Shocker

[Quicky]

Agree Zahki. Circular debates are no good. I think Reykjaviks post is an apt way to see this one out:

I think this is one we are all just going to have to agree to disagree on as a Collingwood community.

Personally I wasn't unduly concerned. I also admit however that I am not the only person on the planet and that people who have different opinions to me are not wierd or wrong, they just think differently about things. In other words - my own personal reaction is not determinitive of whether something was good or bad - its just my own reaction, but others are just as valid.

In this circumstance, although I wasnt offended, I can acknowledge that it would be possible for some to be offended, and their reaction was just as valid and supportable as mine.

Given that, I think the approach the club has taken is right - acknowledge that offense could be caused and have the player apologise for it, and move on.

The things I take away from this whole saga are

1) We are a magnet for an unscrupulous media wanting to make stories. Always have been I know, but as premiers it is going to be worse. We all have to just get used to it.

2) Underlying the passion on the thread is that we all love our club - and that passion is part of why it matters to people. Lets all acknowledge that passion and revel in it as something we all share.

3) On an internet forum we get used to comment without context - so it was great to see Smokey give some background. This should act as a reminder that maybe thinking "what is the experience behind that poster's opinion?" rather than "what a $%^&^" may be a really useful way of approaching things when someone voices a contrary opinion.

On that also, Smoky, I hope your son does grow up enjoying the exploits of our Black and White players, and to also see they are human beings not infallable heroes. You're the real hero here, and I hope he gets to see that some day. Good luck and look after both of you.