Scott Waddell on Racing

I was the talk of the “net talk” and racing discussion boards when I dared to go on record to say that they were not good for racing and couldn’t be used for the good of the industry.Well, I am back again to once again state my opinion on racing discussion boards. First of all, I am a frequent participant on an on-line discussion board on racing. But that has again come to a screeching halt due to the fact that I questioned the “moderators” of the site for personal comments made about me.

Let me take you back a bit on this evolving issue. I joined a racing discussion board in 2002 with all of the best intentions. It wasn’t long until you can discover that dealing with “anonymous posters” can lead to a lot of negativity on yourself, your track, and your family.

You see, things get pretty personal on these discussion boards. So personal in fact that some “posters” took it upon themselves to contact employers of not just myself but others. On a board that is supposed to be a place to voice your opinion, share ideas, and even dare to say “promote” racing, don’t be surprised if your cut off at the start.

I will give you an example. This past week, a poster that is known to all of the board due to his arrogance and jealousy, made a personal remark about me on an incident that took place a year ago. This had nothing to do with racing, it was a total personal attack on someone who tries to keep things clean.

After reading the post, I approached the “mod’s” and instead of the individual who made the remarks being “suspended” of his posting rights, it was me who was suspended for saying in a public forum that it was a “joke”. I question the “post” and it’s moi who gets the boot. Go figure. Welcome to the world of discussion boards.

I am not saying that these boards could not be a good tool to promote racing, actually on the contrary. It would be excellent if a promoter of racing could post a topic about an upcoming event without it having to be shut down due to the constant whining, personal attacks, and other hypocritical actions.

Further, I have tried to keep my posting to a minimum in the last little while watching from the outside. It’s tough when “outsiders” try to defame your character through speculation and innuendos. Funny thing is, two of the biggest “cut throat” arm chair quarterback, know-it-alls do not live in my region, nor rarely see a race from here unless it’s due to efforts of others.

That’s my take on discussion boards- again. If you partake, my suggestion, do not get involved in the personal side of things as I have done it and not proud of my actions, but those who continue to choose that course will continue to be the “has beens, have nots, and want be’s of racing.