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Wanted: Your 2 Cents - US Giants List

Posted By: Bill Riles
Date: Monday, 1 June 2009, at 3:06 p.m.

In Response To: Wanted: Your 2 Cents - US Giants List (Stick)

As Stick notes, not specifically nor forcefully enough in my opinion, there is a tremendous amount of subjectivity, personal knowledge, notoriety, friendship, bias, geographics, acquaintance, etc. that goes into the personal selection of any individual to such lists.

All of the names he mentions, on both lists, are certainly accomplished American players. I contend there are many more -- certainly others more deserving of note than some on his lists, the second list, particularly.

In my opinion, there are 2-3 names on the first list that belong on the second, at best. There are probably 2-4 names on the second list that should be on the first. Further, there are 10-12 names on the second list that are no more accomplished than another 25+ (guessing) that were not included on either list -- that could/should have been included on the second list. There are probably 2-3 names that appear on Stick's lists that I would not have included at all. I base my opinions on having played the vast majority of the players on the two lists -- a goodly number of them I would consider myself a decided underdog against, a fair number of them I think I am even money (small +/-) against, and against a few of them I would consider myself a favorite. But none of us will ever be able to prove any of our opinions, and a single match or small sample of matches between players will, similarly, prove nothing.

I think it unseemly and unfortunate that such lists are publicly posted and discussed in such a forum. Certainly it leaves a distaste associated with visions of ballot stuffing, vote rigging, collusion, promotion, etc. I think it will further harm the valid perception around the world that the list is too influenced by the Americans.

I'll not suggest names for consideration. I'll not offer opinions on specific players. I think it counterproductive and not constructive for the collegiality of the American backgammon community.

If you're interested in the Giants of Backgammon, as I am, submit your ballot along with everyone else who wishes to do so -- and live with the results. I don't think electioneering, campaigning, and promotion are appropriate.

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