In regards to the bashing going on of late....

I agree the bashing has gotten totally out of hand in several threads around here of late. There's only so much the mods can do if posters chose not to follow the rules. It's not so much a matter of "breeder bashing", but more one of personal attacks of other posters and their opinions and have come from all sides.

It is also hard to remember, but we mods are individuals as well. We are volunteers with our OWN feelings and opinions. Sometimes I have had a bad day and find that my ability to respond in a "modly manner" is out the window no matter how hard I try.

I (personally) don't feel that bashing anyone helps. If you want to disagree with someone's point of view, peachy. Give a logical reason why you feel their opinion is wrong, discuss the issues, but name calling and bashing accomplishes nothing more than heated arguments, closed minds and division among posters.

You CAN express your opinions without being intentionally offensive or sounding as if you are the expert and will not condescend to share your expertise with those who are obviously beneath you.

I have seen far too many snide, smug and nasty comments aimed at those who are asking honest questions. Yes, they ARE ignorant, just as we ALL are when dealing with something we've never experienced before. There is a vast difference between ignorance and stupidity. It is STUPID and cruel to treat someone who is ignorant of something and is trying to learn as less worthy than ourselves.

Those who feel themselves above the format of this forum, the questions asked by others or simply don't LIKE the other members...my suggestion is this, set up your OWN forum, run it the way you like and cease posting someplace you feel is beneath you.

Between that and the umpteen threads started daily on Puggles and/or one or another new designer breed, I've pretty much just been keeping an eye on things without logging on and not posting much.

I would love to see this forum return to what it has been in the not too distant past. A place where pet lovers come to share information, look for help and just enjoy spending time on-line with one another. Sadly, that is NOT the case.

I saw thlynda make not just one, but SEVERAL attempts to open topics the other night that were not offensive, but posters preferred continuing the post that WAS one that caused many injured feelings.

The posters made that choice, so obviously that is the tone most want to set for this forum.

Sad, but we each must claim responsibility for what we post and how we each respond. I am responsible for my posts and ONLY my own, as are each of you. Many expect the mods to remain above it all, at all times which is simply not always going to be the case.

There are those who expect the mods to go into the threads and/or posts to edit something they (posters) do not agree with or see as bashing. Ask 10 members you'll get 8 opinions on WHICH needs to be edited.

Bottom line, it is up to the members of this forum to make a change and bring this venue back to what it can and should be.

Meanwhile, I will continue my lurking and only editing when it is something that is not a mutual altercation.

This is strictly MY opinion, not that of any other mod, admin or owner of this forum. If you have a problem with any of my opinions or views, you are welcome to take it up with me or refer this thread to admin without expecting anyone other than myself to accept responsibilty for it.

I agree pyrmom,
last night I came back trying to do the same thing, posted my pregnancy joke and zap just like that icy deleted it! now I'm sulking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

im glad i have missed most junk lately...I know the mods do their best...and respect should be given to everyone...

I totally agree - I loved this fourm and told every one about it - but that was before the trolls started in the summer and then the name calling and just plain mean, and rude attitudes of a lot of posters here. No one has been mean to me. But I have no reason to read constant posts that are full of hateful and rude comments that are being used to answer any question that is considered to be unworthy of a decent answer.

I know I am ver ignorant of a lot of issues conserning my dogs that is why I came here to learn. In the beginning I did learn a lot - but now I would rather be ignorant than to have to sort out rude opinions. Every body here had to learn the "right way and the right answers" A little consideration would be nice. I havent posted here in a while I just lurk - I am not willing to get bashed just for asking a question.

I hope this fourm changes - it was a really good place to be....

I think that given enough posters seriously WANTING the forum to return to what it is intended to be, it WILL change.

Otherwise it's going to remain the same or mods would have to start banning people, NOT something any of us enjoy doing.

I missed the post last night that you're talking about thlynda~ sorry. I was trying to point out all the threads you TRIED to get rolling night before last.

Pyrmom,
Thanks for posting that. I understand everyone is entitled to their own opinion but it would be nicer if people didn't come across so judgmental.
I'm reluctant to ask questions sometimes because I might get eaten alive.
Anyway, I hope this site becomes fun again. For the most part, I enjoy it here and there is a lot to be learned.
Have a great day & remember to thank our Vets. (Veterans, not veternarians, haha. (Although we can thank them too.)

Well said pyrmom.I agree 100%

I have not been posting as much because I do not want to read though the 4 pages of fighting.I like this site but the fighting is crazy.You cannot make a post with someone coming right behind you being ,what my kids call, messy.There are some really wonderful people her than don't mind anwser people's "stupid" questions.How else are we suppose to learn.That is why some people came here in the 1st place.I hope it gets back to normal soon.

Bravo,Prymom!!!

I usually don't "log out",simply because I'm too lazy to keep logging in,lol! I missed Thlynda's posts :( If it's deleted,guess I'll never get to read it,which is sad. Sorry Thlynda,I would have commented in a pleasant/comical way if I had had the chance to read it...you always post nice/comical/mature things on here.

As for Prymom's post here-Prymom,I know you're not talking to me about calling names,cussing someone out or being rude,just stating my opinion. I understand that this site has went to a level that most of us that have been reading/posting for a long time didn't want to see. I'm the type,that figures every person here has their own right to free thinking and free speech.....I usually just read and not comment,but sometimes I feel as though someone is getting pounded for no reason-This person could be someone that I disagree with in one post,but agree with on another post about something different. I don't hold a grudge against people for things that they post.....never have. I do,however,try to point things out in a non-threatening way. The only harsh words I believe I've used in one of the posts(that I started)was "P***ing contest"....with the astericks added by my own hands. If I've posted something offensive or cursed someone out,I'm not aware of it(feel free to point it out to me if I have....no problem seeing any mistakes I may have made at any time). I believe that you are correct,Prymom,when you say that Mods can't be held to a higher level when they have their own opinions or feel so strongly about something....they are volunteers,and human-beings,just like the rest of us. I've been a "host"(same as a Mod)at another site....I understand what it means to be in the Mod's position. I do understand what it feels like to have to hold back on my own opinion as a Host(I was a volunteer as well,but many on that site were paid...same rules applied to volunteers,as they did to the "paid"hosts). I know the other side of the coin when dealing with individuals,and the individual ideas of others.....it's hard! I have nothing but respect for the people on this site.....I only ask that respect is returned to me as well. Sorry,I know I've spoken directly to you Pyrmom in some of this reply,but it's not really meant just for you....it's for all to see and read. I don't feel that anything is wrong with your ideas of being a Mod here,or having/sharing respect for our fellow posters. Guess I'm just trying to say that I believe this site and it's posters(mods alike)deserve respect from the get-go,motivation and information from one another....NOT chastizing,name calling,words put into anothers mouth by an upset poster,etc.

We CAN get along,and agree to disagree,if we can't find common ground. We do have the freedom to skip answering/posting our thoughts if we choose to do so....this is what I do sometimes,so I know others can have enough restraint with-in to do the same. I also try to speak to others as I would expect them to speak to me....I know it's hard to know what a persons words mean sometimes when online,because we can't express our feeling,emotions or body language through a message board. I have seen many times where people,including myself,have come across in a certain tone towards others in their responses-All that we,as adults can do is post to the person,and explain in a different tone what we really meant towards the other person. I've done it,even with two of the mods here......it's not hard to come back and express your true emotions so that you are understood by others......we don't have to get snappy and bite eachother's heads off. Just come back,don't pick the response apart if you were mis-understood,just make a fresh start and let that person know that you truly didn't feel insulted or whatever they may think you felt by their response to you.....it's simple,and it's self control ladies and gentlemen. I'll get off my "box",lol! Sorry so long,but I'm trying to explain my thoughts(which are jumbled at this moment...they run around too fast in my head sometimes,can't get my fingers to keep up,lol!).

This post is really directed at everyone,not one particular person....except the particular sentences speaking directly to Prymom,with her name in them :)


Hugs and brightest blessings to all!!

Linda P

LOL, pyrmom, I know when you are referring to, I emailed icy and said, "did you delete my thread!"
anyway, I'm just whining!

Just to add to chili's statement, I can understand people being hesitant to ask questions. After all we have adults here who pick fights with children. But chi, they back down to other adults, ask questions. The only stupid question is one who is unasked!

thank you linda, i try! hugs to you as well!!!

***Edited By: thlynda on 11/11/2005 9:27:55 AM***
Reason: add

I agree with all of you. but there is one thing i've noticed.. some ppl ask a question or option and when some1 would give an honest option not meaning to be rude the one who posted gets offended cause its not the option they wanted to hear so they get a lil snappy and they get it back in return. so not only do the ppl giving the option need to try to do better, but the one asking needs to accept any answer and try not to get offended so much or take it too personaly

Linda, I agree and no offense taken at all!

Shiree you are also corect in saying that sometimes folks take offense when none was intended. Since this is a public forum, with folks from all walks of life and the world over, not everyone is going to see things or express them in the same manner.

If it's simply a matter of misunderstanding, that is easily enough corrected with a follow up post. If someone takes offense because others disagree (without being snotty) then it's a case of "that's life"! If others disagree without instigating personal attacks, there is not a thing in the world wrong with posting your opinions.

Thank you Pyrmom. There are ways to disagree politely.

Very well said Pyrmom. Thank you!

Very well said. I try to stay out of the fray and don't respond to those posts since it only moves it to the top of the list. It is easy to stay away from those posts and still enjoy this site. I also appreciate the job the mods do since the trouble makers only try to bait you and mess with you.

Pyr.. I agree and Miss just sharing /exchanging stories and information between us ... w/o bashing

sniffles =(


Oh and btw.. you and all the mods are appreciated !

***Edited By: IVYdragonN on 11/11/2005 11:44:07 PM***
Reason: .

PYrMoM that was one of the BEST posts I have ever read, regarding ANY topic out there, since I awakened out of my slumber and started posting on internet forums about 8 months ago. Kudos!!!! You said it all!!! Now, since its a public forum, its my time for my 2 cents worth of twisted logic and BS.

All things being equal the simplest and honest explanation often covers even the most complex problem at hand...in my opinion anyway. I may start flirting with the "off-topic" stuff but I will not stray too much.

We are human. We all have faults. Took me 30 years to realize I'm a flawed human being and pet lover. Can you believe that...;)???.

I love the internet and hate computers. Anonymity is a double-edged sword. Spew all the meaningless bull crap ya want to encite, entice or offend others then disappear. But the person behind the words(kind or spiteful...matters little IMO) is never truly revealed. Pretty sure most of the anonymous offenders that you mentioned Pyr wouldn't address their boss, children, parents, neighbor, doctor and many others in these disrespecting ways.

You got a beef fine!!! Say what it is. Talk about why you are ticked off. Mention what you think can be done to fix the problem...there are no correct or incorrect answers oftentimes...only opinions and personal/individual experience. Ask for input from other dog lovers( BTW my dog is way better than yours poserpooguy8675309..) . Be willing to bet that everyone has a hidden agenda of sorts.

My agenda is no longer hidden as of now. I like...no LOVE is a better word and prefer large, territorial working and herding breeds. I won't own the so called designer dogs, smaller breeds, frequent pet stores or talk with venom or yap on about so called BYB's. Got bigger fish to fry so to speak. We have lots of homeless and abused canines. Thats sad. We also have many abused and homeless children that arrived at that situation through no fault of their own. Thats pretty sad too. I prefer talking with people, but prefer the company of pets/animals. Dogs are easy to figure out...they respect you or they don't. I could go on and on ...WAKE YOUR BUTT up...LOL...but brevity is a virtue.

What I ultimately ment to say is opinions are like a-holes, everyone has one. Butt..no pun intended..Pyr's post said it all. The world ain't black and white its represented by many shades of grey. cheers and keep on posting!!!!

I'm happy to see so many respond in such a positive way.

I would also like to hope that the other part of my post hit home to those (none who have replied) who seem to have set themselves up on a higher level than others and feel it is only with grudgingly given condescension that they will reply to poster's questions.

I hope this will help them realize that we are here to share both questions and answers and that it can be done without trying to make others feel small or stupid.

Totally Agree