I've been a member for almost two decades now. Always on premium. In fact, I think this is my first actual post on THR. So, maybe I'm a bit bias, but it amazes me that anyone would bitch about something they are getting for free. If you were paying for content and didn't care for something, that would make sense to me, but complaining about free stuff really rings hollow. The alternatives are to have it completely shut down or to get absolutely bombarded with ads, videos and so much crap that you are paying for it anyway, just in a different form.
Any links, articles, etc. posted by
@andrew jones or others are simply a way to market the great content that you get on premium. You click on it because it's of interest to you. If you find yourself clicking on those links and are getting to the point of curiosity or even frustration, what's that telling you????? No, the answer isn't that it's bs for the links to be here. It's that your level of interest and fandom means that what you really should be doing is signing up for premium. I get that pricing and budgeting is an issue for almost everyone. I'm no exception. Look at the annual pricing rather than monthly, as it's a better value. Watch for the specials they run. Maybe give up something else in exchange such as eating at home instead of a dinner out. The holidays are coming, so ask for it as a gift from someone. Get creative, you won't regret it.
As to the quality, amount, and type of discussion, I would agree that it is reflective of an overall reflection of our society (always only two sides of an issue versus middle ground, keyboard warriors versus face to face civility, and influence of social media & 24/7 news cycles, etc.) and the change in the norm of our bball team (always being in the top five discussion, going to final fours, winning the ACC/natty's and it being THE league, etc.).
Seriously though, give premium a whirl and participate. Most will be happy they did. And to
@gobblercalls , you are so right. Anyone who doesn't miss Mike simply doesn't remember him.