This site, to join or not

[ridgebackpack]

I have been on RR-Folks for several years, but learned very early on to post was to take your life in your own hands. I see that there are many who object to this new forum, for whatever reasons.

I feel it does not matter, who started this forum. It does not matter why they started this forum. It matters that this site gives RR lovers a place to talk, joke, listen, learn and so far, feel like you can speak without being ripped apart for your opinions.

The very fact that I can post what I am now is something I VERY MUCH LIKE! Thank you!

Jeannie Armstrong

[Keeper]

Hi Jeannie
I'm glad that you've had time to amble through our beautiful site.  Like a new puppy, IT (and the Keepers) are learning...some faster than others    (I think I am the runt )

There is a saying that I am probably quoting out of context...so someone can feel free to correct me should they chose. 

You can please some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time...but you can't please All the people All the time!

Hopefully, All the people will realize that We are All individuals.  We have All made mistakes.  We All have RRs that are the thread that unites us.
Hopefully, All the people will find their own niche on this site.  Whether or not they are a Lurker, a Newbie, a Chat-Site Professional, a Breeder, a Performace or Conformation competitor, those who enjoy fun things and just hanging with their dogs...or one who is willing to educate or just plain chat with someone who happens to also have a RR.
Hopefully, All the people who find something to like - will enjoy and add to the experience.
Hopefully. Some of the people who do not like our site will chose to build their own.

Negativity is a downer - Even tho' there are alot of people trying to drink out of my glass right now, I try to keep my glass half full.   
 
KEEPER


Regardless of how high we reach, we all have the same possibility of falling.  It remains who WILL BE waiting at the bottom to pick up the pieces that is important in the beginning of the healing process.

[ridgebackpack]

my favorite quote of all time:
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.       JESUS CHRIST

Everyone makes mistakes. To judge someones intentions or character based on their mistakes instead of how the learned from those mistakes, is wrong.

I have been judge by mistakes I made, and I choose not to do the same to others. If you hear something about someone, dont spread it around. Confront the person and ask them. Hear BOTH sides and then make an informed decision, based on facts. Judge people fairly and remember, there is always more than one right way to do things!

OK, I'm done Preachin!

[lotsofjoy]

One of the things I learned early on, when I was admin of a board who had a LOT of members who we classified as "Trolls" (whose sole purpose was to stir up trouble), was that the board is what you make of it.

You get out what you put in. And it's just the internet. Don't take it personally.

Those are the best rules in the world about getting involved in any internet community and it sounds like the one most of you are coming from took it self too seriously.

Being a community should be fun and rewarding and INVITING!

So I'm SO SO SO glad you feel invited to participate here! YAY!!!

[Keeper]

One of the things I learned early on, when I was admin of a board who had a LOT of members who we classified as "Trolls" (whose sole purpose was to stir up trouble), was that the board is what you make of it.

You get out what you put in. And it's just the internet. Don't take it personally.
Those are the best rules in the world about getting involved in any internet community and it sounds like the one most of you are coming from took it self too seriously.

Being a community should be fun and rewarding and INVITING!
So I'm SO SO SO glad you feel invited to participate here! YAY!!!

Sounds like good advice.  It is human nature to sometimes find fault with those you do not agree with, those you don't understand, those who travel to the sound of another drummer.  No one should follow the Pied Piper just because you are lulled by the song of his/her flute.  I have listened to others opinions, suggestions, ideas - sometimes their views have helped me with mine - one way or the other.  But, life and especially Dogs, is a Daily Learning Experience. 
KEEPER

[rrlady]

I think this site is cool...relaxed and fun.  I have posted more here in 3 days than I have in the last year on rr-folk.
Sharon, Joe and Rhett

[Rosebud]

The thing about any forum or group is showing respect towards other members of the community.

I am a member of another forum group that is probably one of the most bizarre group of individuals. It has pure-breed show breeders, hunters, rescue workers, pure-bred dog enthusiasts. No big deal, the bizarre part is that it also has a huge amount of members who will not get a dog from a breeder, they are adamant about only getting dogs that need to be loved or rescued from the shelters, yet these same people that are extreme about ownership welcome responsible breeders into their community.

Byb's and designer breeders though, will get themselves "chewed a new one"

They all have their own opinion and yes the debates can get pretty heated and locked, but these same people will be in another forum playing a forum game together and laughing.

They keep the heated debates in that forum and don't hold the opinion of the other over their heads in the next forum or topic and it's great.

Oh these people range from 15 years old to "well they have grand-children and won't release their age"


Here's hoping that this forum will stay this friendly.



Michelle

[Micah]

Here's hoping that this forum will stay this friendly.

Let's face it, we already have nearly 150 members on this list and each one is entitled to their opinions (and will share it with you!).  Given that many hound loving individuals, we are likely to see some butting heads! The question is, can that happen while remaining respectful?  I don't know.  I am sure we will have some flaming and obnoxious debates.  I happen to like playing devil's advocate (don't even touch this one Renée!), and that can get temper's flaring.

I think we've already proven that the site can be fun without that, but it will happen. I just hope that the fact that we can communicate attitude with emoticons will reduce the number of times it happens due to misunderstandings!

Micah

[k9crazyrr]

Negativity is a downer - Even tho' there are alot of people trying to drink out of my glass right now, I try to keep my glass half full.   

Keeper, I love this saying.  It is a good way to look at things.
Angie

[lotsofjoy]

I happen to like playing devil's advocate (don't even touch this one Renée!), and that can get temper's flaring.

I think we've already proven that the site can be fun without that, but it will happen. I just hope that the fact that we can communicate attitude with emoticons will reduce the number of times it happens due to misunderstandings!

Micah

Devil's advocate? YOU? Hmmmm... when we were kids, I sometimes used to think you were the devil incarnate. Of course you were pulling my hair, or hiding my stuff, or wrecking my car at the time...

Seriously though, Anytime you get this many people together IRL (in real life) or on the net, there isbound to be conflict. As we all get to know each other we will all find people we have much in common with and others who we could take or leave, and even others whom we sometimes wish WOULD leave. That's normal with any community and the exchange of ideas between people who are different is what makes life interesting.

So no matter how happy everyone is to be here now, there will come a time where everyone has to face the fact that we're all different enough that we're bound to disagree. I hold high hopes that we can do it in a mature manner!

[Marie]

I have been very pleased with the ability to express my opinion and also listen to others in a different  atmosphere than I am used to.  I have been constantly checking for updates becouse the debates have been extremely diverse in nature.  It has been great to listen to new owners, seasoned breeders, show people, people in other countries etc.....I will probably not return to my old list.  I like the way this list is split into different areas of interest.  THe threads are so easy to follow.  THe problem is I have been posting on almost every subject.  The worst is that I work nights so When I get home you are all asleep!!!

Well I guess I will wait for more interesting conversation tomorrow.

Good night all

Marie

[Rosebud]

Let's face it, we already have nearly 150 members on this list and each one is entitled to their opinions (and will share it with you!).  Given that many hound loving individuals, we are likely to see some butting heads! The question is, can that happen while remaining respectful?  I don't know.  I am sure we will have some flaming and obnoxious debates.  I happen to like playing devil's advocate (don't even touch this one Renée!), and that can get temper's flaring.

I think we've already proven that the site can be fun without that, but it will happen. I just hope that the fact that we can communicate attitude with emoticons will reduce the number of times it happens due to misunderstandings!

Micah

I'm with you Micah, I love a good healthy debate, one that weighs the pros and cons of differing opinions so that others can see both sides of the issue.

Sometimes, playing devil's advocate is a good way of really getting to the root of an issue, but it shouldn't be used as a way of negating the other person's point.

Whether or not I agree or disagree with someone is not the issue in a debate, the issue is finding the "truth and fact" on both sides of the coin that is important if we are all going to learn from and educate ourselves and others.


I will say one thing, I may disagree (sometimes very passionately) on a topic or part of a topic, but I always consider what the other side has to say and weigh the other sides pros against it's cons and then weigh those pros against my pros. Playing devil's advocate also allows me to weed out the questionable con's to see which one's are not really drawbacks.

And I have walked away from debates with a completely different view on the matter and a changed opinion.



Michelle

[ridgebackpack]

Whether or not I agree or disagree with someone is not the issue in a debate, the issue is finding the "truth and fact" on both sides of the coin that is important if we are all going to learn from and educate ourselves and others.



Michelle

I agree. As long as we all understand there are always more than one right way to do things. We do not have to agree, but listening may help us understand and respect each other more.