Due to recent events both on and off the blog I feel it is necessary to clarify several issues and attempt to clear the air in an effort to restore a sense of normalcy here at Canespace. I ask that you please read this blog more than once, with patience and an open mind before your formulate your own personal opinions and post your comments.
First as you know, Canespace is a free, privately run blog for the fans, by the fans. It is not a publicly run media blog like the Miami Herald or Sun Sentinel. It is not paid web site blog or message board like those at Canesport.com or InsidetheU.com.
As with any blog, bloggers who post comments do so at the discretion and approval of the blog editor. Here at Canespace we generally have more clearly defined boundaries and rules that are established to ensure a fan friendly environment for ALL fans, young and old, male and female, black, white or hispanic, not just a select few.
Secondly, as you are also aware, the public media blogs have had severe difficulty managing comments at their sites resulting in the virtual elimination of meaningful conversation about UM athletics at those sites. The Canespace rules and guidelines are precisely intended to prevent that same environment from being repeated at this site.
As many of you are aware, about a year ago the Sun-Sentinel blog became a hostile environment for Hurricane fans due to a Gator troll that dominated the conversation and essentially ruined that site for all. Many SS blogers have found their way to Canespace as a result. Not until very recently has Shandel Richardson started to screen and delete comments and ban bloggers who do not follow common decency guidelines.
More recently our good friend Manny Navarro at the Miami Herald changed the format of his blog to a "moderated comment only" format due to the same reasons. The same bloggers who launched personal attacks, threats and general blog pollution that stained the SS blog found their way to The Herald and due to pressure from bloggers Manny decided to change the format or simply quit blogging. He told me as much in an email.
Over at Canesport things got so bad that Gary Ferman had to lay down the law and ban some message board regulars who had been around for years. A group of around 100 bloggers from that site started their own "members only" blog that is only open to those invited to join.
The point of this discussion is to show you that the recent events here at Canespace are not isolated to this blog. Running a blog is a difficult balancing act of allowing freedom of expression and controlling content and comments. And it a tremendous burden as well as a 24/7 responsibility for the blog editor.
As I am sure you can imagine, this is an extremely tiring and difficult task for anyone to manage. Are conflicts going to arise? Absolutely. Is it possible to always get the balance right? Probably not. Are mistakes likely to be made? Probably so.
More than anyone, I fully understand that any blog is only as good as its bloggers. I also understand that may be even more true at a private, fan run site like Canespace than any of the other media sites. I have visited and read hundreds of other sports blogs on the Internet and none that I have found can match Canespace for the number and quality of comments posted here on a daily basis.
In fact most of the blogs that I have found including those at the Sun-Sentinel and Miami Herald cannot match our community of bloggers or number of daily comments. I am well aware of that fact and I am thankful for all of those that contribute here on a daily basis. In some ways, Canespace has become the last safe refuge for intelligent and knowledgeable Hurricane fans to blog.
Only here at Canespace do we have numerous fans from all over the Country writing and contributing feature articles on a regular basis. I realize that Canespace would not have achieved our goals and would be nothing without these dedicated bloggers. I have a great deal or appreciation and respect for those who take their personal time to provide quality content for all to enjoy.
That being said, the recent issues and incidents have set us back, of that there is no doubt. I accept responsibility for my role in that and offer an apology to those who I may have upset or offended.
So should others.
As I have publicly stated here on many occasions no one blogger is above the rules or more important than the blog itself. Those who violate the rules of conduct, attempt to intimidate or bully other bloggers or try to turn the blog into their own personal page have unfortunately at times had to learn lessons the hard way by having comments deleted and in some cases being banned from the blog.
There are only a handful of Canepacers who have ever been banned. All have returned to the blog after a short period away after clarifying the issues off the blog. Whenever a blogger violates one of the rules they are asked to email me to clarify the rules and prevent future violations. That is not done to chastise or embarrass anyone, it is done because it is efficient and also lets others know that the blog is being monitored to reduce the number of violations that need to be addressed.
That will not change. I do not have time to convince or counsel bloggers into following the rules. Some bloggers choose not to email me when confronted. That is their choice and their decision. If following rules or sending an email is too much to ask from any blogger here then simply put you do not belong on Canespace.
To help all comply and to avoid violations, here are the rules:
1. Posting of sexual, obsecene or offensive comments or material is not permitted.
2. Blog bullying, personal attacks, bashing or threats of intimidation are not permitted.
3. Politics, religion, race or ethnic issues and other emotionally charged topics should be avoided.
4. Consistent or continuous off-topic or inappropriate comments should be avoided.
We all get off topic once in a while. We all joke and tease each other. That is absolutely fine and part of developing a positive and healthy blog community. Here at Canespace people have received legal advice, job opportunities, personal coaching and emotional support during difficult times in their lives.
That is what has made this blog unique. I do NOT want to lose that.
I have invested a significant amount of time and money into this project known as Canespace and am committed to its success. At times I have to make difficult decisions that I believe are in the best interests of the blog. That is not always easy, especially given all of the behind the scenes issues, emails, phone contacts, comments and suggestions that I get on a regular basis.
I do the best I can and try to involve others whenever major decisions are made that impact the blog. Am I perfect? No, far from it. Do I do the best I can to be fair and balanced? Sure I do.
That is all I can offer and all I can do.
I hope that is good enough for most of you.
Oh my!
Posted by: MDCane | March 03, 2010 at 10:15 PM
almost had it.
Posted by: Daytoncane | March 03, 2010 at 10:18 PM
MD, where the hell have you been??
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | March 03, 2010 at 10:18 PM
Miami will take Thursday off before returning to the practice field on Friday at 3:30 p.m.
A Few Practice Highlights:
• Senior defensive back DeMarcus Van Dyke had an interception during the blitz period.
• Junior quarterback Spencer Whipple hooked up with Kendal Thompkins for a nice gain of over 20 yards over the middle.
• Junior wide receiver LaRon Byrd ended the blitz period with a grab as he snatched a ball thrown by Stephen Morris out of the air over three defenders.
Posted by: SOUP | March 03, 2010 at 09:46 PM
Harris, Spence Post-Practice
After practice, juniors lineba:
cker Sean Spence and defensive back Brandon Harris met with members of the media, here's some of what they had to say ...
Junior linebacker Sean Spence
On areas of his game he wants to work on this spring: Everything. I feel like there's always room for improvement. I'm not satisfied with any parts of my game. I'm just trying to get better each and every day.
On his play last season: It was not what I wanted it to be. I wanted to come out and help the team win games. I wasn't able to do that. I got hurt and had a setback. Now, I just need to bounce back.
On expectations as a junior: A lot of leadership. I want to be able to keep my composure on the field. I want to help my defense stay together when we're going through rough times on the field. Just being a natural leader.
On tight end Richard Gordon: He's looking good. He's a load. He's catching a lot more balls. He's being physical. He's always been physical. Catching the ball and getting on the field has been a big part of his game already this year.
Junior defensive back Brandon Harris
On how hard it is to take down running back Lamar Miller: Miller time! It's tough, because Lamar is a very fast kid. He's a guy that will sneak up on you. If you think he's going to fake you out, he'll lower his shoulder on you and get in your chest. You have to pick your poison with Lamar and just hope you get him on the ground. He won't go down easy, though."
On how important scrimmages are: There very important. We need to be able to go out there and compete with each other. We haven't played a game since December. Even though the season doesn't start until the fall, during this offseason, we need to get back in the form of competing with each other, grinding it out and coming out in tough situations such as a scrimmage. You'll have different scenarios. It's the closest to a game atmosphere that we can get until the fall.
On what older players tell young guys about scrimmages: The main thing we tell them is not put too much pressure on it. It's a scrimmage. It's a game situation, but it's still meant to be fun. You want to go out there and focus on executing your game plan.
On what the team wants to accomplish by the end of March: We want to be closer as a team, but by competition. Our big motto this spring is being competitive. The defense wants to go at the offense every time we touch the field. The same goes for the offense. We don't want to pat each other on the backs along this way. We want to really, really get after it this spring.
Posted by: SOUP | March 03, 2010 at 09:48 PM
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | March 03, 2010 at 10:19 PM
Good info Soup.
It's interesting to see the maturation of these guys, year after year, this junior class in particular. They've been through the highs and lows and now they know what to expect of themselves, individually and as a group, more than ever. They also know exactly where and how they need to improved, individually and as a group.
It's not like the way they were as frosh or even soph's where there were plenty of ???s, esp. the way they were all thrown into the fire.
They're really maturing, physically and mentally and they still have what four months before fall scrimmages to get bigger, faster and smarter.
The schedule sets up quite well to show whether they've really turned the corner and become Canes.
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | March 03, 2010 at 09:55 PM
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | March 03, 2010 at 10:21 PM
Please read and comment.
All input, feedback, comments and constructive crtiticism is welcome.
Personal attacks, not so much.
Saying "There should be no rules" or "never delete any comments" is NOT going to help.
Posted by: SOUP | March 03, 2010 at 10:25 PM
maybe the Truth comes back now?
Posted by: Daytoncane | March 03, 2010 at 10:25 PM
It's your world Soup, we're just livin' in it!
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | March 03, 2010 at 10:27 PM
Truth is NEVER coming back.
Posted by: NOBODY | March 03, 2010 at 10:28 PM
Truth is NEVER coming back.
Posted by: NOBODY | March 03, 2010 at 10:28 PM
That's on HIM, not us. Everyone has to make choices. He has to make his. He is welcome here anytime he wants.
Nobody...post as a REAL blogger or don't post.
Posted by: SOUP | March 03, 2010 at 10:32 PM
soup read your email
Posted by: solarcane | March 03, 2010 at 10:36 PM
I'll take Kentucky and 'Cuse.
Wall, Cousins and Patterson are a nice PG and Forwards to have. Wall can just flat out take over a game whenever he wants - that game against Rocky Top when they were down by 19, he just decided to carry the team on his back. I haven't seen someone with that kind of burst from end-to-end since Tyus Edney with UCLA back in the day. He gets other people open - that's his specialty. If he could only hit the 9-12 foot jumper consistently, he'd be D-Wade-esque
'Cuse is just flat out good. They haven't lost on the road - no other top 10 team has done that this year. Kansas, Kentucky, K-State, Purdue, New Mexico lost twice on the road ... West Virginia lost three times on the road ... Duke and Nova lost four times on the road ... Ohio State lost five times on the road. That curb stomping 'Cuse laid on Nova was impressive.
Nova looked good at the beginning of the year, but that beat down against Georgetown and then losing back-to-back games against UConn and Pitt really showed the nation how to play Nova.
Bill Self has done a great job out at Kansas - then again, what about the competition Kansas plays in the Big 12? It's not exactly Big East worthy. Missouri has its moments - at home - then they lost to Vandy, Richmond and Oral Roberts on the road. Oklahoma State is too inconsistent and they got blown out by Tulsa, and also lost to Rhode Island. Texas is one of the most overrated teams to even grab the #1 spot this year. Kansas State will make a little noise in the tourney this year, simply b/c they'll run you to death
How about this - the only team to beat both #1 ranked teams this year is Rocky Top when they knocked off both Kansas and Kentucky
I'll stick with the Cats and the 'Cuse. Just hope they're able to meet in the final game and the selection committee doesn't hose it
Posted by: Six | March 03, 2010 at 10:36 PM
"ensure a fan friendly environment for ALL fans, young and old, male and female, black, white or hispanic"
What the? You left out pacific islanders man. What, we're now ousted from the blog?
Ima take me pineapples, rice, Honda, sushi, kimchi and go home
Ha.
Posted by: Six | March 03, 2010 at 10:38 PM
if i recall all the Truth wanted was an apology.
SOUP just apologized in the article to everybody he offended so i think we should let bygones be bygones.
that is all i have to say.
Posted by: Daytoncane | March 03, 2010 at 10:40 PM
SOUP, keep up the good work. You're doing a fantastic job. Canespace is a wonderful outlet for fans to express their love for the CANES…Protect the brand!
Posted by: MDCane | March 03, 2010 at 10:45 PM
Captain O, I've been working like a rented mule...only have time to read. Waiting for the season to start to see how much the D-Line improved under Petri.
Posted by: MDCane | March 03, 2010 at 10:46 PM
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/football/ncaa/03/02/georgia.tech.shaw.ap/index.html
GT is losing their backup QB. I'm glad that never happens in Miami!
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | March 03, 2010 at 10:48 PM
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/andy_staples/03/02/3d-tv/index.html
3-D TV coming to college football!!! Who would of thunk? I thought porn always "drove" new technology!
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | March 03, 2010 at 10:53 PM
Dookie and Terps game is a good one
Did Gary Williams approve of those mustard puke colored uniforms though for the Terps?
Lamar Miller wearing the number Six ... LeCrybaby James changing his number from 23 to Six ... why are these guys jocking me?
Posted by: Six | March 03, 2010 at 10:56 PM
Truth is NEVER coming back.
Posted by: NOBODY | March 03, 2010 at 10:28 PM
Neither are U I would imagine? I sent you an email, be an mature adult and answer it off the blog PLEASE.
Posted by: SOUP | March 03, 2010 at 10:57 PM
SOUP just apologized in the article to everybody he offended so i think we should let bygones be bygones.
Posted by: Daytoncane | March 03, 2010 at 10:40 PM
Yes I did. Now we will see what happens...
Posted by: SOUP | March 03, 2010 at 10:59 PM
i hope JSQ comes back too.
she probably could have been one of the reasons that Canespace becomes "big time".
Posted by: Daytoncane | March 03, 2010 at 11:06 PM
Post-practice notes:
• Former `Canes tight end and current Chicago Bear Greg Olsen made his second appearance at spring practice and was joined by former UM teammate and current San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore, who also stopped by.
• The `Canes will participate in eight more practices leading up to the spring game on Saturday, March 27.
• The Hurricanes will take Thursday off before returning to the practice field on Friday at 3:30 p.m. and again on Saturday at 10 a.m. All practices are closed to the public this spring with the exception of a scrimmage on Mar. 11 and the spring game on March 27.
Details for Open Practice and Spring Game Announced:
The University of Miami football team has announced two dates for fans to get a glimpse of the 2010 Hurricanes. Miami will hold an open scrimmage on Thurs. Mar. 11 and its annual spring game on Sat. Mar. 27. Both events are free and open to the public. The Hurricanes will hold an intrasquad scrimmage, open to the public, at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale (5201 NW 12th Avenue) on Thurs., Mar. 11, at 7 p.m. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and players will take part in an autograph session from 6-6:45 p.m. Spring Practice will conclude at Traz Powell Stadium located on the north campus of Miami Dade College (11380 NW 27th Avenue) on Saturday, March 27. UM's annual spring game which is slated to start at 4:30 p.m. Gates will open at 3 p.m. Players will take part in an autograph session from 3:30-4 p.m.
Posted by: SOUP | March 03, 2010 at 11:07 PM
Six
The first number to ever be retired in a professional sport is the number 6.
1934 Ace Baily #6 Toronto Maple Leafs.
Posted by: solarcane | March 03, 2010 at 11:08 PM
If it means anything to you Six, my favorite number is 9. (Born on the 9th day of the 9th month, an all) That's close enough. I'm you upside-down. I think Jeremy Davis is gonna be reppin' that.
(BG........anyone?)
Maybe instead of being Hurriphin, I should start campaigning as "Nine."
Posted by: Hurriphin302-4-305 | March 03, 2010 at 11:08 PM
What the? You left out pacific islanders man. What, we're now ousted from the blog?
Ima take me pineapples, rice, Honda, sushi, kimchi and go home
Ha.
Posted by: Six | March 03, 2010 at 10:38 PM
>>>>
You can take all the rest BUT DON'T TOUCH THE KIM-CHI. haha
I love that stuff.
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | March 03, 2010 at 11:12 PM
MD, I know a few people who would like to be rented mules right now. haha
Good to see you around and healthy.
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | March 03, 2010 at 11:13 PM
Mickey Mantle's number was 6 his first year in the bigs before he got sent to the minors and came back as #7
Posted by: solarcane | March 03, 2010 at 11:14 PM
Lamar Miller wearing the number Six ... LeCrybaby James changing his number from 23 to Six ... why are these guys jocking me?
Posted by: Six | March 03, 2010 at 10:56 PM
>>>
I think you're on to something. haha
Why is Lebron changing his number so late in his career?
I just watched some Wall highlights. This kid is going to be the next Wade if he masters the jumper. He'll be electric in the NBA.
Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | March 03, 2010 at 11:16 PM
she probably could have been one of the reasons that Canespace becomes "big time".
Posted by: Daytoncane | March 03, 2010 at 11:06 PM
That is true. She made many HUGE contributions to the blog. For that we are ALL thankful.
However there were many issues that had to be managed "off blog" that many here are unaware of. That made it very difficult.
Posted by: SOUP | March 03, 2010 at 11:18 PM
Any minute now Solar will unveil a list of all-time greatest #6's in professional sports history.......
Posted by: Hurriphin302-4-305 | March 03, 2010 at 11:18 PM
i hope JSQ comes back too.
she probably could have been one of the reasons that Canespace becomes "big time".
Posted by: Daytoncane | March 03, 2010 at 11:06 PM
I'm sure if she wasn't a blonde hottie...you wouldn't be saying that....LOL.
Posted by: raizecane | March 03, 2010 at 11:19 PM
There are not that many great # 6's.....
A few in college football a few in basketball and baseball (I DON"T CARE ABOUT BASEBALL)
Antrelle Rolle is my favorite #6.
Posted by: CaneSawMassacre | March 03, 2010 at 11:22 PM
Great post....I quit commenting on the SS and MH blogs due to all the silly comments by the trolls. I refuse to speak with idiots that probably never played organized football.
Posted by: '87 Canes | March 03, 2010 at 11:23 PM
Stan Musial
Dr J
Bill Russel
Mark Martin
6 is considrerd a perfect number because
6= 1+2+3
Posted by: solarcane | March 03, 2010 at 11:25 PM
It has to mean something that Lebron is changing now.
Posted by: CaneSawMassacre | March 03, 2010 at 11:27 PM
Dr. J, the greatest #6........?
Doc was 6 right?
Posted by: Hurriphin302-4-305 | March 03, 2010 at 11:27 PM
I have no idea what all the hubub is about. Let me explain why I come here and maybe this can clear so things up. I have followed the "U" since 1963 both fottball and baseball. I was 12 at the time. I moved my family to NC in 1986 and of all the things in Miami that I miss the CANES are #1. The only way I keep up with the team is here, The Herald, and the Sun S. When I read comments that belittle the team or a player anywhere I just by-pass it and move on. THIS IS FOR THE U OF MIAMI FANS ONLY if you are not then go away. Don't waste your time or ours. I do not for the love of God understand why people can not get that. PLEASE DO NOT STOP the good work you are doing. If it were not for here and there I would be lost. I'm already handicaped having to read my local papers that only follow UNC, NC State, and Duke not to mention ECU. I wear my U of Miami attire all the time and get ridiculed daily. So do not the few low lifes inturupt this web site. If not for the local fans there in Miami and in the state think of me here in NC. Thanks I for one think you do a great job, keep up the good work. Smile even though it gets tuff sometimes. remember God is watching you. Thanks again
Posted by: Wayne | March 03, 2010 at 11:29 PM
Hey soup mad respect my man and I know your hear this alot but seriously thank you and thanks to all f those who make this website what it is living in rhode island is tuff enough and getting info on my canes is tougher.... Thanks alot soup
Posted by: UpNorthCane06 | March 03, 2010 at 11:29 PM
I like the Beast his number was 666
Posted by: solarcane | March 03, 2010 at 11:29 PM
santana?
Posted by: solarcane | March 03, 2010 at 11:33 PM
Good looks Solar,
I'm like CaneSaw, I know the great baseball players, but I don't follow it nearly as much as I once did. (Which wasn't a whole lot to start with) I'm not to good with numbers.
What number was DiMaggio?
Posted by: Hurriphin302-4-305 | March 03, 2010 at 11:34 PM
Lol small edit f was a typo for of .... I'm not tryna get into any trouble...
But hey fellas I need some help anybody got family or close fronds who might own a private investiator firm and would be willing o give two college graduates a paid or unpaid internship or training for 2 years?.... Me and my cousin moving down to Miami soon and hae decided two open our own pi firm but we need at least two years of experience and what sucks about rhode island is that pi firms are set up for retired cops so there's no chance any help is appreciated cane brothas
Posted by: UpNorthCane06 | March 03, 2010 at 11:35 PM
solar is showing his age lol.
SOUP is gonna get on here and tell us all the greatest pre WWII players to wear 6. i heard he was in his late 20s back then.
Posted by: Daytoncane | March 03, 2010 at 11:35 PM
5 hurri
Posted by: solarcane | March 03, 2010 at 11:35 PM
Here is why you don't retire numbers no matter how good
what do the Yankees do in another 50 years
sew triple didgits on?
1 billy martin
3 babe ruth
4 lou gehrig
5 joe dimaggio
7 mickey mantle
8 yogi berra/ bill dickey
9 roger maris
10 phil rizzuto
15 thurmon munson
16 whitey ford
23 don mattingly
32 elston howard
37 casey stengal
42 jackie robinson
44 reggie jackson
49 ron guidry
Posted by: solarcane | March 03, 2010 at 11:43 PM
With the changes at the Herald and SS This is by far the best Cane Board on the net.. Keep it up Soup!!!
Posted by: 16 grams | March 03, 2010 at 11:45 PM
Thanks I for one think you do a great job, keep up the good work. Smile even though it gets tuff sometimes. remember God is watching you. Thanks again
Posted by: Wayne | March 03, 2010 at 11:29 PM
Thank You!!!
Posted by: SOUP | March 03, 2010 at 11:46 PM
With the changes at the Herald and SS This is by far the best Cane Board on the net.. Keep it up Soup!!!
Posted by: 16 grams | March 03, 2010 at 11:45 PM
Thank you!
Posted by: SOUP | March 03, 2010 at 11:46 PM
Hurriphin302-4-305 - ya, that's basically why my nick on here is "Six"
Favorite number. I've always had it or a combo of it, from T-Ball up through college. I've always been #6 ... was #17 once (1-7=6)
9 was always a popular number when I played baseball. The coaches always seemed to nab it though before any player could get to it
Also, you might not notice, but the number 6 comes up A LOT in a ton of statistics for games, practices, rosters, any kind of selections, etc. It's scary
Posted by: Six | March 03, 2010 at 11:55 PM