It is my intention to create a blog that becomes your primary web-based hub for information, news and insight into the NFL’s Carolina Panther franchise. I think you will find the SB Nation blogging software to be unique in its ease of use and navigation. So create an account, its easy, and start posting your comments on the front page articles. If you want to discuss a topic not on the front page feel free to submit a Diary on any topic relating to the Panthers, the NFL or football in general. It is your participation that will develop this site into a community that comes together regularly for Sunday showdowns and the inevitable year-round commentary. I’m looking forward to a good year for the Panthers on the field which I will discuss in coming front page posts.

Let me now explain the blog name. As I was brainstorming on some name options I thought of a panther scratching with its paw and the first thing that popped in my mind was Ted Nugent’s rock anthem Cat Scratch Fever. Except in my inner dialogue it went "CAT! SCRATCH! FEVER! Downt! Downt! Dooow!" like the song goes. But of course I couldn’t use it exactly as I certainly don’t want the Motor City Madman coming after me considering his affinity for guns. So I replaced "Fever" for "Reader" as you certainly surmised. My hope though is that every time you think of the blog your inner dialogue goes like this "CAT! SCRATCH! READER! Downt Downt Dooow! You can hear it now can’t you? lol

To give you a little background info on myself, I currently live in Charleston, SC, married with kids, Ga Tech grad, in my early 40’s. I’ve been in SC since the Panthers inception in 1995. Previously going back in time, I was a Falcons fan, a Bucs fan (when I lived in St. Pete, FL) and... as a little tike I loved purple and Fran Tarkenton, so I was a Vikings fan (before the Bucs were born). In spite of these former allegiances I am 100% Panther fan now. My wife on the other hand is a die-hard Packer/Brett Favre fan so I have to put up with that to some degree. It’s been nice since the Packers haven’t been very good lately.  

I only have a few rules for the blog. Keep the profanity to a minimum, no f-bombs, etc... No personal attacks on anyone’s mother or manhood. We are all entitled to our own opinion no matter how stupid you may think it is. Finally keep the topic on football, no religion or politics for sure. Follow the rules and you will always be welcome. Break the rules and you may be banished to the Ricky Williams Home for Lost Ganja Heads!

Let’s have fun!

Go Panthers!