Just a reminder for everyone ...

[finn's mom]

I completely understand that it is hard to trust the new people. But sometimes people take that to extreme lengths. You are going to scare a lot of people off that way. Pet Talk is a community of people who enjoy talking about pets. Why can't they leave it at that?

A lot of times what is going on is that this is a relatively small, close knit community, at least as far as internet standards go. Some of these people are really close friends, on and off the computer. And, it's become a family for a lot of people here. Which is good. But, it can lead to a bit of animosity when other people try to join in. It's human nature to want to keep something to yourselves. Like your favorite local band, kinda. You want them to be bigger and make more money and be more famous, but, at the same time, you don't want to share with new fans. You were there first, you have known them longer, etc. But, this is a public forum, and, as long as it is a public forum, new people will find it and join. That's the appeal of a community like this. It's kindof a double-edged sword. Not everyone gets a great, warm welcome. I've seen people get scared off, definitely. And, a lot of times, it's better for the forum when that happens. Just like with anything else, not everyone is going to like it or feel at home or enjoy the way things are run. But, if you really like it here, and, you want to stick around, by all means...please do. Just like with anything else in life, though, you might have to go through some bumps in order to find your niche. I'll admit, some of the ways that people criticize is a little rough, but, for the most part, this thread has been very constructive. I hope you (being that you admitted that you frequently post...as i said earlier, i don't notice stuff like that, i am not that observant!) and anyone else who does any of the stuff that bothers multiple other users, can maybe take this constructive criticism and go with it. Anyway, I'm talking too dang much. Sorry.

[shihtzulover850]

I'll admit, some of the ways that people criticize is a little rough, but, for the most part, this thread has been very constructive. I hope you

yes it has and I thank you all for it.

[Miss Z]

I don't usually have a problem with how much people post. It's their account and they can do what they like with it, as long as the posts aren't offensive, rude or too controversial I admit to posting a couple of short answer posts when I was a couple of posts off double pillarhood, but sometimes I have to come on PT quickly, and don't have time to type a long response.

As mentioned before, I do find that some of the residents here can be rude to newbies and assume they're all trolls, and I also find occasionally that some of the 'older' people look down on, don't reply to threads and don't give messages of support to certain people if they are teenagers or newbies, and I find that pretty unkind. Anyone who is old enough to be on PT should be treated equally. When I reply to threads in introductions, I usually give my name and some info about myself so they can get to know me. When I first joined PT, I found it extremely confusing when PT residents called each other by name, of course I don't object to it, but it does sometimes make newbies feel left out. I have my name displayed under my username aswell so people know. All I'm saying is that I wish there was less friction between newbies and residents, and a few different people who visit the introduction forum more often!
Just IMHO.