Kentucky Ink Headed for a Breakup

[WildcatRick]

In news that you had to see coming, Marc Maggard officially announced tonight on Kentucky Ink that he and the others on the site are parting ways. We found out about this a few days ago and I called Marc to tell him that we knew and were gonna post the info tonight, and he decided to release it first, which I understand. From what I have heard from a couple of different sources, the people who run the site (sans Marc) are going to be joining another “network” of sports sites that are loosely (and I mean VERY loosely) affiliated with ESPN.com as the UK site. Marc is moving some message boards to another site that is called True Blue or something to that effect.

Ultimately, this news strikes me as a death sentence for the website formerly known as Kentucky Ink. That site has virtually nothing of relelvance absent Marc and thus those that bought a year’s subscription when the site went “premium” to that site have to be disappointed and/or upset (although they may still have access to the new Marc site). As for Marc and his following, the internet nomads will move somewhere else and Marc will still be able to post his thoughts (and get in his internet fights)there….while Kentucky Ink puts out beautiful pictures and articles to a website filled with tumbleweed blowing in the wind. Marc is frustrating and often bizarre/childish in the way he communicates….but he does have good recruiting info and the Ink will have nothing of worth with him gone.

I have always believed, and continue to believe, that the future of college websites is best shown in the way we run this site. The future of the internet is in free information, given in a unique perspective and that is what we try to do here. This site doesnt operate for a profit, but for love of the writing….and that view, combined with the occasional ad sale from people like the good folks at the printing company and butcher shop, make this work. UK has the BEST assortment of websites of any college team I know with TCP, Kentucky Sports Report and the VERY underrated WildcatNation and Sea of Blue, but the decision to go “premium” and seek higher fortune has bred the downfall of one of the other top sites.

Awww internet drama….cant beat it…..

http://blog.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=6988

[KYISSUPREME]

I agree with everything Matt says here. Free info is the wave of the future.

[matt colvin]

Well. Nothing really changes in the deal except the url to Maggard's new site though and the people who make up his staff there.

[JWORLD]

I agree with WildcatRick's assesment that WILDCATNATION is very underated.



THIS SITE IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JayB]

You guys should read the comments section of that piece. It will make you laugh or your money back ! :icon_mrgreen:

[Dawood Khan]

it is hilarious

the casey johnson fellow seems like an idiot

[ImForKy]

I agree with WildcatRick's assesment that WILDCATNATION is very underated.



THIS SITE IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:thumbup::thumbup: You got that right!

[Will Lavender]

Maggard's entire problem is that he treats other posters as if they're idiots. It really isn't that complex a thing. It's basketball, not rocket science.

And, like Matt says, you could see this coming from a thousand miles away.

Still hope Maggard continues to post around. He does have some legitimate connections, I think.

[NotFrank]

Maggard's entire problem is that he treats other posters as if they're idiots. It really isn't that complex a thing. It's basketball, not rocket science.

And, like Matt says, you could see this coming from a thousand miles away.

Still hope Maggard continues to post around. He does have some legitimate connections, I think.

Well it's not his entire problem per se...I'd have to say the frosted tipped hair is a part of his problem, too ;)

That thread on KSR is hysterical and alarming all wrapped up in one.

[gerntz]

Who are these people?

[Will Lavender]

Who are these people?

Apparently Maggard is a scout who is paid by college teams to evaluate players. He started a UK website called KY Ink, and recently they went premium. Now I guess they're belly up.

[Will Lavender]

A little off-topic, but the comments section begs this question:

Do Kentucky fans really like each other?

I think these message boards are great, for the most part. I've met a lot of great people online, and I love all the information and analysis I get at Wildcatnation. But I sometimes wonder if message boards don't sort of create animosity. The argument going on there would never happen, probably, in the real world.

[blue35]

Apparently Maggard is a scout who is paid by college teams to evaluate players. He started a UK website called KY Ink, and recently they went premium. Now I guess they're belly up.

Ky Ink is belly up since they screwed over MM.

KSR has good reports but it is always old news and after MM has already reported the info. JMO.

[Will Lavender]

Ky Ink is belly up since they screwed over MM.

KSR has good reports but it is always old news and after MM has already reported the info. JMO.

I don't know. I think Jones reports a lot of things that Maggard doesn't, and vice versa. They do different things, they have different kinds of sites, they seem to have different personalities--not sure where the rift is.

I do know Maggard has headhunted almost everyone who works in the UK media at some point or another. I've seen it with my own eyes on various websites. Obviously there might be some things going on behind the scenes that I don't know, but I think it's just that Maggard feels like he's more "connected" than other folks--and that just isn't the case. It's just not.

Still, there's no doubt the guy has inside info.

[Dwight Schrute]

A little off-topic, but the comments section begs this question:

Do Kentucky fans really like each other?

I think these message boards are great, for the most part. I've met a lot of great people online, and I love all the information and analysis I get at Wildcatnation. But I sometimes wonder if message boards don't sort of create animosity. The argument going on there would never happen, probably, in the real world.

I think it's just the problem that when you start attracting the masses, the stupidity and the negativity start becoming prevalent as it becomes harder and harder to moderate. The reason WCN is such a good board and good community is that by and large, it's pretty obscure. I hope it stays that way, as I like this site, but if it ever gets discovered big time like KSR, look out. The mouth breathers will start flocking here. I don't think that will ever happen, because this board is just a discussion community and there's no inside info being given out.

Plus the mods and posters on this site are all good people.

Not to mention the interaction with famous writers :icon_mrgreen:.

[Will Lavender]

Not to mention the interaction with infamous writers :icon_mrgreen:.

Fixed. :icon_biggrin:

You make a good point about size and obscurity. You notice on the corporate boards that the more people online, the more they bicker.

[WildcatDan]

Eh, I don't know about that... I think it all comes down to the moderation and having the right people doing it. You start with someone like Maggard who LIKES the bickering and fighting, you are certainly not going to have a peaceful, well moderated board. We have grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years and have managed to maintain the same feel because we have a clearly defined set of rules and a FANTASTIC group of folks who keep things in line. We have over 4600 registered members here and during football/basketball season between 1500- 2000 of those are "active" members (meaning they post at least once every 30 days).

Of course, some of the corporate boards have more members than that ONLINE at one time... but you see how that turns out. WCN has a certain style that is not right for everyone... and that is perfectly ok with us!

[WildcatRick]

Ky Ink is belly up since they screwed over MM.

KSR has good reports but it is always old news and after MM has already reported the info. JMO.

Sorry, dont agree with that at all, any of it.

[Adolph Rollingover]

KY Ink is like a parking lot fight. No allegiance, no rules, just start hitting someone.

[NotFrank]

Ky Ink is belly up since they screwed over MM.

KSR has good reports but it is always old news and after MM has already reported the info. JMO.

Is that before or after Matt Jones personally interviews recruits? Just because MM spends his every waking moment on the recruiting trail does not make him more knowledgeable than the guys at KSR. It's called working smarter and more efficiently. Where's that South American PG playing this year?

[Grub]

Where's that South American PG playing this year?

Thanks Frank - now I have coffee in my keyboard. :icon_mrgreen:

[ukbob]

KY Ink is like a parking lot fight. No allegiance, no rules, just start hitting someone.

Truth.

Dynasty Defenders on sterioids.

If you like being called a moron, jackass and idiot by someone with frosted tops, than that's the place to be.

[boomdaddy]

A little off-topic, but the comments section begs this question:

Do Kentucky fans really like each other?

I think these message boards are great, for the most part. I've met a lot of great people online, and I love all the information and analysis I get at Wildcatnation. But I sometimes wonder if message boards don't sort of create animosity. The argument going on there would never happen, probably, in the real world.

For the most part, I feel Kentucky fans are a friendly lot. The sniping seems to come to a head, after a dissapointing loss, during a season of missed goals, or a player that gets unwanted headlines. I, like anyone else, am not immune to having emotions, regarding my favorite college team. It would be a perfect world, if everyone could keep their wits and choose their comments carefully. As for the the anonimity of a message board, I do think it allows a few to be more brazen with their comments, than they normally would be. Also, how would you really know if a poster was actually a fan of a certain team, just because they post on that site? I am not saying that just because a poster might go off the deep end after a tough loss, that they aren't a fan of that team. But, there is really no way of knowing, if a poster is or is not a true fan of a certain team, especially if you haven't met them or interacted with them outside of a message board.

[ukbob]

A little off-topic, but the comments section begs this question:

Do Kentucky fans really like each other?

I think these message boards are great, for the most part. I've met a lot of great people online, and I love all the information and analysis I get at Wildcatnation. But I sometimes wonder if message boards don't sort of create animosity. The argument going on there would never happen, probably, in the real world.

It's the anonymous nature of things that creates this, IMO.

I have met many from this board and with just an exception of one or 2, they are all fine people. It matters little what their political or social stance is because when you meet them face to face, they are just good people with UK fandom as the common denominator.

On message boards with hundreds of posters going at it, it is easy to insult or even dislike from afar if you have never met them. This is the downside of the internet age.

Also, message boards have been taken over by a much younger, more aggressive crowd these days. Go to any of them and see the attitude..the lingo...the inuendos. Good natured jabbing turns to ugliness at times. Adult discussions turn to arguments more quickly.

As much as I am away from WCN, the main reason I come back once in a while is to jumpstart the civility batteries. There is no place on the web for fans like WCN. No place. Kind of a "safe place" at times. And I mean that in respect.

Speech over.

[blue35]

Just an FYI!!!!

MM reported this morning that Liggins & Galloway is OFFICIALLY cleared through the NCAA.

[Dwight Schrute]

Eh, I don't know about that... I think it all comes down to the moderation and having the right people doing it. You start with someone like Maggard who LIKES the bickering and fighting, you are certainly not going to have a peaceful, well moderated board. We have grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years and have managed to maintain the same feel because we have a clearly defined set of rules and a FANTASTIC group of folks who keep things in line. We have over 4600 registered members here and during football/basketball season between 1500- 2000 of those are "active" members (meaning they post at least once every 30 days).

Of course, some of the corporate boards have more members than that ONLINE at one time... but you see how that turns out. WCN has a certain style that is not right for everyone... and that is perfectly ok with us!

Yes, WCN has 4600 registered members, and 1500-2000 active members, but TCP has probably 4600 active members. It's not a shock to see 6,000 members on those board during football or basketball season.

The mods and admins on this board do a great job of facilitating discussion without letting it get out of hand. When something does get out of hand, a thread gets nuked. This and totalfark.com are the two best discussion forums I visit on a daily basis, because of the way they're moderated.

The rivals board - and I don't have a premium membership, so I admit to not having the full scope - threads come and go and are so active, that it's hard to have a real discussion because you get 75 posts in one thread and nobody knows each other except the hardcore users who have 15,000 posts. This board is relatively small, and the posters know each other, or are at least familiar with their posts. I love reading Will Lavender's posts (and soon, his book whenever I remember to buy it) because he's super knowledgeable, and though I've never met him, seems like an extremely nice guy. The moderators on this board are just regular UK fans, and most of the time, are just regular posters and participate in a discussion like a regular fan.

You don't get that on the other boards (I'm specifically referring to the rivals board, but others too), and it's a nice change of pace on here. WildcatFaithful was very similar, and Mel fostered that sense, and the mods have done a great job in passing that along on this site.

[cobbycobb]

Truth.

Dynasty Defenders on sterioids.

If you like being called a moron, jackass and idiot by someone with frosted tops, than that's the place to be.

No. that was the mentality that MM brought with his uncensored brand and exactly what KyInk is getting away from. Things will be drastically different from hence forth. Shockingly, imo mm's new site won't carry on that tradition either.

I hope you all check out Jared's response to mm's claims. Jared followed the letter of the contract.

[cobbycobb]

FYI, this site is extremely underrated. You all do a good job.

I also just found out that you guys have a firefox pluggin. freaking awesome! I haven't downloaded it yet, does it work good or not?

[Chaz]

Just an FYI!!!!

MM reported this morning that Liggins & Galloway is OFFICIALLY cleared through the NCAA.
Just a FYI this was reported 3-4 days ago and not by MM. MM is and has been a self centered ego driven less than stellar junkie who is wrong more that right in his predictions. I have read MM's predictions for several years and he is by no means a great guru.

[WildcatRick]

Just an FYI!!!!

MM reported this morning that Liggins & Galloway is OFFICIALLY cleared through the NCAA.

:icon_lol:And you claim Matt gives out old news!!:icon_lol:

[average joe]

I go to quite a few UK sites to find out what is going on. Rarely do i post. However, from what i have read, anytime Liggins eligiblity was spoken of it was always "someone told me he was eligible" or "should be eligible". Marc was the first one who no joke confirmed his eligibility having seen the NCAA paperwork himself. Say what you want about him but he puts out more in-depth info on UK basketball recruiting/recruits than anyone out there. Even the free board has tons of info.

[srhill2]

His problem is he runs a business the opposite of how you should. You encourage customers to tell you whats wrong, not kick them out for saying ****.

Matt nailed it with free info. Im a business student and have taken classes on internet marketing. To make money on the internet you have to have a site that organizes information. ie. google youtube. You dont charge for a service, you give service and make $$ by other means through the site.

[blue35]

Just a FYI this was reported 3-4 days ago and not by MM. MM is and has been a self centered ego driven less than stellar junkie who is wrong more that right in his predictions. I have read MM's predictions for several years and he is by no means a great guru.


Who reported it?

Also I respect your opinion, to each his own.

[ukbob]

It's all about individual choice.

Some people may know a ton of stuff, but if they present it in an arrogant manner and then call you a jackass, idiot or moron when you disagree with their take, then I could care less if you are Einstein. I don't want to read it or hear it. It doesn't mean I don't respect their wealth of knowledge, just means I am indifferent to it.

It's all about presentation to me as a reader. Often it is not as much what you post as to how you post that people remember.

Sorry, but I'll wait 5-10 minutes later to get the scoop from people that post without a chip on their shoulder even if the info is considered "old" news. But, that's just me.

[Dawood Khan]

I've talked to MM a few times over the net. He does have an in your face style. It's not for everyone. I much prefer that over the duplicity of others out there in net land. I'd rather deal with someone who tells how they feel than those who smile to your face and talk smack about you behind your back in PMs and such.

Even if MM is a bit of an A-hole, he is much more honest than some on these boards.

In whatever form, I prefer honesty over duplicity. But that's just me.

[Will Lavender]

I've talked to MM a few times over the net. He does have an in your face style. It's not for everyone. I much prefer that over the duplicity of others out there in net land. I'd rather deal with someone who tells how they feel than those who smile to your face and talk smack about you behind your back in PMs and such.

Even if MM is a bit of an A-hole, he is much more honest than some on these boards.

In whatever form, I prefer honesty over duplicity. But that's just me.

The thing though is that it isn't really honesty with Maggard. He's basically calling people out--constantly--for the way they analyze basketball. If somebody wants to call me a *****, fine; but when you start to antagonize me over my opinion of a sport, then I'm going to take exception with that. That's what Maggard does: he belittles people and pretty much says, over and over again, that he has a deeper understanding of the game. Anybody who challenges him gets the buzzsaw. That's over the line.

On the other hand, there are folks who headhunt Maggard and drag him into arguments when it isn't necessary. I've never knowingly posted on a board that he's on, but if I did I think I'd have to just try and ignore him. On one hand his information can be invaluable on these information-starved boards; on the other hand, talking to him is like talking to a tyrant.

[Dawood Khan]

Perhaps, I try to keep cool on these boards. I've encountered folks like Maggard over the years. If they jump in my face about something, I'll jump back. On the net or in person. I'll singe your nose hairs. lol I've got a thin threshold for stupidity anyway and I enjoy kicking people in the head. Don't mind at all getting a little evil at times. lol Not literally, of course. Metaphorically...

I follow the game loosely. I can only draw up about 2 and a half plays without cheating. lol So I usually defer to those with a broader and deeper knowledge base. My areas of expertise are mostly management, operations, motivation. I can tell quickly if someone has lost control of their people. Those kinds of things. Hence, my earlier prejudices and tantrums. I won't argue game knowledge too often. You. among others, blow me out of the water in those areas.

I was on his uncensored board for a bit.With Maggard, I crossed swords once or twice and I got my jabs in. He ran off and would comment no more after I hazed him. So I know how he is. He censored me and I laughed at him and basically told him that he was full of crap and then laughed as I walked away. Never really had much problem with it. He smacks. You just smack back. I'm one who enjoys it and laughs about it as I'm doing it. It's all a joke anyway.

If they can make money off of the joke then more power to them.

[Doctor Zhivago]

On one hand his information can be invaluable on these information-starved boards; on the other hand, talking to him is like talking to a tyrant.


Good point, and great analysis. Let's leave it at that and move on.

By continuing to criticize and disparage MM we are beginning (a little past beginning actually) to be just like what the majority of posters are describing him as.

Let just move on and celebrate the fact that Liggins and Galloway are eligible and will be in Kentucky Blue this fall!!!!

:icon_mrgreen:;):icon_mrgreen:

[billoliver40]

I am afraid that Marc and his team are finding the very fan base that made KyInc one of the fastest growing in history....young, vocal, aggressive, and more than willing to use an internet call name as an excuse to be able to say anything...is now the same fan base that is
turning and tearing at his new endeavor.

[UKHAS7NCAA]

MM is a sample of some UK fans that take this stuff WAY to serious. "I reported it first" "No you didn't, I did". Who gives a rats @$$ about who you know and what you know. Good ridden MM & Kentucky Ink. :)

[TrueblueCATfan]

I agree with WildcatRick's assesment that WILDCATNATION is very underated.



THIS SITE IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I will second that JWORLD

[KyCat]

While I would imagine WildcatRick concurs with the sentiment that Wildcat Nation is VERY under rated (as do I) he was actually quoting Matt Jones post on Kentucky Sports Radio about the problems at KyInk. Matt even emphasized very with the all caps in his post as linked by WildcatRick.

[poodoo]

Regardless of who said it, YES, WCN is THE BEST!!! :icon_biggrin:

[billoliver40]

I definitely agree. Well moderated...had a few posts deleted myself that after I thought of it, was the best move...
high level of well-thought debate...a place where you can share thoughts and if you disagree, you can still have a good time.

[Bluesong]

Marc can be a little "colorful" at times but when you get to know him, he's actually a pretty cool dude. That's all I got to say about that right there.

[Marc Maggard]

First, I think it's funny that many people think that the internet is "real"....I certainly never have. Calling someone a "moron" when they say something dumb is not a big deal to me....nor do I take it seriously at all...it's just the internet.

Second, I scout basketball and work with coaches all day long...all year long...I remember what my basketball info was like BEFORE I got this heavily involved with it....and I can assure you I have a TON more insight now than I did when I was casually involved for a few hours a day. So yeah, I do think I have more insight than those who don't do it as a career...and I think it's valid to feel that way. Sorry if some don't like that, but it's honest. I don't think I know as much about Law as Matt Jones or any other attorney...that's what they do for a career.

Third, my site is now as big as Kyink ever was, and it's growing at a fast rate. We've grown TOO fast and many people came to our site and didn't comprehend the "not real life" posting style. We are just too big to continue that way. So, we are now simply calm and logical like other sites....with a secret board where you can engage in "bar-room" style conversations. Everyone has a flavor they enjoy.

Fourth, we have ALWAYS been committed to providing free info. Those who try to assert that our site is simply a premium site are wrong and probably are fueled by an agenda of some sorts. Our free site has a ton of insight and info. More than you'll find on any other premium boards. Our free boards are well over 80 percent of our traffic each and every day.

Fifth, I have never "poached" anyone from any site, nor have I tried. Our site has attracted people from other sites who are considered "recruiting" types due to our concentration on that part of college sports. Whoever said I poached sites is just wrong....not that I'd even be ashamed if I had....it's kinda like having a girlfriend who goes out with another guy....if he can take her, I don't want her. Everyone on my site is there because they chose to be, and most even came to me to discuss it...not the other way around.

Sixth....Dawood....We always allowed people to come back at mods or admins if there was some "smack talking" going on. If you were censored, it was because you started using bad words or something to that effect....or you flooded the site with crap...I don't recall, so I can remark on your specific circumstance. And I doubt I "ran away" as much as just got bored with it...that tends to happen in those instances of silly internet smack talking fights.

Seventh...I'm out of numbers.

Have a good one.

mm

[Bluesong]

Seventh...I'm out of numbers.


mm

Moron...:icon_lol:

[Dawood Khan]

you ran like the little schoolgirl that you are...quit justifying everything to everyone. Good lord. Get over yourself. lol