It's the end of another season, a time when we all depart for a summertime siesta, but before you do I would just like to say a big thank you to all our members for still staying with us for over three years now since the demise of the old BBC606, where I used to post. We have never attempted to replicate the old BBC site in anyway, neither have we attempted to copy any other Gills sites. I always personally searched for something completely different. Something that catered for that middle ground taste. Not to OTT and not opposite in the other extreme of moderating every post and user account. A lot of the times we get it right and maybe sometimes we get it wrong, but overall we share the same passion that is Gillingham FC and respect one and all. I think most of you know me by now and some have met me in person, probably at home or on our travels. You will know I'm a aging traditionalist at heart, who promotes everything lower league. Against Modern Football. Culture not for sale. Where nothing more pulls at my passion more, than the recent attempt from the FA to destroy the very ground we value but they will soon realise how big a voice we actually are. Sign the petition please. I read an article recently that I found interesting; In England, single-judge hearings, encouraged as part of the 2013 Defamation Act, are something that libel reform campaigners in the UK have applauded on the grounds that they reduce costs. But here’s the thing: juries should always be involved in charges of defamation. Defamation cases often involve questions about what given words mean and whether someone can legitimately claim that their reputation has been damaged. These issues are best decided in reference to social norms and attitudes. A jury is therefore better able to reflect these norms and attitudes because it is made up of the people who create them: the public. As such, the public has a significant stake in the outcome of defamation cases given any judgements passed can often have profound consequences, such as closing down newspapers, magazines and websites. The fact that cases of defamation can be decided by a single judge signifies an important curb on public involvement in setting the boundaries for free speech. Defamation laws not only limit our individual freedom of speech; they also inhibit the freedom of the press, making it risk-averse and super-cautious for fear of being sued. The best remedy for erroneous comments and even for slurs and lies is not illiberal defamation laws, or jury-free rulings by a single judge; rather, it’s more speech and more public debate. Clearly this site has never promoted anti Gillingham FC feeling, neither has it ever allowed detriment comments against our Chairman, why the hell would we! However, it does believe that supporters have the right to a voice about what they feel is their genuine feeling/experiences, those same expressions can then be counter argued in fair reply, that's what modern day technology allows us to do, however, I also believe it can never be right to threaten an opinion, that just feels a bigger wrong and grates on me, like waving a big stick to say you will conform. One thing i have found very interesting in regards to social media outside of the fold for want of better ways of putting it...people are always quick enough in coming forward and condoning views but generally are never so forthcoming in promoting and welcoming the good aspects the community can and often do deliver. That's enough of me and in the age old words of Peter Lloyd...i'll shut up now. But don't forget to come back for the prediction league for a sixth season. Obviously I'll still try and keep the board busy and feel free to create your own topics to see us through the next few months. At least we've got the World Cup. Season Ticket's ordered for 2014/15, just waiting now on the preseason signings and the fixture list. THANK YOU brb
Many thanks BRB this was my favorite place for GFC info I won't be at any matches next year - as one of the "three" ejected and arrested recently I have decided that my relationship with the club is over. Good luck to the team and enjoy your football in the coming seasons Roy
thanks oldsparky, sorry to hear of your plight for want of better words. I try my best to give a voice to the fans, however, obviously even we have to be careful of the ever watching eyes of big brother. Those that always happy to pounce on us but never ready to contribute to the more regular positive nature of the board and the community that we share. I can't comment on certain things but something i will remind people of this season was Wolves, I was there, I witnessed it first hand, jobsworth stewards while our own were getting pelted from above. In Port Vale, our coach disabled, never heard of a single arrest. I saw the guy, he kicked the bloody coach with a group of three other lads. Beer in hand. I read recently somewhere we are supposed to be a dying bread in the social media world. All i can say is i'd rather be a dying breed than a voice of conformity. Anyone can pick up a newspaper or watch Sky or BT and get the media take on things but we don't pretend to be literate journalists, reporters, editors or even the best bloggers, just hard core blue blood, Gills through and through. 10 new members registered in just over a week and during pre-season, that's our dying breed! Keep coming people and welcome to OUR community.
