[PeterParker]

In recent visits, I've read a few posts where people voiced dissatisfication with a particular issue and then offered some counter ideas only to be accused in the reply post charging that all they did was point out what was wrong, focused on the negative, etc. (Most recent were replies to SJ's post concerning an attempt to resurrect the SFC.)


What would be the feasibility of having an entire thread in the section that would be a central reference point to pool ideas either for sports, the institution, development, construction, growth, what you hope to see the LU become, etc. There are tons of threads on here that have interesting ideas that posters have come up with that get buried or overlooked. It would be interesting to have a central thread similar to the Missing Persons Thread in layout where people could post ideas and denote in the subject line either Sports Idea, or General Marketing Idea, or Insitutional Idea, etc. and then offer the idea. This would allow someone who simply wanted to come on here and cull ideas on how to better the institution could search for Ideas in the thread and look through them on demand.


IMHO, there needs to be a movement away from the claims of hurting LU's feelings by highlighting weaker areas to focus on improvement; in order to move forward and excel one has to be willing to look at the weaknesses and then take proactive steps to shore up those areas and to become well-rounded and strong in all areas, not just the ones that come naturally or more easily. For instance, if one is an excellent free throw shooter, but can't drive the hoop to pick up the foul, then one will not be able to showcase the strong natural talent in free throw shooting that he possesses; however, if the person focuses on strengthening the areas that were once weaknesses, now all of a sudden the player transitions from a novelty to more of a blue chip player.


Note that I do see the development and boom the school is experiencing and the exciting potential things on the horizon; but that does not mean that one is anti-LU or just looking to gripe when they submit how they would like to see something (nor is it when one expresses a pointed frustration concerning a particular LU thing, reference SJ's Flames Club thing.) If a person is even taking the time to voice a frustration and offering ideas on how to do something better, I submit that it's not necessarily because they are looking for a way to get a cheapshot in at the school, but rather more of a reflection that they not only have a common business interest in seeing LU successful in all areas (for getting jobs & such in the outside world), but also a vested emotional desire that the school will become what they hope it will be.


Because, to some degree, the name on the diploma does define one out in the job market....we all benefit when the school, in the public consciousness, garners a strong academic reputation/tradition with additional first-rate extra-scholastic offerings (athletics, student life, administrative functions--Bill pay, scheduling etc.)

[PeterParker]

Perhaps a running structure format for posts within that thread could be the following:

Issue:

State your grievance in as objective a manner as possible while avoiding flaming or unnecessary cheap shots. This is not to say one shouldn't offer their observances as they see it and with passion, though.


Proposed Solution:

A place to put your most creative ideas in print on the rare chance that someone with influence in the school actually would cull the board and find an idea of which they were not presently aware.


Additional Materials for Reference:

Place article links, pictures, and supporting docs here (perhaps a link to what another entity is doing as a concrete example of your idea if available.)