 "What Does the Ram Board Mean to
Us?"- by JamesJM(12/29 ) |
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JamesJM
puts many things into perspective with his reflective post: I came across the Board, as most posters did, during a period of frustration and depression.....the Rams seemingly at rock bottom and heading no where. It was a time of chaos and turmoil. Herd members posted frantic, and oft times heated messages in hopes of finding answers to the bottomless pit we found ourselves in. Blame was freely placed on anyone and everyone. And yet, even then, the passion and love for the Rams always showed through.....always remained at the heart of each and every post. The one post I never saw was the one that said, "I give up". I did not know any of you then, and I treaded lightly the first few weeks. At first the seeming vitriol being posted was disconcerting, so when I did post anything at all it was nearly always a post reminding other posters that we needed to remember that we were all in this together, and that only as a "team" would we find any answers. I soon discovered that I did not need to remind any of you of this, and that fact brought it all into focus - - I had found a "home". These were not the fans I was used to seeing. These fans were the very definition of "diehard". Here were fans that in the face of 10 years of frustration and failure were fully prepared for a rebuilding plan that may take another 2, 3, or 4 years.......and it that wasn't long enough, then 10, or 20. Getting to know the individual herd members was a formidable challenge, I had to read through the frustration to see who it was I was actually speaking with. As I look back on it now I find it amusing how wrong I was about some herd members. It took some time before I fully understood that it was not "personal". Individuals with whom I had vehemently argued became great friends. While the "loyalty" trait was the most amazing and worthwhile discovery I found on this board, the "wealth" of knowledge soon became abundantly clear. Frankly, I had never discussed football with such knowledgeable individuals. And they were not the hysterical and blindly prejudiced fans I was used too, but rather fans who were completely unafraid to face reality and discuss the Rams with often times brutal honesty as to what was right and what was wrong. Hence, I moved on to my "intimidated" phase. Now I found myself reluctant to post among fans who appeared so much more knowledgeable than I. This phase did not last long, as I soon discovered that asking questions was a more than welcome post. The vast majority of herd members were more than willing to offer help, explain, and discuss any topic........from incredibly confusing issues such as cap limit considerations, to how great the Rams Helmets were. I now understood the board and what it meant. A gathering of individuals, vastly different in personality and temperament, who shared one common trait..... "An unfailing sense of loyalty and love for the St. Louis Rams." There was no other criteria demanded, nor expected. Through it all I realized that what it came down to was that everyone on this board was filled with ecstasy when the Rams won, and despair when they lost. One could love Banks, Vermeil, Kennison, or hate any of them; it did not change the fact that it was based on an all encompassing love of the Rams. What I hope this board becomes is actually what it all ready is - - the home for the most loyal, knowledgeable, and active fans in the world. - JamesJM |
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