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Post by Commish_Ron on May 27, 2018 13:25:19 GMT -5
This has potential to be a verbose post with several conflicting perspectives. I beg your patience and do hope people take the time to read it through as I think this is an important issue and we are at a crossroads. I am very interested in the perspective and desires of all GMs to help establish a direction. Multiple GMs have approached me this season with concerns at the low level of participation from a fairly sizable group of the league. All one has to do is glance at the standings to see the shrinking level of parity in the league. On the other hand, several GMs have pointed to our near perfect retention recently as evidence that PBL is strong and stable. So what is on my mind today are two basic questions. One, is there an issue here? And if so, what should be done about it? A few of my core values as commissioner of the league. First and foremost. A good commissioner should be a servant to the league. I do not take the leadership role as an avenue to gain power or control over others. However, if I need to make the hard decisions for the best of the league, that is a duty I am comfortable embracing. Second, OOTP is a GAME! It is meant to be fun. This should be an area we can all escape to and a way to offset the stresses all of our real world responsibilities place on us. The last thing I want is to create an environment of stress and fear. I do not want GMs to feel they have an axe hanging over their head with the commissioner ready to swing it. Finally, I need to make all efforts to keep the league competitive. A competitive league with parity has more lasting power and I think for most of us is just more fun and interesting. Balancing these values can be a challenge at times. The question of league participation has to be weighed against all of these values. If you are of the opinion that the best option for the PBL is to try to retain the current set of 32 GMs for years to come, I can appreciate that. If you are of the opinion that status quo is good. Please weigh in with that opinion. This is your forum to help me understand the desires of the league as a whole. For those of you that applies to, the remainder of this post probably does not pertain to you. From here out we will assume there is an issue to address and I will begin to consider actions that could possibly be taken. The league could decide to place the responsibility on my shoulders. I could expand my role as commissioner to include making decisions on what GMs just are not cutting it and remove them from the league. I would do that but, being human, cannot promise to always be consistent. I will freely admit I have personal relationships with individual GMs and may be inclined to give some more leeway than others. However I have witnessed this scenario work well in other leagues. I can be the bad guy if that is what the league wants. We could leverage the Paramount Credits program to require a minimum participation level there. Maybe two strikes and your are gone with three consecutive seasons above the minimum to remove a strike. I am not a fan of this myself. My vision for the Credits program was for it to be the carrot. Not the stick. But it would be a documented, consistent fair process that GMs could monitor and control if retaining membership in the PBL is important to them. Similar to the option above we could define a specific set of minimum requirements. Exports required opening day, Disabled List managed to a defined minimum level. At least 25% export rate on the whole. Something along those lines. Again, this type of approach would remove any ambiguity from the process. We could establish an HR committee to monitor the league and decide when it is time to remove a GM. Theretically by having a group of people making that decision it would be more fair and respected than the commissioner acting unilaterally. I am sure there are other options as well. I am open to feedback. Final note. Since I have been commissioner I have received requests to join from 3 ex PBL GMs that left in good graces looking to return. Tim is now with Miami and Nick will be taking over Milwaukee. I have also received personal references from two established respected GMs. In other words, PBL has a waiting list of really good candidates. Additionally, I have witnessed that the longevity of the PBL is very rare in the OOTP world. There is a lot of frustration out there about leagues that come and go and people that just want the opportunity to be a part of a stable league with a commissioner that is not a D-Bag (I strive to at least manage that much ). I think our potential pool for quality replacements is pretty extensive. Feedback is appreciated. Long live the PBL!!
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Post by Sean_RedsGM on May 27, 2018 13:48:36 GMT -5
I think there is a problem, and the export credit program further shows the issue.
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Post by NickP_Marlins GM on May 27, 2018 15:49:28 GMT -5
To me the answer is simple. A league with all 32 teams being active and doing what’s best for their team at all times is what we strive for. A GM who only exports 2-5 times a season and doesn’t add any content ( all star vote, HOF, trade talks, etc. ) isn’t contributing to the league and should be removed.
We set the bar. Not let the bar be whatever other GMs believe it to be.
Either by committee or by commish this has to be addressed or the great PBL will die. Compared to what the first 20 seasons where, we’ve been teetering on the edge for some time. Ron thankfully has stepped up and it’s time be the best damn ootp league again.
It’s time to start realizing that we have a great thing here and try to strive to be better year after year.
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Post by BlueJaysGM_Fin on May 27, 2018 17:23:40 GMT -5
Great post Ron. I appreciate your transparency in addressing your concerns openly.
I am a firm believer with high interest, comes high activity. Argue with me all you want, it's a scientific fact. Don't come at me with words, use action as your prose, bro.
To Sean's point above, if teams are under 45 points from an exports perspective, that is a problem. You know who you are, there is no need for me to mention your team name. There are 7 teams below that threshold. It is open for all to see. So the question is, why do you not export every single sim? Between a Friday and a Sunday and a Sunday and a Tuesday and a Wednesday and a Friday, there is ample time for a GM to export. There really should not be any excuse if you are invested in this league to at LEAST export every damn sim.
As Nick mentioned above, we really should expect MORE from our GMs in this league, if only because of the history we have built over time in the PBL. Why? Because a league like this is the EXCEPTION to the rule in OOTP online leagues. Again, if you disagree with me, choose to do so with action rather than words.
IMHO, if we have established former GMs looking to get back into this fine league, cut the dead-weight and let them in. HOPING the people who choose not to show via actions this is a league for them is lost time.
I'm in this for the long haul. I hope my actions have made that very clear.
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Post by NickP_Marlins GM on May 27, 2018 18:09:18 GMT -5
Great post Ron. I appreciate your transparency in addressing your concerns openly. I am a firm believer with high interest, comes high activity. Argue with me all you want, it's a scientific fact. Don't come at me with words, use action as your prose, bro. To Sean's point above, if teams are under 45 points from an exports perspective, that is a problem. You know who you are, there is no need for me to mention your team name. There are 7 teams below that threshold. It is open for all to see. So the question is, why do you not export every single sim? Between a Friday and a Sunday and a Sunday and a Tuesday and a Wednesday and a Friday, there is ample time for a GM to export. There really should not be any excuse if you are invested in this league to at LEAST export every damn sim. As Nick mentioned above, we really should expect MORE from our GMs in this league, if only because of the history we have built over time in the PBL. Why? Because a league like this is the EXCEPTION to the rule in OOTP online leagues. Again, if you disagree with me, choose to do so with action rather than words. IMHO, if we have established former GMs looking to get back into this fine league, cut the dead-weight and let them in. HOPING the people who choose not to show via actions this is a league for them is lost time. I'm in this for the long haul. I hope my actions have made that very clear. I love you Finner! 😜
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Post by David_ExposGM on May 27, 2018 20:00:28 GMT -5
There will be a handful that respond in this thread. There will be a few that read this thread and possibly relay support to Ron through PM directly. There will be some that don't even see this thread. While I am curious of the reason you would remain in the league, yet not really pay attention on a regular basis, I fear those answers won't show up here. - Time, family and life are great answers (but do the right thing and spend your time wisely) - Too many leagues is another one (as we're all - hopefully - passionate fans of OOTP online) - Health issues, vacations, etc. (just have to let us know when you're absent) - "My team is rebuilding", "my team is out of it", "my owner sucks", "my finances have me handcuffed" * Those last ones - Been there, done all that - but all of that is part of the challenge and you should really be working to a goal of some kind, which really should take as much or more attention than just cruising along with a good teamThe first two clauses in the "League Governance" provide the Commissioner with the ability to remove any GM not carrying his weight. Politely, but forcefully, remove those that seem disinterested. Let's go no further than just a decision based on the existing rules. The rest of us will undoubtedly support any moves by Ron and be respectful of those removed.
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Post by Mac_Yankees GM on May 27, 2018 21:25:53 GMT -5
I truly appreciate all that Ron and the core active GMs do to make this league so much fun and have made it such big a part of my life.
I get that life gets in the way and yes this is only a game, but we are a community and our actions or inactions impact that community. While I hate the idea of removing players from the league, consistent exporting and responding to messages are the minimum standard for being allow to remain in the league.
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Post by Derek _ Red Sox on May 28, 2018 8:00:11 GMT -5
Hey guys, Looking to jump into the discussion here because I am one of the guilty members of this problem. Let me start by saying, I love the PBL and that is why I'm still "here" despite having my worse season in terms of activity level that I ever put forth into any game. Many times, I considered stepping down as General Manager to allow someone to take over who could put more time in that I could but again selfishly I am not ready to do that. **personal post feel free to skip to next section if you wish** Let me fill you in quickly. Last January (2017) I finalized my divorce and had to adjust to life as a single dad raising 3 boys and running a business. It was definitely an adjustment and wasn't easy at first but I began getting the hang of it and things were working out. September came around and I met a girl who is incredible and definitely a stabilizer in my life. She also has two kids so now I was getting used to my 3 boys and business and now had to get used to 5 kids (ages 9,8,6,5,4) balancing time with them, work and my girlfriend. Yeh smart move, Derek! I was doing it well and one day we got into a small argument in November and we didn't talk for about two days, we just needed a breather so I do what anybody in my shoes would do and I went online and looked around my area to see what's happening with local restaurants and before you know it I come across a restaurant that was available in my area and loaded with potential (I'm a GM afterall, I go crazy over potential) and my father and I jumped at the chance and decided to open Restaurant No. 2. Nobody said I was the smartest person! Things were going well and in late February my father was coming down with some type of sickness, he had many health issues and just thought it was catching up to him but nothing too serious and he got admitted into the hospital and they sent him home and he got admitted again and wasn't getting better so he went back in but he just wasn't the same and finally on March 19th he demanded to be moved to a new hospital and within 12 hours they told him they found a tumor on his liver that was not there in January and it was 14 CM in size which is really big. Also to add to the bad news it was a rare form of aggressive cancer that was growing through his liver not on it so all the treatment options were pretty much useless and he was looking at a year to 15-months. March 19th that happened. March 19th was also the day WE were opening our new location. The goal was to open prior to that but when he fell sick and he couldn't get there I told him I would work 6:30am-2:30 at location one and open for dinners open at new location from 3:30-10 pm to get doors open because we needed to get them open, bills and rent doesn't pay itself. March 19th we opened for dinners only. so I was spending 15-16 hour days working and then visiting my dad in the hospital only to see him get worse and worse by the day and 4 weeks to the day (April 19th, 5 days after his 68th birthday) he passed away at home like he asked for with us surrounding him. To see the toughest man I know fight the way he did a battle he could not win and STILL manage to conduct business 4 days before passing he when he could hardly talk. To see him say his goodbyes to everyone and to apologize to us for not winning this battle and pulling me aside after not talking for 2 days to ask me to take care of his girls (my 4 sisters) and told me to run business the way I know how and I will be very successful really took a toll on me. The hardest part was taking my boys to visit him and them asking if this was their last time seeing "papa" and so I really just had to deal with that and reset myself. After my dad passed, the funeral was the biggest I ever saw. Cars were following and it was a mile long, it was amazing and emotional and inspiring all at the same time and so I took some time for reflection and became determined to not let what we started building together come to an end. I had 300 people (no lie) tell me the pressure is on me because I got a legacy to keep going and a lot on my plate. My father was very well known and in the business 55 years and built an amazing reputation. I knew the pressure, I wanted it. I am determined. That said it took time to adjust to my new life again. Thankfully I got the amazing girlfriend still who stands by me and thinks I am absolutely crazy and sometimes an idiot for working 85 hour weeks and dealing with 5 kids and helping my sisters and my dad's fiance heal but she knows my drive. I am beginning to find the time, I mean I only worked 83 hours this week so 2 hours of free time more than last week! ** END PERSONAL SIDE** That being said, if you wanted me to step down for the betterment of the PBL, I would completely understand and I would do so because I love this league. As a former commissioner myself, I struggled with the same issues. To me, the export rates being high (80-90%) are FANTASTIC but honestly, I would take lesser export rates sometimes if it meant people were more active in the PBL community. We had GMs who exported almost every sim and they had 5-10 posts in an entire season. Honestly to me, that's bad for business. That type of GM may love OOTP but they are better off playing a solo league. The heart and soul of an online league is in the communication and relationships that are built. You will have GMs you go to in a pinch for a quick deal because the trust level is there and you know you can work together and give a little less this time and you will do same to him the next. Then you got GMs you refuse to deal with because of bad relationships and that is the beauty of BASEBALL and therefore the beauty of ONLINE OOTP leagues. I say let the guys in you "feel" will contribute. Cut the cord on those who you don't think will. Your best asset is your gut feeling. Staying status quo sometimes is the kiss of death even when things are great because all great things get boring. Hell, remember Howard Stern once said "show me the hottest girl in the world and I'll show you a guy tired of f*cking her" and he is right. There has to be stimulation in many ways and in the form of this, it is about mental stimulation to keep people interested. The idea of a committee of core members you trust to discuss hard topics, like GM removal and even if they come to you with pros/cons and you make the final call, they just help you with some food for thought could be a great idea as well. Ron, as former commissioner I feel I made lots of good decisions in building this league up and being creative and keeping it fun. I can honestly say the best decision I ever made was stepping down when I did and passing the torch to you. You are a GREAT commissioner and you are doing amazing things so DO NOT hesitate to use your gut feeling. Please let me know if you would like me to step down as GM of the Boston Red Sox there will be no hard feelings. I am willing to step back from the league (even though I hope I don't have to) or even take over another team. I trust your judgement and always stand by "Viva la PBL".
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Post by Tim_KCRoyalsGM on May 28, 2018 9:27:40 GMT -5
Great post. And great thoughts all around. I would summarize my thoughts like this:
1. Export rates under 50% are unacceptable in my mind even in the short term (half a season?), and rates under 75% even suggest an issue that shouldn't be acceptable long term.
2. No one in my opinion should be removed for inactivity without the league office providing a polite Come to Jesus. Let them know they are not meeting standards and we need them to.
3. Once the Come to Jesus has been handled--- I support whatever method is used to remove dead weight from the league. Whether by committee or by commish, we shouldn't allow some of the export rates we've seen.
4. Longstanding members who DO NOT (very important) have a history of bad export rates but are currently struggling with that should be given some additional patience, for sure, but in the final analysis there must be a reasonable cap on how long we should be patient on that. I am a firm believer that it is better to leave a league in good standing and then return, rather than wait to be removed.
Such a strong, strong group of GM's in this league. It's good to be back. Those are my thoughts.
Peace.
Tim / Miami
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Post by Tim_GiantsGM on May 29, 2018 12:07:38 GMT -5
Thanks to those of you who posted comments. They captured my thoughts, so I won't repeat.
I only will add a comment about communication.
We all encounter personal and work issues. We all take vacations. Life sometimes takes precedence over OOTP.
When that happens, be sure to communicate in advance via the "GM away" thread or via a private PM to Ron. If necessary, we can make "back-up" arrangements. For example, another GM can temporarily tend to a team. We've done it before; we can do it again.
Above all, don't just disappear. Let someone know what the situation is, preferably in advance. If a GM is dedicated to the PBL, wishes to continue, and needs time to deal with some issues before resuming full-time GM activity, we can work things out.
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2018 21:26:30 GMT -5
Juat so people know my stance, while I'm still trying to develop prospects, I'm here every day. I export when needed, there are plenty of sims when nothing of note happens to my team.
While I don't type much now, I will when my push comes. And if you PM me, you will get a quick response. I'm honestly still trying to learn the player universe, and I'm getting there with that. If and when I ever win games, I will amp my chirp game up.
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Post by Sean_RedsGM on May 30, 2018 9:15:58 GMT -5
Juat so people know my stance, while I'm still trying to develop prospects, I'm here every day. I export when needed, there are plenty of sims when nothing of note happens to my team. While I don't type much now, I will when my push comes. And if you PM me, you will get a quick response. I'm honestly still trying to learn the player universe, and I'm getting there with that. If and when I ever win games, I will amp my chirp game up. Your AAA team has 4 batters and there are still games being played. Your pitching staff at AAA is not full either.
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Post by kendalld00(GM for hire) on May 30, 2018 16:30:13 GMT -5
Cardinals are still very interested in being here.. I am still in the rebuilding phases and sometimes miss exports.. But if you just look at my majors league team and think that I am not trying, then you missing the bigger picture.. Everyone of my minor league teams are in first place and that is where I am putting a lot of my time in at the moment.. Next year, I plan on bringing up a big chunk of my big prospects and start turning the Cardinal team around..
Ron.. Thank you for being a great commish and listening to the league as a whole.
Derek.. I knew about some of your situation and I give you great credit for keeping it all together.
Sean.. Someday, I am going to give you a challenge in this NL central division or I will finally step down as GM!!
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Post by earlweaver on May 30, 2018 17:19:42 GMT -5
Kendall, win or lose, i hope you never step down as a gm. You give a shit. Your the kind of GM that makes leagues like this what it is.
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Post by Deleted on May 30, 2018 19:22:52 GMT -5
Juat so people know my stance, while I'm still trying to develop prospects, I'm here every day. I export when needed, there are plenty of sims when nothing of note happens to my team. While I don't type much now, I will when my push comes. And if you PM me, you will get a quick response. I'm honestly still trying to learn the player universe, and I'm getting there with that. If and when I ever win games, I will amp my chirp game up. Your AAA team has 4 batters and there are still games being played. Your pitching staff at AAA is not full either. Wait, is there a title for AAA champ? Didn't think so. When I think my guys are ready to be there, that's when they will be. Figured you'd rather see me fill a Major League roster as a general priority.
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