I haven't been on the board long, but have belonged to other pet boards for years.....

One thing to keep in mind is that summer just started ( school's out, etc) people tend to spend more time outside instead of inside with their computers. people's comings and goings mean they may post alot for a few days and dissappear for a week. it gets really sporadic.

This forum is also HUGE. I tend to check the three 'general' boards - Dogs, cats, and Pets general. If I took the time to check ALL the boards, I'd never leave my computer! LOL! Lots of times I read, but don't post. I think alot of members, just to keep their time here reasonable, have their own guidelines to limit their computer time. It's not that they don't like you - it's that there is just so MUCH to choose from!

I have noticed that in the 10 or 20 minutes I read - at any given time of day or night ( I'm on all hours, as i'm not working right now) a particular post can move from the top of the page to the bottom in just a few minutes. If alot of people are online, a post can roll off the page VERY fast, like an hour or less - esp if it's added late afternoon or early evening, US time. (Post at 3:30 AM in CA, and it will probably stick around until after work, east coast time!LOL!)

Everyone has different things that appeal to them. I admit, in real life, as online, I tend to remember the PETS and not their owners! This probably influences the fact that I like threads that sound like they contain 'personality stories' or photos so that I feel I get to know the pets themselves - so I don't read every thread. Descriptive titles really DO make a huge difference!

When I first joined, I felt a little left out and overwhelmed, too - and as I said, I'm an active member on other boards, too. But then I realized that I'm just ONE person in a HUGE crowd here, and it would take time and repeated posts before I started to 'connect' - or even be noticed by friends I already knew from other boards! Because there are just thousands of posts here every day, and no one can read and remember everyone!

One thing I do think helps, though - if you can - put a photo in of your pups for a siggy, as the repetition of seeing your dogs (at least for me) is much more 'memorable' than a name. ( As I said before, I tend to remember pets better than owners, and photos really help) If you don't know how to make a siggy, ( I don't!) go down to the general board - there are a couple of really NICE people there who make them for a hobby, and will make one for you. It will help people identify you, as we get to know each other.

Amanda ( MandyMoo) made mine for me, and I never talked to her before that. Everytime I see it in one of my posts, it brings a lump to my throat! She did a wonderful job and really caught the spirit of all my babies - exactly as I would have done, if I had her talent!

A belated welcome to the board - and I look forward to seeing you and your babies more!

Laura &Jon
Fizzy, Pixel, Tristan (at the bridge) and the fishies!