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Brad

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  1. Brad

    Social Integrations

    By Brad,

    It is easier than ever to join the conversation at The Bulls Pen.  And the giveaways, quizzes, galleries, downloads, Member Shop, etc., too.
    I have recently completed a revisit of the social integrations functionality after finding some had been broken by our software as well as that of Facebook and Twitter.
    The integrations are important for a number of reasons, but I'll stick with the top two.
    New members - Anyone with a Facebook, Twitter, Google, Linked In or Windows account can log in to The Bulls Pen with those credentials.  Very simple access to an account at TBP and immediate posting.  It really is so easy.  So, if you're out there talking with fellow or future Bulls fans, bump into them on Twitter, or Linked In remind them they can join in seconds, and maintain the same identity they have on other social platforms.  Here is what guests will see when they come upon https://thebullspen.com:  

     
    For existing members, if you go to your profile page, you'll see to the left the opportunity to integrate with your social platform accounts, allowing you to share name changes, content, and status updates (varies by social platform).  It makes it very easy to share from TBP to Twitter and FB.  Here is my profile.  I am integrated with all but Linked In at this time.  

     
    Please keep this in mind when talking to other Bulls.  There's no dreaded sign up, just use one of the social platform credentials nearly everyone has already!  And as a member, by getting yourself connected, you will have an easier time sharing with others you.
    If you run into any problems while setting up your integrations, please let me know.  
     
  2. Brad
    I can't even remember much about this any more.  But I guess we took action to contribute towards the now named Lee Roy Selmon Athletics Center.  It was very nice to receive this letter in appreciation:

     
    As best as I can remember, this was probably something that came out of one of the original iterations of the Bulls Backers Club.  If I had to guess, Eric is @E.T., Steve is @ZeroBullChip, Richard is @Ricky the Bull.  I'm not sure who Jeff is but have some ideas.  Jeff (and maybe Steve) may be the guys from the Carraba's at 56th and Fowler where we hosted many watch parties.
    Please remember, we are also raising funds for the future On Campus Stadium.
    Along with this, I remember here was a campus celebration for the athletic season in which we officially joined the Big East.  Member @HowieP went to it to ensure we had a picture of the Big East flag being raised.  To the right is the facility and in the background you can see the football team at practice.
          
     
     




     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    This may be going be going a bit far, but Howie also was our incognito photog capturing pictures of the LRS center as it was being built...seems similar to our fascination with the IPF today.
           
     
     
     
  3. Brad

    Coach Leavitt comments on freshman QB Matt Grothe

    By Brad,


    Program Artifacts
    During early 2005 press conferences (seems to be on National Letter of Intent day), Coach Jim Leavitt speaks about the incoming freshman Matt Grothe.  He talks about something we all came to observe and treasure - Matt's confidence. 
    It's a quick clip, I think you'll like.
     
     
  4. Brad
    Attached is a document from 15 years ago showing the Bulls rating in the BCS, as well as #1 ranking by the computers.
     
    The document is store in our Media Library.  Please click above to view
    By the way, BullsGallery.com, our on site image gallery, has a 2007 collection of USF Football here:
    https://www.thebullspen.com/gallery/category/54-2007/
     
  5. Brad

    "SNORTIN FIRE AND BREATHIN' SMOKE"

    By Brad,


    Site Archives
    Seems we're finally getting old enough as a football program or athletic program overall for people to start appreciating the retro or vintage Bulls logos.  I grabbed this page off the internet archive site.  It was created quite a bit ago from an old basketball media guide I bought.  Best part is it includes our boy, @smazza in it!  
     
    Please allow load time for this graphics intensive page

    A look back at Bulls teams of yesteryear
     
    "SNORTIN FIRE AND BREATHIN' SMOKE"
    In this feature you will find selected pages taken from the 1976-77 USF Basketball Press Guide. 
    The Bulls (known then as the Golden Brahmans) were entering their sixth season of basketball, the second under Head Coach Chip Conner - the Brahmans' third head coach in their brief history.  Sadly, the Brahmans would only manage a 9-18 record, losing 11 of their final 14 games, including a first round loss in the inaugural Sun Belt Tournament.  This followed a 19-8 showing just the year before. 
    Led by Dave Niemenn, Penny Greene, Steve Sanford, Rick Wagner and Cal Glover, these Golden Brahmans were Bulls Basketball pioneers.
    I encourage you to click on the thumbnails below to open up the full page scans.  They are easily readable and offer some outstanding history on USF Basketball.
     
    A full color, full page scan of the front cover of the Bulls 76-77 press guide. This is the first page of the press guide.  It provides a real feeling for the times as it discusses a range of issues from the formation of the Sun Belt Conference (who knew it was initially a six team conference that included New Orleans?).  Good reading, and who can resist the green bull?
    Had to include a thumbnail of these middle pages.  If you click on the thumbnail, it will take you to the full size version of the right hand page.  Notice the finger image pointing to the green highlighted picture?  Click on this thumbnail to find out whose picture was in the "Name that Bull" contest at the message board!  He's a previous basketball manager, a member of our message board and an ardent USF Supporter. To think that 25 years ago, USF games were carried on WFLA radio and on WUSF Channel 16 on a tape delay basis....is anyone getting any ideas here? Check out the nice suit on Jack Harris, the original "Voice of the Golden Brahmans." 
    A two-page pictorial that really places you back in the mid 70s.  Even the Sheriff will like a couple of these! Some curious pictures here:  Head Coach Chip Conner performing Seth Greenberg poses before there was a Seth Greenberg.  And look at that Brahman mascot in the picture on the left...that is scary.  Both thumbnails open up to full size page scans. 
    The Brahman Bull Horn Band, the Commuter Rooters, the Green Scream Machine, the Brahman Cheerleaders, the Herd and the Bullettes all led the way in rooting for the up and coming Brahman basketball program. The Bullettes vs. Sun Dolls...who'd win?
    "SNORTIN FIRE AND BREATHIN' SMOKE"?? A nostalgic Brahmans press guide cover, with the "Snortin fire and breathin' smoke" cheer.  A must read for any Bulls fan born after 1960.
    Note the USF logo at the bottom of the page.
       
    What do you think of this feature?  Would you like to see more "Vintage Bulls" pictures and information?  Player pictures?  Please complete this form with your feedback:
    <form>
  6. Brad
    Continuing to inventory relics of the old SouthFloridaBulls.com takes us to one of the more offbeat things a young USF fan base did.  After about 4-5 years of football we decided it was time to erect an online "Hall of Fame".  Since we're a fans' site, fewer rules got in the way.  This allowed us to induct anyone that was making a difference at that time for the upstart USF Football team or elsewhere within Athletics.
    Ancient html makes this a less than pretty page, but take a look.
     
     
    In 2002, SouthFloridaBulls.com established a virtual Hall of Fame to recognize South Florida's outstanding players, coaches, administrators and fans.
     
    Introduction: Each Year SouthFloridaBulls.com will nominate and induct into the Hall of Fame a select group of USF fans, players, coaches and administrators that most exemplify what it means to be a Bull.
    The next class of Bulls honorees will be inducted in the Summer of 2006
      Atkins        Henry        Hope        Leavitt        Lucas        Mitchell        Plaisted        Price 
    Blackwell       Bradley       Dobras       Selmon
      Current nominations for balloting in 2006:
    (as selected by SouthFloridaBulls.com visitors):
    Click here to make your nominations
     
    (by category, bios to follow): Fans:                   Mitch Rebenstorf
    "the Reaper"
     
                      Players:                   Kawika Mitchell
    Football
     
      J.R. Reed
    Football
     
      Hakim Shahid
    Men's Basketball
     
              Coaches:                                       Administrators:                                        
     
    Nomination Form: Selection Criteria to consider:
    1)  Commitment to the University
    2)  Performance while playing at USF
    3)  Interaction at TheBullsPen.com and related events
    4)  Attendance at Bulls games and functions
      Recent Nominees July 13, 2006
    Eddie Cardieri
    Mary Dooley
    Jose Fernandez
    Reggie Kohn
    Herd of Thunder Band
    "mutt and Bubbles"
    Scott Hemond
    Brandon Faza Andre Hall
    Solomon Jones
    Jack and Janis Boyd
    "Turkeysoup"
    Dr. Michael Robinson
    Don Barr
    Ken Ericksen
    Brittany Link  
    Would you like to nominate someone for future inclusion in the SouthFloridaBulls.com Hall of Fame*?  Please complete this form
    Nominee:

    For Fan nominee, you may use proper name or message board username
    Reason/Significant Feats/Stats:


        The 2006 voting schedule will be posted soon.
      of 13 nominees, the following were selected by SouthFloridaBulls.com visitors. Charlie Bradley
    Men's Basketball
    -All time leading scorer with 2,319 points
    -Averaged 28.2 points per game in sophomore season
    -Three time All-Sun Belt selection and member of All Decade Team
    -Led the nation in scoring for 11 weeks, ending 5th in 1983
    Marquel Blackwell
    Football
    -USA Today Division I-A National Player of the Week (09/08/01)
    -Career Passing leader (9,108 yards)
    -Selected to multiple I-A All-Independent Teams
    -Team Offensive MVP three consecutive years (2000-2002)
    Radenko Dobras
    Men's Basketball
    -The only Bulls to lead the team in scoring all four years of career
    -Career average 17.0 points per game
    -Led the Bulls in first ever NCAA Tournament appearance against Arizona
    -First Team All-Sun Belt and First Team All-Metro
    Lee Roy Selmon
    USF Foundation Partnership for Athletics
    -Joined USF in 1993 as Director of External Affairs
    -Three years as Athletic Director, eight years as Associate Athletic Director
    -Catalyst in Bulls' invitation to join Big East Conference
    -Key figure in foundation of Bulls football program
      of 15 inaugural nominees, the following were selected by SouthFloridaBulls.com visitors. Chucky Atkins
    Men's Basketball
    -Member of USF 93-97 team
    -NBA member of Magic, Pistons, Celtics and Lakers
    -Bulls' 3rd all-time leading scorer
    -Bulls all-time leader in three point attempts and 3pt FG  made
    -Finished with 519 assists
    -Named All-Conference in 1996
    -Averaged 19.3 ppg. and 4.0 apg in final season
    Anthony Henry
    Football
    -Second ever Bull to be selected in NFL Draft (2001, #97)
    -As a Bull, tied for most INTs in a season with 5
    -Currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL
    -Recorded 10 interceptions in his NFL rookie season
    -Holds Bulls career interceptions record (10)
    Jim Leavitt
    Head Coach, USF Football
    -Bulls first and only Head Football Coach
    -Led the Bulls to National I-AA rankings (ranked as high as #17)
    -35-20 overall
    -Led the Bulls to a 2001 upset over the Pitt Panthers
    Vicki Mitchell
     Associate Athletic Director for Development
    -V.P. USF Foundation
    -Ardent supporter of GreenbergOpolis
    -Attended numerous watch parties
    -Participates on Message Board
    -Provided numerous updates to Bulls fans at site sponsored events
    Terry Lucas
    aka "The Sheriff"
    -Former USF football player
    -Founder of GreenbergOpolis
    -Leader of numerous road trips
    -Allowed all to live vicariously through him
    Brian Hope and Walter Price
    aka "the Green and Gold Guys"
    -Dedicated supporters of USF Sports
    -Frequented numerous USF athletic events
    -Engaged fans during game to boost vocal support for the Bulls
    -Recognized by President Genshaft at halftime of basketball game.
    -Most featured USF duo on ESPN telecasts.
    Gary Plaisted
    aka "el toro"
    -One of most traveled Bulls fans in history
    Highlights:
    1997: Drove down from Ohio for the Inaugural game
    1998: Drove from Georgia to a number of home games in Tampa - 350 miles each way (Slippery Rock, Valpo, Citadel, Elon, WKU) Went to GSU on the road
    1999: Went to San Diego St (away), SW Texas State, S Illinois, Liberty, Illinois St, New Hampshire, JMU (Away), Hofstra.
    2000:  Traveled to J'ville State, Kentucky (away), JMU, Troy St, Southern Miss (away), U Conn (away), WKU, Mid Tenn State (away), Austin Peay.
    2001:  Made it to Pitt (away), Memphis (away), N Texas, U Conn, Houston, Utah State
    Click Image Below to see 2002 cyber plaque honoring our inductees
     
     
     
     
  7. Brad
    Located on line, via the internet archive:
     

    SouthFloridaBulls.com seeks to deliver new ways for Bulls fans to come together, while cultivating as many new fans as possible.  We are committed to building a strong online Bulls presence.  Please spend some time with us and become apart of the Bulls community.
    SouthFloridaBulls.com Turns 5!
     
        SouthFloridaBulls.com Turns 5!
    Brad Meyer
    I’m not one that usually does much to celebrate or commemorate certain dates or events, but because of the good fortune I feel being the “founder” of SouthFloridaBulls.com (SFB), I felt it worthwhile to elaborate on the fifth anniversary of its creation.
    The site debuted on August 31, 1999, just as the Bulls were to begin their third season of football.  The site started as – and remains – a hobby.  It seemed like the perfect hobby.  I could learn a little HTML, express my thoughts on the World Wide Web, and more important than anything, make sure that there would be a consistent Bulls presence on the Internet.  All three concepts came together in a site that prided itself on being a fans site.
    As a fans site, I have tried to shape the site in ways that Bulls fans would find it informative, maybe get a laugh or two, even find it useful as an archive.  There are over 85 gigabytes of Bulls data, images, video and audio now resident on SFB’s server. 
    Over the years there were less than successful features like “Voice of the Fan” in which a fan could call a local phone number and leave an audio message on the site.  I thought it was a great new feature, but I was apparently alone with that thought.  There was the online crossword puzzle, the Bulls Nostalgia features, GreenbergOpolis specials, the online store, auctions, trivia, polls, chats, photo galleries and audio and video from press conferences and other special events.  All designed solely to catch the eye of the passing Bulls fan – or potential Bulls fan.  Other “sticky” features offered over the years include free email, a free newsletter and of course the message board.
    Important in building any online community is the message board.  SFB’s first message board was very simple and allowed very few user options.  The second-generation board opened up in late 1999 and lasted until mid-May of 2000.  It had more bells and whistles, but also numerous glitches.  In May of 2000 the current message board, known as TheBullsPen.com was opened.  It has grown to become the centerpiece of the SFB site, virtually becoming an entity of its own when the domain  “TheBullsPen.com” was purchased and hosted separately in August 2003.
    The reason for it all?  To build a vibrant online Bulls community – a place where we can all go to catch up with each other, read and post about our Bulls and attract other potential Bulls fans.  Building the Bulls fan base is job #1.
    The site is achieving success in that job category.  With over 1100 message board members and 500 email users, it is clear the Bulls online presence is strengthening.  The members themselves have been integral to the growth of the site.  Site members have provided strategic advice, technical management, content creation, and audio/visual material to the site along with voluntary financial contributions. 
    Most importantly however, the site’s members and guests have provided a wealth of camaraderie – which is what provides me with the feeling of good fortune.  Five years doesn’t just mark the anniversary of the site, it also reminds me of how long I have known many of the visitors, members and guests of the site and its message board - the friendships that have been built and the good times shared. 
    We need only build on this as our Bulls enter the Big East and take a more prominent position on the national stage.  Together, we can build an even stronger online community and find new ways to attract and expand the Bulls fan base. 
    Now, let’s invite few more Bulls to the party and cut the cake!
     

  9. Brad
    Below you will find an article written by Brett McMurphy.  It is from August 2006 and you can detect McMurphy's entitlement and his disdain for Coach Jim Leavitt.  Leavitt was being Leavitt, which probably wasn't helpful and the article became about Leavitt.  There were some player issues that brought this on and we know how that worked with the media back then.  Oh and by the way, this is clearly from back when Brett and I were on talking terms.  Towards the end of the article, he piped in how some website operator from TheBullsPen.com was also upset.  😂

    Wed, Aug 30, 2006 – 24 · The Tampa Tribune (Tampa, Florida) · Newspapers.com
     
  11. Brad

    2005 Article on Message Boards

    By Brad,


    Site Archives
    Another clipping from the very early days.  The writer mentions three Bulls fans all of which were members here back in 2005, our 5th/6th year of existence.  If you have trouble reading, let me know I will try to add a screen grab easier on the eyes.  

    Tue, Feb 15, 2005 – 21 · Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Florida) · Newspapers.com
     
    Tue, Feb 15, 2005 – 24 · Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Florida) · Newspapers.com
  12. Brad

    Our Fundraising Effort

    By Brad,

    We are in the final three weeks of our $23 for 23 Crowdfunding effort.  I must admit, I thought raising $10,000 for USF Football would have been much easier among the fan base of The Bulls Pen.  Right now, between the Crowdfunding App and straight donating to the effort we are beyond $5,000.  The raffles are helping, by adding more than $500 more.
    With board activity beginning to increase and the anticipation for Bulls football mounting, I still think we will get there.  I will send a note to those rejoining the board to ensure they are aware of the effort.  We also have some nice raffles, I'll recap here.  
    A pair of Club Access tickets to Wisconsin at South Florida, August 30:

     
    This raffle ends Monday at 8:00 eastern.  Please follow the link to learn more.  
     
     
    A Marlon Mack limited and numbered autographed card - in USF uniform:  
       This raffle ends next Saturday
    A team autographed Yuengling hat including all autos for MBB and WBB last season
     This raffle ends Saturday as well.  
     
    Please visit the raffles links to ensure you have the right deadline for purchasing entry tickets.  The raffles close at the posted time, and within minutes the system selects a random winner.  
    You can also expect a few more raffles to be added prior to the end of the drive.  Visiting this page, will keep you up to date on live raffles that are directly in support our our USF Football drive.
  13. Brad
    Just to have something else fun to do with your member points, now you can play the lottery.  Initially, it will be a weekly lottery with pots of various sizes.  You can see this week's lottery (just started today) here:
    https://www.thebullspen.com/lottery/
    It will end tonight, as it is mostly a test run.  But if you like games of chance like lotteries, feel free to play weekly.  You can buy as many tickets as your points will afford.
    You should already be aware of the Member Shop.  It's a points store that allows you to play games, acquire board functions or purchase smaller gift items with your points.  Items and costs will change frequently so as not to break the bank and to address inflation, exchange rates and monetary policies.
    Lastly, another extension of your points and the Member Shop is the Betting Shop.  Once again, your points come into play and you can bet on featured college or NFL games - virtually anything.  There si even a spot for you to "request a bet" if there is a game you'd like to wager on that is not shown.
    I hope you'll visit these optional forms of entertainment - it may help pass the time to USF Football!  Have fun.
  14. Brad

    TBP Gallery and the 2016-17 Football Season

    By Brad,


    Site Archives
    In the past, I've struggled to get the gallery function working as I would like it to.  I think I have it figured out, and I'd like Bulls fans to help out.  We had permissions issues before, but I think it's ready to work.
    I have already set up the primary events for the 2016-17 season.
    As a member, if you'll look in the top menu bar, select Browse, you'll see a submenu for the Gallery.  Click on that and you will see the first box is titled 2016-17 USF Football.  Click on that and you'll see albums beginning with Bullsrally and ending with the game vs UCF.  Not going to be presumptuous and but a bowl game on there yet. 
    Once you click on the album you wish to add pictures too, you'll see a familiar looking "Add Images" button to the right.  When you click on that you'll now be in the album. 
    You're probably wondering, "why is Brad talking to us like we've never been on the inter webs?".  Well this is the part where one could get lost.  At this page, there is an option to create an album.  I have not tested that part yet, but if you were so inclined to add your album for that particular event you can.  I just added a test album with my test user ID, it was easy and accepted.  You should go look at it, you'll like the test pictures used.
    Back on track, if you don't want your own album and instead wish to contribute pictures to the community album, you'll need to click on "Continue without using an album":

    After you click there, you'll have a chance to upload multiple images and have the option to provide credit to yourself, apply a copyright or add caption and description.
    This is also fully functional from your phone.  Snap a few pictures on the phone of the tailgate and load em up for all to see.  We've done a lot of uploading pregame pictures from road game tailgates so that those at home can get an idea of the atmosphere and facility.
    I'd like to see us build a gallery for each event/game this season.  Feel free over the next couple days to test it out.  I can go in and delete test images before the season starts.
    As always, if you have a suggestion, or another way to do it, please let me know. 
    Do you think you might be able to contribute some images this season?  Let me know.
     
    Thanks,
    Brad
     
  15. Brad
    The calendar function has been around since The Bulls Pen was a forum on SouthFloridaBulls.com.
    It doesn't quite get the community use it could, so I'll invite you to visit and see if it can help manage yours and our Bulls life.
    First of all, there are two calendars that combine as one:
    Bulls scheduled games Bulls events Only the Admin can add scheduled games, but we can all add events - such as BULLRALLY I added a week or so ago.  Events can have RSVPs attached so members here can see which other members are planning on going.
    The feature I wanted to mention is the "Set Reminder" function. 

    A new feature recently added, now you can set that reminder that will keep you informed, even if you are not on the website.  I recently set up a test reminder to share.  It's a nice email reminding you of an event (with however many days lead you need) as well as some recent stories from the Pen at the bottom of the reminder email.  Here is what my reminder looked like for Fall Camp (top of email):

     
    So, whether it's the first football game, fall camp, BULLSRALLY, Block party (to be added) or any other function or game on the calendar or to be entered on the calendar, you can use the TBP reminder email to keep you on schedule.  
    I hope you'll visit the Calendar (tab on main navigation bar) and provide some comment.
    Thank you.
    Brad
  16. Brad
    Hey, part of our community has been the fun of prediction contests and other things....most recently, raffle style giveaways and bracket contests.  In order to make it a more easily manageable situation for your humble host, I am asking that you complete the Name and Address profile fields added to your Profile. 

    This will make it much easier for me to get winnings out on time.  It's all private, but saves me from having to ask and then being delayed because I do not want to make multiple trips to the Post Office.  Much like the ticket giveaways require you to have a good email address in your profile, you will need a good shipping name and address to successfully participate in giveaways, contests and some newer things we have coming up for 2018.
    You can get to these fields to complete by clicking on your username in upper right hand corner of screen, select profile and then click on the "Edit Profile" text. 

     
    Then, scroll down and enter name and address.  These fields are viewable to you and me.  Permissions are set to private.
    Please let me know if you have any questions.  
    Thanks,
    Brad
  17. Brad

    Menu Change

    By Brad,

    As you can see above, the menu operation has changed.  Instead of clicking on the main topic like Clubs, Browse, Activity and being presented with a secondary row of options, I've opted for the traditional drop down.  I'm interested in your thoughts, if it works better for you.  I think there was confusion with the old menu, hopefully this makes more sense.
  18. Brad
    With the continued evolution of the code that supports this site, it can now support smilies from your phones and tablets.  With the upcoming upgrade, the board will expand to a greater number of smilies that are released with the upgrade.  In order to avoid having 17,000 smilies I deleted the non TBP and Bulls related smilies for the time being.  After the upgrade, we'lll decide if we need those sets back.
    Brad
     
     
  19. Brad
    I know some members tend to bookmark the one page they like to visit on TheBullsPen.com.  If they start on the main page, they always start on the main page and have an opportunity  to see any changes along the way to the thread they wish to read.  Others start on the Topic index page or perhaps even a particular thread.
    I'm always throwing different things out there to see if people like it enough to comment on the main board or via PM.
    Recently, I put a real slick looking enhancement to display the USF YouTube feed in the right sidebar of the Topic index page.  If you go to any board topic listing, you'll see it in the right sidebar just a scroll or two down.
    Another thing that I'm not sure people are aware of is the RSS board.  There, you can read the latest news feeds of other sites like The Oracle, GoUSFBulls.com, TDS and SportsTalk Florida.  Take a glance at the headlines, if something interests you click and read.  All RSS topics can be commented on as well.  I am having a slight RSS duplication problem I am working on, but it's not a big deal.  I also pull in different RSS feeds from time to time depending on what they are publishing.  Don't let the board's post count fool you.  I manually delete anything over two pages unless there is a comment.
    Here's a look at what is on the RSS board right now:

    Any feedback is welcome on this thread.
    Thanks for being a member of The Bulls Pen,
    Brad
  20. Brad
    It's a rebuilding season for The Bulls Pen.  Each year, when possible, I look at the upcoming changes, enhancements and apps that can be added to the board.  I  am looking for the right mix of cost vs. impact and try to find things that make you want to hang out here more.  More hanging out = more talking about the Bulls.  Yes it helps pay the bills, but also attracts more Bulls fans.
    As some are aware, as this boldly posted topic indicated,
    we are going to have our own "economy" where members earn points through different actions that can be used to purchase items, donate, "bet" and more.  There is a lot more to come so stay tuned.  
    I also have collected a few more customizations that hopefully improve your time on the site.  I really like one added today - the current YouTube feed for USF Football - all packaged up nicely, displaying the last three USF Football videos uploaded, including today's Pro Day video.  No more having to check YouTube and create a thread.  We can all find this on the USF Bulls Athletics topics page - in the sidebar - after the countdown to the 2018 kickoff (on desktop or mobile).
    In addition to this sleek, simple YouTube widget and the points economy, there are some other changes upcoming including a board-wide upgrade.   The upgrade will force some changes to how the board emails, its smilies system, the blogs, and more, so I'll get as much of it posted here in advance as possible.
    All "technical" board changes will be addressed on this blog.  Please feel free to ask any questions and make suggestions on how you think the board could be improved.
     
  21. Brad

    Member Leaderboard functionality

    By Brad,


    Site Archives
    If you look across the top of the site (desktop mode) in the main title bar, you'll see tabs for "Browse", "Activity", "New & Info" and so through "More".  Some of these have sub-menus with other content or links.  Under "Members" is "Leaderboard" and "Member Map".   For mobile version, click on the three bars in upper right corner to see the menus.
    Leaderboard lists the "top rated members" by content for the day, week month or custom period.  If you look at last week, I Bleed Awesomeness took the award for most voted up content for week ending June 18-25.
    I Bleed Awesomeness thread was the much enjoyed My son already making me proud, even before he's born. featuring the ultrasound of his boy putting up the horns while resting comfortably.

    When members read content and rate with the up or down arrows:

    It becomes feedback for the content poster and feeds into the totals that outline popular threads and popular contributors.
    The Leaderboard awards gold, silver and bronze awards for rated content.  It's something fun to look at.  
    For the last month, NewEnglandBull has been ahead of the pack a seen below:

    Furthermore, under the "Past Leaders" tab you can see the daily winners of the Gold, Silver and Bronze trophy each day, dating back some 300 pages worth!
    Anyway, I encourage your involvement in the community to not only rate others contributions to the board, but look to build your own ratings.  There will be some upcoming changes to the rating system, but it will also be more tied in to a merit system that provides some perks to those that are providing highly rated content.  
    Take a look around the Leaderboard and share your thoughts.
     
  22. Brad

    OT: Summer Fun - 2017 Edition

    By Brad,


    Summer Fun
    Was it really three years ago?  Out of boredom, I decided to be politically incorrect and attempt to get the attention of our board members by displaying pictures of scantily clad bikini babes.  My devious plan was to grab their attention and then test their NCAA logo knowledge.  
    The fun lasted from June 2 - August 29, featuring 14 different attention grabbing logo discussions.  The eye-straining effort concluded just two days before the season kicked off with an embarrassing 53-21 beat down by McNeese State.  McNeese State just happened to be in the series a couple weeks before:
    Three years later, it's time to revisit this Summer Fun theme.  Instead of on the main board, we'll tuck the potentially offense images (babes and logos) into the blog here. 
    But beware ... the Stony Brook Seawolves come to town September 2.  
  23. Brad
    Occasionally I look through some of the hard drives and find some old memories.  When you think about this site being around for almost 18 years there has to be good stuff, right?  The board, when it was young, had a lot of great posts lost in the great crashes of 2005- 2007 (I think).  We lost some great stories by @TheSheriff and probably more.  I had a couple hard drives die.  One resuscitated briefly and I retrieved some board images as well as some tax returns.  
    I came across remnants of the firs South Florida athletics themed Hall of Fame.  It was run on SouthFloridaBulls.com, the original home of TheBullsPen.com.  Of course, since SFB was a Fans' site, it had to include fans.  Below is the inaugural Hall of Fame class, appropriately inscribed and your typical 1970's plaque:
     

     
    I think we had one more class follow the 2002 class, but I haven't found the sweet engraved plaque.  Candidates were voted on by members.  Attached below, you'll find a word document that led to the page members could vote for the Hall of Fame inductees.  I'm not even sure if this was final, but have a read and you can see who the community voted in 15 years ago.
    Here are the official nominees:  SouthFloridaBulls.doc
     
  24. Brad

    Around the site...

    By Brad,


    Site Archives
    I know a lot of people bookmark the Main Page and reach it directly, often on mobile, but there is more that the site has to offer to our USF Bulls online community. 
    Of course the message boards are heating up with talk of the new season, but there are other pages and links I think you'd enjoy, including:
     
    Gallery set up for season
    Media Guides, wallpapers and other digital downloads
    Consolidated video collection of past games
    Twitter feeds from top beat reporters
    New RSS board gathering USF Bulls news across the net
    Not to mention the chat room, holding up to 250, will be ready to roll at kickoff.
     
    We have a small group including JimUSFSig and JoshuaG that will be providing content updates as the season starts.
     
    We also have the Prediction Contest thread posted for the Bulls vs. Towson.  For the winner?  A $40 dollar decorated USF Bulls artisan pilsner glass.
     
    Off site, we have fantasy football leagues firing up and our first annual TBP office pool for NFL weekly picks.
    Much of this can be reached on your mobile, including photo galleries (uploads too) and the chat room, but everything is available on desktop. 
    I ask that you look around at the various pages linked in the main menu bar at top of the site.  If you see something you like, let me know.  If you think of something that should be added, please let me know.  We have just under three weeks to go before kickoff and I hope to improve the site as its members suggest.
    There is more to come, including a new updated theme.  I appreciate the members of TheBullsPen.com and I look forward to hearing your feedback on this thread.
     
  25. Brad

    TBP NFL Office Pool

    By Brad,


    Site Archives
    Open for registration now is our first annual site "office pool" where members compete against each other picking the NFL winners against the spread.  It is hosted by CBS Sports.  It's free to sign up and play.
    The link is in this thread:
    I hope you'll join and take part in this with other Bulls fans and board members.
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