A Blast From the Past and a Reminder of Our Mission

[RamFan503]

@SierraRam gave me a like on a post I made several years ago. It was one I had written shortly after ROD was put up by Paulie way back when he was going by StLouisRamsX over at the PD. I followed him over here because I was tired of the bitching and moaning and verbal assaults going on over there. He and I shared and still share a vision for this site that would be a place where Rams fans could go to shoot the shit and have fun being fans - in good times and bad. A place that felt more like a few fans going to a bar or their house and shooting the shit about our team over a beer or three.

If you read it, maybe you will get an understanding of why we clamp down on all the negativity, rants, and vents. If you read it, maybe you will see that no matter how much you feel you have the right to vent about all that is happening with our team, it doesn't belong here. If you read it, maybe you will understand why we don't give a damn about being the biggest Rams site if it means sacrificing the principles this site was founded on.

If instead, you read it and still don't get it or want to argue for your rights, then please leave now. No hard feelings. But frankly, I'm done trying to remind and reason and plead.

When you want to discuss problems, be civil and constructive or just don't post. You can disagree with anyone here or anything the Rams are doing until it becomes just one endless string of vents. You can talk, shoot the shit with us, even say you want the coach, GM, etc replaced. But if it makes up almost all your posts, you are harshing our mellow and we will err on the side of having fun.

Anyway, give it a read and see what you think. See if some of you old time RODers don't harken back and grin a little.

Cheers,

Stu

Don't think I've posted on this thread. Of course it is buried now - oh well.

Stu Miller here.

I have been routing for the Rams since '66 or '67. I'm a third generation Ram fan so my illness runs deep. My dad bought me a full Ram uniform when I was 5. Pants, jersey, useless pads in the legs and shoulders. I used to ram my helmet against our stucko wall so that it would look like it went to war like some of my favorite Ram players.

I have lots of memories growing up and cheering on the Rams with my Dad and even a couple with my Grand Dad. The Rams are not just a team and/or a bunch of stats to me. They are intertwined with a lot of great times in my life. I guess it is why I don't grip so much now when they finish with a losing season. I have seen the ups and downs. Winning a SB was great but it is not what I think of when I think of the Rams. I remember sunny days in the Coliseum. I remember watching them come back from 17 points down with about 5 minutes left against Seattle when my Dad came up for a game. I remember sitting in my Grampa's living room in San Diego and the three of us shouting at the TV. I remember a playoff game against Tampa and my Dad and I making my Mom shake her head as if we were a couple little kids on Christmas. I remember watching my Rams shut down OJ before a packed Coliseum crowd. I remember my Dad and I trading silly Ram presents at Christmas year after year.

I now live up in the great NW with my wife, two sons, and big fat black lab. We own a restaurant named Pig Feathers BBQ and my wife is an artist who is starting to get some acclaim as she finally is able to do the artist thing full time. My wife and boys and I love to get out and hunt and fish. We are a big time 2nd Amendment family. We also own a boat that works well for Salmon fishing and crabbing.

I prefer to be an optimist about my Rams because I find nothing fun about looking for the worst.

That pretty much sums it up.

^^^

And that's what it's all about. When your team spans generations, and you've gone through everything with them, it gets a little offensive when people try to talk smack about them - constantly. That's what I believe most "realists" don't comprehend. To them, the Rams are an entity to be analyzed and scrutinized. Sure, they love them too, but they could care less if others chastise "their" team - in fact, they'd probably join in and agree. That's really the part I don't get because it's like there's no pride or passion.

I'll probably never get it, so I don't even bother to try anymore.

Anyway, welcome to the fray (again). It's good to see you (again). We should talk some more (again). Oh, and btw, I have a big fat black lab too - named Molly. Best dogs in the world, bar none. Mine tops the list too, of course. :razzed:

 

[Dodgersrf]

It's also why I came here. The negative BS had just escalated too much on other boards. It started to dominate every thread.
When I came here a few years ago, I knew I found a place with fans like myself. Fans that want to talk football and not shit. Also a place where the members contribute and share information on our team.
I get frustrated with our Rams just like everyone else, but I know I'll be watching every game, every offseason, every draft. I don't watch football for January. I watch it for Sunday. I love the game and there is nothing like seeing those Horns run out into the field on Sunday.


My draw to this team is much more than a few hours on Sunday. I think most here can say the same or they wouldn't take the time during the week and the entire offseason to talk Rams Football and share news, tweets and all info they find elsewhere.

We can't choose our players.
We can't choose our coaches and staff.
We can't choose the owner or where our team plays.

We can choose to route for our team even when things aren't going our way.
Which is what I've always done and will continue to do. Even though I may have bad days.

 

[Mojo Ram]

Rams On Demand (ROD) was created as a go-to place for Rams news and discussion with a focus on our love for the team. A refuge from the negativity that can overwhelm other sites, our rules are enforced to maintain a respectful atmosphere for our members. We realize this is an unconventional model for message board discussion, but it is also what makes us unique. Our members are here for fun and we take that very seriously.

We do not allow personal attacks toward another member. Name calling or other attempts to make things personal, is not allowed.

Using insults to describe the team, its players, its coaches, and/or its hierarchy is not permitted here. This rule is in place to maintain the integrity and appearance of Rams On Demand but also to encourage thoughtful debate. We often have members of the team (both past and present) as well as top officials of the organization here to participate and to answer your questions. Accordingly, it is our goal (and mandate) to represent the organization with respect and class.

While Rams On Demand is a public web site, our membership is private under the rules of our terms and conditions. This is a polite way of saying our members make us great, but ROD is not a place for everyone and it is not a right to be here. Further, your first amendment rights are not applicable to privately owned domains.

By participating you agree to abide by our terms and conditions;
http://www.ramsondemand.com/help/terms

 

[LACHAMP46]

Thanks for sharing Stu... I once read about a great breeder stu fowler....but I digress...

Yep, no need to bash guys at this point. Just comment on what ya see...listen to opinions...suggest changes...seems it's been like that for almost 5 years on this internet thingamabob....

I'm moving into draft mode, and booty pics myself...the Rams will rise again...I just don't know when.

 

[Rmfnlt]

At this point, I am enjoying others sense of humor as we cope with what we watch every Sunday and the fact we may likely be watching the same product for two more years.

Some of you guys are hilarious! Thanks for the humor!

 

[DaveFan'51]

@SierraRam gave me a like on a post I made several years ago. It was one I had written shortly after ROD was put up by Paulie way back when he was going by StLouisRamsX over at the PD. I followed him over here because I was tired of the bitching and moaning and verbal assaults going on over there. He and I shared and still share a vision for this site that would be a place where Rams fans could go to shoot the crap and have fun being fans - in good times and bad. A place that felt more like a few fans going to a bar or their house and shooting the crap about our team over a beer or three.

If you read it, maybe you will get an understanding of why we clamp down on all the negativity, rants, and vents. If you read it, maybe you will see that no matter how much you feel you have the right to vent about all that is happening with our team, it doesn't belong here. If you read it, maybe you will understand why we don't give a damn about being the biggest Rams site if it means sacrificing the principles this site was founded on.

If instead, you read it and still don't get it or want to argue for your rights, then please leave now. No hard feelings. But frankly, I'm done trying to remind and reason and plead.

When you want to discuss problems, be civil and constructive or just don't post. You can disagree with anyone here or anything the Rams are doing until it becomes just one endless string of vents. You can talk, shoot the crap with us, even say you want the coach, GM, etc replaced. But if it makes up almost all your posts, you are harshing our mellow and we will err on the side of having fun.

Anyway, give it a read and see what you think. See if some of you old time RODers don't harken back and grin a little.

Cheers,

Stu

Thanks for posting this Stu, Between the Tough Losses Lately and The Constant Negative Posts by some. I have been feeling Beat-Down around here!
Reading this has reminded me why I Followed @RamzFanz and @-X- over here, and Found so many Great Fans like yourself in the process!!
I Honestly was about to "Quit" But Now I feel rejuvenated!!

" ALL HAIL ....

I'm going to have one, and remember ...

The Good Old Days!!

 

[A55VA6]

At the end of the day we're all here at ROD for the same reason. I think sometimes heated conversations are good, but no need for personal attacks. I love this place and the people here. Hope we can keep it that way!

 

[raised_fisT]

Im fresh off a mini-suspension, which I assume is due to my snarky comments and overall negativity.

I have never attacked a member or gone complete apeshit over a loss... But I get it. I'll TRY to be a bit more positive with my posts, but it is TOUGH right now. I'm a glass half empty kinda guy, sorry I can't be more upbeat.

I've had to suffer some rough years with Byron Scott as head coach of my young Lakers. And I'm seeing the same talent and promise being wasted away by a coach who refuses to evolve and adapt. So maybe I'm projecting a bit of that. I promise to do better, I enjoy this site too much to walk away.
:grouphug:

 

[bomebadeeda]

Thanks for pulling back out a great post. Several have known me from other sites. And I have a tendency to stay in the background most of the time here. But the negativity does wear one down. I still like the idea we could find a way to win, if everything comes together. Yes it's disappointing when it doesn't. But me ranting and raving about it will not change anything. I'd like to believe I know the game well enough that I could do better than the coaches and or scouting dept. But also understanding human nature, that we overevaluate ourselves..... (as well as our teams, heroes and even our dogs......) that probably isn't the truth.
Yes, it's sometimes soul crushing to see, hear or even read the text as to what is happening on the field. And in some sense it's just our own personal version of hell. But I don't want to ruin it for the next guy.......or his young son or daughter. But thank you guys for this site.

 

[GoodBadUgly]

I'm a new member, and I specifically came here due to the beer-or-three vibe not found elsewhere. Although negativity naturally crops up now and again, you all do a great job of keeping it in check. For that I'm thankful.

While I'm thinking about it, what right does anyone have at making things personal and calling another poster an "idiot"? After all, we're RAM FANS!!!! Aren't we idiots by definition? Couldn't resist!

I will always be a Rams fan, and even among the 12s up here in Seattle, I haven't had my car keyed yet (even with my Rams license plate), so how can I be anything but positive?

The real challenge will be when (if?) we're on top again, dealing with the fair weather fans that will join up, ala GSoT era...

 

[woofwoofmo]

Love the post, had not seen it previously and it makes so much sense.

I'll add my 2 cents worth and also express my thanks to those running ROD as well as the members here. Lurked here for a year or two before becoming a member a few years back. This site really is one of a kind, and the reason it's the only site I associate with. It's a lot of fun to talk Rams football with so many knowledgeable fans who have a true passion and want the team to succeed. I'm in a unique and blessed position of knowing many of the Rams and I try to bring a little behind the scenes perspective when I'm able. It's fun reading all the comments about what is perceived to be going on with the Rams, some of you are spot on at times(more than you realize), other time's, not so much. I know I may have disagreed with many posts, but it's usually coming from the perspective of the players, or when it's getting a little too personal about some friends of mine.

Here's to the rest of the season, getting our new QB some vital experience that will pay off down the road and bringing this season home strong and setting up for success next year.

 

[Rmfnlt]

I'm in a unique and blessed position of knowing many of the Rams and I try to bring a little behind the scenes perspective when I'm able.

Are you at liberty to disclose how you are associated with the organization?

Are you in a position to give us a hint as to whether the organization has a grasp of how the fan base feels at this moment?

 

[jetplt67]

Are you at liberty to disclose how you are associated with the organization?

I'll tell you who he is but he may not want you to know. He is the love child of Georgia Frontiere and Francois Rubley (TJ Rubley's cousin)
The details of his life are quite inconsequential. His father was a relentlessly self-improving boulangerie owner from Belgium with low grade narcolepsy and a penchant for buggery. His father would womanize, he would drink. He would make outrageous claims like he invented the question mark. Sometimes he would accuse chestnuts of being lazy. The sort of general malaise that only the genius possess and the insane lament. His childhood was typical. Summers in Rangoon, luge lessons. In the spring he'd make meat helmets. When he was insolent he was placed in a burlap bag and beaten with reeds- pretty standard really. At the age of twelve he received his first scribe. At the age of fourteen a Zoroastrian named Vilma ritualistically shaved his testicles. There really is nothing like a shorn scrotum... it's breathtaking- I highly suggest you try it.

 

[Rmfnlt]

I'll tell you who he is but he may not want you to know. He is the love child of Georgia Frontiere and Francois Rubley (TJ Rubley's cousin)
The details of his life are quite inconsequential. His father was a relentlessly self-improving boulangerie owner from Belgium with low grade narcolepsy and a penchant for buggery. His father would womanize, he would drink. He would make outrageous claims like he invented the question mark. Sometimes he would accuse chestnuts of being lazy. The sort of general malaise that only the genius possess and the insane lament. His childhood was typical. Summers in Rangoon, luge lessons. In the spring he'd make meat helmets. When he was insolent he was placed in a burlap bag and beaten with reeds- pretty standard really. At the age of twelve he received his first scribe. At the age of fourteen a Zoroastrian named Vilma ritualistically shaved his testicles. There really is nothing like a shorn scrotum... it's breathtaking- I highly suggest you try it.

See... this is why I love this place!

Well done!

 

[CGI_Ram]

To all -

We hate to lose anyone, but this topic serves as a general notice that warnings, suspensions, and bans are being handed out to reel things in.

Do not think for a moment we (as moderators) have our heads in the sand about the state of the team. We are all frustrated.

Quite simply... it's no fun reading around mud slinging - and - we've excercised plenty of patience to this point.

You love this community? So do we.

To learn more about how we moderate the site, see our FAQ;

http://www.ramsondemand.com/forums/faq.81/

It might be hard at times, but let's have some fun.

Cheers!

CGI

 

[woofwoofmo]

I'll tell you who he is but he may not want you to know. He is the love child of Georgia Frontiere and Francois Rubley (TJ Rubley's cousin)
The details of his life are quite inconsequential. His father was a relentlessly self-improving boulangerie owner from Belgium with low grade narcolepsy and a penchant for buggery. His father would womanize, he would drink. He would make outrageous claims like he invented the question mark. Sometimes he would accuse chestnuts of being lazy. The sort of general malaise that only the genius possess and the insane lament. His childhood was typical. Summers in Rangoon, luge lessons. In the spring he'd make meat helmets. When he was insolent he was placed in a burlap bag and beaten with reeds- pretty standard really. At the age of twelve he received his first scribe. At the age of fourteen a Zoroastrian named Vilma ritualistically shaved his testicles. There really is nothing like a shorn scrotum... it's breathtaking- I highly suggest you try it.

Oh No!!! My identity is outted. Woe is me, Woe is me!!

 

[woofwoofmo]

Are you at liberty to disclose how you are associated with the organization?

Are you in a position to give us a hint as to whether the organization has a grasp of how the fan base feels at this moment?

I have knowledge on the player level. Privileged to know many of the current players and several from the past few seasons. I don't have much knowledge of anything above assistant coach level. I, like many of you, am left scratching my head at times about decisions made by upper management.

 

[blackbart]

Thanks Stu,

I have high hopes that we can return to this attitude here at ROD. We have been through some tough times so that is nothing new, the Fisher contract is a done deal so that should no longer be a focus of every thread, there are good times ahead for us Rams fans. Have faith brothers and sisters our time is coming.

 

[Goodman]

Thanks for allowing me back on. Ten game suspension for negativity was brutal, but deserved. I still am not a fount of positivity regarding the Rams (as currently coached and managed), but intend to get mellower. Best to ROD administrators and thanks again!

 

[RamFan503]

Thanks for allowing me back on. Ten game suspension for negativity was brutal, but deserved. I still am not a fount of positivity regarding the Rams (as currently coached and managed), but intend to get mellower. Best to ROD administrators and thanks again!

Huh? Were you someone else before?