Paulette, I think there are still people on the list who care and want to discuss everything GSD. I know a while back several people started talking about GSD greats of the past and books to read. Which I have purchased one and trying to get the other. But then it stopped. Then you posted regarding the GSD standard in the review and I was again thrilled to gain knowledge of our breeds past and future, how people read the standard. I am fairly new and I love nothing more than reading or learning about this breed, so I am thrilled when everyone starts sharing their experiences, concerns or observations, opinions regarding how this breed can move forward and not stagnate, how to get more entries(which is as big a concern for a newbie as it is for someone who has been in this breed a long time). I am concerned about people on this list who may be in for bad weather, whether or not they may need help. I am glad people can turn to this list to find information regarding anything GSD. It is a part of the list. I am finding people on this list who have a TON of information that I just didn't have access to. I go through every post to make sure I don't miss information. I hope this list is a way to bridge the gap between?long time GSD person and us newcomers. I don't know of other newcomers who aren't interested in seriously learning about this breed and I know some long time people who are more than willing to share their knowledge. But I think you may be right about some, not interested in sharing knowledge and certainly not interested in any other point of view. I am assuming this is a personaltiy thing and not a viewpoint of the list in general. I also choose to believe that newbies generally are serious about learning and most long time gsd people want to share their knowledge. I also think that not all newbies are idiots who know nothing and not all long time gsd movers and shakers know everthing. It is always a 2 way street. So I hope the apathy is not apathy but people taking a break so to speak. But anytime you want to discuss the standard, I am all ears....... Pam Msg: #8 in digest From: <cnnpmm2@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Subject: Sick and Tired of Dog Talk??? Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:36:29 -0400 While I don't have a "shiny happy" persona, I do my best to keep a positive outlook on life. Sometimes, in certain situations, it's difficult to do so... Like when I think about the upcoming presidential election. But, I digress... Another thing that makes me kinda sad is this List... The sport of GSD conformation showing is exhibiting serious signs of morbidity. (Maybe dying, maybe not.) It doesn't take a "Pillar of the Breed" to figure this out. There is one thing I've learned from my life experiences - *apathy* kills. I hear experienced GSD fanciers say over and over, "Newbies don't want to learn. They don't have the desire to be serious students of the Breed." While there may be some truth to that, I'd like to counter with - do you, who subscribe to the above, have any desire to *teach* and share your knowledge? What has transpired on this List lends credence to *both* claims... From what I can tell, Newbies and Oldies alike are suffering from a serious case of apathy... Here's why I say what I say... A week or so ago, I found an article in an old Review regarding the GSD Standard. I thought the article was great and very much applicable today. I posted a synopsis of this article to the List. I was hoping my post would generate some lively conversation re. our Standard. I received exactly *two* responses to this post. (Thanks, you two!) Yet, somebody posts they are looking for a concrete Shepherd and just look at the number of responses this post has generated. Or post something about the weather and check out the abundance of comments. I see nothing wrong with posts such as these, but I do see something wrong with what this List has become... Sometimes, it seems like everyone is willing to talk about anything *but* German Shepherd Dogs! Several times in the past, I've tried to initiate serious discussion relating to GSD's and have gotten nowhere. For the l ongest time, I took this personal... That I'm just a Newbie and nobody is interested in what I have to say. However, after talking to other Listers, who aren't Newbies at all, I know this isn't the case... These very experienced and successful fanciers have tried to stimulate GSD discussions and they too have been very disappointed by the lack of interest. This List is *incredible* when it comes to helping one another with whatever type of problem - whether it be dog related or very personal. However, this List could be a *phenomenal* teaching and learning tool! Look at the membership roster and think about the cumulative years of experience represented there. It kinda blows my mind! Okay, I'll shut up now, but before I go, I've got to ask both you Newbies and Oldies... Are you sick and tired of talking about the German Shepherd Dog and all that encompasses - past, present, and future? I seriously hope I'm wrong, but it sure seems that way... Paulette McGuirt, GSDCA Member Allemande German Shepherd Dogs Qui Me Amat, Amat et Canem Meam ------------------------------ Msg: #9 in digest Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:59:26 -0700 (PDT) From: Denise Williams <denwil2007@xxxxxxxxx> Subject: Re: Sick and Tired of Dog Talk??? As we say in the hood " I feel ya."? This past?winter I asked a question and the response was "why should I?answer because newbies never?do what you tell them anyway..." and subsequently was booted off?a list for defending myself.? The good thing is my interest in the breed goes way back to childhood, and I am a very self motivated person.? It's more than just shows.? My local club is awesome, and with the exception that I have?choosen not to breed, I will remain a?loyal?fancier of this breed, as long as my wallet allows :) Denise W. ? http://sabianshepherds.tripod.com for show and performance ? ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2007. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. 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