| What does TWTD mean to you? 22:53 - Sep 21 with 6389 views | Swailsey |
As I imagine Phil, Gav and Mark are pretty despondent/“why do we bother”at the moment, I thought it may be nice to have a thread where we can say all the good things that TWTD brings us. I’ll go first:
TWTD (mainly the forum) provides me with a daily escape from the often difficult life I have. I’ve made no secret of my mental health problems, and this place has been unbelievable in supporting me many times (I remember a 10+ pager a few years ago where we all shared, and that was such a beautiful support tool for many). This forum and the users have talked me back from the edge many times, and I mean that sincerely.
This place has such a wonderful and strong community. It has led me to make some extremely close friends over the years (Elto, TLA - RIP), as well as introducing me to some other wonderful people who I speak to primarily online (Dub, Glassers, Pagan, Ryorry, Hoppy, Herbie, No9 - RIP, Phil, jeera, clivebaker, Newcy, J2, Keno, Spruce - RIP?, WhosBlue) alongside many others who I have probably forgotten. As someone who feels isolation a lot, having an avenue to meet kind people online is so welcome. I know many of you have also made lifelong friends on here too.
The news is second-to-none, the writing top quality, the depth of the site and amount of work that goes into it is incredible. If you compare it to other fansites (and actually, a lot of mainstream media), the quality is unrivalled. Phill, Gav, Mark do such an amazing job of keeping the site up-to-date and moderating it. God knows how they manage to have any semblance of a life.
This is the first website I open in the morning, and it’s where I get a lot of my news.
Thank you TWTD - I’d truly be lost without you - you have a hugely positive impact on my life and I’m grateful to be a part of it. [Post edited 21 Sep 23:17]
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| Who said: "Colin Healy made Cesc Fabregas look like Colin Healy"? | We miss you TLA |
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| What does TWTD mean to you? on 23:01 - Sep 21 with 4103 views | Herbivore |
You're one of the good guys, Swailsey. |  |
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| What does TWTD mean to you? on 23:04 - Sep 21 with 4097 views | Hugoagogo_Reborn |
What a great idea for a topic post!
I started reading TWTD when I first joined ITFC staff in 2002. I used to lurk and give feedback to my boss as a way to try to get honest feedback (a bit like Undercover Boss) and then started really enjoying some of the funny posts.
There are people on here who have a fantastic sense of humour, and when people keep things positive, this place has made me spit drinks out laughing at times.
Now I don't work for ITFC, I try to enjoy the forum as a fan only.
There are some very interesting and intelligent people who post here, and, actually, for the last 20 + years, I've gravitated to TWTD for news, too, not the official ITFC site.
That's because I like Phil's writing, journalism and I also very muchlike him as a person, having crossed paths a lot during my time at the Club.
I think the standard of this fans site is somewhat taken for granted, because it has been consistently good for so long.
Many, many other clubs' fan sites are very poor in comparison.
We are lucky to have Phil, Gav and Mark keeping this site ticking over so well.
Thank you for all that you do! |  |
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| What does TWTD mean to you? on 23:06 - Sep 21 with 4066 views | SitfcB |
| What does TWTD mean to you? on 23:04 - Sep 21 by Hugoagogo_Reborn |
What a great idea for a topic post!
I started reading TWTD when I first joined ITFC staff in 2002. I used to lurk and give feedback to my boss as a way to try to get honest feedback (a bit like Undercover Boss) and then started really enjoying some of the funny posts.
There are people on here who have a fantastic sense of humour, and when people keep things positive, this place has made me spit drinks out laughing at times.
Now I don't work for ITFC, I try to enjoy the forum as a fan only.
There are some very interesting and intelligent people who post here, and, actually, for the last 20 + years, I've gravitated to TWTD for news, too, not the official ITFC site.
That's because I like Phil's writing, journalism and I also very muchlike him as a person, having crossed paths a lot during my time at the Club.
I think the standard of this fans site is somewhat taken for granted, because it has been consistently good for so long.
Many, many other clubs' fan sites are very poor in comparison.
We are lucky to have Phil, Gav and Mark keeping this site ticking over so well.
Thank you for all that you do! |
Are you able to say what you did at the club? |  |
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| What does TWTD mean to you? on 23:08 - Sep 21 with 4054 views | Hugoagogo_Reborn |
| What does TWTD mean to you? on 23:06 - Sep 21 by SitfcB |
Are you able to say what you did at the club? |
Sure. I worked in the Hospitality and Sales department. I got involved with advertising, sponsorships, events like the Golf Days and Portman Cups, and also wrote ITFC website stories for the department. It was fun, for the most part, but I got too worn down by the Marcus Evans era to continue working there. Overall it was a great experience!
I also took all the photos from the Portman Cup for the players and all of Phil's write ups! [Post edited 21 Sep 23:10]
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| What does TWTD mean to you? on 23:09 - Sep 21 with 4024 views | FrimleyBlue |
An escape from the real world. Which in itself is a bit of daft description as we mainly talk a about a sport being played in the real world.
But maybe like you Swailsey ( btw i forgive you for not including me in your list ;) ) I use this place as a distraction, there's more posters on this forum who've known about my personal struggles than family members and that's the way I like it. Sometimes it's stranger words that help more than those from people you actually know. It's easier to talk. |  |
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| What does TWTD mean to you? on 23:29 - Sep 21 with 3886 views | J2BLUE |
It's a sanctuary. When you're depressed at work you can come on here for ten minutes and it's like you're amongst friends. Even those of you I really dislike, I still quite like.
If the internet becomes the metaverse, the TWTD virtual bar/cafe/fight pit will be home. TWTD is the front page of the internet for me (fook you Reddit).
It's somewhere you can vent, celebrate, commiserate, laugh, cry and everything inbetween. Some people say we take it all too seriously, it's just an online forum. It's not though. Not if you're a regular who has seen so much on here. People have shared incredibly personal things. Sometimes when someone doesn't post for a while I wonder if they are ok.
If you post that you're struggling you'll have ten PMs asking if you're ok. I posted about hating my job years ago and No9 (RIP) would frequently send me job listings. Could give a lot more examples.
It's the best website in the world.
Apart from Redtube  (sorry Stokie). |  |
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| What does TWTD mean to you? on 23:43 - Sep 21 with 3811 views | The_Romford_Blue |
Great post.
Albeit you met me with Newcy and didn’t include me in your list. Somewhat humbling to be left out but I don’t mind. I’m not bitter. I’m not crying. 💔 |  |
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| What does TWTD mean to you? on 23:44 - Sep 21 with 3793 views | The_Romford_Blue |
| What does TWTD mean to you? on 23:01 - Sep 21 by Herbivore |
You're one of the good guys, Swailsey. |
Well said. | |
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| What does TWTD mean to you? on 23:49 - Sep 21 with 3737 views | J2BLUE |
| What does TWTD mean to you? on 23:43 - Sep 21 by The_Romford_Blue |
Great post.
Albeit you met me with Newcy and didn’t include me in your list. Somewhat humbling to be left out but I don’t mind. I’m not bitter. I’m not crying. 💔 |
I knew that POTY vote from 2018ish was a good investment. | |
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| What does TWTD mean to you? on 00:34 - Sep 22 with 3595 views | Wacko |
I think it means “Those Were The Days”, no? |  |
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| What does TWTD mean to you? on 00:46 - Sep 22 with 3564 views | TresBonne |
I’m probably on the younger side of members of the forum at 20, but I genuinely enjoy coming on here every day or so and reading it.
It gives a balanced opinion on most things which is the main part. For me as a generation that grew up stressing over social media, it’s nice to come and see some proper discussion going on, something that you don’t get on the “big” platforms due to algorithms et al.
When my mum had cancer for a period, I put a post up just simply looking for advice. For me it’s a bit of a world where I didn’t have much to turn to - I’m not gonna put on my own platforms that my Mum has cancer and I want someone to talk to about it, and I wasn’t going to speak to my family about much, in a way I saw it as “they have enough going on already, they have to deal with it too”. As a chap who has never experienced that feeling, it was pretty tough. I had plenty of messages from posters, something that I couldn’t have fathomed from about of people on Instagram. One poster in particular - if you are reading this you probably know who you are as I went back and thanked you months later for it. For me, it gives a different outlook to life and a chance to interact with a bunch of generations that I never would have.
Call me the future of TWTD…. [Post edited 22 Sep 0:55]
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| What does TWTD mean to you? on 00:52 - Sep 22 with 3521 views | Hugoagogo_Reborn |
| What does TWTD mean to you? on 00:46 - Sep 22 by TresBonne |
I’m probably on the younger side of members of the forum at 20, but I genuinely enjoy coming on here every day or so and reading it.
It gives a balanced opinion on most things which is the main part. For me as a generation that grew up stressing over social media, it’s nice to come and see some proper discussion going on, something that you don’t get on the “big” platforms due to algorithms et al.
When my mum had cancer for a period, I put a post up just simply looking for advice. For me it’s a bit of a world where I didn’t have much to turn to - I’m not gonna put on my own platforms that my Mum has cancer and I want someone to talk to about it, and I wasn’t going to speak to my family about much, in a way I saw it as “they have enough going on already, they have to deal with it too”. As a chap who has never experienced that feeling, it was pretty tough. I had plenty of messages from posters, something that I couldn’t have fathomed from about of people on Instagram. One poster in particular - if you are reading this you probably know who you are as I went back and thanked you months later for it. For me, it gives a different outlook to life and a chance to interact with a bunch of generations that I never would have.
Call me the future of TWTD…. [Post edited 22 Sep 0:55]
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The crazy thing is, when people post real life concerns, pretty much every poster is supportive, bar none. That is a joy and so very heartwarming.
The sad thing is that some of these lovely, kind humans sometimes lose the plot over an internet forum discussion and resort to cheap jibes and name-calling.
That is the bit I just can't wrap my head around.
If only those (normally) decent people could just stop and take a breath before they posted, this forum would be 100 times better for it. | |
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| What does TWTD mean to you? on 07:11 - Sep 22 with 2928 views | bluelagos |
| What does TWTD mean to you? on 23:43 - Sep 21 by The_Romford_Blue |
Great post.
Albeit you met me with Newcy and didn’t include me in your list. Somewhat humbling to be left out but I don’t mind. I’m not bitter. I’m not crying. 💔 |
Imagine being at that pre match gathering and being left out eh ;-)
A nice lad who like many can reach out on here in a safe way that may not be easy in the outside world.
I think Twtd has educated many on a whole range of issues with mental health probably being top of the list for me, an issue that is difficult to understand but important to.
The bickering is a pain and is clearly unhealthy too for those involved. The need to win the internet isn't Twtd centric.
Ref the news, a rumour spread on Sat morning that there awas a pre match pitch inspection and the game was in doubt. Figured I'd check Twtd and quickly spotted a thread confirming it was bollix based on a tweet from a knob.
Was able to quickly establish the truth and went to the match happy to know the game was all good as far as the pitch being payable:-) |  |
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| What does TWTD mean to you? on 07:34 - Sep 22 with 2822 views | CaptainAhab |
Apart from all things ITFC, this is genuinely where I come to find out what's going on in the world. If there's a news story someone will probably have posted it before the story has broken. Getting different points of view as well, which is harder and harder nowadays (even if some of them are bl**dy stupid).
Also amazing the little bits of knowledge about random stuff that get posted.
My wife hates how much time I spend on the forum, but just occasionally I'll get to say, oh I heard that on TWTD... | | | |
| What does TWTD mean to you? on 08:29 - Sep 22 with 2663 views | BrandonsBlues |
Things like this.
The banter, the very clever people who know what they are talking about, who do the research. The very funny people who are quick witted and make me roll about laughing at times. Even the ones that make me snigger.
The football bits as well.
But not the rubbish, the abuse, the vitriol, the unnecessary hatred. | | | |
| What does TWTD mean to you? on 09:02 - Sep 22 with 2569 views | Swansea_Blue |
| What does TWTD mean to you? on 07:34 - Sep 22 by CaptainAhab |
Apart from all things ITFC, this is genuinely where I come to find out what's going on in the world. If there's a news story someone will probably have posted it before the story has broken. Getting different points of view as well, which is harder and harder nowadays (even if some of them are bl**dy stupid).
Also amazing the little bits of knowledge about random stuff that get posted.
My wife hates how much time I spend on the forum, but just occasionally I'll get to say, oh I heard that on TWTD... |
Ditto. It’s a bit daft really, but I like the randomness of what pops up on here rather than the algorithm-driven clickbait you get elsewhere online and the topical subjects that dominate the headlines in the MSM. Sure, we mirror all that but then someone will post about something utterly random out of the blue. You never quite know what will pop up and I’ve lost count of the new and interesting things I’ve found out about.
As a side bonus it also happens to be the best place to find out about the mighty Towen. |  |
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| What does TWTD mean to you? on 09:10 - Sep 22 with 2519 views | blueasfook |
I think the main thing that divides the board is political views. Hence one group has grown to dislike the other group and vice-versa. This dislike then spills over into other topics as posters use any opportunity to have a pop at other posters they have a beef with as they've clashed previously.
In the days of old on TWTD those divisions weren't so deep and the banter was much better. Maybe it's a sign of the times and reflective of society in general these days? |  |
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| What does TWTD mean to you? on 09:25 - Sep 22 with 2469 views | Freddies_Ears |
I've been on here a while, since around 1999 (assuming it is that old?). It is my go-to place for news, the football gossip and insights - esp about other clubs - is great too.
Back in the day, you were just a couple of clicks away from similar boards for pretty much any other club, which became quite entertaining at times. Ah, when we were the equals of Man City...
Thanks to Phil & Gav for this wonderful oasis. If you read this, P&G, please note the comments from others re MH advice and problem-sharing; also, bear in mind the huge number of IRL friendships that started here.
Yes, it can be hard for you, P&G, but you are doing far more good than you realise. | | | |
| What does TWTD mean to you? on 09:29 - Sep 22 with 2447 views | bsw72 |
I started to come here as the old ITFC email chat list started to fade into obscurity - always seemed to be a bit partizan to one or the other, guess it was a bit like Life of Brian with the Judean Peoples Front and the Peoples Front of Judea.
Still have a number of the old paper copies of TWTD that I used to buy outside the ground. |  | | |
| What does TWTD mean to you? on 10:32 - Sep 22 with 2297 views | Whos_blue |
It's fair to say that this place is probably the first place I check into in the morning and also the last place I will look before bed, with mulitple checks throughout the day.
I just love this place and I can't really imagine it not being here.
I first started posting back in the old rivals days.
I had a different user name back then.
Not sure why it particularly stands out, but I always remember the day of 911 here and the discussions that provoked. I can't really remember why or when I left but it would have been the early to mid 2000s.
Whilst I still visited the site regularly I didn't post again until relatively recently (maybe 3 or 4 years? I haven't checked).
I do know that it was a music thread that made me jump in again. They're always my favourite threads. They're always apolitical and I've picked up some great music from those posts.
In the main I quite enjoy the political posts. Politics and current affairs are important to me. That said, they can often be derailed a bit by personal beef which can be a shame.
The post following the appalling Hamas attacks was fascinating and I learnt a lot from both Glassers and Banksy, even if those two spent many hours trading barbs! Both very passionate posters.
My personal politics are to the left, so naturally gravitate towards like minded posters, but am always eager to hear from others why they feel differently.
I found the recent thread about the SYL march frustrating as there were some posting supportive comments but wouldn't own the premise of the march nor commit to supporting SYL.
I would respect people more if they had the courage of their convictions, even though we'd be poles apart politically.
As far as I'm aware I've only knowingly met two posters from here. Banksy and Lagos. Who knows? I might be sitting near to others on matchday!
I should add that Lagos's personal story of Hillsborough and subsequent enquiry was in both parts harrowing but insightful.
The football content (I've got there eventually!!!) is second to none.
The journalistic quality captures the balance of being professional, informative without the blinkers of tribalism.
And the site looks great too and is easy to navigate.
As others have mentioned, despite our differences, if anyone here has a problem or a hive mind question, tribal banners are lowered and everyone pitches in to help.
It's a shame we sometimes seem hellbent on breaking the place, but what Gav, Mark (I remembered him!) and Phil have provided us over so many years is fantastic and unique.
We should treasure what we have, both here and in life.
Edit: Oh. And of course the draught excluder thread! [Post edited 22 Sep 10:39]
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| Distortion becomes somehow pure in its wildness. |
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| What does TWTD mean to you? on 11:01 - Sep 22 with 2182 views | EdwardStone |
| What does TWTD mean to you? on 07:11 - Sep 22 by bluelagos |
Imagine being at that pre match gathering and being left out eh ;-)
A nice lad who like many can reach out on here in a safe way that may not be easy in the outside world.
I think Twtd has educated many on a whole range of issues with mental health probably being top of the list for me, an issue that is difficult to understand but important to.
The bickering is a pain and is clearly unhealthy too for those involved. The need to win the internet isn't Twtd centric.
Ref the news, a rumour spread on Sat morning that there awas a pre match pitch inspection and the game was in doubt. Figured I'd check Twtd and quickly spotted a thread confirming it was bollix based on a tweet from a knob.
Was able to quickly establish the truth and went to the match happy to know the game was all good as far as the pitch being payable:-) |
Although the nob was correct about the pitch in the fullness of time
He clearly has visionary powers ....even if he only has one eye
I'm gonna ask him for winning lottery numbers |  | | |
| What does TWTD mean to you? on 11:20 - Sep 22 with 2132 views | Steve_M |
A good time for this thread, I seriously considered asking Phil and Gav to delete my account yesterday. I think it was at the third iteration of the same tedious points about who got banned and why. I think most people who post on here seriously (ignoring the obvious trolls and one point bores) add value but far too many posters that I quite like can't resist sniping and carrying on years-old arguments with others I quite like too.
I'm bored of it and use the board far less than I used to as a result. There's plenty of areas of the rest of the internet to see tedious, repetitive arguments. I only renewed an ad-free payment last week but, yes, for the first time I genuinely wondered why bother when so many people struggle to respect the requests of Phil and Gav.
I would hate to leave this place completely though, I've been on this board or it's predecessors almost as long as I've been on the internet which is sometime during the 95-96 season when I first went to uni. As well as some genuinely informative debates about football, It's been a source of all sorts of esoteric knowledge, some really good friendships and a lot of looser ones plus even more people I've had a beer with or said hello to around a match.
The ability of people on here to provide genuinely supportive advice and/or sympathy to strangers remains inspiring. And, obviously, it's a great distraction from the working day - well, sometimes. |  |
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| What does TWTD mean to you? on 11:25 - Sep 22 with 2090 views | TheBlueGnu |
A great place to post sh1t, but appreciate that it is has far better meaning for many others [Post edited 22 Sep 11:28]
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| What does TWTD mean to you? on 12:14 - Sep 22 with 1936 views | bluefunk |
Been here since mid 1998, it’s the place where I come for news about Town, hardly bother looking elsewhere, as it’ll usually be here (and reliable). It’s a remarkable site in many ways, there’s always something unexpected, usually something funny, often something bizarre, and where I’ve learned much about things I knew little about.
Yes there’s things that frustrate, but TWTD is an essential part of my day and for that I am very thankful. |  | | |
| What does TWTD mean to you? on 12:55 - Sep 22 with 1807 views | Zonderman |
TWTD utopia for me would be to lose the forum altogether. Completely see why this will not be the case from a commercial point of view as well as it providing an important sense of community to some, but it has become a pretty unfriendly place in which to attempt to participate.
Must pretty stark for new users as they join and get an unwelcome taste of it.
The news and main site remain excellent and I know I speak for so many on here in being grateful to Phil and others for the quality of their work.
There are many top people on here but as ever its the vocal few who spoil the party. | | | |
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