How many of you would like to continually get criticized at your place of work? I know I wouldn't appreciate the daily criticism at my place of work. Many of you "so called Bobcat fans" constantly criticize or look to badger our coaches, athletes or staff every chance you get. Some of you are currently receiving a paycheck from this university, or have been employed as a Bobcat at one time in your career or have family members that have worked on campus. Why would you bite the hand that feeds you? It sickens me to see the constant criticism on this message board. The next time you think about criticizing a coach, administrator, player or staff member of Ohio University, remember to look in the mirror and put yourself in there place. Ask yourself, would I want to be treated like this?

The criticism of OUr team by OUr fans doesn't bother me.

What bothers me is that someone makes a comment and then someone who doesn't agree with them makes a you suck comment then the other person makes a no you suck more comment.

Is this junior high?

I would agree with this.

I think it comes from "expectations".

I have none, so I stay pretty happy.

Peace,
-john

I took a glance around other boards and I still think people here behave themselves far better than others, but I guess it is up to interpretation. Sadly our society has become coarse and rude. Some years ago, I had a friend whose son was on a SEC team (not a player or coach but a videotaper or trainer.) Anyway, they had a game in South Bend and their parents drove to the game. Both the student and parents were shocked that when the bus arrived, though they heard cheers for Notre Dame they weren't inundated with profanity (often at other SEC schools by children) and or batteries or urine etc. It is sad what we become accustomed to in our world today.

Somehow in sports it is like some late night cheap sci fi movie where some people lose their moral compass. We could all debate how and why, but it is what it is, and I would like to think we are better than most.

I would agree with Allen that we are not nearly as bad as many other boards that I've visited -- rather infrequently. Therefore, I disagree with L.C. that we have descended to the level of the average board. I think we are worse than we used to be, but not as bad as many boards.

Agree. I think that is most definitely a factor.

You guys seriously think recruits read these message boards before they decide and use these as a deciding factor in where they go? If they really do, good for them. Someone prove me wrong but I can't imagine that being the case.

If it is, let's just blame myself, Monroe, bshot and 695 and whomever else for negatively impacting this staff's recruiting prowess.

I don't think any recruits are going online to read a message board as the "deciding factor" in where they go to college. I do know that know that many recruits and their families will read message boards and even if they aren't consciously thinking "let me see what this fanbase is saying" before they make their college decision, what is said will still have an impact.

My biggest issue is when people start questioning grades or character. I'm not arguing that "grade concerns" shouldn't ever be mentioned on a message board, but I think it is very important to give a lot of thought into how you word a post like that. For a lot of players, a supportive fanbase is a factor in their decision. Some kids likely would brush it off, but I also couldn't fault a kid who took it personally. "Why would I want to go there" seems like a reasonable response when you've got a page on the internet of "fans" talking about how dumb you are. Would you walk up to a recruits face and ask him why he would bother coming here as a QB since our staff is such a joke? If you'd walk up to a recruit and ask that, I assume you aren't really a fan of the program.

In a word, yes. Not as as the deciding factor, but certainly as a barometer of what they're getting into.

IF YOU ARE A RECRUIT AND YOU ARE READING THIS:

Disregard about 99.9% of the nonsense on here. We are all goofballs that have varying opinions of Ohio football....but we have ZERO control on anything except showing up and cheering...which I will say the majority do.

Whether we agree on the direction of the program or specifics.....we are simply fans. Nothing more.

We love Ohio....we argue about a lot of aspects of the team.

But bottom line.....THESE POSTS SHOULD HAVE LITERALLY NOTHING TO DO WITH YOUR DECISION TO COME TO OHIO.

It's a great school...as any of us on here would tell you....and with, for the most part, great fans compared to the rest of the MAC.

The nonsense that eventually gets argued on here should have ZERO influence on a recruit. I would hope they know better than picking a school based on what idiot message boards say.

There is a difference between reality and abject negativity. As someone who attended OU during the dark years (1991-1995), I have seen the bottom of the barrel. I am pleased Ohio Football doesn't reside there any longer, and Frank Solich is the largest single reason why. I am an optimist at heart and believe we achieve more when fear of failure is not the primary motivation.

My criticism is focused on the consistent inability to recruit a QB and the inept offensive scheme. After 10+ years of the exact same problem, there should be a change in the method that each of those two duties is performed. My perspective as an engaged fan is to not tear down what has been built, but to believe that the program can be the best in the conference. The university is great, the facilities are nice and the fan support is near the top. There is no reason that a recruit shouldn't want to come to Ohio. I'm disappointed in the sales job being done in the living rooms.

Being a public figure has advantages, but public criticism also goes with the territory. Several times each month, I am personally asked to contribute financially to either the university or the athletic department. Right or wrong, people that consistently write checks for something typically feel like they have earned the right to voice their opinion. Complete silence would be a much worse indicator of a program than some public recognition of a few areas that could be improved.

+1

Jackie O's ? :-)