When Criticism Crosses the Line

I'm writing this to hopefully better explain my position shared on the Racing Through History show last night. Interestingly, I have gotten a few emails this morning from folks who thought I was directing my thoughts to them.

I feel like as paying customers, and we all have paid with a lifetime of our free time and hard-earned dollars, we all have the right to express our opinions of where the sport has gone.

To me, criticism becomes bashing when remarks are made about someone...such as that person or group is stupid....that person isn't capable of this or that....or those people are a bunch of...fill in the blanks.

We have the right to criticize...we lose respect and our credibility as members of this organization when we bash. No one likes to hear someone bash another, including me. I don't like being included in blanket defamatory remarks and I don't think anyone does. Much of the good we create here goes out the window with a few personal remarks.

It takes a lot for me to get torqued up enough to do what I did last night. But I get really ticked off at the folks who I think are being inconsiderate (I ain't bashing them)when they say we (old-schoolers) need to quit complaining and living in the past and get on with it. If they have taken away our favorite races and the racing styles and personality we loved....are we supposed to give up our memories too? I think NOT! And I along with you have the right to complain. We paid for it. I will not just sit back and just accept things the way they are and withhold my criticism because some think any criticism is bashing. It is not...when it gets personal and personally degrades someone or even an organization that is crossing the line.

I hope this helps clear the air. We can all give our opinions without making overly critical, accusatory, and threatening remarks ( from the dictionary for bashing). And for the record I do agree with some (from my many emails) who say we cross the lines at times....and I am as guilty as anyone. There have been many things I have said in my life I wish I could take back. There is really no excuse for having to think that about something we write.

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Founder/Creator - RacersReunion®
updated by @jeff-gilder: 04/12/17 04:00:29AM

Thank you Jeff. Very well explained.

I agree with Wally Bell. I quit listening also. But it is too good of a show to have to do that.

I listened to last nites show and was totally speechless listening to you. I tried three or four times to put something into words to express myself but couldnt get it going for fear of being called a (for the lack of the proper word to use here) party pooper, sorta like those cigars.

That is one of the reasons I backed off on here for a bit and the trend of the discussions or lack of to me seemed to be taking a stand towards our sport I was not happy with. Now it has come to be the center of discussion. I love MY sport and the people who were part of it in the beginning and also the present day people who are our major players. Whether it be David Pearson,Tim Richmond,Richard Petty or todays players like Darrell or Brian. True some may have did a bunch to not much at all to help us protect and enjoy the priceless memories of racing.

Its not just about Nascar but all those Sat.nite special tracks that had so much good racing who were called outlaw tracks. I ran more outlaw I guess than Sanctioned races because ------ I ENJOYED IT MORE.

I have my fondest memories of racing with the unknown names of sat nite along with the known names of Nascar--on Sun afternoon or even thurs nite at the greatest dirt track I knew at that time.

Dont talk trash about what we care for please-- We are for the preservation of what we had and what we want to keep around.

All in all if you like those cigars great but if you dont well then dont try to make others try them..

I LOVE OUR SPORT--and will continue to honor all those past and most of those present,not all but if you do thats well and good just dont try to sell it -------------------------------------memories

Careful Jim---be very Careful

Jim Reep Jr said:

Does this mean Dr. Craft is invited back on RR?

Johnny, you struck a real true note with your comment about weekly tracks, whether NASCAR or not:

Its not just about Nascar but all those Sat.nite special tracks that had so much good racing who were called outlaw tracks

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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"

To anyone I have personally offended or verbally assaulted (save one) I sincerely apologize. I agree with Jeff as to bashing and although I do not wish to be bashing anyone or anything, I am guilty. I will, in the future, make every effort to abstain from such posts.


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What a change! It's been awhile since I've checked in and I'm quite surprised. It may take me awhile to figure it our but first look it's really great.

I knew what you meant Wally. I guess that I should have gone more in depth with my reply. I don't "turn it off", meaning to delete, but also tune it out in my mind. The chat has become the focal point for doing this so I just try to skip over that and concentrate on what is being discussed on the program. Sometimes this is hard to do when it reaches the ridiculous point. It really takes away from the integrety of the show. Even if it is called a "Goat Rodeo." And yes................. the show is good.