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**Beyond the Bets** · (This post was last modified: 08-08-2012 12:39 AM by Beyond the Bets.)

Every month or so, I like to thank those of you who continue to visit the forum, particularly during the slower summer months. Our decision to make this a DISCUSSION forum rather than a tout board obviously has slowed our growth (there's not much to discuss during the summer), but I'm still pleased with the overall contributions by everyone and am appreciative of those of you who take the time to ask questions, answer them, post thoughts, provide analysis, etc.

A few notes as we prepare for football season:

-The BTB college football preview is finally coming - and soon. Let me say this: I have come to respect and admire what Phil Steele does. It's not easy. The day-to-day site stuff keeps us more than busy, and trying to put out a decent preview - while factoring in roster changes, injuries, suspensions, etc. - is one heck of a task. Yuck. But anyway, it should be ready to go no later than August 21st.

-We'll be looking to add a college football only sub-forum at some point, but are still hesitant to pull the trigger. It's been a constant request by some of you in the past.

-We finally have forum user titles! More posts will result in better status, and you'll see customized icons next to your name as you earn new status. All of the icons will be characters you're familiar with. (Hint: Don't get stuck with the Danny Sheridan "Irrelevant" tag!)

-With college football approaching, we're loosening the screws on our "no picks" policy. If you want to inform people of a best bet you have, by all means, go for it. If you want to talk about a specific game or ask questions, that's fine too. Again: We're after discussion and info exchange. As long as your "end game" isn't to become a tout, you're free to post whatever you want and however you want.

-Lurkers. You are annoying. We see you up there scanning the forum, but you never share. What gives? The more info, the better. Please, make yourself useful and provide your insight. If you aren't insightful, ask questions and become more informed. A forum like this is best when we have active participants rather than passive observers.

-YouWager is the new sponsor of the forum. This is a book many of you haven't heard of, but I think it's a great 'out' if you're looking for a quality place to bet offshore. If you have questions, don't hesitate. We've done our homework and feel very strong about promoting them.

-The forum colors have changed (some of you hated the old white). Comments/criticisms are welcomed.

That's all. Thanks for your continued support. Big Thumb

LOLstradamus · 08-07-2012, 11:48 PM

This place is awesome - appreciate the work you put into it. Finding a place with betting enthusiasts who actually have insightful things to share has been a virtual impossibility from my experience hopping around a handful of places on the net.

Regarding posting picks, should we just solely use the 'Tout Zone' for that? Admittedly I like just having somewhere to store my picks for future reference. I track offline in my own spreadsheet, on Twitter, and on another board, but wouldn't mind tracking here as well since I do think it can drive further discussions.

Thanks again.

**Beyond the Bets** · 08-07-2012, 11:52 PM

We've basically shunned people who post their plays in the main forum and have forced them to go to the tout zone.

However, the fact is this: Many, many people like to browse sports betting forums to gather plays or leans or hunches or whatever. I really don't want to muzzle people and deter them from being able to make that kind of contribution.

So, I think the best approach is this: If you want to post plays, by all means, go for it. However, we'd PREFER that you provide some analysis with your pick(s) and explain your reasoning - that way we can all a) get a better understanding of your thinking and process; and b) discuss or debate the game from all angles.

illadelphia · 08-08-2012, 12:18 AM

(08-07-2012 11:52 PM)Beyond the Bets Wrote: So, I think the best approach is this: If you want to post plays, by all means, go for it. However, we'd PREFER that you provide some analysis with your pick(s) and explain your reasoning - that way we can all a) get a better understanding of your thinking and process; and b) discuss or debate the game from all angles.

This.

Laundry lists of picks are great, especially when they win but without any reasoning they don't provoke much discussion. Sometimes it is the discussion and not the pick that provides the value.

Can't wait for football season.

Dancin' BTB

LOLstradamus · 08-08-2012, 12:24 AM

Agreed on all points. More than happy to toss in write-ups as well, but I'll leave those laundry lists in the Tout Zone and occasionally discuss in the main forum as needed. Write-ups/breakdowns are definitely key though because most of the fun for me comes after the whistle is blown and I can reconcile my analysis. Holy shit that sounds nerdy.

**Beyond the Bets** · 08-08-2012, 12:25 AM

For those that are interested in what the new status designations are, they're as follows:

[Image: sheridan.png]

- Irrelevant

[Image: sjp.png]

- Poseur

- Pretender

[Image: fuhrman.png]

- Insider

- The Boss

[Image: snyder.png]

- Legend

Merkhater · (This post was last modified: 08-08-2012 12:38 AM by Merkhater.)

Great stuff. Can't wait for a sub-forum to bring together all the CFB experts.

/IrrelevancyRanking

lindetrain · 08-08-2012, 01:03 AM

Ugh, I got the ugliest designation of them all...

**Beyond the Bets** · 08-08-2012, 01:05 AM

(08-08-2012 01:03 AM)lindetrain Wrote: Ugh, I got the ugliest designation of them all...

Only 188 more posts to get rid of it. LOL

**RyanParrill** · 08-08-2012, 09:02 AM

mount187 · 08-08-2012, 10:14 AM

(08-08-2012 09:02 AM)RyanParrill Wrote:

Moderators get no love, apparently. Enjoy your stars.

Skating Tripods · 08-08-2012, 10:28 AM

The new status designations are distracting. Beyond that, love the new color scheme. Much easier on the eyes.

**Beyond the Bets** · 08-08-2012, 10:38 AM

(08-08-2012 10:28 AM)Skating Tripods Wrote: The new status designations are distracting. Beyond that, love the new color scheme. Much easier on the eyes.

Made 'em smaller. Give it a day or two. If still annoying, we'll make adjustments.

The Cosmic Kid · 08-08-2012, 10:41 AM

I'm going to have to post more so I can get Snyders or Bruces!

Doustism · 08-08-2012, 10:50 AM

So when I get to Sarah Phillips status, does that mean I have to start cons and post complete lies until I get to pretender?

**Beyond the Bets** · 08-08-2012, 11:11 AM

(08-08-2012 10:50 AM)Doustism Wrote: So when I get to Sarah Phillips status, does that mean I have to start cons and post complete lies until I get to pretender?