Something that has been bothering me

[Soledad]

*snort*

[2kitties]

Originally posted by Cataholic
If you look at the different forums, you will see there are MANY things PT was 'made' for..not just pets. Some people like to talk/argue/debate things besides pets....while I love my pets, and they take up alot of my life, they are NOT my life...

you said it sister!

And since Soledad covered the *snort* sound effect, I'll chime in with *waaaaaa*

[Kfamr]

LiKE OMG ARE YOU SeRIOUs!?!?!?111111!!1

I never realized such a thing! *snort nsort snorT*

[popcornbird]

Originally posted by Cataholic
If you look at the different forums, you will see there are MANY things PT was 'made' for..not just pets. Some people like to talk/argue/debate things besides pets....while I love my pets, and they take up alot of my life, they are NOT my life...

Your pets *aren't* your life?!?! OMG! Are you serious?!?!?!

He he. Just kidding. I agree with you. While I love my pets with all my heart and a MAJOR part of my life is devoted to them, they are not my *life*. My *life* is my life. They are a big part of it, an enormous part of it, but not *it*. I mean...........there are other things that I spend my life on as well, and they are all little *parts* of my life, but not my *life*. Everything in my life is a part of it, but I cannot call it my life........just a part of my life; pets a major part........ so I do understand what you're saying by they are not your *life*, and I agree.

Now..........must copy Soledad

*snort*

LOL

Ps. I think Pet Talk would become boring if the one and ONLY thing we talked about was PETS..........nothing else, but PETS. I like diversity. While I LOVE LOVE LOVE pets, I like to talk about other things too.........with passion.

[aly]

I know I said I was done with this thread, so shoot me.

I don't know where half the stuff you guys are talking about is coming from. My original post said nothing about talking about subjects other than pets I also stated several times that controversial topics are fine and dandy. I don't mind the good debate threads - it would be boring if we all agreed. The only thing I was pointing out in this thread was adult language and adult references. Thats it.


PS - My pets ARE my LIFE !!!!! (But in no way do I expect everyone to be like that)

[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.

[popcornbird]

Ah, Sandra.......you sure know the history of PT better than us! I had no idea there was no General before! How interesting! And I know Pet Talk WAS created for PETS, but I do like the fact that we can discuss other things here as well.

PS. Sorry for going off-topic Aly. I know very well what you meant by creating this thread, and as I said before, I agree with you on that.

[IttyBittyKitty]

My $AU 0.02 is worth even less in American currency!

Originally posted by Kfamr
Or maybe get back to what PET Talk was made for ?

Those who agree with this sentiment need to remember why Karen and Paul created the "Other" forums in the first place. As tatsxxx11 so eloquently said, it was to "purify" the rest of the Pet Talk forums of non-related material so that posts in those forums focussed on the matter at hand - pets, pets, and more PETS!

If people want to just talk about pets, hey that's fine, because for many it is an escape from the harsh realities discussed in the Dog House and sometimes General forums. Many people do stick to the pet forums. For those of us who want to share something else, something profound on different levels, with our new Pet Talkin' friends that's alright too. We have much to offer each other in terms of support, a friendly argument/debate (and lets leave subjective put downs out of it please) and a giggle (thanks Richard! )!

Be the watchdogs, folks, nothing like a little peer group pressure to raise standards. If you see an inappropriate post REPORT IT straight away to Karen/Paul.

[clara4457]

Originally posted by tatsxxx11
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 someting to be said for taking a tactful approach, if only to make one's point more aptly.

Well said!!

[Cheshirekatt]

It seems like some people are very judgemental of things they may not know anything about. It's sad.

[aly]

Originally posted by Cheshirekatt
It seems like some people are very judgemental of things they may not know anything about. It's sad.

What are you talking about?

[Karen]

Originally posted by 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.

General has existed all along. The only "new forums" - ones that were not present at the birth of Pet Talk, are the Dog House, Marketplace and now the Meetings forum. Perhaps, Sandra, you just didn't scroll down there right away, so discovered it later!

I do want Pet Talk to be a friendly place. We should all be respectful of each other. If we disagree, do so politely. And, as I have said before, if a particular post offends you, PM me! The sooner you do, the sooner I can address the problem.

What we have in common - the love for pets - is far stronger than any differences between us, I believe. And we believe that every pet is special. And every person is, too, right?

[Logan]

Yes Mam!!! I do believe we are on the same page, Karen!!