Open for discussion

[IRescue452]

I don't pay much attention to who's thread it is. I'll post when I have something to say. I don't avoid certain people but sometimes I avoid certain thread types. I have days where I don't feel like reading the news articles people find or sometimes I don't want to look at people's pictures but I'd rather give advice on problems. I can't say I've ever looked at the author and decided I didn't want to reply to that person though. Sometimes I'll hold my tongue if I know that it will start someting with a certain person and sometimes I'm looking to start something but I don't intentionally not post to hurt somebody. I don't think anybody reads the threads with the intention of not posting so that the author gets hurt. I like not having the obligation of replying when I'm having an off day. Its not a personal thing toward anybody.

[ParNone]

Hi Gina!

Since my picture contests are part of a business venture, then yes if I was getting only 5 entries, I would consider that an issue. I would do several things to fix it though. I'd go out and try to drum up some interest. I'd retool the contest to try and make it more exciting to increase interest. If those two things didn't work, I'd ditch the contest and come up with a new idea. If something's not working as expected you have to put out some extra effort to make it work.

Maybe since my first experience with message boards was at the Xena forum, I just have a completely different view on this stuff. In the first years of that show, that message board was just chalked full of talented and creative people. Many of whom went on to be published. One even got to write for the show. If you didn't post something creative, well written and thought out, you got ignored or worse flamed. You couldn't just slap any old thing up there, just to be posting.

So there's of course some negatives that come with that. It's a very intimidating atmosphere. But there's also a HUGE positive that came out of it too. You were challenged to rise to the occasion, to put out your best effort to be more creative. And low and behold, with each effort you get better and better. Then when somebody posts to you with kudos, it has real meaning behind it. You focus on the praise and a sense of accomplishment
of bettering yourself, not the numbers.

Fast forward to today and my posting on dog forums and I pretty much try to keep the same posting philosophy. Post when I'm inspired and post things I can be truly happy about. Personal satisfaction. If it connects with anybody else, then that is gravy. I went back and looked at the numbers for my Murph post and there was only 7 comments. I was happy as a lark with all the wonderful things said and not disappointed at all that 20 more people didn't respond. The thing I loved the best was lizbud getting my joke. That's one person out of how many 1000s here, but I was tinkled pink.

So in conclusion, strive for your best, don't sweat the numbers and for gosh sakes, let's have fun out there people.

Par...

[sandragonfly]

no way...anna!

I know you, and others above are too kind to lie and obviously you, par, jadapit, k9soul, I and more have posted in pipersmom's if we didn't miss. just that I was tired of hearing that we should be the one that need to bump up ours or post daily to keep ourselves in sight where there could have at least a post in from others.

anna, on the catside, besides getting only 4 posts in my pictured thread and I've seen my thread sitting in first page for over three days. I've seen it happened to others million times too. you said you rather posting in the threads you're comfortable with (same common, dogs, etc which is not wrong at all). I wouldn't post in ones who were rude to me. as said, par would often post in these 'grabbers'. some wouldn't care at all.

so, I just pointed that out because it's not always this why as almost everyone in here mentioned as if people defense for others. naturally non-sense for me.

[anna_66]

Thanks Gina for posting and explaing

[anna_66]

Originally posted by ParNone
Post when I'm inspired and post things I can be truly happy about. Personal satisfaction. If it connects with anybody else, then that is gravy.

EXACTLY! Couldn't have said it any better myself!

[sandragonfly]

Irescue254: it's very true to most of people here.

lol par...gotta love your humorous.

your words of wisdom, I understand, totally. like I said to msmini, just post when she feels like to. I agree to all of it.

and she may put in more effort/creavity but what if somebody just cannot? I just like being in their shoes, who tried their best as they post. bottom of my line, people would be much more motivated as much motivation as they get.

oh heck, I didn't started this, and actually this got me looking back at my numbers because I only remember I got discouraged for bumping it up...then I couldn't re-bump after myself over again and again. get the idea. I'm not complaining, just tired of putting more effort and said nothing but I'm e/sympathizing the others

[bckrazy]

hm... As far as replies go, I definitely feel for people who get hardly any replies and it hurts them. But I think the best thing to do is expect little or nothing, and you will always be pleasantly suprised to get comments thats how I feel about it.

I've noticed PT is soooo different from 1 year ago, in that there can be 50 posts on Dog General in ONE day! ~_~ its crazy... I usually just look at all of the threads and enjoy them,and reply when I reallyreally enjoy them or I have something profound to say (which is not often).

[jennifert9]

Just had to chime in..while I had the chance....which is an issue that needs to be talked about also!! I have been a member here since 2001 or 2 or 3, I can't remember. But my posting time is SO limited...I have to work during theday and cannot get away with chiming in to Pet Talk during work hours, unless it's lunch time! And let me tell you, I have missed MANY a lunch hours reading and writing!!
Posting is a very personal thing in my opinion. When I first started here, it was easier. Less people, less posts, very easey to keep up on. The site has grown trememdously which makes me very happy and proud for Karen and Paul but at the same time, it's much harder to keep up with the "news." I remember when the "cat people" and the "dog people" were one and the same....I could keep up with everything and share my happiness, joy, disappointment, sorrow with everyone....I would still love that luxury but now I am pressed for time, the community has grown and it's hard to do all that you WANT to do......
I had to leave for a few years and when I came back, I was ECSTATIC to be remembered and missed. I have bared my SOUL here at times regardless of whether anyone posted or not...I don't post to get replies, I post to fill the "board" in on how I am, where I am in my life, what's new with me...." AND I post to share my love and affection for MY pet and for THEIR pet...
I don't think I am making my point well...what I mean is in order to get posts, write how you FEEL, about what you love, write with feeling, emotion...
Often, it also depends on the time of day that you post...sometimes people just aren't around. Noone is purposely ignored here EVER...Trust me on that. I guess my point is that this is a great loving place and people are welcome with open arms....never give up, ever....some people are just busy/away/on vaca/no computer/ It's so rarly personal....
I still am not happy with what I am trying to say....I will try again later... SEE, I have to go!!LOL!! Be right back!
Jennifer and Duncan

[gemini9961]

Just wanted to welcome you to Pet Talk. My furkids are in my signature. It's true that the more you post, the more people get to know you and more responses. People are not responding because they don't like you, don't think that. It takes a little time to get to know everyone, I'm still working on it myself. Post because you want to and because you want to share your pups, do it for you.

[pipersmom]

Thanks to all for your input and advice.

I realize that no one knows me from Adam, so therefore, I also know that no one says to themselves, "Oh, there's Pipersmom, IGNORE HER!!"

I was just trying to convey that when you're brand new and introduce yourself and your pups, it makes you back off a little if you don't generate many "hellos" or "welcomes". At the same time, I know that all of the comments you've made about how this happens are very good possibilities "thread getting pushed to next page, bad pics, etc."

Thank you all again and gemini9961, your babies are adorable. I love looking at all of the fur kids here. They are all sweet and special.

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by pipersmom
I was just trying to convey that when you're brand new and introduce yourself and your pups, it makes you back off a little if you don't generate many "hellos" or "welcomes".

I've been reading what everyone has said, and, I think this has been a great thread. I did want to say that I've agreed with most of what you've said, Pipersmom. Even now, having been here awhile, I feel COMPLETELY ignored by certain people. It used to bother me a lot, but, not so much anymore. Sometimes, it's hard not to wonder what the heck you did, though, ya know? Cuz you know you're not on their ignore list, and, you know they're online or whatever, but, it's like you're not even there. Sometimes I'd like to have an invisible cloak, but, not really in Pet Talk.

I hope to see you post sometimes, though, and, not just in Dog of the Day or the memorial. But, I understand your reasons for doing so. Anyway, just remembered this thread and wanted to add a thought or two.

[pitc9]

I used to start threads and/or post pictures then I would always check to see if anyone cared, and normally not too many people did. But then I realized that even if there were only a small handful of replies, the replies that I DID get were from wonderful people!

That's when I finally realized that it's not the number of replies but the content of those replies.

but I still don't start new threads

[pipersmom]

Thank you finn's mom and pict9. Very good points from both of you.

[LauraT7]

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!

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by pitc9
That's when I finally realized that it's not the number of replies but the content of those replies.

Bingo. Quality, not quantity.