We've suffered through the YOFs. The recent trade revealed there were more than a few lurking SOFs. But is this board prepared for... TOFs?! I can see it now. Innumerable posts begging, DEMANDING that the Rockets "give Tracy the damn ball!" or that Yao Ming is "freezing Tracy out!" When will we begin to see these people appear? Will Tracy-Only-Fans who followed the Magic slowly trickle in as they discover the wonders of ClutchFans? Are older fans being converted even as we speak? More importantly: In the coming flame-war, will ClutchFans.net survive?!! Or will everyone just point fingers at each other when something goes wrong, hurling silly accusations at their fellow posters and make paranoid claims about the veracity of others' Rockets-fanaticism? In other words, are we going to have to sit through more of the same?
As long as registration stays closed/extremely limited, I don't think we really have to worry about McGrady fans. I can only imagine that the number of registered users would be pushing 20 thousand in the aftermath of the T-Mac deal if new users could sign up. Ever since I've been around, with every big star acquisition the board has gone through a huge influx of fans of that individual player. Happened with Pip, Francis, Yao...
I will always be a HOF (Hakeem Only Fan) which is hard because I am also sometimes an AOF (Akeem Only fan).
I'll admit I'm a SOF, but not to the point where I hate Yao/TMac...whoever. I still give Yao all the props in the world and I still wish all the Rockets nothing but the best in the future, but Francis was the reason I was a fan of the Rockets, and now I'm a fan of the Magic. But like I said I'm not gonna go to the extent of some SOF and YOF and bash the other player....
I don't think it's going to be as bad. Neither Yao nor McGrady seems quite as demanding. Still, there's going to be some tension at some point. Whenever you get a new star there'll be some new people who care more about that player than the team.
To SamFisher's credit he's reamined a Rockets fan upon Steve's departure. Major props man, I was wrong about you. Meanwhile... a few of the regulars HAVE disappeared.
Francis divided this board like no player in recent memory; I predict peace and harmony "relatively speaking" is on the horizon. Winning and/or smart basketball unites fans. I believe we are about to experience both. (need a few more pieces, though)
Nothing has or probably ever will compare to Yao. It is understandable. In some ways, he is a pioneer for an entire race of people. I can certainly understand the fierce loyalty some feel towards him. It also makes a difference that quite a few people started watching basketball because of Yao meaning some of them are just not going to be as well-versed on the game as those who've been watching for years. For the most part, I've felt like most YOF's have been very respectful of the team and of this site. There are a few that will always just create issues because they don't really care about the Rockets, but they are in the minority IMO.
I remember in 94 and 95, the whole city of Houston found reasons to believe Houston can win, as opposed to now when people find reasons to whine and complain. I hope Tracy helps alleviate that in our fan base here.
I'll tell you now, I'm going to be a Tracy defender. I fully expect certain YOF's, the few that Jeff's talking about, to start to get upset when T-mac is taking more shots and scoring more points.
You ought to write the script for intense, dramatic movie trailers, I was on the edge of my seat after I finished reading...
I didn't know registration was closed/extremely limited. I made it in just in time. I'm actually a Hakeem Only fan(otherwise known as a HO. I hate all Rockets now. Is it really hard to register now? I better hope not to get banned!
How bout we concentrate on being RF (Rocket Fans). People who cheer for one person only or ride players jock make me want to puke. There's a difference in having a favorite player and being a xOnly Fan.
I was just joking, and missed the end ). I am a Yaofan, JJfan,MoTfan,JHfan,Luefan(feels wierd), TMacfan, etc,etc..... But a RF most of all.
