It seems to me that over the last six months, we have lost several excellent members of Champdogs Forum.    There will always be "natural wastage" - circumstances change and people drift away, personal lives and priorities change, there are falling-outs amongst friends, people don't see eye to eye anymore - all these change the stability of the group.   But there does seem to be a certain amount of maliciousness and unwarranted attacking going on - its almost as if the new posters feel they have to fight to establish their place in the "pecking order".

When we meet face to face, it is easier to recognise those people who are vulnerable, who is unable to express himself/herself clearly, who has no self-confidence.   After a couple of meetings, it becomes obvious that there will be someone who has an opinion on everything and that opinion is ALWAYS the only one that EVERYONE should hold - and you learn not to get into a confrontation situation with such  person because you just can't win.  A child who can express himself/herself very eloquently is still recognised as a child.   You can soon differentiate between the person who has a vast hoard of experience, and who is only too happy to share it with you, or correct your mistakes from the one who has read a bit, who knows a man who knows a man - and whose mum/dad/brother always does this.  

You soon get to know with which colleague you can hold a well-conducted argument, someone who has learned to debate, expound views with which you may disagree - but at the end of the day you have a drink, and respect each other's views.  There is always someone who just loves to make mischief - either out of malice or thoughtlessness - and you learn how to take what that person is saying or doing, with a pinch of salt.

On a web forum such as this, it is far more difficult to work out the chemistry of the group  and we all can - and do - say the wrong thing from time to time because of this.   Sometimes, when I've had a stressful day, and I see what to me is a patently "stupid" question, I give a stupid/sarcastic response - and why can't I make stupid posts myself - are guests the only people allowed to get away with it?  Surely not :D :D :D  

Champdogs still has a lot going for it - the support that I received when Purdey died recently, and when I posted about Milo - was wonderful.

Still I do find it sad though, that it always seems to be those who have most to offer who drift away.  Maybe I should spend less time on here myself, too!

Margot

Ah well, in that case, as all the ones who are left have nothing to offer, maybe we all better clear off then :(

By the way ...this is NOT a serious post

Mine is SUPPOSED to be a reflective post - I'm carrying on an internal debate with myself :)

And I didn't mean that the board is left with nothing to offer  (do you know how hard it is to get that right in print :D :D:D ) - but that is one of the problems with trying to put a point forth on screen - things don't come across quite the way you intend!

Of course Champdogs will survive - living things change all the time - that's how it should be - its just that the group dynamics change too.

Margot (who is now going to argue with a train!!)

Noooo don't argue with a train Margot (I have it on good authority that they cheat ;) )

Well said Margot.

I have just come home from work and have read the relevant thread.  Those of us that have been on here a while know these discussions flare up now and then.  I think we have all done just what 'the guest' intended us too.

This is the most informative general board I have found, there are bound to be heated debates with so many members, if we all agreed there would be no discussions or debates.   What we must not do is let it become personal.

John, please don't leave, I don't have Lab's but have found your experience invaluable. 

The majority of the 'flare up' posts seem to come from the visitors board, IMO it is because the original guest post doesn't tell the full story and they are unable to answer any questions put to them without registering.  Perhaps it is time to stop the visitors board and people have to join to ask a question and can then answer any queries put to them.

Sandra

i kind of drift in and out and ask a few questions here and there and answer a few and tell people my opinion if its asked for i must admit this forums a rather scarey place recently and i've been noticing a few guests getting envolved if i wanted war id go to a country at war. I miss the general nice doggie chit chat on here.

Margot - I totally agree with your post :) I'm afraid that some people on here are too sensitive. Sandra - your post makes a lot of sense too :)

Why people allow themselves to get involved with a thread and then get upset at the way that it goes I don't understand :( Life is too short to get upset about these things. Nobody HAS to reply to a post. Perhaps people should count up to ten before answering :) I often start a reply then think better of it and hit the 'back' button :D (Perhaps I should do it more often :D )

Daisy

No Daisy parhaps a few more should do it more often ;)

I don't think that the good guys have gone.  There are many people on here who adore their dogs, make sure that all the necessary health checks etc. are carried out on their dogs and who want to make sure that new people wanting to come into the world of dogs know what they are getting themselves or should I say what they should be getting into if they wish to breed etc.

Yes, it does get a bit heated from time to time, but hey it's a much better site than most.  A month ago I asked about sites for Companionship shows and the like and what were the e-mails that I got from the site recommended  everyone slagging off each other and I've only rec'd one e-mail with details of a show !!

People need to know that it's not just putting two dogs down the road together and hoping for the best, there should be lots of research.  I've been in my breed for 13 years and I'm still only learning and have many years before I'll know the half of it.

I have to agree that sometimes the comments are sarcastic.  We all had to start somewhere and I'm sure that many of us have asked some pretty strange questions during that time but if we had the sarcastic comments I think that a lot of us would have been discouraged from bothering with dogs at all.

Discover Dogs is a great example of where you really asked some weird questions.  Like do these dogs only come in one colour, when there are about 4 dogs all in different colours.  Do they like children when their child is swinging from their ears :d  But you smile and answer them politely and don't put them down for it !

Oh well, I'm doing my usual babbling on again, better get doing some work.

Diane

Well said Lokis Mum. However I knid of view it like going to the pub, sometimes you get a really good debate and learn something useful, sometimes you get suggestions you will choes to ignore, sometimes you get an oppinionated person who trys to stifle the debate. Either way I still go to the pub in the hope that tonight it will be a good debate. If it isnt I leave but will still lookin occaisionally to see if things have changed.

IMHO one of the strengths of these boards is that there is a good degree of debate without it being over moderated or over personal.

Did someone call me ?

Bazza

Looks like its just us riff-raff left then :)

:D :D

I'm still here - but I have decided to squeak when I'm squoken to :D :D

Margot

Margot......there is nothing I would like more than to contribute to Champdogs like you.     I find your posts so interesting.     I am sure that there are many like myself who are not that good at putting words on paper.    I keep my posts short and sweet and I suppose I play on the safe side so as not to get into trouble.    I am afraid to express my views and I don't think that I am qualified to give advice.   I, like you, think that Champdogs have lost some excellent members......perhaps they have got fed up of the ones like myself picking their brains. :D   

Jackie M- I will guarantee you that you will contribute to the forum in many different ways!  Just looking back at your previous posts, I note you have commented on all sorts of threads!  We all bring different knowledge and experiences to the forum and that is what makes it so successful and the presence of all of us necessary and helpful.  I will assure you that there will be someone out there who could benefit from some of your experience or knowledge or even just your opinion on whatever subject!  I've never bred a litter and I don't show-my dogs are just companions, but I still give my opinion when I feel I can contribute on a topic that might be relevant to something I know or have an opinion on!  I may not be qualified to give advice on most things either, but my input is as valuable as the next persons (I like to think! :D ) and I still like to share it! :D

-Kay