its really interesting how far message boards have evolved - or at least the UK ones.
in the beginning, IMO, and I think Rainman made statements as much , the board was there to support UK - which generally meant positive statements. I think he saw the board having some reciprocal agreement with UK athletics, which I personally believe laid the foundation for Matt Jones to launch his career (although I'm sure he never saw it that way at the start).
As the fortunes of UK ebbed and flowed and as more people hopped on the internet, the "support" mentality was challenged - especially between the "free" and "paid" boards that attempted to co-exist.
That gave way to offshoot boards - like the infamous Dynasty Defenders.
Then as Tubby waned in his final years, the heavy handed approach lightened, management changed, boards changed, some stagnated , others disappeared and Matt Jones put a huge dent into the model of making $$$ off "insider" information.
And National Media started keying in on the sites - not for the "rah rah" stuff but specifically for the raw information and discourse. Finally as other media exploded - thru more and more diverse sites along with high speed internet, the forums started including video from multiple sources.
Now few would accept the model Rainman started with as a viable UK board even if some wish for the "good ole days".
