Just Curious, Where the ASL people at - Page 3

I started on the forums in 2010, at that time this place had a long reputation of being a shark pit.

Go look at old threads, it was extreme verbal combat sport.

People that say this place is getting too mean must have the memory of a goldfish.

 

Agreed. I started here maybe 2003-2004, lost my log in creds, started over in 2006 maybe. It was a rough place but it actually had a ton of valuable information. I hate to break to everyone, but the people who clawed their way to the top in terms of experience in dogs aren't always diplomats :-)

I would like a long term mods opinion if this place is more mean now than in the past.

Yeah there are plenty of much heavier moderated forums...it greatly limits the sharing and spreading of information. A lot of time leads to the ostracizing of anyone that has a differing opinion and eventually they figure out a way to eliminate that person because they question too many of the established members that are probably making plenty of sales through the forum membership believing they're much greater than they really are. I wish I was here when some of the big names in the business would comment...I look up old threads from time to time or they'll pop up in a google search of a particular dog and it's pretty cool to read the opinions of some very knowledgeable people.

VK in answer to your question....no this place is far far less mean. I look back at some of the things that went on several years ago and I am still shocked at some of it. If members think it's bad now they really should read from the past and they will see how much this place has improved.

Thought as much but you have seen it.

Some of those older people still post on Facebook in more pertinent groups...I think they've also "learned" to use the internet and figured out how dangerous it can be to real life business so they're not as vocal or outspoken as they once were. I think there used to be a feeling of anonymity all across the web for a while but then people took it off the forums and into real life and when this stuff starts affecting either training classes or puppy sales it becomes a hindrance and no one needs it. That's usually the biggest reason you see people leave forums...once people take it too far and get too personal instead of just sharing ideas.

Just because it was nasty in the past does not mean we can't change our direction for the future.

And, Jenni...one can be passionate with their opinions and yet still be respectful of others. They are not exclusive.

Let's talk reality. Nothing but the truth. Here is the elephant in the room....The crap attitude on this forum is the same attitude I have found in IPO clubs and I have been to several. That is not the way to run a group with that "I don't give a sh*t what you think and it's our way or the highway" mentality. That attitude was the main reason I left IPO and will never go back. Who the hell needs that BS in your life. Lots of other ways to enjoy my dogs. I have NEVER encountered the type of attitude and culture I found in IPO circles ANYWHERE else in ANY dog sport. And...that is not a compliment.

I am sure there are welcoming, respectful, supportive IPO clubs. I applaud them and support them. However, I just have never, personally, experienced any like that. The IPO world I have experienced is filled a bizarre macho and nonincludive culture. I think the IPO crowd needs to get their sh*t together and try to be more welcoming. Not everyone wants to make it to Worlds. Not everyone wants to get a perfect score or high in trial. Some people just want to have fun with their dogs.....

So, I wonder if it is a coincidence that the toxic attitude I have found on this forum is due to *some* of the IPO posters. Just an observation.

Nice, insult people. Way to break down barriers.

Just maybe you have the problem??

Nice, insult people. Way to break down barriers.

Hard to deny what Smiley says.  I was going to a club that had a national level helper.  I enjoyed him very much (he was also the TD), but there were people there who actively and LOUDLY talked crap about American show lines while I was there...working my American show lines.

I am not spending an entire Saturday surrounded by jerks who down talk my dogs while I'm actually out there working with them.

Sorry, not sorry.

If somebody wants to try IPO with something I breed down the line, they are welcome to (I am always honest in stating that my dogs are meant for the pasture, not the IPO field), but I'm not doin' it.  Who knows, maybe I'll end up breeding the first 100% ASL IPO titled dog in the last several decades.

But I sure as hell won't be the one handling it.