are boundaries.

Bridesmaids no more.

Saint Maul
07/01/2015 08:37
Thank you for taking the time to set this out. It's helpful to be given a clear explanation of what is and isn't acceptable.

My following point is raised in the context that the Editors/Board make this enjoyable forum possible for which I am incredibly appreciative.

Whilst recognising this isn't a democracy; it has always struck me that the Editors endeavour to foster a fair culture and moderate as consistently as humanly possible.

I still struggle to understand why raising recruitment (which to be a rounded discussion can involve discussing existing player gaps/performance) is viewed as inflammatory whilst threads accusing a referee of wilful cheating (Steve Walsh refereeing England) or threads accusing another club of breaking the salary cap or posts suggesting players had a terrible performance/should be dropped/lose captaincy etc are any less inflammatory. (As an aside, I'm not advocating these threads/posts be removed).

This is the one area I seem to fall foul of the rules and have had a couple of posts/threads deleted.

Recruitment posts are usually one of the most read threads so clearly there is a genuine interest from a significant proportion of readers. Similar threads which allow discussion of player performance are also popular on other teams' fora.

To minimise the risk of upsetting people I've even tried giving a warning at the start of a post that the contents would talk about recruitment with reference to player performance so please don't read if this is likely to upset you.

If the answer is simply that any such discussions will always be something the Editors view as inflammatory whilst the other examples are not considered such that's fine. If the answer is simply its not a democracy so tough without an explanation that would be a shame but equally is your prerogative.

P.S. Would I be prepared to say what I write to the face of a player. Absolutely Yes. It's not personal and the aim is always focused on how can the Saints team be improved.

But to emphasise: However you choose to respond, thanks once again for taking the time out to set out the standards you apply and making this forum possible.

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" Evelyn Beatrice Hall

ancient mariner
07/01/2015 08:38
Excellent post and thank goodness COYS is NOT on Facebook! If we were I, for one, would not be using it.

OldPete
07/01/2015 08:47
A timely reminder indeed

I would perhaps add one other rule - exhortation

Please treat all other posters with respect - whoever they are -good manners cost nothing and actually help us all to get along.

Paul Flatt
07/01/2015 09:23
Quote:
Non-Saints or rugby-related messages should be on FLATT EARTH. (Although we are considering the future of this site).

Do what you will to the site, but some of us have become attached to the name.....

"Your days are numbered. Use them to throw open the windows of your soul to the sun. If you do not, the sun will soon set, and you with it."

-- Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor 161-180 A.D.

Chris G
07/01/2015 09:40
Saint Maul, read the paragraph about people disagreeing with you, its just that not some driven band of authorised people gagging people talking about transfers just some, like me, saying the vast majority of the time its a load of old tosh. Your view, my view, who is gagging who?

So when people say, I can't say what I want, when clearly they can because as far as I'm aware no transfer posts have been deleted I tend to think their real problem is they don't like people disagreeing with them.

Same with refs though I suspect most gave up that counter argument long ago because the same people talk tosh each and every week on the subject.

Saint.Kenneth
07/01/2015 10:22
I agree with you ancient mariner.

I still find it incredible that so many other companies promote facebook and twitter. I just don't get the anti-social media thing at all. Don't people want to have private lives anymore?

rugbymel
07/01/2015 10:56
The unwritten rules on this COYS Saints and Sinners message board - are now written down. Thanks eds for all your work and for this timely reminder.

Bob Stainsby
07/01/2015 11:04
Timely reminder indeed and good to know I can continue with my rambling waffle and testiculating.(Sm100)

Top of the League 2014-2015 Season



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2015:01:07:11:06:01 by Bob Stainsby.

tedge
07/01/2015 11:25
What's reasonable and what's not ? I suspect we'd all have different views on that.

Is it reasonable to be rude to or about anybody else - no (IMHO).

Is it reasonable for someone to raise any topic (eg recruitment) for discussion - probably yes ? (IMHO)

Is it reasonable for somebody else to object to the topic being raised at all, especially if they say why - probably ? Mind you once it's clear that a majority are interested enough to post it's probably best to put up and shut up (IMHO)

Do unto others as you would be done by ? Most definitely (IMHO) so offer a logical argument but don't abuse, scorn or ridicule them for posting it.

StBleach
07/01/2015 11:27
But don't forget Mr Saintsby, you can indulge in excessive rambling, waffling and testiculation on Fridays! - back in the day, Fridays on COYS saw much humour and merriment which seems to have diminished over the years. We opened our PC's to be greeted by the latest verse from WMS, there were jokes and everything was a little 'lighter' - it would be nice to see a return to traditional Fridays.

Beef
07/01/2015 11:39
Hear, hear StB

http://www.sportnetwork.net/mainadmin/img/991152054167.gif

Terrace 'B' next to Mav, Shaddo, AB, Jeremy and Spud.

St Marlowe
07/01/2015 11:52
Quote:
St Bleach
back in the day, Fridays on COYS saw much humour and merriment which seems to have diminished over the years. We opened our PC's to be greeted by the latest verse from WMS, there were jokes and everything was a little 'lighter' - it would be nice to see a return to traditional Fridays.

We will try to actively encourage this (within the bounds of decency!). Taking ourselves too seriously leads to depression.

David L

What if there were no hypothetical questions?

- Live wrong and preposterously

Chris G
07/01/2015 12:30
Quote:
tedge

Is it reasonable for somebody else to object to the topic being raised at all, especially if they say why - probably ? Mind you once it's clear that a majority are interested enough to post it's probably best to put up and shut up (IMHO)

Couldn't disagree more. Are you saying the minority or lone poster should be quiet then because majority rules? They shouldn't have their say just because more people disagree with it? Its about debate, not everyone being in agreement and group hugs all round surely?

fair_weather_fan
07/01/2015 13:00
You can expect different standards of behaviour from the slightly more mature folk that gained language skills by actually talking face to face compared to those brought up in the era of email and the text message.

tedge
07/01/2015 13:03
Perhaps I expressed myself poorly; there are some people who berate or are rude about others for what they perceive to be the temerity to even mention a subject in the first place. Those who so object aren't interested in actually debating the topic. A typical example might be recruitment or team selection where the only point the objector makes is that such matters should be left to the coaches "because only they know what they're talking about" or words to that effect. My view is that if they feel it so strongly they are certainly entitled to say so but should then withdraw gracefully or not comment in the first place. Otherwise it can just become a "freedom of speech" issue and a negative argument. Just because one thinks the non-raising of some subjects is sacrosanct doesn't, IMHO, justify pouring scorn on those who thinks differently. Ultimately the editors are the ones to take action if they consider anything to be out of order.

Chris G
07/01/2015 13:44
If I read you wrong I apologise Tedge

LeicesterSaint
07/01/2015 13:58
So does this mean I shouldn't write L**cester anymore?....Y'know, in case youngsters read it?

Robby Richmond
07/01/2015 14:19
As a polite request is it possible for the editorial team to handle issues that irk them in whatever former via private message rather than the naughty schoolkids routine we often seem to get these days?

tedge
07/01/2015 14:24
LeicesterSaint wash your mouth out at once !!

tedge
07/01/2015 14:25
Chris no need, most of my stuff is gibberish anyway

Tigergeezer
07/01/2015 14:58
Quote:
fair_weather_fan
You can expect different standards of behaviour from the slightly more mature folk that gained language skills by actually talking face to face compared to those brought up in the era of email and the text message.

sez u gramps lol*

_____________________________________________

The lowest depth to which people can sink before God is defined by the word 'journalist'.

Soren Kierkegaard

David Tavener
07/01/2015 15:59
Should there be anything about rumours and links to back it up or a story just so people don't take the wrong idea?

Too many times lately we get I know something but can't say or tell who told me.

Should be either tell it or don't post you know something. Whether right or wrong!

Longers
07/01/2015 18:45
This is all very well, but how,do,I find out what the unwritten rules are?
Is there a call centre I can telephone?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:01:07:18:46:17 by Longers.

Phil.
07/01/2015 19:48
Quote:
Longers
This is all very well, but how,do,I find out what the unwritten rules are?
Is there a call centre I can telephone?


We are in the process of setting a call centre up, Longers, but costs are an issue so it will probably have to be abroad...





...in Leicester.

Saint Tim
07/01/2015 21:06
Robbie - Fair point but there is never an easy way. We just try and do our best at all times. It is also true that it is impossible to please all the people all of the time.

Re the rumour type thread I am such a fence sitter I have splinters in unmentionable places. Yes I sometimes hear something and could post it as a rumour. I cannot name sources as it is not good to them and would stop some info flow. So I usually choose not to say anything. However, as a reader I enjoy some of the rumours - but never about someone's personal life - so rumours x may leave as he has fallen out with his wife girlfriend team mate are in my view off limits.

As I say no easy answer and we will upset some people some of the time.

http://www.smurfomatic.plus.com/sttim.gif

“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”

Benjamin Franklin

Tetleys Block F E143

Stockers
07/01/2015 21:39
I heard a rumour when in Italy in December that was apparently cast iron, "came from a Saints insider" and which, if posted on here as gospel, would have made us look complete ninnies!

Chris G
07/01/2015 21:46
Indeed Stockers, even when things come straight from the horses mouth, the horse often has an angle all of it own and its own agenda.

David Tavener
08/01/2015 01:14
Sometimes when you think you have a solid source it doesn't mean your privvy to all the inside news. Sometimes even their opinions can get in the way. Also sometimes a rumour passed out could have been twisted accidentally just on what has been said and received.

Saint Maul
08/01/2015 08:06
Quote:
Chris G
Saint Maul, read the paragraph about people disagreeing with you, its just that not some driven band of authorised people gagging people talking about transfers just some, like me, saying the vast majority of the time its a load of old tosh. Your view, my view, who is gagging who?
So when people say, I can't say what I want, when clearly they can because as far as I'm aware no transfer posts have been deleted I tend to think their real problem is they don't like people disagreeing with them.

Same with refs though I suspect most gave up that counter argument long ago because the same people talk tosh each and every week on the subject.

As a wise man once said, there is my view, there is the other person's view and then there is the truth.

Some of the most fun posts are where people have different views and articulate them well. The thread on Fly Half Speculation just below this thread is a great example. Lots of differing views from own which are well-articulated. Personally I find posts that offer a different view to mine as more interesting. I've changed my view plenty of times in light of well-reasoned debate.

That thread an example of this board at its best. Informed debate without anyone saying we shouldn't be discussing these things even if there is an implicit underlying point that our existing flyhalf options needed to be bolstered.

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" Evelyn Beatrice Hall

Chris G
08/01/2015 14:44
I'm still not quite getting the, in the interest of debate and free speech we should gag people who are in favour of gagging others, isn't that hypocritical, even if you do think these people to be wrong? Thats their view, no more, no less valid than yours, either engage them or move on, no one is forcing you to react or reply surely?

Saint Maul
08/01/2015 15:58
I've never said we should gag people who want to gag others. I'm not sure where you got that idea from Chris?

The more views the merrier. Sometimes I'll react to a post but that's very different from wanting somebody gagged for holding a differing view.

I had a transfer post deleted only a week or two ago. And then when two other posters questioned the validity of deleting my post, their posts were deleted and the thread closed. Whilst a post disagreeing with me wasn't deleted.

What did I say that was so inflammatory? I said a particular player had always given 100% but was very expensive as a 3rd choice and therefore questioned if we might be better off not re-signing him and using the money elsewhere. I also said with his pedigree he'd easily get another contract elsewhere.

I also put a warning at the top of the post advising people not to read it if they were likely to be offended by discussion of player performance/retention.

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" Evelyn Beatrice Hall

walks10
10/01/2015 09:39
Good to have some boundaries but most of this is subjective, we are rightly or wrongly in an overly politically correct society, one persons normal behaviour is another's inappropriate. If in doubt don't post I guess. And also don't post in the heat of the moment when commenting on the injustices of this world when watching the saints on TV.... As I sometimes do!

I enjoy the transfer rumour mill, just saying.

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