false perceptions. Bronco, for example, gets ripped on for all kinds of false reasons. Stuff like "he doesn't recruit, but wants the player to recruit BYU" and such are not based on any reality. Those that continue to raise that issue have taken a very old quote, put their own spin on it, ignored the truth, turned it into their own reality, and then they regularly beat Bronco about the shoulders and head with it.

I think everyone, including recruits, understand that a message board will have a variety of opinions tossed around. What's different about this board is, first of all, it's the LARGEST of it's kind, anywhere. And, once a negative meme gets rolling here, it takes on a life of it's own. See the "Bronco wants kids to recruit BYU" false perception that has reached ludicrous levels through the years.

Some CBers seem to think that what's said here will have little or no impact on a recruit. Most of the time, I imagine that's true. However, I believe the OP completely when he reports that it does happen. It makes complete sense that if a recruit checks out a message board like this one (the largest of its kind, anywhere), and sees an overall negative attitude towards the program, that recruit may well think less of BYU after having visited here. How can it not have an effect?

We all want BYU to reach new heights, or to at least get back to where we once were. Tearing down the program at every turn through constant criticism isn't the way to get there. Fair criticism coupled with a realistic view of the program's strength and weaknesses, combined with a willingness to actually help out where possible, just might have a positive impact.