A Letter From The Editor

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.

Comments

[Sarasota 'cane]

"Like sands through the hour glass, so go the days of our lives!"

Go 'canes!

[solarcane]

Oops sorry Six

Coolest Pacific Islander name

Duke Kahanamoku

[BEERicane]

Coolest Pacific Islander name:

I submit Duane "the Dog" Chapman.

[86Cane]

He isn't asking much, I don't think...
Asking to respect each other. Asking to respect our players, who have busted their azzes playing for the U. The team that we supposedly love... What wrong with this picture? Some here want the right to say and do whatever they want to do without restrictions. without bars, without the fear of reprisals on the Net, where everything is forever and ever...Get Real!

Posted by: Cat5Cane | March 04, 2010 at 12:18 PM

There it is right there.

[carolina cane]

Being from North Carolina and the most avid Canes fan in this lousy weather state, I'm glad I found a place that isn't moderated and will let you voice your opinion, whether it be good or bad, within reason. Manny let Pedro go on to long and it ruined the blog.

[solarcane]

you are always welcome here carolina cane.
One of the bloggers held in highest esteem here is lives in NC.
CaneGirlNorthCarolina

[j.w.]

Morning, folks. Six- I listened to the Giants game yesterday on the radio, nothing quite like hearing baseball again after so many months.
86- well written article. You have created a great forum, this site is uniquely positive on all Cane sports and I also commend you for reaching out to those who used to be here. For what its worth, I hope Mary, Truth, Calvin, etc. do continue to contribute. Canespace is still going to be a great site with or without them, but I enjoyed all of their contributions.

[solarcane]

is lives in NC

^^ geezus I been in Georgia wayyy too long

I'm out catch you guys tonight

[Six]

canechic - I've fallen asleep before with baseball on the television, it's relaxing sometimes and isn't something where the guys hit each other on every single play .. so that's normal

But, when you do have a sport where guys are hitting each other on every single play and still are bored out of your mind watching it or sit there thinking what else could you be doing - that's bad

Case in point:

Week 17 - Bears vs Lions, Jags vs Browns, Colts vs Bills

Week 16 - Raiders vs Browns, Lions vs Niners, Chiefs vs Bengals

Week 15 - Falcons vs Jets, Texans vs Rams, Bucs vs Seahawks

Week 14 - Steelers vs Browns, Bills vs Chiefs, Redskins vs Raiders

Week 13 - Bucs vs Panthers, Bengals vs Lions, Seahawks vs Niners, Bears vs Rams

You get my point. There were plenty more from Week 12 on down. When a sport with such controlled violence as football bores you, that's a problem. A lot of the time, I only cared about a couple of those games b/c I had a fantasy football player going in it. I love Frank Gore and all, but damn are the Niners boring to watch on offense when they don't give it to him. The Lions make anyone want to take their own life. The Seahawks are the same, even with Kelly Jennings out there. The Jags are pure snooze material, every game. Redskins are the same, even with Portis/Moss/Rocky Mac on it. Unless those 3 are getting the ball on a consistent basis - yawn

[Six]

solar - Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala, remember him with the Steelers?

Duke is a cooler first name though

Toe Nash - phenom player for the Rays
Webster Slaughter - Browns
Taco Wallace - played for Kansas State
Mookie Wilson - Mets
Coco Crisp - idiot
Milton Bradley - nutjob
Rusty Kuntz - Tigers
Ron Tugnutt - goalie in NHL

[FightingIbis]

86

This is your house-party, you should never have to apologize for asking people to not jump up and down on the sofa.

Posted by: Gin & Tonic | March 04, 2010 at 10:21 AM

Thank U for that comment. It reflects the way I feel.

Posted by: SOUP | March 04, 2010 at 11:37 AM

I think this is problem in a nutshell. Is this your house or is it a blog for the fans by the fans? You can't have your cake and eat it too.

It's either for the fans by the fans or it's 86's house where he's looking to go further with this blog. It can't be both!

You can't say something is for the fans by the fans while you have dreams of making it something else entirely.

[86Cane]

I'm glad I found a place that isn't moderated and will let you voice your opinion, whether it be good or bad, within reason.

Posted by: carolina cane | March 04, 2010 at 01:06 PM

Carolina...thanks for your support. Post here, post often!

[bg1906]

Tom.

There is still so much going on behind the scenes. Maybe its time to just FULLY address everything all the allegations, all the missteps and EVERYTHING in the court of public opinion. I really believe that. A town hall session so to speak. On Canespace, I'm tired of hearing it one way from this groups, one way from that group. Lets get EVERYONE together and see what it really is.

That's how I feel. This whole thing as Truth would say is Stupid and as Bryce would say, some wack a$$ BS!

[Six]

For any Bucs fans out there, for what it's worth, talked to Josh Freeman and he said that he talks with Suh a lot ... said Suh wants to be a Buc badly. Would be nice seeing him and Roy Miller next to each other in the middle of that DLine

Hope it happens, but I don't know if the Rams will pass on him with the 1st pick. I have a bad feeling with Spagnuolo he'll take Suh, even though everyone says the Rams need a QB. All those years under Jim Johnson with the Iggles, I'm thinking Spags stays defensive with the 1st pick

Everyone knows the Lions aren't taking a QB with the 2nd pick, so welcome to the Motor City Gerald McCoy or maybe Okung or Bulaga to help protect Stafford on the OLine

[bg1906]

Posted by: FightingIbis | March 04, 2010 at 01:26 PM

Absolutely! Very good point and is in fact a small part of entirely MUCH bigger situation and issue.

[GURU]

fritz pollard and bobby marshall first black pro football players

[86Cane]

It's either for the fans by the fans or it's 86's house where he's looking to go further with this blog. It can't be both!

Posted by: FightingIbis | March 04, 2010 at 01:26 PM

This may help to clarify: It IS "For the Fans, By the Fans" because the FANS, not the media, write all of the articles here providing fan driven and fan based content for all to enjoy.

It is NOT because any fan can say anything they want here or turn the blog into their personal platform or bully others.

Does that help?

[bg1906]

Tom

I say that because many feel the blog last night ONLY covers your side and does not let anyone speak their true feelings and their side. They feel if they try to speak their side you will delete them. I say don't delete them, lets get it ALL OUT so we can HOPEFULLY move forward.

This is what I really feel needs to happen.

[Sy-Cane]

I would agree with BG's comments, only because Solar and Tom asked for contribution to keep the 'Space alive, and some of the people who did contribute, did it out of the sheer goodness in their heart to keep this place going with no personal agenda.

Otherwise, it's Tom's blog and his rules.

[CGNC]

Like if I had grown up in Canada I might really dig hockey...(Did I just say that?? What a nightmare) even though I would still be American.

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | March 04, 2010 at 11:45 AM

Cav! U would love hockey! NHL in person is great

[Sy-Cane]

Sorry to add to my comment above....those who contributed were also disciplined/banned/admonished/what have you, and feel they should be given a courtesy to speak their position.

I for one had a chance to read the Truth's beef, before it was deleted, so I can see where he's coming from.

[GURU]

where in georgia solar?

[CGNC]

carolinacane - LOL the weather here blows lately that's for sure. Sick of it! Ithink Marylou sent it down from Michigan...LOL

[mi@mic@ne]

U

[86Cane]

Maybe its time to just FULLY address everything all the allegations, all the missteps and EVERYTHING in the court of public opinion. I really believe that. A town hall session so to speak.

Posted by: bg1906 | March 04, 2010 at 01:28 PM

Not gonna happen. This blog article was my one attempt to address the issues, clear the air, offer an apology and get back to normal operations. If it works fine. If it doesn't then I tried my best.

Mistakes were made, feeling were hurt, and now apologies have been offered. Lets be adults about this and move on.

Everyone is welcome back. Nobody is banned if they agree to follow blog rules. I'm not gonna debate that or the issues.

It ends here, today. This is NOT a soap opera. This is a sports blog. Get over it already.

New blog will be up later getting us back to sports. End of the story...blog on!

[j.w.]

But this site has allowed dissenting points of view, always. Asking posters to say what they want, but be respectful towards others and try to avoid really just a couple of topics has been the rule, right?

[FightingIbis]

Ne one sell cars on the east coast? im shopping

Posted by: PhillyCane | March 04, 2010 at 12:10 PM

Whatcha lookin to buy? I'm in tight with the GM at Schumacher.

[bg1906]

Bridgewater.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/amp-bridgewater-impressive-at-elite-11-93537

[bg1906]

Not gonna happen. This blog article was my one attempt to address the issues, clear the air, offer an apology and get back to normal operations. If it works fine. If it doesn't then I tried my best.

Mistakes were made, feeling were hurt, and now apologies have been offered. Lets be adults about this and move on.

Everyone is welcome back. Nobody is banned if they agree to follow blog rules. I'm not gonna debate that or the issues.

It ends here, today. This is NOT a soap opera. This is a sports blog. Get over it already.

New blog will be up later getting us back to sports. End of the story...blog on!

Posted by: 86Cane | March 04, 2010 at 01:49 PM

Then it honestly never is going to end and it will remain to be the way it is. If you really want it to end as well, you'll have to stop with the messages and stuff to those parties in private. If it REALLY is going to die and be over with, then you have to REALLY let it die as well, publicly and privately.

[86Cane]

From Heather at ESPN:

MIAMI

The Canes went two hours in full pads and will practice again on Friday before having a closed scrimmage on Saturday. Miami finished practice working in 9-on-9 situations with some special teams work sprinkled in between the two periods. UM also worked on field goal protection before ending practice working in 11-on-11, blitz and third-down team situations.

Highlights

Senior defensive back DeMarcus Van Dyke had an interception during the blitz period.

Junior quarterback Spencer Whipple found Kendal Thompkins for a nice gain of more than 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.

[mi@mic@ne]

Was this about after hours blogging? Ive been away...

[FightingIbis]

Does that help?

Posted by: 86Cane | March 04, 2010 at 01:33 PM

I guess.

Just sayin that something doesn't add it. You say this site is for the fans by the fans but yet you're very quick to protect Manny because of some secret pack you have or some vision of where you want this blog to go. Could we get an idea of what you're trying to do with the site since we the fans help this thing go?

I come here because it isn't like the moderated blogs of the SS or Herald aand it isn't like Cokesnort or the BS recruiting sites. But keep us in the loop.

I've got no problem with you making money. You bust your ass and should make money. Hell I wouldn't have a problem spending money to help out your costs. But tell us fans what vision is so we can help. For the fans by the fans!

[86Cane]

Then it honestly never is going to end and it will remain to be the way it is. If you really want it to end as well, you'll have to stop with the messages and stuff to those parties in private. If it REALLY is going to die and be over with, then you have to REALLY let it die as well, publicly and privately.

Posted by: bg1906 | March 04, 2010 at 01:56 PM

The ONLY people I have emailed are MM01 and RandyCane because MM01 has been posting under FAKE names and trying to trash the blog. That had to be addressed. Other than that I have been silent.

Time to take this OFF the blog. Email if you want to continue. Nobody else here cares about this nonsense!

[solarcane]

for the fans by the fans to me means

University of Miami, ESPN, Raycom, etc. don't have a say how it's run

86Cane being a fan and owning the blog DOES have a say how it's run.

86Cane the writers and contributors are the "by the fans"

The casual readers, commenter's, and guests are the "for the fans"

This isn't about freedom of speech, civil rights, picking fights, and bullying people.
It never had to get to the point great friendships were injured, or people's feelings got hurt.

I love to drive over a 100 mph.
I can either pay the ticket without bitching, and continue to drive a 100 or I can chill to 70 when I see the same cop again.

It's life

[mi@mic@ne]

Guys we are in the fourth quarter and its time to come together cause the NC party is next. Its about these playas not us... go C A N E S

[bg1906]

I've learned what I'm going to do. I'm going to ONLY keep it Canes. I hate this situation because I garnered personal relationships from Canespace. I feel SO caught in the middle and I'm not liking it one bit. I'm 36 yrs old, but never to old to learn. I'm just going to post the way I do about The U and that's it. No more being friends, because friends don't treat each other like this. Its so UGLY!

[86Cane]

I'm just going to post the way I do about The U and that's it.

Posted by: bg1906 | March 04, 2010 at 02:10 PM

I think that's a great idea. U got dragged in WAY too deep my friend. Time to let it go and move on.

It's all about this U!

Don't ever forget that...

[Sarasota 'cane]

Half of the negative garbage on here is put out by a couple of crazed Gator fans. It's obvious when a "new" blogger comes on here and has NOTHING good to say about UM after a couple of days that they are not UM fans. It's comical to watch some of you interact with them!

Their posts ALWAYS begin with: "I've been a fan of the 'space for a long time, but this is my first time posting..." and then they begin to tell us everything that is wrong with UM's athletic program.

There are a lot of questions surrounding this program heading into summer ball, but if U cannot see the progress that this team has made since Randy took over, then you either don't understand the game, or you are not a fan of the team.

I know, Randy does not know how to use his timeouts...or does he? How do we know what would have happened had he not used them? Why is no one jumping on Mack Brown for the way he handled the clock at the end of the regular season? Maybe because he's white? I have never seen a coach so cloesly scrutinized as Shannon, and yet UM gets better every year since he took over!

If Shannon continues to improve in 2010 with UM's schedule, then he has my vote.

P.S. You do not have to have played the game at the college level to understand how the game is played. Canechic has forgotten more about the game than half of the "ex" players that post here will ever know. The game is designed so that the average fan can pick up the rules and strategy quite quickly.

P.S.S. If Urban Meyer has a phony nervous breakdown, or if a UF player gets arrested, or if UF loses the biggest game in state history, then I'm going to go to Gator Clause and have a laugh, or three. There is nothing wrong (IMO) with poking fun at a rival on a public forum. I try to stay on the fun side of the issue, and I never pretend to be someone else when I'm doing it!

Go 'canes!

[86Cane]

Ibis...I protected Manny just like I protected Jason Fox on the blog.

See if you can follow this:

You don't invite a guest to your house and then insult him and crap all over him. You don't ask Manny or Fox to take time out of their busy schedules to chat with the fans only to have those same fans turn on them. It's just bad form and poor manners.

Not every thought that comes to your mind has to be spit out onto a blog on the Internet for all to see. Haven't we all learned that lesson?

[FightingIbis]

See if you can follow this:

Posted by: 86Cane | March 04, 2010 at 02:24 PM

But it's ok to talk down to the people that make this thing go? See if I can follow your elite way of thinking?

You all say most of us on here can smell through writers BS. That's all we've done with Manny. He can be invited here and still get criticized. Or are we just supposed to blow a bunch of smoke up his butt?

Again, where do you see your blog going?

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Butch Davis did an interview on 560 if anybody is interested.

Posted by: DATcane | March 04, 2010 at 12:18 PM

>>>

Couldn't give a rat's azz about what Butch says.

[86Cane]

Ibis...there are ways of disagreeing without criticizing or attacking, I'm sure you know the difference.

Short term, I see the blog going back to talking about UM sports.

Long term, the same as always: The best damn place on the Internet for Hurricane fans to read about and talk about their beloved Hurricanes!

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

"Lance Armstrong" is a "white" name? huh? lol

Louis Armstrong
Aravious Armstrong
Henry Armstrong

All would be called "black".

Fact is, Armstrong is one of the most classic, All-American names you can get.

Right up there with Colt McCoy and World B. Free, and anyone with the last name Clinton. lol

[BEERicane]

You don't invite a guest to your house and then insult him and crap all over him

Posted by: 86Cane | March 04, 2010 at 02:24 PM

So that's why no one comes over to my house anymore.

Seriously, what heck is going on here? Let's all act like mature adults and realize that some stuff that we all do not know the full details of (or in my case none) and move on with our lives. Are 86's requests oppressing everyone to the extent that you feel the need to keep dragging this issue on and on? Do you feel your inherent rights as a human being have been infringed upon that it warrants such outcry? C'mon people, it is seriously getting pretty tired. NEXT!

[mi@mic@ne]

I m ready for some football... ready to see us kick Butch s azzzzzzzzzzzzz... CANES

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Cav! U would love hockey! NHL in person is great

Posted by: CGNC | March 04, 2010 at 01:40 PM

>>>

Maybe in person. I watched it some when I was in school up north and got the basics. It's a helluva lot better than soccer. That's the example I should've used. Me moving to Jamaica or Brazil and watching soccer. Now that would be a nightmare.

[shwarma]

...

[86Cane]

But this site has allowed dissenting points of view, always. Asking posters to say what they want, but be respectful towards others and try to avoid really just a couple of topics has been the rule, right?

Posted by: j.w. | March 04, 2010 at 01:49 PM

YES

[86Cane]

Do you feel your inherent rights as a human being have been infringed upon that it warrants such outcry? C'mon people, it is seriously getting pretty tired. NEXT!

Posted by: BEERicane | March 04, 2010 at 02:45 PM

LOL! Exactly. It's a college sports blog for God's sakes, not the U.S. Supreme Court. Get over it, and blog on.

[pb(CSROH10)]

Soup, the Truth and Mary thing aside, it's always going to come down to you not wanting guests to be criticized.

It caused the problem you and I had because of Rudy at ITU and the issues you later with Calvin, C1 and others with Jason Fox. The Manny situation caused yet more drama.

You cannot expect your guests to not be spoken about negatively. It's not going to happen, nor should it.

Manny and Rudy are paid to report, be critical and at times even controvsersial. Once they do that, they open themselves up to be scrutinized as well. End of story.

Very soon Jason Fox will be a millionaire professional athlete. He is going to be glorified and blasted depending on his performance. He was far from perfect at UM and I thought this blog was created to debate that very thing.

You are wrong here buddy. I hate to put it this way but there is no other way to say it. If you can't get past your invitees being blasted from time to time, this thing you've poured your life into is ultimately going to fail.

JMO...