The Gift Of MGoBlog

Submitted by LSAClassOf2000 on

Let me first start by saying that just a couple days ago, I “celebrated” the first anniversary of what has been fortunately my only health scare which required hospitalization. Since that time, I’ve been to six followup echocardiograms and a few more followup appointments, and each time, I’ve made steady progress up to just last month, when we discovered that my heart had returned to normal function again. I am still on the medication for now, but I am basically where I was last year now when it comes to overall fitness and stamina.

Even in those rather frightening days just before Christmas last year, there was the presence of MGoBlog to take the edge off some very emotionally moments, but also now, in a relatively quiet period as we await the Orange Bowl and ramp up for our conference schedule in hoops, there is still the gift of community that MGoBlog provides.

It isn’t just a gift at the holidays, of course – no one ever liked that gift that was so awesome on Christmas morning and by the middle of January was taking up space in a closet. Much like those gifts we eschewed as youngsters perhaps, MGoBlog is a gift that remains useful and relevant throughout the year. When we are in the thick of football and basketball season, this is the place to be for pregame, in-game and post-game items as well as all the news that surrounds South Campus and even some that doesn’t. When we are looking for things to say in the middle of June, we tend to find something that at least most of us can discuss. Bound by a common love of all things Michigan, we also manage great discussions on movies and books as well as how to express anal glands, for those into more esoteric but still possibly useful discussions.

It is also not one of those gifts that you turn on and off at will – the blog is here for your Michigan needs around the clock, it is a community that never seems to really go to bed and it is a community where, when it is at its best, you can see discussions evolve around some facet of a sport in ways that you can’t get in other places. Whether that is a thread that deploys statistics or a thread which delves into the cultural memory of Michigan fans or a thread which will soon be removed, you can test the knowledge and the snark of the MGoCommunity and almost never be disappointed. Among sports blogs, such a place is indeed a gift.

If you’re like me, it is a gift that continually finds different expression, whether that be in the form of something you hadn’t thought about before that changes your perspective, or a new person who provides fresh insight and adds to the collective experience. Almost every day, if you look hard enough, there is something that sparks a thought that changes how you see some facet of Michigan athletics, however minor. Like a Rubik’s Cube, each day the configuration is slightly different and each day you can find a route or a combination that you have previously left unexplored, or indeed never even considered.

As much as we complain sometimes about how we can’t have nice things, I contend that we as a community have at least one – our own eccentric, imperfect but well-meaning corner of the sports world called MGoBlog. As much as some of your threads make me want to throw things and put my head through the laptop screen, even in the moderator role and for as long as I have been a regular here (nearly six years), each day I find new reasons to like this place we have and new motivation to at least help keep it the nice place that it is.

Have a most excellent holiday season,

LSAClassOf2000

Comments

Winchester Wolverine

December 21st, 2016 at 9:21 PM ^

Thanks, LSA. We appreciate your hard work as a MOM. You're right about this blog, it's the gift that keeps on giving.

I come here everyday. I wouldn't know what to do without this place actually. It's become an integral part of my life. I'm never disappointed to hop on and escape. I see everything from informative to hilarious to enraging and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I view you all as some weird, fucked up distant family. From the ancient regulars to the brand new weirdos to the mediocre posters such as myself, this place is one of a kind.

Merry Christmas, assholes.

Eastern Wolverine

December 22nd, 2016 at 10:11 AM ^

Very well said. In an attempt to lessen frustration for all in 2017 will you post updated rules/guidelines for creating threads? Many of us are happy to play by the rules but they need clarification. Yes, Brian posted some rules in 2009 via MGoBoard FAQ but a lot has changed since then. No need to throw things or put your head through the laptop screen!

kehnonymous

December 22nd, 2016 at 1:43 PM ^

Glad to hear that you're doing better and that this community was of some comfort to you. Thanks again to all that you and the other mods do, even when we make it difficult. Still, for my part, I feel about the MGoBoard the way I feel about my little brother (NTLB) - I get to make fun of his myriad flaws, but I'll be damned if anyone outside the fam does.

Grampy

December 22nd, 2016 at 3:02 PM ^

Other things to be thankful for on this here blog are Woman's Softball and UM Solar team coverage, not to mention the thoughtful points made by Brian, Seth, Ace, et. al. and an unsung group of mods.  Thanks for all you, and the rest of the blog commentariat, do to amuse and enlighten.

Cranky Dave

December 22nd, 2016 at 6:23 PM ^

Is truly an unusual place. I think a lot about MGoBlog vs Facebook, where I'm only marginally active (largely with my wife and a couple of family members). Despite the lack of names and pictures I feel like I know people on here better than most people on FB. Pictures of kids and dogs don't tell you a whole lot about a person and highlight the fact that unlike our community I don't have a lot in common with many people on FB.

I don't post as much as many others but I'm on here a couple of hours a day nonetheless

BlueMan80

December 22nd, 2016 at 11:28 PM ^

Great news that I'm sure your family was excited to hear. MGoBlog must have been a welcome distraction during your recovery and we all appreciate your efforts as we attempt to entertain each other in this alternate cyber family world of crazed Wolverines. Best wishes for a happy and healthy future for you and your family.

MGoBlue24

December 23rd, 2016 at 10:52 PM ^

physically, and all the best getting off any prescribed meds. Thanks very much for what you do to maintain order on this blog.

All the best to you now and in the future.

Bill22

January 3rd, 2017 at 1:09 AM ^

I am relatively new to the Blog, but have been listening to your podcast for some time. I had no idea there was a health issue, but I can relate. Thanks for all of your love and appreciation for all things Michigan. It makes me fell better to know that I am one of many who are absolutely nuts about University of Michigan sports. Thanks Lorne.