Let's make some Open Thread/[open thread]/(OPEN) thread/OPEN THREAD board rules...

The season is upon us the liveblog is a thing of the past (at least to my knowledge - MODS, any update on that front?)

Nevertheless we have...The Open Thread or [open thread] or (OPEN) thread or OPEN THREAD --- however you'd like to word it, the preference is yours.

For newbies, this is the thread that many board members post in during a game - it's that simple. So do not post your random thought, your "hot take," or your halftime review in a seperate thread. It creates clutter and more than anything, you're no better than the rest of us.

The disadvantages to the open thread are...you have to refresh or post often. Trolls. And it's tough to pick out a good comment before it's already on the previous page.

However, that's part of the open thread culture and you're either up for the challenge, or you're not. The choice is yours.

NOW --- let's make some rules for the upcoming season. A "code of conduct" if you will.

Here are a few unwritten exisiting rules to get us started...

1. The open thread may be started (1) hour prior to tip/kick for big games and rivalry games...(30) minutes prior for all other games.
---Don't be "that guy" that whines that someone started the thread too early unless it's ridiculous. But if you just got beat to the punch, STFU and have a beer. Nothing worse than that person who complains about starting an open thread at 3:30 for a 3:30 game that currently isn't on TV because the noon game still has 4-5 minutes left. Just shut up if that's you.

2. 2nd Half threads are about FEEL - not about number of posts! It's quite simple, if we're losing or playing like shit...start a 2nd Half thread. If we're beating the piss out of someone, don't fuck with the MOJO.
---We don't want to hear you whining about "oooh there are 400 posts already."
---All 2nd half threads deemed unnecessary by the board are INSTANT negbomb threads
---Also, it just divides the conversation unless everyone leaves to the new thread (which again, is fine if we're losing and need to try something different)

3. DO NOT start a snowflakes thread until the game has ended! An exception can be made if it's under 4:00 minutes in the 4th qtr and we're up by 4 touchdowns on a rival. It's the 4-4-4 rule.
---All violations of this rule also result in negbang (and a new thread being made when the time is right)
---Yes, we've had instances of a premature snowflakes thread and the team came back (us @ Northwestern) or the other team came back on us (in basketball).

4. Don't feed the trolls - if you see a troll, call it out for everyone to see - neg it and pile it on EVERY future post...and go on about your open thread experience. Do not engage in meaningful conversation. Do not argue.
---Most every open thread will have some idiot acting like a 12 year old that thinks it's cool to downvote every post. If that's you --- fuck you. To everyone else, don't worry about it, downvotes don't mean anything...however, if you successfully identify that person, board rules say you get posbanged until the end of the thread or until you make your next dumb post...whichever comes first.

5. If you're experiencing a 501, 502, 503 or any other 50-error. Remain calm. Do not keep hitting submit. Simply copy your "oh so" important post so you don't lose it. Wait until the crisis is over...then paste and submit it. 
---There will undoubtably be double and triple posts. Try not to be the dreaded 10+ in a row post.

6. Open Threads for non-Michigan games are generally (College Gameday) (Noon Games) (3:30 or Afternoon Games) (Evening Games) and (Late Games)
---Doesn't happen every week where you get all of them, in fact, it rarely happens...but don't get bent out of shape if you do see it...that just means there's a lot of good football on that day and you should be happy.
---Open threads for our rivals games are permitted if it's a big game or the only game (i.e. OSU/Va Tech)...if it's MSU/Indiana at 3:30 on a random Saturday? Negbomb.

7. Being drunk is NOT an excuse. Go have fun, get wasted, but face the consequences for anything you may say or do.
---If you can't hold your alcohol like a big boy, go to the little kids table in the kitchen. The rest of the thread doesn't have to deal with you if you're being obnoxious.

8. Any reference to "F*re Harbaugh" = automatic negbang.
---I didn't want to spell it, couldn't risk it. But it rhymes with "tire"

9. No personal attacks on players - that said - demanding that someone be benched or taken out of the game is not a personal attack...it's a recommendation.

10. Bring your A game, keep your head on a swivel, enjoy yourself.

...NOW, new rules anyone?