Marat Safin Forum

I have a question for clarification re exercising caution when discussing other players. Probably, Alex and/or Webby would like to weigh in on this. I understand that since this is a Marat Safin forum, and a tennis forum to boot, members do need to toe the line. I totally respect that! As is often the case in professional tennis, no one can get away with habitual foot-faulting. However, it is also a discussion forum for Marat Safin's fans.

What are the hard and fast rules for avoiding negative comments? Evidently, name calling or mud-slinging such as using racial or ethnic slurs, sexist remarks, etc., or saying anything out of context to make a point is a clear-cut "no-no." What about discussion on what players do and say during matches and interviews, which is part and parcel of the tennis game? For example, is it ok for members on this forum to express their views on what players do in the context of a match or a tournament? In other words, whenever players engage in something that has become the talk of a tournament on the strength of being perceived by the media and tennis pundits as lack of sportsmanship and common courtesy, bad taste and poor judgment, and which is also supported by both circumstantial evidence and players' own acknowledgement and deep regret, is it permissible for members to express their views as well, especially when common consensus has been reached on the issue? A case in point is the much publicized Djokovic/Roddick confrontation with its concomitant reconciliation. In this particular case, if members' comments were to reflect on Marat at all, they would reflect on him no better and no worse than his colleagues' lack of discretion and prudence, or whatever other unethical or unprofessional mishap has sparked the dialogue in the context of 2008 USO.

Thanks!

Nike, I think in the end it all boils down to common sense. Like you said name calling is an obvious no-no (see rules: http://maratsafin.freeforums.org/rules- ... rd-t9.html), but there are some areas that might be a bit fuzzy, and then everybody will have to use their own judgement. Using your example, discussing the situation regarding Roddick/Djokovic, I suppose fans will take sides and agree or disagree with how one or both players reacted int he situation. It's how you express that reaction that is the matter. Saying 'I don't agree with player X' or 'I don't like player Y's behaviour' is one thing, qualifying them by calling them names and reflect on their whole personality from one particular incident is another.

For example saying that you don't like player Z because never gives autographs is one thing. You are merely stating a fact, one situation where his/her behaviour didn't appeal to you. Saying that the same player is arrogant and snob, is perhaps to go a bit too far based solely on the fact that he never gives autographs.

I understand sometimes it's hard to tell the diference, and in a general forum it wouldn't matter, but considering this is an Official Player Forum, what is posted here reflects on him even if only by default. No one will think the opinions expressed by his fans are Marat's, but if negative opinions are allowed by the forum managers to be posted continuously, then people may assume he is ok with them. So when in doubt better stick to the fact and avoid personalizing an opinion.

take care

I am glad we discuss other players on this forum. Each opinion gives us all insights into and perspectives of the game itself, the quality of play exhibited by the players, and subsequently helps us to reflect on Marat's place in the tennis world. I think not appreciating the talents of the other players short changes Marat's accomplishments, when we have a good idea about the quality of the game of the folks he plays then we can rejoice even louder when the quality of his game gets him the win. Case in point, taking an interest in Djokovic and knowing how well he's been doing really made Marat's performance and win extra special at Wimbledon. It wasn't some faceless robot he beat there, it was the number 3 player in the world who had tons of game to bring to the court, and seeing what Marat was able to do spoke even louder to me having known the confidence Novak could have had coming into the match.

Given the state of the US's elections and media coverage lately I don't take much stock in polls but "only" 49 percent seems pretty rockin' to me!