Posted by: Mark H. () on Fri Dec 7 06:19:00 2001

To All,
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> > > The reason for this post is twofold: 1) to give you an update of new videos and products that will soon be available, and 2) to get your input on the future operation of the discussion board. In relation to the second point, it appears to many people that the topics currently on the board focus more on chit-chat and personality conflicts than on a serious discussion of the baseball/softball swing.
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> > > NEW PRODUCTS AND VIDEOS
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> > > BatSpeed.com is currently in the process of developing a professionally created drills video to complement the instructional video. The current instructional video (“The Final Arc”) explains the theory and principles of rotational mechanics. The new video (“The Program”) will focus on a sound step-by-step method for teaching rotational mechanics. Both videos should complement each other nicely.
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> > > Additionally, we intend to have a bat speed meter/radar available so that you can check your swing speed and assess the progress of your mechanics. Unlike most other swing speed meters on the market, we intend to have this product available for well under $200.00. We are also considering making available a “heavy bag” since many of you have requested this product.
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> > > We look forward to having these products available early next year.
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> > > INPUT FROM YOU REGARDING THE FUTURE OF THIS DISCUSSION BOARD
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> > > We would like your opinion on the future of this discussion board. Before we get into this topic, here is a general set of guidelines that we have attempted to follow to this point in accepting posts on this board:
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> > > It is also very important to point out that we encourage everyone’s point of view related to baseball and softball, including those that disagree with ideas presented on this site. If we were all in agreement, we would have very little to discuss. We just encourage and expect some tact and consideration when challenging another person’s point of view. >>>
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> > > Now, our viewership is higher than every before and more people are posting than in the past. But it is also apparent to many viewers that a select number of individuals (some of whom use several different handles/names) are attempting to alter the focus of this board to put it mildly. Some individuals wish that this discussion board would turn into a chat room or news group, some wish to gripe about other individuals, some like to vent, some refuse to keep the discussions on baseball or softball topics, and some just wish that this board would go away altogether. But then there is a majority of us who want to read about different ideas, learn from one another, discuss and share the mechanics of the baseball and softball swing. This has always been the purpose of this board, and that is what we are trying to protect.
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> > > However, in the last few months, a relatively small number of posts are meeting this objective. We encourage you to take at look at recent posts because lately the discussion board looks more like an AOL chatroom than a discussion board that was intended to focus on the mechanics of the swing.
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> > > We are considering different options for the future of this discussion board to protect the above stated goals, but we would like to know what the majority of you, our viewers, think. Are you satisfied with the content appearing on the board or do you think some changes could improve this board? Our options appear to be the following: 1) Leave the board as it is, 2) Put the board in toggle mode (where posts will not appear until they have been reviewed and determined to meet the criteria listed above) to ensure that all posts relate to baseball and softball. 3) Create a members forum where all individuals can read the posts, but to write a post you must become a member and sign in with a handle and a password. To be a member and sustain membership, your posts must meet the guidelines discussed above. We are leaning toward number two, but would like to know what you think.
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> > > We believe that your input will assist us in determining the future direction of this board. Please post all replies to this thread only. Please do not start a new thread related to this topic. Also, feel free to email us.
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> > > We appreciate your input.
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> > > Batspeed.com
> > > >The toggle mode solution will satisfy batspeed so that is fine with me.Most of the offending posts are more like comedy than serious so you learn to avoid reading them unless you have nothing better to do.Ilook forward to the new tape and additional ways to reinforce the successful implementation of rotational mechanics.
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> I'm looking forward to the new video. It sounds like the perfect addition to the final arc.
> As for policing the board, I think the most important factor in how this board functions is input from Jack. His insights add value and direct discussion. When Jack is not involved, the discussion sometimes turns into chat group stuff, in spite of the best intentions.
> Option 2 (toggle) is not a bad idea as long as it is timely. Or simply cleaning up the back biting and personal arguing posts everyday so that the board remains focused on hitting. Don't ban posters, delete inappropriate posts. We'll all figure out the rules.
> I know Jack does not like to be pushy, but when his presence isn't felt it opens the door for the likes of Charlie Lau Jr. to show up and try to take over the board as his personal soap box.



Either 2 or 3 would be fine as long as, like MD said, #2 was timely and I would think that could get to be a burden. Like LB said some of the posts are entertaining in a way but it doesn't add quality and it might be confusing to some newcomers. I would much prefer Jack have a heavy and unapologetic hand when it comes to posters insulting him. Seems to me though, that the linear proponents run out of logic sooner than the rotational proponents and then, finding it painful to admit long held beliefs might be wrong, they resort to insults and then I get irritated and pick on them. And then there's the plain old knuckleheads.

Jack, no good deed goes unpunished. You are going to get criticized and insulted as I'm sure you know. Don't let that make you hesitant with the delete button when it comes to rude posters.

Mark H.