TexAgs
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| TexAgs | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| URL | www.texags.com |
| Slogan | We Know Stuff. |
| Commercial? | Mixed |
| Type of site | Online community |
| Registration | Optional |
| Available language(s) | English |
| Owner | Collegiate Commons, Ltd. |
| Created by | Peter Kuo |
| Launched | July 22, 1998[1] |
| Current status | Active |
TexAgs is an independent Texas A&M University fan website. It features articles, chat, forums, and recruiting information about Texas A&M Aggies sports. Receiving an average of 500,000 hits per day,[2] as of June 2008, TexAgs is currently the sixth most-visited college sports website[3] and the most visited NCAA Division I-A website.[4] From May 2006 to June 2007, the website received an average of 196,000 monthly unique visitors.[5]
TexAgs was created by Peter Kuo in July of 1998 and sold to its current operators in December of 1999.[1] When it first debuted, TexAgs only had 2,000-3,000 members, and forums only discussed Aggie football. Presently, there are more than 30 different forums and 60,000+ users. The website never used any form of advertising for promotion, as it grew popular via word of mouth.[2]
Notable forum posts include one that disclosed that former University of Oklahoma quarterback Rhett Bomar received payment for non-worked hours from a local auto dealership seven months before the University kicked the player off of the team and reported the infraction to the NCAA.[6][7] Former University President and current U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates posts as "Ranger65".[8][9][10][11]
TexAgs has only one full time employee, the owner, Brandon Jones. Message boards are moderated by twenty volunteers.[12]
[edit] Criticism
Some current and former members have criticized the operation of the message forums, particularly its moderation policies. Such criticisms include a policy of anonymous moderation by a staff of twenty, led by Brandon, who are allowed to post alongside regular members.[13][14] This is in contrast to similar websites that list their staff and moderators in an open fashion. Further, such moderation is sometimes seen as inconsistent or partial to conservative points of view and those affected by it argue the consequences levied against liberal or moderate posters are harsher than those against conservatives.[15][16]
[edit] References
- ^ a b Griffin, Tim. "College football fans zone in on the Web", San Antonio Express-News, 1999-07-31. Retrieved on 2007-09-16.
- ^ a b Fullhart, Steve. "The TexAgs Internet Explosion", KBTX, 2006-10-28. Retrieved on 2007-06-24.
- ^ Most Popular In College and University. Alexa Internet. Retrieved on 2008-06-04.
- ^ Most Popular In NCAA Division I-A. Alexa Internet. Retrieved on 2008-06-04.
- ^ Jones, Brandon (2007-07-09). WatchOle. TexAgs. Retrieved on 2007-07-09.
- ^ Roberts, Selena. "Internet Whistleblowers Go Where N.C.A.A. Fears to Tread", The New York Times, 2007-07-15. Retrieved on 2007-07-15.
- ^ Steele, Michael. "TexAgs' Brandon Jones turned a hobby into a career", The Battalion, 2006-08-29. Retrieved on 2007-06-24.
- ^ Dr. Gates breaks cover. TexAgs (2006-12-07). Retrieved on 2007-06-24.
- ^ Cohen, Rachel. "Anonymous posts on TexAgs.com came from Gates", Dallas Morning News, 2006-12-08. Retrieved on 2007-07-15.
- ^ Post on Texags by Secretary Gates. TexAgs.
- ^ I doubt that NC State has a Ranger65 at StateFans Nation
- ^ Bragg, Roy. "UPDATED: Spurs supporters use online message boards to meet people, blow off steam", San Antonio Express-News, 2008-05-16. Retrieved on 2008-05-17.
- ^ * Some of My Thoughts on Moderation - Please Read *. TexAgs (2006-03-09). Retrieved on 2007-07-23.
- ^ * Some of My Thoughts on Moderation - Please Read *. TexAgs (2006-03-09). Retrieved on 2007-07-23.
- ^ Why posters need multiple aliases?. TexAgs (2003-09-23). Retrieved on 2007-07-23.
- ^ Hey Staff. TexAgs (2007-02-28). Retrieved on 2007-07-23.
