Is it fun to play in a league with total strangers?

[tjdoren]

I'd like to join a 2nd league next year, but I have not been able to locate any more leagues among the people I know. Therefore, I may have to go with an online league with a bunch of total strangers. I'm not sure how I feel about that...especially if it is a money league. Please share your experiences with this. Can it be fun? Is it risky, since I might get stuck with a bunch of duds? Or...do you have any advice on locating a more local league?

On a related note...I'm currently frustrated with my current league, because only about half the owners take it seriously, and less than half are even willing to talk trades. I'm worried a new online league with total strangers might have the same issues.

[bazzy_51]

In your situation if your looking to add a 2nd league with strangers and are worried about activeness and such, then what I would strongly advise is to look through the classifieds section of the Cafe. There are always a lot of GREAT leagues with great managers in them, and I have yet to join one that doesn't stay active. Thats my best advice is seens how you are already on the Cafe, use their classifieds!

Link to the classifieds:

viewforum.php?f=4

[tjdoren]

Any advice on how to "screen" the league in advance, to try to weed out a league that is going to be a dud?

[Kareighuis]

Any advice on how to "screen" the league in advance, to try to weed out a league that is going to be a dud?

A free or low-buy-in league is more likely to have duds.

Check the league's history in previous years. Some/most (all?) websites allow you to do this-
-How long has it been going on?
-What kind of turnover?
-Do the people know each other (peer pressure keeps up activity), or is it truly a bunch of strangers?

[shawngee03]

i joined a baseball league using the classifieds here and it turned out awesome

a couple guys knew each other so it wasnt completely made up of strangers...but they were cool dudes so it worked out. almost everyone was active...and it turned into a keeper league so i should be in it for years to come

it was free...but very active so it was good. i would be hesitant about sending my money to someone i didnt know...but im always skeptical. i know they have sites that will hold teh money...so im sure there is a way to do it safely

[spodog]

Is it fun to play in a league with total strangers?

No.

[kickureface]

hit or miss. in yahoo, making the description involving "STAY ACTIVE or no DEADBEATS" and etc will have better turnout. ive had some where a lot are active (only 2-3 inactive) or a lot inactive. somehow an inactive player got to the MLB finals with me and beat out an active good team in semis....

[irish158]

Gotta say, I joined a dynasty league with strangers this year. It has been fun. All the guys are receptive to trade talks and willing to work with you. But usually I find them bad.