12/22/24
February 02, 2002
So it's sports yes? And while I'm really (really) into sport it's not necessarily sports. What I mean is, can I talk about rugby, football (soccer) and possibly even curling if the link is good enough.
posted by nedrichards to editorial policy at 02:42 PM - 12 comments
From the about page: The range of topics includes anything in the world of sports, from football, baseball, horse racing, and the Olympics to sports personalities, culture and the impact of sports on society. In other words, everything is fair game =) Rugby, curling, soccer, ping-pong. In no way is sportsfilter confined to the major sports. Due to the popularity of the big four (american football, basketball, baseball, hockey) I can see how it would look that way, but sportsfilter benefits when the spectrum of sports grows. In fact, showing unique links that others might never see, such as a link on curling, is in the true spirit of sportsfilter.
posted by justgary at 03:38 PM on February 02, 2002
If its only the extremely mainstream sports that are talked about here, things could get dull quickly. There's absolutely nothing wrong with discussing other sports and what's considered "mainstream" in one country isn't exactly the case in others. The real question being asked is whether or not the link being provided in the FPP is good enough to merit any discussion at all. The whole point of providing a link is to further illustrate the point that the poster is trying to make in their opening comment. Also, if people don't know what you're talking about when they first read the post, the link will hopefully fill them in on the discussion. All of this helps to bring more recogition to the sport as well as giving yourself some credibility (if that's what you're after). If you're going to give a link to a standings page and then say "How 'bout them (fill in team's name here)?", then I'd decide against it. But if you have a decent link that can lead to some discussion on your point for whatever sport you want, go ahead.
posted by chules at 03:39 PM on February 02, 2002
Speaking personally, as long as the link's good, I don't care what the sport is.
posted by rcade at 03:42 PM on February 02, 2002
Vibe-wise.
posted by owillis at 05:00 PM on February 02, 2002
There are real gray areas however. I love dog shows (oh jebus, did I actually admit that in public?) Actually, I just love dogs, but many in the competative world consider it a sport. I've never really groked that concept. So, whats the word, is chess a sport or a game? Is poker a sport? Are dog shows appropriate grist for this mill? My personal thought is yes, those things should be included because of the competative nature of the endevour. I'd hate to see someone get told to hit the showers because what they post is in that gray area, vibe-wise that is.
posted by Wulfgar! at 07:48 PM on February 02, 2002
I'd love to see discussion about a variety of sports. is chess a sport or a game? Is poker a sport? Are dog shows appropriate grist for this mill? To me, a sport involves a team, competitive scoring, and blood, toil, tears, and sweat. So: Chess is a game. Poker is a game. Dog shows...well, possibly a sport for the dogs.
posted by kirkaracha at 11:43 PM on February 02, 2002
"How 'bout them (fill in team's name here)?" The March 2002 issue of Esquire's What I've Learned features the retired warden of a prison in Huntsville, Texas. He presided over 89 executions. "One of the best final statements I ever heard was ruined at the end. The guy apologized to the victim's family and then to his own family for what he'd put them through. And then, before I could remove my glasses, he cleared his throat and said, 'How 'bout them Cowboys?'"
posted by kirkaracha at 11:53 PM on February 02, 2002
Here's the full statement by executed Cowboys fan William Prince Davis.
posted by rcade at 10:40 AM on February 03, 2002
I have a feeling that the argument about what is and isn't a sport will be seen often in the locker room.
posted by mkn at 02:31 PM on February 03, 2002
So it's sports yes? Yup, any and all, the more the merrier. It may tend to be America-centric, but that is unfortunate and inevitable if people don't link & discuss other sports. I would think so, although i'm not one of the guys running the show here. Yes, you are. SpoFi is what each of you, and us, makes it. Yes, there are seven people, myself included (users 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and mathowie providing technical services) who started this, but it's nothing without your input and activity. I like the other guys who have started SpoFi, but I don't want to talk sports with *only* them for the rest of my SpoFi life. We hope not to have to "run the show" around here, just set the tone and let it go from there. I hope and think we're achieving that so far. I agree with the comments above by Howa2396 and chules regarding "mainstream" sports. Yes, it would get dull around here quickly. (I plan on searching out sailing and other adventure links as much as I can, personally.) I do disagree with my esteemed colleague from California, Mr. kirkaracha, that sports need a team. What about golf, skiing, tennis and many more? I would let sanctioned and regulated competitions in, say, poker and chess be discussed here. When Kasparov and the computer battle, that's similar to the recent thread about robots playing soccer. Now, are dog shows sport? Sure, but I'm not interested in the "Westminster Kennel Club" and "Best in Show" dog shows, but I do personally love the agility dog trials. Now those dogs (and their handlers/masters/owners) train, compete and have fun. I have a feeling that the argument about what is and isn't a sport will be seen often in the locker room. Yup. Maybe in FPP's also.
posted by msacheson at 11:06 PM on February 03, 2002
I'm just waiting for the next time ESPN shows the Spelling Bee Championships to see how broad the definition of sport is in this place.
posted by avogadro at 01:54 PM on February 04, 2002
I would think so, although i'm not one of the guys running the show here. If its only the extremely mainstream sports that are talked about here, things could get dull quickly. variety is the spice of life?