Something that has been bothering me

[tatsxxx11]

Actually, it wasn't all that long ago that Pet Talk WAS strictly pet related. There was no "General" catagory, no "Marketplace" and no "Dog House." The General catagory came about because too much of the Dogs General forum was being taken up by members discussing personal matters. Correct me if I'm wrong Karen Either that, or no one was posting in General and all such subject matter was then directed to General. The "Dog House" evolved when some of the threads in General started to address some rather controversial topics. There was none of the current enhancements such as html coding, "color" the ability to "attach." and we actually did manage to fill up pages and pages of "just pet" discussion iin boring black and white.

Many new members were befuddled as they had joined for the purpose of discussing dogs and instead found pages of personal chatter about the weekend, favorite movies, etc in the "pets" sections! I find nothing wrong with strictly "one subject" related forums. It doesn't mean that because you go to a particular site that defines itself as a "pet"forum or whatever, and does not include personal/"other" subject catagories or "talk", your life revolves around that exclusively. It may be your passion, your profession, your love, whatever. Actually, I know some people who go to such sites to get AWAY from their peronal lives! And many sites, such as PT, are able to blend both subject and personal discussion quite nicely. I too like discussing my opinions and current events, things going on in my life, etc. and I can hold my own in any debate and enjoy a good intellectual challenge. But as has been stated ad nauseum, I really hate when the level of discussion takes on a nasty, jugemental tone. I get enough of that in my "real life." I often wonder if people who are so rude on the internet have the courage and strength of their convictions to be so blantly offensive when discussing matters face to face. There is something to be said for taking a tactful approach, if only to make one's point more aptly.

I remember when I first got my computer. I was so excited to search out all of those forums and chat rooms I had heard so much about. I have a background in horticulture and was especially interested in checking out such forums as well as animal/pet related ones. I was shocked when I visited a few, only to find anything BUT that subject being discussed and as well, a lot of flaming, slamming, aruging and nasty, really nasty language. It swore me off to internet forums for a long time until I found Best Friends Animal Sanctuary message board, which led me to Pet Talk.

Aly, I know what you're saying. But I think this thread has taken the turn it has as much of the "talk" you may find objectional is found on the "other" non pet related forums.