- Dec 14, 2009
- 1,960
- 5,349
Not always, but it is clear when it is and regardless of this talk of a Teal Army I really see no other gym criticized in a systematic manner by a group of posters like CEA. And if there is a Teal Army it is trying to defend our gym and athletes from these posts. And like it or not, for some of us these are our kids and our friends kids and it gets old.
As a person that used to defend my gym and kids from false accusations and insensitive comments made by others who did not know the whole story, or who just wanted to get their side of the story out knowing we did not have the "numbers" of members, friends and supporters to defend us on the past boards I certainly understand this. It is frustrating and maddening to hear your program attacked or negative opinions blasted based on incorrect or partial evidence.
However I also must say that in my times on the board there is also no other gym that has pushed to be in the limelight, wanted to be talked about and sought publicity like CEA. They have to their credit used the internet wonderfully to their advantage in advancing their brand, but that also comes with some downsides. No other gym has consistently claimed to be an underdog when they clearly were not. No other gym has at least one thread about them on the front page of the main section every week. In the past it was always started by someone directly affiliated with CEA - now not so much since they won Worlds.
I am in favor of everyone protecting their athletes. Big gym and little gym. Well established and the ones just getting started. Well known on the boards and those who prefer to stay off the boards. I am also in favor of parents monitoring what your kids post here and other places. I realize I may be in the majority but it is unfair for people to poke or take swipes at any program and then get upset when they defend themselves - or paint them as the evil ones when they do.