2005 NASS - Page 4

I deserve the heat - but in my own defense a couple of things: First, when someone new to the scene hears “Sieger Show” they assume something big and supported at the highest levels – now I’m learning that this was basically a show put on by a local club – kudos to them for such a huge effort! Shame on the sanctioning body to allow a “Sieger” level show without funding the effort. Second, "real-time" results should have been stated as daily, which is what I was really thinking – I never expected “Olympic” style minute-by-miinute updates – just something that could be looked at as the weekend unfolded – or a minimum the weekend conclusion. Third, as stated, regardless as to who put the show on, funded it, etc - ANY results should be posted at a more neutral looking web page. It is cheesy IMHO that results for such a high level event can only be obtained through going through a link from a sponsors (and competitor to boot) main webpage. I would suggest any kennel supporting the effort be recognized for their efforts (i.e "these score/results brought to by XXXX, here is a link to their fine website.") – but I’d also say that more could be done to increase the level of sophistication of the whole matter. My apologies to those who put in so much effort for the event. I made an “ass” out of myself by assuming the whole event was supported in a much larger fashion than it was. Regarding the results – consider it constructive criticism – not everyone interested in the show is from the established dog world. Some of us are new to the show expected more based on the name alone – which I would think is a reasonable misunderstanding. -Calvin

Hey Calvin, no harm no foul. At least we didn't make anyone buy a puppy from Mittelwest, and then sign up that puppy for foundation training before you could see the results. So at least we try to be nice about our commercialism. :)

Absolutely a great show - however, expecting exhibitors to pay in order to park in a safe area WAS amazing. Holding original paperwork as one poster said "hostage" for either the exihibitors number back or an addition 10. per dog, was..to say the least ridiculously cheap. Some kennels had quite a bit invested in entry fees. It would make some wonder where all that money went to. Also, Calvin, why would you expected any results posted - since, other than promoting vendors, the original NASS website dropped off on giving pertinent information well in advance of the show. There were no directions, alternate hotels, directions to the field, etc...however, it clearly listed how and where to buy the DVD.

cledford: You have said you are a novice. If I were you, I would do a whole lot of listening/learning and a whole lot less critizing. To even mention how the USA is held worldwide in low regard(in your comparison), and not even understand the fundamentals of what is happening with these shows(from local to NASS) puts you way out on the fringe(whether you intend to be or not). Throwing acronyms like NASS around sounds good, but where is the substance? Give NASS a chance to grow and learn. Rome was not built in a day(nor did it exist forever). NASS does not "owe" it to anyone to provide real time results. That would cost a lot of money, that those attending would have to pay for, to placate YOU. NOT! If you buy a plane ticket and take time off from work to attend, you can get "real time" results, up to your eyebrows. Stephen

Steve, Steve: Just to address a couple of your points. First “If I were you, I would do a whole lot of listening/learning and a whole lot less critizing.” This is a typical response on this board and in the dog community on whole –and it is disturbing. There is nothing unique or new about anything going on in the dog world – unless you’ve never looked outside it. There should be nothing wrong with discourse, healthy criticism and debate. It is cronyism (which I’m not accusing you of) that fuels this “you’re too new to say/question things” and I see it on every level – training, organization, breeding, discussion – you name it. Frankly the only people it serves are those with no interest in things evolving for the better because they’ve already established a situation that they chiefly profit from. “To even mention how the USA is held worldwide in low regard(in your comparison), and not even understand the fundamentals of what is happening with these shows(from local to NASS) puts you way out on the fringe(whether you intend to be or not).” Thanks for the advice and although I’m sure you’re right, at the same time I can’t do anything about it. Don’t kill the messenger – the US, is just about EVERY regard is held in contempt by the rest of the world. As often as not the criticism is fair. This is just one example – although the post was a bit course, a European came on here and asked a reasonable question and was jumped on for it. The basis? The tenor of the question – not the merit. I don’t think anyone who responded ever addressed the fact that with a name like NASS, enthusiasts from all around the world would like to know what was going on and based on the shows name expected more than what was delivered. I’m not suggesting that those who put the show together did not do a fantastic job – but I identified with Jante’s comment as I had gone online over the weekend looking for results and couldn’t find them – I was perplexed as well. “Throwing acronyms like NASS around sounds good, but where is the substance? Give NASS a chance to grow and learn.”

Point taken - but to suggest that they only learn thought their own process benefits no one, including the show organizers. There is no entity in the world that is really concerned about doing better that scorns valid criticism – yet hear it seems that it is crime to even suggest ways in which things could be done better or differently. “Rome was not built in a day(nor did it exist forever). NASS does not "owe" it to anyone to provide real time results.” You’re right – but if they are interested in garnering the most interest and participation in their show they should likely consider it – as they should all valid suggestions. Furthermore the “real-time” matter was addressed already as a misstatement – I was really referencing to ANY “official” results. You want to know what I thought when Monday I finally got the link to the unofficial results from a third party? How cheesy, what are unofficial results? Where are the real ones? Now it turns out the “unofficial results” (from a 3rd party web URL) are actually as much as anyone is going to get. It looked odd to me and I’m sure it does to others. Sometimes it takes someone not familiar with the status queue to point out opportunities for improvement – I just don’t get why everyone is so threatened by such actions… “That would cost a lot of money, that those attending would have to pay for, to placate YOU. NOT! If you buy a plane ticket and take time off from work to attend, you can get "real time" results, up to your eyebrows.” Ummm, sorry – I guess I misunderstood things. I thought the dog showing world was about making money. You know, making a name for your kennel, showing off what you produce, building a reputation – all leading to increased sales and/or opportunities for sales. Forgive me for making suggestions that the average newbie (the most likely to be looking to become a client of one of the participants) would make. You’re post shows me that I’m mistaken. The dog world is a small, esoteric group that would prefer to be introverted as opposed to market it’s self successfully to the masses. And silly me, what was I thinking – that someone who’d pay $2000 plus for a pet (which MANY people are willing to do these days – at least where I live) wouldn’t want to log on and see (or show a peer) how the breeder of their baby was doing at the highest level of competition! Heck maybe someone should call NASCAR or any other sponsored sport and tell them they’ve got it all wrong – no need to televise events or results – if people were really interested they’d pay for a ticket! Look, I’m not trying to bait you – but you’re comments are indicative to me of the problem with the whole dog industry. No one thinks big enough – they’re just satisfied with their LITTLE piece of the pie. Instead of trying to make the pie bigger, the goal is to just hang onto what you’ve got. Doesn’t make sense to me… -Calvin

Calvin, you are the man, you are right...Keep talking(Big Eye Wink). *************** Your comment says it all: Ummm, sorry – I guess I misunderstood things. I thought the dog showing world was about making money. You know, making a name for your kennel, showing off what you produce, building a reputation – all leading to increased sales and/or opportunities for sales. ************** Yes sadly Calvin, that is what it has become. And with the know it all(s) like you waiting in the wings, it will plunge further. Stephen

Calvin - you ARE right. Unfortunately many competitors have the same opinion on the non posting of the "Official" results. It seems... to knock anything about a "Sieger Show", results in people assuming somehow they are being criticized? It also provokes alot of people to defend the hosting club's inaction in this area - in a most misdirected, childish manner. For the rest who agree with you, unfortunately the dog world is small and egotistical. It is much more about who you know, who you can benefit from, and how you can stay on top..in that small world.

"If you didnt turn in your show bibs with your entry number so it could be re-used at a later date, your paperwork was held hostage for a $10 fee. I thought this was totally unacceptable." Normal at show at this level.