Realistic vs. Overly-optimistic

[Iaccelerateforlonghorns]

We have a major division amongst this message board. We have some that always predict a win and some that expect failure until they see vast improvement. Neither side is wrong. We are both interested in the good of the athletic program. All I guess I'm trying to say is I don't enjoy reading fellow Mustang fans argue with each other. Is that what it's come to? Is our biggest rival our realistic fan? Like I said, I don't think either side is wrong. I just think it's wrong that we argue about it. I want to talk smack to other schools. Not STALLION. Overly-optimistic fans buy tickets. Realistic fans support the long process of building an elite program. We need them both. Opinions should go against other programs and other teams. Not fellow ponyfans posters. If we have differences we should still respect each other as Mustang fans, and not attack one another with malice.

Sorry. Thought it needed to be said.

[ponyboy]

One guy's opinion. I would suggest that it's not over optimism, which perhaps I'm guilty of from time to time, but simple optimism that is looked upon with disgust by certain posters on this board. It must be remembered that "realism" does not equal pessimism. It's a balanced view of the situation that does not automatically dismiss hope.

I don't, by the way, blame those few for their pessimism -- it's been a tough downhill ride since the glory days of DickerJames. But when you create a climate of drumbeat negativism, you make it more difficult for this team to reach its goal. I'll take a hopeful fan any day over a jaded skeptic. This team needs the former.

[Mustangs35SMU]

While I would like to "smack" talk as you put it...We cant do that right now..because we were 0-12 and have 3 wins in the past 2 years..how can we smack talk with that result..

I believe this team can do anything they put their hearts to..Im just hoping we have one right now

[Lefty]

Cool - where did you find that waving flag at the end of your post?
VERY nice!

[jtstang]

All I guess I'm trying to say is I don't enjoy reading fellow Mustang fans argue with each other. Is that what it's come to?

Come off it, that's 75% of the fun of posting on boards like this. I truly miss mustangmaniacs.com. The other 25% is the informative stuff from people like Stallion. At least those folks really study things before they post them.

[EastStang]

These are the dog days. We won't get into smack talking with Frogs and Raiders until August. In October we'll have a few Louisana Tech fans come over to rag us. Don't worry we'll see some Sand Aggies show up to say some things. We'll also see the obligatory Froggie slink over here. Part of the problem with the WAC is that we have not been very good and we really don't know much about opposing schools. Do Boise State fans diddle with sheep? I don't know. Do Nevada fans have gambling addictions? Do all Fresno State grads work for Taco Bell?

[StangEsq]

We have a major division amongst this message board. We have some that always predict a win and some that expect failure until they see vast improvement. Neither side is wrong.

While I agree with the general idea of your post, I would have to say that "those who expect failure until they see vast improvement" have been right for quite some time.

Even those of us who expect failure can hope that some vast improvement will come soon and in that event, be pleasantly surprised.

[Iaccelerateforlonghorns]

Well, because the overwhelming majority disagrees with me on this and thinks that we should continue are arguments and put downs I guess I don't really care. It bugs me when I predict a win and get shot down by old bitter people. I won't mention any names but they know who they are. Now you've got me mudslinging. Oh well. Guess that's the life of the fan of an absolutely pathetic team. Guess we don't really need to be hopeful. After all. That is absurdity. We will just have another 0, 1, 2 or 3 win season and the realists will predict a winning season five years from now. Then we'll have another crappy season and some old supposed die hard will confidently say "they'll be good in a few, but it ain't gonna happen this year." And then it won't happen again and the cycle will continue. The only thing that's going to break the cycle is a lot of believers. Save your disagreements. I know barely anyone else in this forum believes that all this team needs is a lot of believers. I will point out Navy as an example. No fan of theirs ever counted them out. But count me out of this forum. I'm for the good of the team. Not the crushing of dreams!

[PonySnob]

It is hard to keep believing when with the exception of one season since 1989, there has not a whole lot of positive things happen on the field. In fact, the past 3-4 years have been some of the most dissapointing seasons since football started up again after the DP.

[jtstang]

But count me out of this forum. I'm for the good of the team. Not the crushing of dreams!

Oh please, sunshiner, don't leave us--if you can't face reality you can at least continue to express your beliefs and dreams for the amusement of us old bitter people. Plus, you have a funny screen name.

[Mustangs35SMU]

Cool - where did you find that waving flag at the end of your post?
VERY nice!

I had it made for us
http://ideaspot.net/flags/ is where I had it made

[PK]

Well, because the overwhelming majority disagrees with me on this..... Save your disagreements. I know barely anyone else in this forum believes that all this team needs is a lot of believers. I will point out Navy as an example. No fan of theirs ever counted them out. But count me out of this forum. I'm for the good of the team. Not the crushing of dreams!

I know it's hard to tell at times, but 99.9% of the posters on this board are truely Pony Fans and love SMU, some just have better manners than others, and some are suffering from deep depression, and some enjoy being cheerleaders, and some are just plain crazy, and some are sadistic and others are eternal optimist with funny rose colored glasses...so what??? this board gives us all a chance to stay connected and a forum to wear our hearts on our sleeves or vent our frustrations. Beware though, thin skins are in danger here. Put on some armor and just jump in...and beat the drum for us believers.

[LATech]

These are the dog days... In October we'll have a few Louisana Tech fans come over to rag us...

Comeon now, Stang. Louisiana Tech fans won't rag on SMU, just that "Comin' Round the Mountain" tune from can to can't, 'til we just can't take it anymore.

Gotta get some new sheet music, buddy- especially during basketball season!

[Stallion]

Oh great!--another cheerleader who pulls out the LOYALTY CARD every time you make a rational argument about the realistic state of the program-that makes my day!!!! It must be July. Fire Up Ponies!!!!!

[Peruna_Ate_My_Rolex]

Comeon now, Stang. Louisiana Tech fans won't rag on SMU, just that "Comin' Round the Mountain" tune from can to can't, 'til we just can't take it anymore.

Gotta get some new sheet music, buddy- especially during basketball season!

From what I seem to recall, it was your group of band dorks that were actually trying to play along to that "comin' round the mountain" tune(which is called Peruna,by the way) during the game in Ruston last year. I also seem to remember that they actually came over and asked our guys how to play it. If you want to talk about getting new sheet music, I suggest you tell those people that oversee your school's band to quit pulling out that HS band arrangment of "The Horse" every year that's an automatic beat down. Talk about an overplayed tune.