New USSM rule: no one is the judge of fandom

DMZ · February 9, 2009 at 9:51 pm · Filed Under Mariners 

No one.

I don’t get to say that people who could watch tonight’s replay of Ichiro setting the single-season hits record and not feel choked up aren’t fans.

And they don’t get to say that I’m not a Mariner fan because I’m not as enthusiastic as they are about bringing Griffey back, or whatever they might see as my most egregious shortcoming.

I’ve seen this come up repeatedly in recent comment threads (you’re not a fan if you don’t think steroids are the worst thing ever, you’re not a fan if you aren’t interested in the team’s long term fortunes, and on and on and on). I’m tired of it. Mariner fandom comes in many forms, and I try to hold some appreciation for all its varieties.

I will no longer have any patience for being a jerk about your personal view of what “fan” means being the only valid interpretation. And if I do it, please, yell at me.

That’s all. Please return to your regular business.

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Comments

61 Responses to “New USSM rule: no one is the judge of fandom”

  1. droppedrod on February 10th, 2009 3:14 pm

    Apologies, that entry was in relation to E_Martinez’s post.

  2. GTownHoyas on February 10th, 2009 3:22 pm

    Since this is the new rule I have something to say that I’ve been holding back because of the certain “idiot” criticisms I would’ve gotten.

    [deleted, off-topic]

  3. DoesntCompute on February 10th, 2009 3:42 pm

    My fandom is bigger than your fandom!

    Sorry, couldn’t resist. I applaud the decision. Discussions that devolve into comparing the sizes of ones interest in the local team provide no value.

  4. galaxieboi on February 10th, 2009 3:43 pm

    This rule is new?

    I think before it was more of a guideline than a rule.

  5. Go Felix on February 10th, 2009 4:05 pm

    Sweet, I was getting a little tired of the, “If you were a Mariner fan then (fill in the blanks)”.

    When does the damn season start? Not soon enough!

  6. Mere Tantalisers on February 10th, 2009 4:37 pm

    Now you’re going all Bill Maher on us.

  7. Benne on February 10th, 2009 5:49 pm

    Man, things have been tense around here lately–whether it’s cabin fever or the full moon, who knows.

    Pitchers and catchers soon, people. We’re almost there.

  8. msb on February 10th, 2009 6:13 pm

    Kirby Arnold is already down in Peoria

  9. pbk13 on February 10th, 2009 8:29 pm

    Fans are stupid by nature. Mariner fans are the worst. Who cares what they say. USSM on the other hand is smart. Rock on Derek and Dave!

  10. Kunkoh on February 10th, 2009 10:12 pm

    I’m all for free speech, but a lot of people seem to think that gives them the right to say whatever they want, wherever they want, however they want.

    I look at someone’s personal blog (forum or internet site) the same way I look at their house. Their place, they make the rules. If I want to stay, I obey them. The rules in DMZ/Dave’s house are sound, and promote good discussions without the topics degenerating into childish bickering and name calling. That’s one of the reasons I like it here, and wipe my feet before coming in.

  11. TranquilPsychosis on February 10th, 2009 10:13 pm

    Pitchers and catchers soon, people. We’re almost there.

    Yes, Yes. And I’m getting all goosey in anticipation!

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