Aren't we your friends too?

[RobiLee]

Originally posted by Rachel
That is what I do as well. I can only spend a very small portion of time on Pet Talk and can only read a few threads each visit. I enjoy the cat threads as much as the dog threads, even though I don't have a cat. I have posted on the cat threads and don't worry about whether that post is welcome or not. Whatever and wherever I post, it is posted with the best of intensions and I have to let it ride on that. Also whether or not someone replies is not an issue to me, because knowing my own time limitations, I realize that a person can enjoy the sharing aspect of another without necessarily responding. That said, it is absolutely wonderful to know that someone noted. agrees with you, or is prompted by something you have posted and I treasure each reference to something I have said.

I do envy those who are able to get acquainted and really know who is who and so much about one another's lives. When Pet Talk started out, there were only a fraction of regulars here that there are now. I was able to be in the mix and keep up with everyone. Now I do feel like an outsider and that very few people know me. In keeping things on the Cat Side, maybe those individuals are in a way staying in their smaller community because the *big city* of Pet Talk as a whole is just more than they feel they can get a grasp of.

PCP, I think your feelings were well articulated and you definitely have made a good point, but unless someone comes out and states or implies that you aren't welcome on the Cat Side, I think you should just go over and participate at will.

Rachel...I really liked what you had to say. It made perfect sence to me. From now on I think I will be using the "veiw active threads" button. What a wonderful way to get in little of everything. Now, if I only had more time

[popcornbird]

I'm so glad I made this thread, because after reading everyone's replies, I'm beginning to see the other side too. That made me feel much better about it. For those of you who said its ironic that the people who only visit the cat side won't see this thread, that is true, and I think I will go there and post a link so they can all get here.

I do think some of you are missing my point. A lot of you started comparing the dog side to the cat side. I wasn't comparing the cat people to the dog people, nor was I comparing the cat people to anyone else. Let me explain what I mean in a more simple way.

I see Dog General, as a place to post dog related threads, Cat General as a place to post cat related threads, Pet General as a place to post bird, rabbit, rodent, reptile, monkey , whatever related threads. Its great that everyone seems to have established friendships on the side they visit most, which is probably because of what pets they have. That is all fine and well.

Now General is a place that I see to be the *hang out* of Pet Talk, where EVERYONE from the board gets together and talks about anything........topics that usually are not related to any type of animal. I love to come to General too. It always has interesting topics, and it helps in keeping you updated with whatever's going on. Its also a great place to make friends with everyone you may not see on certain other *sides*.

When general topics are posted in the cat side, it just makes me feel like those threads were created there just for the cat people, which makes me feel uncomfortable in replying. I'm sure that is not the reason people post things there, but that is how it makes me and many others who don't have cats feel. It seems this has been going on at the cat side 'a lot' lately, and General, sadly, has been quiet for months. I honestly think this is because a lot of the general topics end up on the cat side. The non-cat people tend to miss them because of their location, or tend to feel left out because of their location. When they're not cat related, I just feel they should be shared with all of us. That way, General could be the lively place it once used to be again. I would like to add that I feel perfectly fine going to Cat General and posting on the cat related threads.......especially when there are pictures. Its just when the topic is something else that I feel like I'm intruding, and not supposed to be there.

And BTW, I have several good friends here that have 'only' cats, and fewer friends that have 'only' dogs, so I think I too, can personally understand cat people more. Maybe its because I am much more into cats than dogs. I would love to have cats, but I can't see myself having any dogs. Most of my friends here have multiple pets though, so I guess I like to befriend people based on who they are........not based on what animals they have. Maybe that's why it was bothering me more. I see PT as a whole online community, and while we all have those that we are closer to, I feel we should all have something in common on the General side too, no matter what type of animals we have.

Lastly, I'm so glad to see this thread progressing in a civilized manner. I was worried about people fighting, but thankfully, that hasn't happened, and hopefully, it won't happen.

[kuhio98]

I don't visit the dog message boards or the pet general boards because I don't have dogs or other pets. It's as simple as that. I like dogs and I like "dog people" as well as bird lovers and reptile lovers. It's nothing personal. I have cats so I visit the cat boards. I like postings about the cat owner's lives. Their houses, their kids, their hobbies. These are not pointless threads to me.

The point is, everyone here loves animals. We're all free to visit or not visit the boards that interest us. I will continue to do so.

[jazzcat]

Originally posted by Pam
Disney needs more coverage! LOL! I am just teasing really. I love seeing Disney in your signature and the pictures you have posted are precious! I am just sort of rattling your chain because I know that I post more about my dogs these days than my cats and some of the cat people have noted that too. It's not that I love Trevor and Andy any less but they are getting older and less active and don't really do too much that is newsworthy, but rather sleep a lot.

Pam - You and I are in the same boat because Disney is just like Trevor and Andy. Unless everyone wants to see pictures of her eating, sleeping or using the bathroom there isn't much to share, LOL!! I do want to thank you for requesting Disney pictures. That made my day - you can ask my hubby - and I got a really good response on Dog General and have been visiting and replying more ever since.

PCB- I understand the point of you post and I wasn't trying to compare dog side to cat side. It's just I think that many of us started off on one side and got comfortable and then when we do venture onto the other we feel a little out of place or left out because we don't know all the stories and jokes as well or we feel like a newbie again. It happens even on general because a lot of my posts were not replied to or even hardly read when I first started visiting here.
I totally agree that several of the posts in Cat General belong in General but like it was said before, many people there never visit General and never hear the news. I think Kimlovescats and Sirrahbed have a great idea because they will cross post between General and Cat General so everyone will see like with grandbaby news, baby shower gifts and gift swap pictures. I think that is a great idea to make sure everyone gets the news.

[Kfamr]

As PCB is saying though, the things non-related to their animals...

Birthdays, Pregnancies, Houses, Gift Swap.. Everyday stories, unrelated to their animals, belong in GENERAL where we all can visit and feel as if though we're not trespassing.

Stuff like that being posted in Cat General makes it feel as if it weren't intending for people other than "Cat People"

Going into Cat General and seeing a post about surgeries, pregnancies, needing prayers and thoughts about so-and-so's father, etc makes me say "Huh, how come that wasn't posted in General?" and as if my congrats, thoughts, and condolences aren't wanted or needed... and as it seems, I'm not the only one feeling this.

As it says in the forum description, Cat Genereal (and all of the other pet-specific generals) were intended for stuff about *PETS* ... General is for the more personal, non-pet-related stories.



Personally, I'd much rather everything non-pet related posted in General Soley.. then if someone wants their specific friends to read it, they can send them the link to it and so on.
Even if a mention of it is posted in General, it still makes me think as to why it wasn't posted in general in the first place.

[lizzielou742]

Originally posted by kuhio98
I don't visit the dog message boards or the pet general boards because I don't have dogs or other pets. It's as simple as that. I like dogs and I like "dog people" as well as bird lovers and reptile lovers. It's nothing personal. I have cats so I visit the cat boards. I like postings about the cat owner's lives. Their houses, their kids, their hobbies.

That's exactly how I feel, Kuhio. If it's a big problem, maybe someone will have to start moving threads around or something. I'm not trying to be rude to anyone here by saying this, but I guess I just don't really notice a problem as much as you all do. Maybe I am just naive? I post in General a lot, though, and I try to post in all the boards as much as I can (even if I don't know much about the Dog side )so maybe that has something to do with it.

Kay, I am sorry some people made rude comments to you about getting a kitty Ignore mean people! I think somehow I missed that whole thread when it happened. You are a responsible pet lover and I know you know what's best for yourself.

[CatMama78]

I think it has a lot to do with age. Here comes the inflammatory remarks to me (ducks and covers).

But it seems a handful of the posts in General and Dog general are by the younger generation - 14-18, which is not a bad thing. But when I look at General, I see a lot of threads I do not participate in cause I cannot relate. I've also noticed in Dog General there seem to be a lot more arguments. And I enjoy dogs, so I always look at the pictures and posts, but I just do not always respond.

And also when you see several threads about how the "cat" people are exclusive, it kinda makes you feel excluded as cat person instead. I've seen the issue raised several times and to me it's kinda silly. If you want to post, post. If you don't, don't.

The cat side is usually a very loving environment. And the cat people tend to be a little older (not all), and therefore to me more relatable.

With my mind spoken, please know I know teenagers etc. can be just as mature, responsible and kind if not more so than adults. That's not what I'm saying. I just think it's a matter of being able to relate with some people more than others that creates what seems like a division.

Sorry if I offended, but just wanted to speak my mind since everyone else is.

[aly]

I do understand both sides of the situation. It took the longest time for me to get the guts to post on the cat side. I lurked there a lot, but my posts I did make were mostly ignored. Things became easier when I opened up more and posted more pics of my fosters, etc. I still feel like there are a few people who would rather me not be posting there, but they are just a few out of the many, many members here. I still don't feel comfortable replying to the "general" type threads that are posted in Cat General. When people start out the post saying all of their friends are there, I feel weird replying if I don't know the person too well.

I think there are cliques no matter where you go though. It used to make me feel a little like an outsider but I stopped letting it bother me. I am happy that so many people are close friends and I know that nobody here would ever intentionally try to make the rest of us feel left out.

I hope a lot of the people who post only on the cat side will venture out and get to know everyone in General too. I know there is only so much time in a day though!

I, too, remember back when the community was much smaller and we were able to keep up better. As there's been a massive increase in members, I am never able to reply to all the posts that I want to BUT I am so glad all the new members are here. Its been wonderful getting to know so many people.

(edit: I don't know why people think there are so many arguments in Dog General, as I see a lot more controversy in Cat General. I'm not trying to be mean, but thats just what I've noticed. I think its due to the fact that there are a lot more controversial topics pertaining to cats than dogs - declawing, indoor/outdoor, etc).

(edit #2: I have noticed the age difference among the boards too and think that has a lot to do with it. Most of the dog people are younger and most of the cat people are older (than the dog people, but not old old ) )

[Kfamr]

Originally posted by aly

(edit: I don't know why people think there are so many arguments in Dog General, as I see a lot more controversy in Cat General. I'm not trying to be mean, but thats just what I've noticed. I think its due to the fact that there are a lot more controversial topics pertaining to cats than dogs - declawing, indoor/outdoor, etc).

Ditto!
I didn't understand that either. Just about everytime I've visited Cat General I saw a 4++ page thread with an argument. I guess that's another reason i've stayed away recently.


I'm not sure age has anything to do with it... but maybe it does for others. Most of my friends on here are much older than me.

[aly]

Age has nothing to do with it for me either. But I think it may for some people. Thats the only thing I can think of anyway!

[catcrazylady]

Wow! I was a little surprised by this thread. I had no idea that anyone would be upset about "Cat People". I can only speak for myself and I'm sure I'm partially to blame for this thread coming about. Yes, I recently became a grandma and only posted in CG. Why, I know all the people there. I guess I should cross post but I didn't and for that I apologize.

The reason I don't venture into General is not because I'm snooty and only like cat people. I like ALL ANIMAL LOVING PEOPLE! I think they are the greatest!! I have had many dogs as well as cats in my life. If it has fur I love it! Right now I have only cats (ten to be exact) and I am in CG all the time because of that. I have made many many dear friends there because we all share the same experiences. I can relate to almost every thread that comes about. I want to share my life with those people. It doesn't mean that I'm trying to exclude anyone it's just that I know them.
I do come to General and check things out as often as I can but I'm very limited on time. I can barely keep up with CG these days. I know this is going to make someone mad and I certainly am not trying to do that as this is just my opinion but I think there are a lot of pointless threads in General that I just don't have time for. I agree that this is what General is for so that is fine but I don't have time for it. Does that make sense? I'm not trying to be offensive so please don't take it that way.
There are great people on PT but I have enough trouble keeping up with me let alone every board so I tend to stick with what I know best and that happens to be the kitties.

This is how I feel and I truly hope I haven't offended anyone because I do think you ALL are good people.

[catnapper]

I agree with Catmama, it does seem as if General has become the "teen hangout of PT" not that there is anything wrong with that! Please, I'm not trying to offend or insult the younger folk here. I love all of our younger PTers and have on more than one occasion reminded them to be careful about how much personal information they post - if I didn't care I wouldn't have posted anything about too much personal information getting out.

Anyway, I can see how people want a place that is a big general hangout of PT. Thats great in theory, but like in life, teens and older adults don't always hang out in the same places. My kids hang out in the local diner or swimming pool and my husband and I hang out at a different set of places. Its just whats going to happen when people with different experiences gather. Yes, our pets are our common bond, and in life we gather together under common bonds too, but its different.

I think that a lot of things in Cat General are placed there instead of General because a lot of the people might not want to intrude into the "vibe" the younger folk create in General. Yes, I am well aware that older people post many threads in general too, but it seems as if the ratio of younger PTers to older is different.

Perhaps we could have two generals - one for the teens to hang out in and another for their "parents" ? Seriously! If its in general, there's nothing to keep a teen from going into the adult general, or adults into teen general. Many of us "parents" have enough teen related issues of our own at home with our own kids, we don't want to listen to the teens bickering here, or whining there about the same things our own kids are whining about. If I wanted to hear whining about a nasty teacher, a bratty brother, or a grumpy mother, or so-and-so not getting along with so-and-so, I would have stayed offline and listened to my own kids.

Seriously, how often have I wanted to post about something big in my life, but didn't because I felt it was too much for the younger ones to relate to or sympathsize? OFTEN. I'm sure that many others have felt the same way... "should I or shouldn't I make this post?" Let me tell you, I have soooo wanted many times to scream in anguish over the antics of my own kids. But I don't because I am not comfortable exposing my parental angst to the younger PTers. Though they seem to have no problem complaining in reverse. (sorry guys, its true.)

Ahhh, that feels better.

[Amber]

Why don't we just start posting things in the right sections for everyone? It would help make more friends with dog and cat people. It's really not that hard to do it.

[popcornbird]

He he. I have to agree with you all in that Cat General probably has a more loving/caring atmosphere because most of the people there are older than the rest of us.

As to older people and younger people having seperate hangouts, that seems a bit odd to me. I *love* having older friends. Most of my closest friends on PT are in their late 30's - 40's. If we had a seperate General for the older people, and a seperate one for the younger ones, I would probably spend more time with the older folks. I just tend to get along with them better. While I have younger friends too, I seem to enjoy the company of older people more. They tend to be more compassionate, loving, caring, comforting, understanding, etc. I would hate to be seperated from the older folks on PT. I think hanging out with them helps the younger ones mature faster.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, everyone! I still can't understand why General topics have to be in Cat General, but whatever.

[Kfamr]

Catnapper, that just kind of made me feel bad. I guess I won't post about things going on in my life anymore.... I never saw any problems with you doing such.

I don't seee why there's such a need to be seperated by ages. We are all human... age is just a number we carry.

PCB.. please stop taking my thoughts.. it is scaring me.