Fun forum OR Stuffy forum? - Page 2

Maybe these forums need to change the name of their forums to General TRAINING forum, rather than General Discussion forum?!  JMO.  Gotta lighten up once in a while and not be so damn serious all the time.  Got tired of peoples post being shot down and told to "stick to training"! 

Since I have belonged to this forum, it appears to no longer be an international forum. Its newer members are largely Americans looking for social outlets and "extended families". If you want a critique on your pup, take it to a few breed shows. I am unlikely to give a negative public critique because that is not what the poster wishes to hear. So, I tend to keep my mouth shut. If you trust somone's opinion or wish to offer yours, email/PM them privately.

Why take up bandwith by discussing what you are doing for the holidays or asking for critiques of photos of a dog/pup (when you may really not wish to know the truth)? I welcome discussions of radiographs, training issues, opinions and experiences regarding health/diet/genetics, breed history, bloodlines, etc. I do not welcome extremist, racially/ethnically/politically  motivated discussions started by fanatics and/or the mentally ill with their own agendas and baggage. However, I can choose not to read their tirades and make no comments and not to "feed the trolls".

I do welcome much about this forum--especially, not having an anal retentive moderator jumping down my throat telling me that I am "off-topic" or in violation ot "TOS". Heavens, we even have mods from other boards rapping our knuckles here on the PDB for discussions they feel are not PC.  It is refreshing to be able to name the names of people and dogs without the threat of being placed on "mod queue" or, otherwise, on moderated status--or, worse, banned. I've had more than enough of experience with boards with unduly restrictive policies.

Exchange of information can be intellectually stimulating/fun/rewarding. It need not be stuffy and lacking in humor. It allows one to meet, communicate with (often privately), and establish friendships with people we would be unlikely to know without benefit of the internet.

Thanks for posting Louise

I still learn a lot on here and have made a lot of good friends too.  You don't have to be serious ALL of the time.  People need to lighten up some times.  There are a lot of really friendly people on this board and I have to admit I had the wrong idea about some, but NOW understand them and what they are talking about after reading their post and their answers to post in the past.  I think the post, Let's get to know each other a little bit?  helped us all out A LOT.  Still cannot believe that that is close to seeing 9000 hits!  Thanks for posting all. 

Personally I think it is okay to crack a joke or two, and certain posters are comical by their very nature and do add some relief to the frequent bouts of nasty and childish behaviour on this messageboard.

But are there issues that really piss me off? Yes there are! The ongoing daily drama contest, domination and interruption of threads by a couple of younger female posters and their agitators, the racial diatribe and extremist views constantly spewed by another member, and the fact that at least three (3) posters on here will pounce on any new person and do so in a destructive nature and method.

The messageboard is just that; and it is supposed to be a place to seek/give advice, seek/give mentoring if applicable/desired and discuss ways to make better our dogs. It is also a place to expose fraudulent business practices when ALL of the FACTS are known and presented in such a way to be IRREFUTABLE in a court of law. It is not a place to speak badly about someone else's dog, spouse, children, kennel, etc. and it is not a place to publicly chastise other people because the instigating person is an extreme coward and would never do so in person.

You all and I cannot produce world harmony and we will never agree on all statements about all topics. Nevertheless, we are here to represent ourselves as adults who have a vested interest in the well-being of the German Shepherd Dog-regardless of whether said dog is Euro show-line, American show-line, Euro working-line, etc.. With that said, I will do my part to maintain civility in the words that I write, even if it is something with that I really have an issue.

I refuse to be a victim,

Bob-O

Taking up band width is a moot point.  Discussing something someone doesn't want to read or participate in is a moot point.  Stating that everything posted on this site whould be about GSD's is a moot point.

There is no.  I repeat no, problem with band width for this site.  You can post anytime without it being rejected because of lack of band width.

When you are at a show and discuss GSD's with other enthusiasts, are you saying that you never discuss anything else.  Your husbands illness, your new car or your neighbors yapping Yorkie?  This is an international forum for GSD enthusiasts, who have more in their lives than just dogs.  Personally, I relish when someone posts here about how TV is paid for in England.  It is interesting, and it is a change from the boredom of the usual "I'M PANICKING HERE, MY BABY JUST ATE A TEA BAG.  WHAT THE HELL DO I DO?  We have more to share with each other than just dogs, but the dogs are the glue that binds us together.  Otherwise, we would never know each other (sort of).

Yes, there are other venues, web sites and the like, to discuss just about anything you want to discuss, but all of the other stuff we discuss here are satelites circling our world.  Which is the GSD.  I am a moderator on two web site forums about comic books, and sometimes I discuss them here.  Others tell me on this site about their corvette or their new house and sometimes about their latest grandchild's cute halloween costume.  I don't mind at all and I have the option of skipping over that discussion or picture.  If someone wants to show off their dog under the pretense of asking for a critique, then why the heck would I care?  I am not forced to read it or look at the pic.

I do have a problem with the nastiness, rudeness and semi X rated pics and posts, but some just love them and giggle away, so who am I to tell them how to live.  I am not the owner nor moderator of this site, and neither are any of you.

If a subject line states "Hey, everyone, look at my new car", and it doesn't interest you, then just

click.

GEEESH.  Get a grip.

I am American, I hope I dont waste band width.  I dont like some of the jibber jabber and flames, but I also like freedom from strict moderators who kick you off or ban you.  I think if someone crosses the line its well within the rights of a moderator to take appropriate action.  I have enjoyed both fun and facts found here and I'm glad to have access to it.

I would like to hear more from the european members, but then again its hard to really know who your corresponding with here.  What are the rules here, what guide lines should we follow?  I like the variety here.  I hope no one feels like they are not welcome.  I would hope no one feels like they cant be truthful for fear of some kind of backlash.

I hope its all about the dogs. 

Just my two cents.

Brent.

VERY nice said Brent.  Thank you for posting.  I totally agree with you on what you said.  I too like everyone else likes to feel welcome at places like this.  I usually stick with places that usually make you feel welcome and don't shoot you down because of your opinion, or BAN you like some forums do, LOL.  Guess I am done throwing my trantrum, roflmao.  I that's what you call it when you voice your opinion.  Thanks again.....

This is off topic but I know a few of you are keeping up with this thread and I'd really like to know if anyone has ever had information changed on they're dogs pedigree buy someone else?