Comments on: Sam Caplan Silences the Critics http://www.mmaopinion.com/blog/2008/06/02/sam-caplan-silences-the-critics/ MMA Opinion and Cheap MMA Gear Sat, 17 Mar 2012 15:45:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Lucas (TheFightJournal) http://www.mmaopinion.com/blog/2008/06/02/sam-caplan-silences-the-critics/comment-page-1/#comment-1163 Lucas (TheFightJournal) Thu, 05 Jun 2008 06:17:34 +0000 http://www.mmaopinion.com/?p=590#comment-1163 I think the EliteXC controversy just highlighted the MMA community's most annoying characteristic: asshole hardcore fans who think they are the gate-keepers for the mystical world of "real" MMA fans. Fueled by the anonymity a computer screen can provide, these blow-hards try to control all of the forums and commenting sections on blogs. Unfortunately, the small sample that Vee provided above sounds like a friendly conversation compared to what you typically hear. Fightlinker actually had the perfect characterization of these "hardcore fans" - they are the type of guys who would get a hot girlfriend and lock her up in the apartment and keep feeding her to get her fat so she'll never leave him (paraphrasing). However, this trend isn't unique to the MMA community. Same thing in other sports communities and in online political communities. I think the EliteXC controversy just highlighted the MMA community’s most annoying characteristic: asshole hardcore fans who think they are the gate-keepers for the mystical world of “real” MMA fans. Fueled by the anonymity a computer screen can provide, these blow-hards try to control all of the forums and commenting sections on blogs. Unfortunately, the small sample that Vee provided above sounds like a friendly conversation compared to what you typically hear. Fightlinker actually had the perfect characterization of these “hardcore fans” – they are the type of guys who would get a hot girlfriend and lock her up in the apartment and keep feeding her to get her fat so she’ll never leave him (paraphrasing).

However, this trend isn’t unique to the MMA community. Same thing in other sports communities and in online political communities.

]]> By: Curtis http://www.mmaopinion.com/blog/2008/06/02/sam-caplan-silences-the-critics/comment-page-1/#comment-1136 Curtis Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:50:01 +0000 http://www.mmaopinion.com/?p=590#comment-1136 Chuck, Great point! There are times that it is better to stop and smell the roses. although I still feel the show was far from impressive and Bush League compared to the UFC, it did have me cheering as Kimbo continuously blocked those elbows with his face (not a goo tactic if I may say so) and I found myself pulling for our favorite Crush in Carano. In the end the EliteXC event was not bad for the sport. It is drawing so many negative hits from the die hards and regular viewers, but think about how many new MMA viewers there are. It is a bug..... we have all caught it, hopefully because of the show many others did too.... Again, great point Chuck! Chuck,
Great point!

There are times that it is better to stop and smell the roses. although I still feel the show was far from impressive and Bush League compared to the UFC, it did have me cheering as Kimbo continuously blocked those elbows with his face (not a goo tactic if I may say so) and I found myself pulling for our favorite Crush in Carano.

In the end the EliteXC event was not bad for the sport. It is drawing so many negative hits from the die hards and regular viewers, but think about how many new MMA viewers there are.

It is a bug….. we have all caught it, hopefully because of the show many others did too….

Again, great point Chuck!

]]> By: Chuck http://www.mmaopinion.com/blog/2008/06/02/sam-caplan-silences-the-critics/comment-page-1/#comment-1135 Chuck Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:30:51 +0000 http://www.mmaopinion.com/?p=590#comment-1135 Having been recently called out myself on some less than tactful commenting I've come to realize how many "hardcores" have become so carried away with throwing out insults and opinions, no matter how outlandish or unreasonable, because of the anonymity and relative safety that sitting behind a keyboard offers. I've danced that line a few times and have been recently called out on that. That, in combination with the massive uproar over EliteXC's debut made me realize how carried away we are getting with our online reactions. At the end of the day the sport is only a form of entertainment- whether you watch it or participate in it- with the exception of minority who pay their bills by it. Mixed Martial Arts, the UFC, EliteXC, Pride etc. are not going to solve world hunger, realign the stars etc. There's certainly a lot of respect and honor that is deserved by the combatants and we've gotten carried away with the harsh critique of them- and the people who write about them. I couldn't help but feel relieved that the UFC is what it is after watching the EliteXC show. And even with that said- I thought the EliteXC show was pretty entertaining (just not as good as the UFC). Questionable stoppages? Sure! Did it get me and my buddies off the couch yelling at the TV and having a great time? Absolutely! Better yet, the pricetag was $0. Anyway- intelligent discussion- as called for by many bloggers needs to be the norm. You guys are doing a good job at it so far and I'll try to do the same. Having been recently called out myself on some less than tactful commenting I’ve come to realize how many “hardcores” have become so carried away with throwing out insults and opinions, no matter how outlandish or unreasonable, because of the anonymity and relative safety that sitting behind a keyboard offers. I’ve danced that line a few times and have been recently called out on that. That, in combination with the massive uproar over EliteXC’s debut made me realize how carried away we are getting with our online reactions. At the end of the day the sport is only a form of entertainment- whether you watch it or participate in it- with the exception of minority who pay their bills by it. Mixed Martial Arts, the UFC, EliteXC, Pride etc. are not going to solve world hunger, realign the stars etc. There’s certainly a lot of respect and honor that is deserved by the combatants and we’ve gotten carried away with the harsh critique of them- and the people who write about them. I couldn’t help but feel relieved that the UFC is what it is after watching the EliteXC show. And even with that said- I thought the EliteXC show was pretty entertaining (just not as good as the UFC). Questionable stoppages? Sure! Did it get me and my buddies off the couch yelling at the TV and having a great time? Absolutely! Better yet, the pricetag was $0.

Anyway- intelligent discussion- as called for by many bloggers needs to be the norm. You guys are doing a good job at it so far and I’ll try to do the same.

]]> By: Curtis http://www.mmaopinion.com/blog/2008/06/02/sam-caplan-silences-the-critics/comment-page-1/#comment-1123 Curtis Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:05:07 +0000 http://www.mmaopinion.com/?p=590#comment-1123 John, Thanks man. Being appreciated is always nice. John,
Thanks man. Being appreciated is always nice.

]]> By: John Philapavage http://www.mmaopinion.com/blog/2008/06/02/sam-caplan-silences-the-critics/comment-page-1/#comment-1121 John Philapavage Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:36:30 +0000 http://www.mmaopinion.com/?p=590#comment-1121 Oh, and to Josh, Curtis, and the rest (I'm gonna go ahead and group myself in here too since I'm speaking for my pal-o-mine Brandt:) - Brandt appreciates the staff alot too and totally understands when you can and can't write anything. Didn't wanna leave that out because he'll talk about articles everyone writes some days to me and say "so-and so had an interesting take" or "did you read this, new guy" or "he's been here for a bit, read him, he does this well". Oh, and to Josh, Curtis, and the rest (I’m gonna go ahead and group myself in here too since I’m speaking for my pal-o-mine Brandt:) – Brandt appreciates the staff alot too and totally understands when you can and can’t write anything. Didn’t wanna leave that out because he’ll talk about articles everyone writes some days to me and say “so-and so had an interesting take” or “did you read this, new guy” or “he’s been here for a bit, read him, he does this well”.

]]> By: John Philapavage http://www.mmaopinion.com/blog/2008/06/02/sam-caplan-silences-the-critics/comment-page-1/#comment-1120 John Philapavage Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:33:24 +0000 http://www.mmaopinion.com/?p=590#comment-1120 Just wanted to say I'm proud of Brandt for maintaining his blog and making it look so good. Not only that, the guy really wants the site to grow and MMA fans to have a voice, which is something I question for myself and many others half the time. He actually took the time to respond to "blah blag4564" screen names and childish taunts, when I'd have long given up or simply said "here's my address, give me yours. I don't wanna fight, I'd just like to see if you'd say all this in person". He's a cool head, that Brandt. So good job Brandt and keep it up. Just for those that don't understand the man raises two kids and juggles his schedule for everyone. And he does NOT make a bunch of money off the site or make it his job. He's actually doing it for the people that treated him like dirt for an opinion/different take on a TV show. There is of course, that other percentage who Brandt does it for, and that is the people who come here just to get a few guys takes on what's good and bad about MMA, and respectfully converse. So thank you to al those people because I know first hand Brandt appreciates it. Just wanted to say I’m proud of Brandt for maintaining his blog and making it look so good. Not only that, the guy really wants the site to grow and MMA fans to have a voice, which is something I question for myself and many others half the time. He actually took the time to respond to “blah blag4564″ screen names and childish taunts, when I’d have long given up or simply said “here’s my address, give me yours. I don’t wanna fight, I’d just like to see if you’d say all this in person”. He’s a cool head, that Brandt.

So good job Brandt and keep it up. Just for those that don’t understand the man raises two kids and juggles his schedule for everyone. And he does NOT make a bunch of money off the site or make it his job. He’s actually doing it for the people that treated him like dirt for an opinion/different take on a TV show. There is of course, that other percentage who Brandt does it for, and that is the people who come here just to get a few guys takes on what’s good and bad about MMA, and respectfully converse. So thank you to al those people because I know first hand Brandt appreciates it.

]]> By: Brandt DeLorenzo http://www.mmaopinion.com/blog/2008/06/02/sam-caplan-silences-the-critics/comment-page-1/#comment-1117 Brandt DeLorenzo Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:54:09 +0000 http://www.mmaopinion.com/?p=590#comment-1117 Thanks Vee! Keep coming back...and don't forget we are always looking for writers! Thanks Vee! Keep coming back…and don’t forget we are always looking for writers!

]]> By: Curtis Clontz http://www.mmaopinion.com/blog/2008/06/02/sam-caplan-silences-the-critics/comment-page-1/#comment-1113 Curtis Clontz Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:37:12 +0000 http://www.mmaopinion.com/?p=590#comment-1113 Michael, Should they be crucified...not really (but they are anyway). The problem was between the fights we weren't given highlights, or fight previews, or hype...we had dancing girls and Busta.... I wouldn't call Thompson seasoned... He may have had several fights.... Jeremy Horn is seasoned! Michael,
Should they be crucified…not really (but they are anyway).

The problem was between the fights we weren’t given highlights, or fight previews, or hype…we had dancing girls and Busta….

I wouldn’t call Thompson seasoned… He may have had several fights…. Jeremy Horn is seasoned!

]]> By: Vee http://www.mmaopinion.com/blog/2008/06/02/sam-caplan-silences-the-critics/comment-page-1/#comment-1112 Vee Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:34:51 +0000 http://www.mmaopinion.com/?p=590#comment-1112 Brandt, the name calling throughout the web forums and blogs gets crazy. "You must be ignorant if you don't understand the nuanced style of Machida!!!" "You're crazy, GSP will own Anderson Silva." "Fedor, you troll!" etc. People tend to overlook the fact that since the UFC and other organizations decided to go mainstream with state regulations then MMA must deal with some of the rules and regulations of boxing. Dana White can not control the quality of fights during the TUF events or the outcome of a fight like GSP-Serra I or II. Too many people take themselves way too seriously as fans of MMA. While the Slice/Thompson stoppage may appear suspect, some people recall that some fights were stopped while two fighters were standing. It's up to the discretion of the referee. And hey, if I ever said something out of character, although I doubt it :), I apologize. Keep the good site going! Brandt, the name calling throughout the web forums and blogs gets crazy.

“You must be ignorant if you don’t understand the nuanced style of Machida!!!”
“You’re crazy, GSP will own Anderson Silva.”
“Fedor, you troll!”
etc.

People tend to overlook the fact that since the UFC and other organizations decided to go mainstream with state regulations then MMA must deal with some of the rules and regulations of boxing. Dana White can not control the quality of fights during the TUF events or the outcome of a fight like GSP-Serra I or II.

Too many people take themselves way too seriously as fans of MMA. While the Slice/Thompson stoppage may appear suspect, some people recall that some fights were stopped while two fighters were standing. It’s up to the discretion of the referee.

And hey, if I ever said something out of character, although I doubt it :) , I apologize. Keep the good site going!

]]> By: Michael http://www.mmaopinion.com/blog/2008/06/02/sam-caplan-silences-the-critics/comment-page-1/#comment-1110 Michael Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:25:09 +0000 http://www.mmaopinion.com/?p=590#comment-1110 I watch a lot of MMA. Elite/CBS shouldnt' be crucified. Does anyone remeber how log we waited in between fights during those early UFC PPV's. Network TV is a lot different than cable, way more people involved about what they think should be done. Take basketball for instance. How long does it take to finish the last 2min of a game? Is it really a shocker to Hardcore fans that Kimbo gassed out early? It was a shocker to see Kimbo do everything he actually knew at this point not get knocked out when taken to the ground against a seasoned MMA fighter. Yes the commentating was annoying. But, you have to say the event was definately entertaining. Isn't that what we all tuned in for anyway? I watch a lot of MMA.
Elite/CBS shouldnt’ be crucified. Does anyone remeber how log we waited in between fights during those early UFC PPV’s. Network TV is a lot different than cable, way more people involved about what they think should be done. Take basketball for instance. How long does it take to finish the last 2min of a game?
Is it really a shocker to Hardcore fans that Kimbo gassed out early? It was a shocker to see Kimbo do everything he actually knew at this point not get knocked out when taken to the ground against a seasoned MMA fighter.
Yes the commentating was annoying. But, you have to say the event was definately entertaining. Isn’t that what we all tuned in for anyway?

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