For those who have been here before you know my posting rate isn’t particularly predictable. I decided a while ago I wasn’t going to force anything. I write when I realize a topic gives me sufficient energy to put something together. Over the last week I’ve been realizing it has been a while since I put up my last article. I really haven’t felt compelled to put something together – until this morning. I think this will be the first time I haven’t written about the body or injuries or even running.
I like to hang out in running forums. I like it a lot. I like to see what others are doing, their struggles, learn from them, and also hopefully contribute what I’ve learned. And I like to – to the extent possible in a virtual world – understand their personalities. And as is very predictable, some have some very interesting personalities.
ChaserWilliams is one of those guys. I first started encountering Chaser in the Runner’s World Barefooting forum. Chaser is an impressive runner and – as far as being a forum participant is concerned – very very funny. There are a few people in my life who will cause me to literally laugh out loud when I’m reading something they’ve put together. Chaser is one of those people. Chaser is someone who makes forum participation fun. You are never quite sure what you’re going to get when you start reading his stuff, and I like that very much.
A recent surprise (and big disappointment) is that Chaser has been removed from the Runner’s World forums by the moderators. The surprise is two-fold. First, Chaser's stuff is not offensive. It's funny, but not offensive. The additional surprise, though, is what is allowed to remain on the forums (posted by others) that doesn't cause a dismissal. The forum moderators have a tough job. I completely understand the forums exist for the forum owner’s benefit and people participate at the pleasure of the owner. Moderators exist to ensure that the forum, overall, represents what the owner wants it to be. Why they'd choose to remove Chaser while allowing really bad stuff to remain is beyond me.
I’ve been trying to rationalize this dichotomy (banning one and not banning more egregious content) and I can’t. I know it’s not saying much – it’s not like Haselsmasher is a big draw for any given forum where I participate - but as a result of all this I’ve decided to reassess which forums I choose to engage with.
Hello Barefoot Runners Society.
Jim
P.S.: If you’re interested in experiencing Chaser directly have a look at this blog. I recommend it.
