There have been posts recently about gyms not allowing their members to post on message boards. I think that is exactly why it's nice to be able to post anonymously; what you are posting are your feelings alone, not the feelings of your gym as a whole. People who post using their gym name have to know, even if you think your post is harmless and good natured, others can't help but think of YOUR GYM when they see it associated with your name. Here's one example ... the moms that post with their gym name in front, a few boast quite a bit about their gym. It's nice to be proud of your gym's accomplishments, but it's really too much at times, especially when you talk about how awesome your season is going to be because you have so many at your gym, or because you have the best tumblers, or whatever. All you're doing is putting pressure on your teams to perform to the standards you alone have set. I rarely see posts like that coming from the gyms that seem to be the most successful. Maybe that's just my observation.
I like to post my opinions on various issues that come up. I like knowing that others feel the same way, and at times certain reactions have caused me to rethink my point of view. I really do believe that changes can happen when people voice their opinions. Sure, there are a lot of negative posts that serve no purpose that I just ignore, but for the most part, I really enjoy reading this board. But my opinions are mine alone, and I'll never drag my gym into it by posting their name with mine. I find all the issues that come up in our sport really interesting, and I'm glad that cheergyms offers an outlet for us all!
If my gym told us we couldn't post on message boards, I would still continue anonymously because I find it very constructive, and it's not hurting anyone (free speech is a good thing, and this is a great outlet for it). But I would make sure they (my gym) were left completely out of it. Just my thoughts on the matter, for what they're worth (less than 2 cents I'm sure).
Well I agre to a point. People get mad cause others don't post who they are and then when some do post who they are, they are chastized. If someone is boasting about their gym, that doesn't make their kids have a name ot live up to. A season will be what it will be, no matter how many kids are in a gym or whatnot. I know which gym you are refering to and perosnally I think that person (s) have been very polite and cordial.
don't make others feel like they can't brag about what they are proud of. You just bragged about being anonymous and yet you wish for the same rights. That's being a tad bit hypocritical.
let people write what they want about their gym I know I do and I just am proud is all. maybe they will do good, maybe they wont but dont make them feel bad for sayig who they are. at least they say it.
I think it's one thing to brag about what you did last season, and quite another to brag about what you WILL be doing this season. I think the point is that it's one person talking, who whether intentional or not is representing the entire gym when they post. I don't think any particular gym was being referred to in that post, since there are more than a few who do it. But that's relatively harmless compared to other posts that are negative and harmful that have some gym name attached to the person who posts; readers don't always separate the post from the entire gym, you know? I think that was the point that was trying to be made. I didn't see anything hypocritical about it at all.
I try to follow a simple rule of thumb when posting.. I ask myself would my gym want me to post this? You really are representing your gym for every positive and negative post you put on this board if you tack the name of your gym along with yours. I think it's great to hear posts from proud parents, but even then you have to be careful of the image you're portraying for your gym. Of course the negative posts, that should be obvious. I can completely understand why some gyms tell their members they are not allowed to post on message boards; even when you don't think it's negative, it can come across as over confidence, and that is also not a good image to portray.
I have put our gym in my name when I'm answering to something directed at our gym. Other than that, I leave them out of it because my opinions are my own and I would never want them to pay the price for something I said.
I do enjoy posts from coaches and owners of specific gyms; they typically deal with facts, and they know their business. I like seeing their point of view. Just some more thoughts on this.
In response to the original post about gym owners not allowing members to post on message boards. After reading many of these threads I honestly can see why gym owners have this policy. Often a very innocent post turn negative. Even if the posters intentions were good it can get turned around and taken the wrong way and reflect negative on the gym. I have see the most innocent of postings turn negative. Example: One team wishes another team good luck this season. The reply comes back --- O you must be from ABC gym and think that XYZ team need luck to win??? The thread continues with 45-50 replys each one building the drama to what started out as a friendly shout out to a team. I have read many posts that probably started out with good intentions that have ended up making a Gym and/or its members look less than desirable. I am on a team that does not have a "Message Board" policy....... but think maybe they should.
I think it's like with anything else, as long as you act responsibly and realize the consequences of any posts you make and the potential dangers, it should be fine. I think too many times people post without thinking about their gym's reputation. Even if you post anonymously, often times things are said that gives the name of your gym away.
I think reading posts and responding to them CAN be helpful, especially if you have suggestions or questions. So it would be a shame for a gym to say you absolutely can't do it. YOu might have some insight on something or experiences to share that would help others. But before you hit that "submit post" button, think about your gym, please! Many innocent members who don't even know about this message board might be impacted by the things you say.
I don't allow my kids to come on this because of the negativity. Obviously I can't stop them but some of them have gone on a agreed that it is a waste of energy. I'm hoping that most of these posts are not from individuals at cheergyms and are from else where. Hopefully sooner or later this message board will talk a turn for the better. Good luck to all of the cheerleaders and coaches for the upcoming season. Have fun!
What so you think the other gyms need good luck??? Are you just that good??? HAHAHA j/k j/k. I read the post about abc wishing team xyz good luck and it turned into that. So I decided to write that. =)
