Thank you Beth for pointing out what should be on a huge sign over the door of Showgsd-l (f we had a door !) - Showgsd-l is an advanced-level discussion list for, by and about conformation, for, by and about the people involved at that level. From a desire to be inclusive rather than exclusive, and to provide mentoring to novices, the doors are open to others to join - to learn, to absorb and to listen, not to criticize or lecture. Not to sound elitist, but why would a confomation novice (or someone who does not even do conformation) consider themselves qualified to lecture people who are pillars of the conformation world, who have been immensely successful in conformation, and who are known and respected for those accomplishments ? In the 'old days' there was no way to gain insights of the pillars of the conformation fancy unless they wrote books or lectured - now due to the existence of Showgsd-l you are able to read the input of, and to have the benefit of learning from, the Helen Fishers, the Fred Migliores, the Barbara Amidons, the Bill Gishs ( I am not including the names of anyone who is a candidate for anything this year !! LOL). I only wish there had been such an opportunity when I first became interested in the conformation world in 1975. Of course, there was not, and I learned whatever I learned, however I could, virtually all of what I did learn I learned the hard way, which was costly, slowly and painfully. You are so right that the right approach for someone who is a novice is to read, absorb, and learn from the people who have dedicated their lives to the conformation fancy. To all: Please read and re-read Beth's post and remember it each and every time you think of posting, before you post. Margery Golant -----Original Message----- From: showgsd-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:showgsd-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of bethallen0160@xxxxxxx Sent: Saturday, July 09, 2005 11:57 AM To: showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [ SHOWGSD-L ] think before you post To all you fellow novices out there, I too am a novice in the field of showing GSDs. I do not post often to this list for a couple of reasons. First I am very humbled to be in the presence of people I consider icons and legends in the breed. There is a vast amount of experience and knowledge on this list and it was not gained easily. Many years of hard work, heartbreak, time and money have gone into their breeding progams and campaigning of their animals. I never want to appear to know more or have a negative opinion of what they have done. On the contrary, I admire and respect people who have dedicated their lives to thier passion which is breeding and showing GSDs. Also I don't want these icons to have a negative opinion of me if I ever get the priviledge of meeting them. Before you post to the list, imagine that you are at a podium in a large conference room. In the front row sits Carlyn M., Tom C., Tom L., Evan and Tedi G., Christine and Steve G., Kathaleen S., Fred M., Mike and Sheila M. etc., etc. Now, would you have the guts to say the same thing to them face to face that you want to post to the list, because in essence that is what you are doing. This internet medium gives us great opportunities to put our foot in our mouths because we are not face to face with who we are talking to. Type it, read it, leave it, think about it, go back to it and then if you are very sure it is a good post, send it. Beth ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2005. 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. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://www.showgsd.org ============================================================================