My perspective: A few things I like & dislike about themmacommunity.com

[TheBigPygmy/JustinWren]

Kinda going into uncharted territories here. However these are a couple of my quick then "not-so-quick" observations of the site.

Likes:
I love, absolutely love that there is a true hardcore MMA fan base here. There are some top of the line, cream of the crop, passionate contributors who have signed up. I think THAT is what will continue to make this place great, give this website it's own heartbeat, and make it thrive.

I love that gif's and highlights can be posted here.

I love that there are some witty and funny dudes.

Maybe this is a bit different than what you would think, but I love that it's not as crowded as other forums. It gives me the opportunity to really appreciate the dudes here on a personal level, and (get out the tissues) some I know I will call my friends. I'm sure this place has already done that for others in a more meaningful way, and I'm sure there are more friendships to be built on a love for the sport to come. If you are new here, take part in that. Some guys here are real good dudes.

My dislike:
I know it won't be popular here but I dislike the blatant bashing of The UG. I didn't come here to take part in a gossip club for grown men. Let me try and explain, it will be a few paragraphs.

For this site to be built into something truly special it doesn't have to come at the destruction of another. It feels like some people, through me interpreting the tone of their text, they are hoping for the demise of MMA.tv and if they don't take part in it, they'll gladly watch. I don't think the foundational building blocks of the MMA community should be negative and out of spite, but that's just the kind of person I am.

Also, MMA.tv has been around for 17 years, I've been on it for about 13 years (since I was a sophomore in High School) and it isn't going anywhere anytime soon… So instead of turning blue from holding your breath, why not spend your time better and more positive by contributing worth-while content to this site and help make this pace great? I'm going to try and elevate my point and then bring in some reason/logic...

I've seen several threads or post that are attacking The UG, the mods, and Kirik. Listen, I'm all for freedom of speech, literally I am… I promise. However, something about those threads have made me not only hesitate to engage in the community, but had me personally think about if I want to be a part of this place. Maybe I'm just a negative-nancy, or too-positive-pete (is that a thing?) but I hope for better from this site. This is going to be place known for stimulating content about the sport and not known as a community of naysayers and rejects right? I'll give you my honest opinion, a lot of these threads have been quality, but some post look like spoiled brats jealous of the cool kids on the block. These two sites are different from one another, that's why I want to be a part of both places. I don't think it has to be one or the other? You guys can tell me if I'm wrong, please.

I'm not a fanboy. I'm not paid by Zuffa (lol). And I have honestly had absolutely zero discussion about themmacommunity.com with anyone except you guys here, and the guys who first let me know about it (still members here). I've created several threads over the years on The UG complaining how the functionality of the site works, I've complained when fighter bashing ran off guys that I knew who posted and lurked, and I've left comments and sent messages when I think something else isn't right. I guess that's kinda like the new perspective I'm trying to introduce here. So let me make a quick point. I'm not saying, "I don't like you guys... you are SO negative!" Because I'm not. I started this off with pointing out just a few things that I like. In fact, I think there is always a time and place to talk about the things we don't like, what we want to be different from, and discuss what we want to make better. There is just a good way to go about it, and I've seen things that weren't "good."

I've never had a "ban-hammer" on the inter webs before, nor do I want one now, and I'm not saying there needs to be one over this issue I have. I just hope this text can encourage some of you guys.

I just re-read the yellow welcome at the top of this page. "Nazi style Moderating? This isn’t Nazi Germany, is it? Hell no! That’s why this community will be Moderated only to keep the shills, idiots, and trolls away…so real fans of the MMA community can discuss the sport we all love." (Sidenote: When I read that part about real fans I like to mentally say #Boomshakalaka after it, lol)

Thank goodness that this isn't Nazi Germany! However, I've began to worry about this place (and that's why I'm speaking up, even if nobody else get). I think this site could be stepping onto a slippery slope of becoming a "CONCENTRATION camp" of hostility and anti-UGism. Nazi Germany was in full support of anti-Semitism; themmacommunity shouldn't be a place that becomes known for it's dislike/hate and anti-UGism. Like the welcoming bold print says… "This is a place for real fans of the MMA community can discuss the sport we all love."

Take it for what it's worth, but here is an outlook of mine in life and that I normally try in a forum. Instead of spending the majority of my time talking about what I don't like, I try to throw in my own personal counterstrikes with the things I do like.

If this place becomes what we all hope, and I think it could be on track to that, I look forward to continuing to read most of the threads, being a part of the community, and appreciating a lot of the positive things about this place This is just my short novel of 2cents. If you actually read the entire contents of this thread I tip my hat to you, and say, "Why thank you my good sir."

Live to LOVE. Love to live.
Justin "The Viking/Vanilla Gorilla/The Big Pygmy" Wren

 

[Lamont Cranston]

So...what's your opinion about Michelle Jenneke?

 

[Morpheushasleftthebuilding]

some people just need to vent about the UG, when its out of their system its all good. At the end this site is created because the UG changed to the wrong direction even breaking down during live events.

 

[ECC170]

I see your points justin..I think that when ppl join they are venting and I understand that..honestly I think the more this place grows the UG problems will become irrelevant Due to the change of scenery opposed to te UG..the UG has tons of quality posters its just there are ten bad ones to each good..And i find that is the main gripe and this place is a refuge for quality posters..I think its more ppl being disappointed in the UG than hatred...ill always love the UG and its importance to MMA and being a pioneer site..just enjoy this place and its quality posters with less bs...No doubt UG will always be around and hopefully so will themmacommunity

 

[Priziesthorse]

I agree with the bashing of the UG is way too excessive. I dont like the place either, but this community of ours should stand on its own and walk its own path without having to trash others along the way.

 

[Zeph]

I think you are spot on Justin, there is definitely a little bit too much negativity towards the UG, but it is understandable considering there is a fair amount of people who feel slighted and disappointed with the UG. I think we should all make an effort to put it behind us and just move on, however, no one is beyond criticism and since many of us visit both sites, if Kirik says something or something else happens on the UG, that is deserving of discussion/criticism it should be allowed.

For instance, recently Kirik made a post saying all of last years membership money went to paying for a lawsuit against The UG - which he had said was settled for 20k. I think that is a worthy topic of discussion, but has to be handled carefully, lest it dissolve into a circlejerk about how shitty the UG/Kirik as a person/the posters there are. I think we all know the level of discussion there has deteriorated, lets not fall into similar traps.

 

[TheBigPygmy/JustinWren]

I see your points justin..I think that when ppl join they are venting and I understand that..honestly I think the more this place grows the UG problems will become irrelevant Due to the change of scenery opposed to te UG..the UG has tons of quality posters its just there are ten bad ones to each good..And i find that is the main gripe and this place is a refuge for quality posters..I think its more ppl being disappointed in the UG than hatred...ill always love the UG and its importance to MMA and being a pioneer site..just enjoy this place and its quality posters with less bs...No doubt UG will always be around and hopefully so will themmacommunity

Great post brother. Being disappointed is completely understandable, especially with the site being down during events. I am a no-TV guy right now, and when the UG would go down I'd have no way to find out results. I'm glad to see you on here bro and appreciate that YOU are a quality posters.

 

[TheBigPygmy/JustinWren]

I agree with the bashing of the UG is way too excessive. I dont like the place either, but this community of ours should stand on its own and walk its own path without having to trash others along the way.

Absolutely… That mentality reminds me of all the upstart MMA companies that would think they were promising the world by bashing the UFC every time they got air-time. I know the UFC has been brutal in business, that's not my point. The point I'm making is those other companies all failed, everyone, and I won't give full credit to the UFC, but the promotions for wasting their times with a bogus mentality. Focus on what you can do, and do it with excellence.

Random, and I'm not sure it entirely fits or makes sense. If anyone reading this didn't quite get this post (my post) re-read the good perspective Priziesthorse just said.

 

[Deleted member 1]

I've posted before....I dont care for a lot of the decisions that are made at the UG, but I empathize with many of the challenges that come with running such a large site. Its a bit unfair to demonize some individuals so much for difficult decisions. I'd do things differently, but I'm not angry about the UG. And I appreciate you focusing on being positive.

Sometimes I think misery loves company and venting feels good when others chime in. I also think that can become toxic as people get comfy in their bitterness. So I do hope people will really consider being a bit more focused on building and staying a positive course, even in the face of reminders about actions of others on another site.

 

[TheBigPygmy/JustinWren]

I think you are spot on Justin, there is definitely a little bit too much negativity towards the UG, but it is understandable considering there is a fair amount of people who feel slighted and disappointed with the UG. I think we should all make an effort to put it behind us and just move on, however, no one is beyond criticism and since many of us visit both sites, if Kirik says something or something else happens on the UG, that is deserving of discussion/criticism it should be allowed.

For instance, recently Kirik made a post saying all of last years membership money went to paying for a lawsuit against The UG - which he had said was settled for 20k. I think that is a worthy topic of discussion, but has to be handled carefully, lest it dissolve into a circlejerk about how shitty the UG/Kirik as a person/the posters there are. I think we all know the level of discussion there has deteriorated, lets not fall into similar traps.

Recognize the bear traps and avoid them…

 

[Left Hook Larry]

Nice to have you here man. Yea there is a lot of UG bashing. I do it myself too not going to lie. I still post on the UG daily I feel like this place is more for serious MMA discussions and the UG is better if you want to shoot the shit and don't mind a few knuckleheads here and there.

 

[Wild]

Justin - Thanks for taking the time to post. I will try to explain my position as open and honestly as possible, and please don't take offence to anything I say...you know you're my boy, and I really appreciate you joining us.

First, thank you for outlining your likes. Those are the things that I enjoy about our community as well. Everyone here seemed to buy into creating a culture different than the other popular forums, and because of that, we have had to do very little moderating. It's amazing what can be accomplished when people are just decent to one another...even when sitting behind a computer. And so far, that's what has happened here. If you have time, browse last nights Fight Discussion thread. Nearly 500 posts, and not one of them included name calling, fighter bashing, flaming, etc. To me, that proves that forums can thrive without trolls and idiots abound.

Regarding your dislikes. I can appreciate your long tenure on the other site, and the loyalty that you have there. That said, I was only a part of it for 4-5 years, and that was long enough for me to decide to create this site, with the help of my partner. I was very open and honest about why I wanted to create an alternative. I was tired of the shills, the trolls, the idiots, the name calling, the lack of - or inconsistency of moderation, members not being heard, the crashing, etc. I can only assume that those here felt some of the same frustrations as myself, and are now venting about it because they have a platform to do so. In time, that will go away and we'll just exist.

You sent me a PM a couple weeks back with some suggestions that hit home, and if you notice, we have already made those changes. That is the way this community was built. We asked members for suggestions, recommendations, likes/dislikes, etc...and we built the site around them. I think that is more of an indicator as to why people here already feel invested in this community in such a short amount of time...versus "we like this place, because the other place did x,y,z to us". At least I hope that is the case anyway.

Song2 made a good post a couple weeks back about this site growing because of content, and the sense of brotherhood. I 100% agree with it, and we have worked hard to follow news on Twitter and other outlets online...and post that content here.

I think everyone here would attest that myself or Splinty have never asked anyone to stop visiting other sites. Personally, I encourage it because I think the more people visit other places, the more they will appreciate the different vibe that we have here. My partner and I are covering all of the costs to operate the site, and we're working hard to turn it into a legit MMA entity (example is the Ben Askren Q&A tonight). We don't expect it to happen overnight, and we aren't delusional enough to think there won't be bumps in the road and mistakes made along the way.

A culture is built by the example of those at the top, and I think we've done a pretty good job of creating a culture of intelligent, respectful MMA discussion here...with the help of those contributing, of course. In my opinion, other forums have ignored or enabled things to go on, that should have been addressed as soon they happened. That is what frustrated me, and is one of the key reasons this site exists.

Hope that helps explain things from my perspective. All the best my man.
- Wild

 

[TheBigPygmy/JustinWren]

I've posted before....I dont care for a lot of the decisions that are made at the UG, but I empathize with many of the challenges that come with running such a large site. Its a bit unfair to demonize some individuals so much for difficult decisions. I'd do things differently, but I'm not angry about the UG. And I appreciate you focusing on being positive.

Sometimes I think misery loves company and venting feels good when others chime in. I also think that can become toxic as people get comfy in their bitterness. So I do hope people will really consider being a bit more focused on building and staying a positive course, even in the face of reminders about actions of others on another site.

You are EXACTLY right, misery LOVES company and it even though it is toxic, it becomes dangerously addictive. I'm not sure but I think it was Harvard that did a study, but I will never forget the results… It showed that your personality was an average of the top 5 people you spent the most time with. If 3 were positive, 2 were negative, you'd tend to look at things from a positive perspective. If it was flipped you tended to have a negative outlook. If the 5 people you spent time with were positive, you were almost always one of the most positive people on the scale, and if everyone was negative it showed how brutal it was on the persons life… It shot up the numbers for depression, addiction, etc. And just overall, you went through life with a constant negative, life-degrading filter or lens to look through.

Positivity can be just as contagious though! That's what we should hope for and pursue.

 

[La Paix]

Great post Justin and thanks for the honest and well thought out ideas and opinions. The "likes" you mention at the start are what lots of potential members are looking for IMO, level playing field for all, no need to pay to post relevant info that'll add to the forum. The gifs and highlights are the same, great info can be posted when it matters and not some guessing game as to when a certain amount of time has passed. I'm also very pleased at the quality of posters this place has attracted so far, good people with great input and lots of laughs which keeps the mood welcoming and enjoyable. Your point about having a less crowded environment is something I also enjoy. It took me a long time to be able to remember SN of posters on the UG that I appreciated. To have been here early and see the same small circle steadily grow has been fun to build little E-relationships with the group. So basically as a member and a mod here I appreciate and agree with the positive feedback and I'm sure the rest of the members will too.

Now I'll try to address the "bads" you listed but there was quite a bit there so sorry if I miss some important points. First of all I'd say you're right as a whole and will give reasoning from my perspective. Absolutely this place does not depend on the destruction of ANY site whatsoever to grow and be successful. I have an idea of some the possible posts you might have read regarding the UG but I chalk it up to former/current UGers simply being fed up and can have a place to vent openly, this doesn't justify it or make it right and I bet it'll die off in time or slow to a trickle. Unfortunately most people will take the time to sign up and log on to voice a negative opinion rather than a positive and I think that's just the way most of us are and that goes for MMA sites to Amazon reviews on a product. Looking at the member list here there's a big chunk of posters from the UG and I'm sure the main reason they decided to give this place a try is because they felt there could be a better alternative. The UG can be a great place and has a lot of history and quality posters but things like the ban of gifs, inconsistent modding, pay for privileges and so on has basically left a bad taste in many mouths after many years of use so the initial reaction when a new place is found will probably be "wow! this feels cool and new not like that ____ __ ___" fill in the negative blanks as needed. Again I'm not saying its encouraged by any means but feels its got to be expected to a degree for the next few months.

The threads were you have seen posters attacking the UG and its management are only a small portion to the rest. Currently there's just under 600 topics on the Cageside forum and about 130 on the off topic, the shitty comments are in there for sure but not nearly enough to dictate the direction of the site IMO. You're not being a negative Nancy or a too positive Pete but maybe something like a Cautious Clay or a early warning Ernie. As far as the jealous kids I can't really comment at the moment. I lurked the UG in 09 and signed up in 11 so not really long enough to see what you see TBH. It might be there but I don't see it as of now. These two sites are both dedicated to the sport of MMA but at the moment have a very different feel. I see no reason why one couldn't enjoy both if that's what suites them. I find it hard to keep up on more than one forum if I plan to really contribute and I have to say that I'm very thankful that Wild and Josh stepped up huge to create this place. Personally I was starting to get away from the UG as I simply can't stand the habitual negativity and name calling in the majority of threads. When you see people starting threads with the sole purpose to try and create some good vibes you have to ask why.....

Something has just come up and so I'll have to finish this later. Sorry Justin I do want to address you post as its has good talking points. Be back asap.

 

[Wild]

You are EXACTLY right, misery LOVES company and it even though it is toxic, it becomes dangerously addictive. I'm not sure but I think it was Harvard that did a study, but I will never forget the results… It showed that your personality was an average of the top 5 people you spent the most time with. If 3 were positive, 2 were negative, you'd tend to look at things from a positive perspective. If it was flipped you tended to have a negative outlook. If the 5 people you spent time with were positive, you were almost always one of the most positive people on the scale, and if everyone was negative it showed how brutal it was on the persons life… It shot up the numbers for depression, addiction, etc. And just overall, you went through life with a constant negative, life-degrading filter or lens to look through.

Positivity can be just as contagious though! That's what we should hope for and pursue.

You are one of the most positive dudes that I know lol...and honestly, you have inspired me. Not because of the fighting...that's way down the list for me. But for things you have overcome in your life, and for what you are doing with your pygmy family.

 

[Star-Lord]

Nothing will change in life without inciting a discussion, glad you brought this up as I know I have in the past been a little negative towards the UG. I still visit and post though mostly on the OG. I think what's great about this site has already been said, and these great things are due to an open discussion about the negatives of the UG. I think if we have these honest discussions about what we see as negative on this site we will no doubt continue to grow and continue towards a positive environment and an awesome brotherhood.

 

[dacofty]

My position on the UG is that it in itself is a great place, it im sure like this place started out as a way to help the MMA fans. Somewhere down the road the owners saw that they could make money off of those same fans that they were trying to please. They then began to put money ahead of caring. My beef with the UG is that they blatantly protect a few UFC paid posters over the regular guys. I guess my beef is pretty much like the hundreds of guys that left the place. I pretty much am a say what i mean without sugar coating it, here ive disagreed with a few guys and they disagree with me, but I don't have to worry about waking up with a banned account because i didn't drink the UFC cool aid. The UG itself is a great product, the owners are a different story. And im sure you will see me post that over and over, Until the end of the deletion of posts, banning of members and protection of certain members its gonna always be bashed, so it might be a good time to post over at the UG and say the same likes and dislikes. Atleast here you wont have to worry abut sugar coating your words.

 

[TheBigPygmy/JustinWren]

Justin - Thanks for taking the time to post. I will try to explain my position as open and honestly as possible, and please don't take offence to anything I say...you know you're my boy, and I really appreciate you joining us.

First, thank you for outlining your likes. Those are the things that I enjoy about our community as well. Everyone here seemed to buy into creating a culture different than the other popular forums, and because of that, we have had to do very little moderating. It's amazing what can be accomplished when people are just decent to one another...even when sitting behind a computer. And so far, that's what has happened here. If you have time, browse last nights Fight Discussion thread. Nearly 500 posts, and not one of them included name calling, fighter bashing, flaming, etc. To me, that proves that forums can thrive without trolls and idiots abound.

Regarding your dislikes. I can appreciate your long tenure on the other site, and the loyalty that you have there. That said, I was only a part of it for 4-5 years, and that was long enough for me to decide to create this site, with the help of my partner. I was very open and honest about why I wanted to create an alternative. I was tired of the shills, the trolls, the idiots, the name calling, the lack of - or inconsistency of moderation, members not being heard, the crashing, etc. I can only assume that those here felt some of the same frustrations as myself, and now that are venting about it, now that they have a platform to do so. In time, that will go away and we'll just exist.

You sent me a PM a couple weeks back with some suggestions that hit home, and if you notice, we have already made those changes. That is the way this community was built. We asked members for suggestions, recommendations, likes/dislikes, etc...and we built the site around them. I think that is more of an indicator as to why people here already feel invested in this community in such a short amount of time...versus "we like this place, because the other place did x,y,z to us". At least I hope that is the case anyway.

Song2 made a good post a couple weeks back about this site growing because of content, and the sense of brotherhood. I 100% agree with it, and we have worked hard to follow news on Twitter and other outlets online...and post that content here.

I think everyone here would attest that myself or Splinty have never asked anyone to stop visiting other sites. Personally, I encourage it because I think the more people visit other places, the more they will appreciate the different vibe that we have here. My partner and I are covering all of the costs to operate the site, and we're working hard to turn it into a legit MMA entity (example is the Ben Askren Q&A tonight). We don't expect it to happen overnight, and we aren't delusional enough to think there won't be bumps in the road and mistakes made along the way.

A culture is built by the actions of those at the top, and I think we've done a pretty good job of creating a culture of intelligent, respectful MMA discussion here...with the help of those contributing, of course. In my opinion, other forums have ignored or enabled things to go on, that should have been addressed as soon they happened. That is what frustrated me, and is one of the key reasons this site exists.

Hope that helps explain things from my perspective. All the best my man.
- Wild

GREAT quality post bro! Thanks for all the heart put into that post, and this site! I appreciate you bro always taking everything into consideration.

 

[Pitbull9]

A lot of us just needed to vent about the other site just like a poster said above. I don't think it's out of line. In fact the current UG members over there bash it way more then we do. Lots of messed up things going on over there and every now and again we mention it here, it's not on a constant basis at all. As I still lurk I see more and more members getting fed up with what's going on over there and saying nazi moderating is almost accurate considering the specific! Censorship that goes on.

 

[Wild]

Thank YOU for listening and being understanding. I would have never expected anything less from you sir.

 

[SongExotic2]

Dammit I wrote a long post but ham fisted it to Bolivia by accident.

In short. I agree with your post and also with a lot of what's been said so far.

In short.

We have a great community and great discussion being built.

We need to avoid looking down on the UG, they have been home to most of us for a while and although there are opinions here on how it could be better, sitting around yapping about it ain't gonna fix shit.

If we really want to grow as a forum we have to develop our own identity, and if part of that identity revolves around scrutinizing another forum then that's a shame.

I'm optimistic that won't prove to be the case, the core foundation seems to be solid and over time people won't care what the UG did right or wrong.

 

[Pitbull9]

Dammit I wrote a long post but ham fisted it to Bolivia by accident.

In short. I agree with your post and also with a lot of what's been said so far.

In short.

We have a great community and great discussion being built.

We need to avoid looking down on the UG, they have been home to most of us for a while and although there are opinions here on how it could be better, sitting around yapping about it ain't gonna fix shit.



If we really want to grow as a forum we have to develop our own identity, and if part of that identity revolves around scrutinizing another forum then that's a shame.

I'm optimistic that won't prove to be the case, the core foundation seems to be solid and over time people won't care what the UG did right or wrong.

Great post song. Hope the job hunt is going well.

 

[D241]

That was a long read but I read it. I think Justin has a point, but I think time will tell if it's as serious of an issue as he thinks it could be. I recognize there are people who have grudges against the UG, but if they spend their time here and this place remains a positive quality forum, I think that will eliminate most of the negativity towards other sites.

When I got banned from my tight nit mma online community in mmafighting.net I was butthurt for a while, but after mmalinker became a normal forum, my ill will towards mmafighting.net dicapated. Then I found the UG and was more about the new positive site than the old negative one. Hopefully others have that same experience/mindset.

 

[ECC170]

We are all bromancing so hard right now lol...Great thread btw

 

[La Paix]

We are all bromancing so hard right now lol...Great thread btw