Taking a Stand

[RichardGraham]

Hi Folks,

Tonight I received a supportive and thought-provoking e-mail from an Inline Hockey Central supporter. This person wrote, "It is nice to see you take a stand and posting as you have been doing lately." That e-mail message was supportive, but perhaps it wasn't as obviously thought-provoking to IHC's readers as it was to me.

Perhaps that's because I have been battling internally demons for quite some time. I've buried my personal opinions, partly because I've been knocked off balance in the past few years by things that I'd never wish on my worst enemy. Complaining about those things wouldn't make them go away, so there's no point in going into detail. Suffice it to say that there are very few IHC readers who know what I've been through, or it takes to produce a Web site like Inline Hockey Central.

What's important and exciting, however, is that I'm finally emerging from my self-imposed prison and expressing how I feel and what I believe in on Inline Hockey Central. And why shouldn't I? I have been running the site by myself since January 1999, with support from a few advertisers, and many caring readers.

I thank those advertisers and salute those readers, and promise to continue to speak my mind as much as I can in the coming years. I've paid my dues. Screw false modesty; I've got something to say.

Watch for it on Inline Hockey Central. (And if you don't like it, there's a simple solution. Find another site.)

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[ClarkAddison]

Good for you Richard. To quote from the The Lion King, "It's time to put your past in your behind."

Here's one story on how you've made a difference.

As you know, I started my inline program five-six years ago with little knowledge of the sport other than my ice hockey background.

Since then, my program has pretty much doubled every year. We started on two tennis courts. We now have a full blown 185 X 85 inline rink with boards, benches, etc.

My travel programs are well on their way, qualifying for this years Junior Olympics. I've travelled all over the country with my adult ChillDawgz. One highlight was getting to meet you 5 minutes before a tough loss in San Diego. I wish we could have won that one and had some more time to talk.

I was named USARS Coach of the year last year and gotten recognition on your site and in their magazine. I've met hundreds of people. I mention this because a lot of this happened because of the knowledge and contacts I've made via your website. I've come to realize over the last few years that hockey, ice or inline are more than a hobby but my true passion.

I've just accepted the General Manager position at a ice rink facility in Northeast Illinois. It consists of one sheet of ice, an arcade, and restaraunt. I start next week. I've made arrangements for my inline programs to continue and believe I've put the right people in charge to make this happen. Don't worry, I've told them to use your site as a resource. I may not be as hands on with the inline anymore but I will check in from time to time.

Again Richard, Thanks.


<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by ClarkAddison on 03/26/03 08:41 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

http://www.eteamz.com/ChillDawgz/images/NPMikeShot.jpg

[missionhockey21]

Rich this is your site, you should post how you truly feel about someone or something, I know thats what I would do ;-)
I already got a movie deal worked out for you, "The Vengenace of Richard Graham" the movie. lol

[RichardGraham]

Hi Mission,

Cool idea. We'll get Cuba Gooding Jr. to play my agent, so I can say, "Show me the money!" and we'll get Lindenwood University as the evil school playing against my team in the college inline hockey finals... /wtimages/icons/cool.gif

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[missionhockey21]

Nice Rich, it be like Mighty Ducks for adults :-)

[sactosaxons]

How 'bout putting the Hanson brothers in there somewhere too!

Rich: I say you do what you'd like - I'm sure it'll only improve an already great site. Might wanna hold off on that movie though!!

[missionhockey21]

Yes, the Hanson brothers, with them it will be a for sure blockbuster.

[CheckMate]

times like these make you envy $$$$ $$$$$$ and how he can say ANYTHING on his ugly site and get away with it but still they advertise. What gives? his entire site is backlit with politics and nazi rhetoric.evry post he writes resorts to a comment about nazi's. makes a person wonder really. Just kills me to see people advertizing there, especially after he also blasts gays-of which I remember a problem with last year when a women spoke out about it. i'm ashamed to even say i read his site-but it gives me a good laugh most days. Really now, how can a man who seems to be so 'roller hockey friendly' act in that matter. IS it cause he is a lawyer.? the fact that narch supports his regurgitation is a real problem.

now I'm gonna have a bad day

[CheckMate]

how long before i see this post on his site. i'm gonna count the minutes. maybe I'll get death threats in email too

[MDE3]

Must be a "bad hair day"

[MDE3]

I salute your efforts in here and repeat what I told you in a private message. "This site should be recommended reading for all inline rink owners." They will truly find a handle on the pulse of the sport in here.

There is nowhere else that I know of that covers as many sport development issues, technical updates on equipment, and ground swell feedback on the sport as in here. Agree or disagree the issues are all out there for those who want to read about them, as well as access to help on many of the issues.

As for your editorial viewpoint - I believe as an editor that is both your right and responsibility.

[bonesy21]

Richard,

for the past couple of years, i too have been around still following your work. i commend you on a job well done. youre hard work, efforts and all youre time is greatly appreciated by myself and many others. keep up the good work!
In addition, i do understand where youre coming from and what youre trying to accomplish. Its funny that this is the first thing that i noticed when i signed on, but last night i encountered an mens accapello ensamble here on campus at MSU. It was simply amazing what these guys could do, and even if you all wanna make fun of me thats cool. But in my opinion, those guys who were the bestest of friends basically expressed themselves to their fullest extent, and let me tell you, there were 100's of beautiful hunnies out there tooo....but its also cool that people on IHC are too expressing themselves, and in turn, theyre making friends too, because, everyone is pitching in to help everyone else with questions that are unclear, and thats awesome. Like you said, that people are complaining about certain posts, well thats always going to happen, yet i feel that most people are just criticizing each other in a mocking fashion, and arent taking it quite seriously. If people cant handle the heat, then get outta the kitchen. But overall, everyone in general, just like the mens accapella ensamble are expressing their thoughts and beliefs which is a phenominal thing because thats what makes everyone unique and most of all is what makes Inline Hockey Central the Finest Message Board running. so for that Richard, congradulations for a quality effort where kids, friends and family can come to express themselves. Thanks again for all your hard work and efforts, and keep up the good work!

respectfully,
David Canon

[RichardGraham]

Hi Bonesy,

Thanks for the very kind words. I really appreciate your message.

I wouldn't make fun of acapella singers. Singing's a good thing... except when I'm doing it. /wtimages/icons/smile.gif

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[sactosaxons]

Richard: Sounds like you & my son should get together and break some eardrums! But seriously, I'm a newcomer (6 weeks) to IHC and I'm finding myself coming here at least once a day. I appreciate the exchange of ideas and information from such a wide variety of people. You have truly created a place that people can express themselves and agree or not, others respect their right to do so. All this and light-hearted banter - what more could we ask for?!?!? This one BY FAR blows the other(s) away. Give yourself a big pat on the back and from Northern California, I send a big THANK YOU!

Joy Raftery
Sacramento Saxons