Forum Blue And Gold

A Lakers Blog. Thoughts, reflections, and the odd rant on the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA (even the Clippers).

New Look, Same Site

by


Daddy’s got a new pair of shoes.

How do you like the new crib? I’m still trying to get comfortable in the newly refurbished Forum Blue & Gold, but I love the way it looks and feels. There are a few new furnishings but hopefully it still feels homey. It’s taken some effort to get here, but much more like what I’d ultimately envisioned when I started this humble little Lakers blog (but I never thought it would really come to be).

There’s a new polling feature running on the right, guaging people thought’s about what’s going on with the Lakers and the rest of the NBA. The commenting system is better. But that’s just a tip of the iceberg with the new host. I could do a lot more if people want it — a message board? Any other ideas you want to see just post a comment or send me an email.

There are also now some ads on the site, and this will be the first and last time I plan to mention them. The new host, the new look, costs money and I’d like to be able to offset at least some of my expenses. I don’t expect this to become a full-time gig, just help cover some of my costs and if there’s enough to take my wife and daughter to dinner every month or two, that’d be nice too (even if it had to be Chuck E. Cheese). I hope they don’t bother anyone, but I felt I had to take this step.

What will not change is what this site is about — it’s a home for Laker fans and basketball fans in general. I started this in large part because I wanted to talk on-the-court Laker analysis and information, not the off the court soap opera that dominates the local and national media. I don’t care if Phil Jackson and Kobe have lunch with Lamar Odom. I don’t care about who Kobe’s wife talks to. I don’t care who Chris Mihm goes fisihing witb. I don’t care what Shaq thinks of the Laker front office. I do care about the Lakers and the game — and that’s ALL we talk here. No soap opera. No off the court distractions.

I use a lot of “moneyball” NBA statistics, because I believe in observation. I don’t want the Lakers to get a player because he’s “got an NBA body” — prove to me he can play. Kwame Brown may look great in a Laker uniform, but I want to observe he can live up to the hype, and statistics are simply a tool to help more clearly define how a player is doing. So we use them.

Everyone’s welcome here. I have been exceedingly fortunate with this site to have attracted some intelligent and clear thinking basketball fans and more are always welcome. I don’t expect — or want — everyone to agree on topics. Just be respectful and be ready to back up your arguments.

Come on in, take off your shoes and make yourself feel at home. And let’s tip off the season and have some fun.


Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    Like the new look. Have always admired the site, which I check daily. But why did you drop the link to Inside Hoops.com?–iIts an informative site, especially in the summer….

  4. Gatinho says

    File that one under : Mission Staement.

    It’s like moving fro m the Fabulous Forum to Staples Center. New digs, but we’re bringing Chick and Lawrence Tanter with us.

    Going out to the dinner with the family, even if it is just Chuck’s, must be a leisure that all married men with kids should be allowed to enjoy. (Yes, they serve beer there)

    Don’t know about the Message board idea seeing as those places seem to be the residence of opinions that are kinda the antithesis of what this site emodies, but if it had the same tone as F B and G I’m sure I would participate.

    What do you think of Mr. Pincus’ latest?

  6. Kurt says

    Thanks for the compliments. And thank you Lara (she did the work).

    As for Eric Pincus’ latest comment (or bombshell), I need to see or hear a little more before I give it too much creedence. With all due respect to Eric, I’m sure he’s hearing things, but a lot of things have been floating around. I just need a little more proof.

  10. Calvinist says

    Site looks great. I’ve looked for an inteligent Lakers blog for quite a while, and I found what I was looking for here. Fills the need in the same way Dodger Thoughts does on the baseball side.

    Thanks…..

  11. john says

    looks nice. allthough the purple looks black on my monitor. probably cause my monitor is ancient.

    hmm, you got me wondering what this bombshell is. whatever hoopsworld says i doubt it will happen– i thumbed through a whole bunch of old articles when i first found the site– it read more like the national enquirer than a reliable source for information.

    still, a fun read.

  13. Zach says

    Kurt, just in time for training camp, excellent. When are you going to give an opinion about where the Lakers finish this year?

    Just wanted to add, I hate Spree, but I think he might be able to work…

  16. Kenny says

    Stumbled upon this site, I forgot how but glad I did. You bring a lot of stats that not a lot of people know about and I enjoy reading. With the slide of my Michigan Wolverines, your damn luck of the Irish, I’m looking more and more forward to Lakers season.

  17. Giopurle says

    Congratulations and thanks from your favorite italian laker fan! Well… maybe only laker-addicted guy in italy i guess. It’s a blessing to meet you all guys and discuss lakers on-the-court issues through this wonderful site. You’re doing a great job Kurt and I share your feelings about the soap opera…. really tired of having to read that! The Lakers and The Game… that’s what’s really fascinating and intriguing to argue about.

  18. BBallBlog says

    Love the new look. Even though I’m not a huge Laker fan (okay, I admit it, I can’t stand them), your blog is one of the best team oriented blogs out there. The design just makes is just the icing on the cake. Well done!