Should there be a TFP Pet forum?

[pan6467]

Lady Sage would have liked to start the poll, but she has this thing about starting threads sooooooo I chose to.

2 simple yes/no questions in the poll....... perhaps those who want it will be heard.

[jorgelito]

Yes please, great idea!!

[NoSoup]

Sure, why not? I probably wouldn't post in it, but some people are obviously interested in having one - if it bombs, we can re-evaluate later

[ShaniFaye]

not that I think this is going to do any more good than the last "can we have a pet forum" thread but I put my vote in

[Ch'i]

I think NoSoup nailed it. Except I would post in it.

[thingstodo]

Voting: it's the American way! Oh, and a double "Yes" in the poll from me!

[flat5]

see #3 above

[warrrreagl]

I think there should be a helluva lot less trivial pet forum posts masquerading as legitimate pet threads. Nickel and diming the mods with dozens of pet threads is NOT the way to do this. It IS a good way to piss them off, though, and ensure that we'll never get one.

[newtx]

I would like to see one. I do like my pets. I will post as well.

[pan6467]

Originally Posted by warrrreagl

I think there should be a helluva lot less trivial pet forum posts masquerading as legitimate pet threads. Nickel and diming the mods with dozens of pet threads is NOT the way to do this. It IS a good way to piss them off, though, and ensure that we'll never get one.

Actually, it was SuperMod Nikki that gave me the idea for a post (from Tilted Suggestions = Forum for Pets thread = http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthr...53#post2118853)

Originally Posted by *Nikki*

Somehow I doubt that. You have indeed posted in a lot of animal related threads I have been in and have had quite a lot to say on most all subjects in general.

I see nothing wrong with a poll if someone wants to start one!

So, I started one.

[Martian]

A poll never hurts anything.

Granted I'm pretty out of the TFP loop these days, but I'm not entirely sure that there's enough pet-related content going through these parts to warrant a seperate forum. I'm of the mind that the space should fit the content and not the other way around, at least here, but I suppose there'd be no harming in starting one on a trial basis. Hell, as a guy who grew up in a kennel I may even have something of value to contribute.

[analog]

Originally Posted by warrrreagl

I think there should be a helluva lot less trivial pet forum posts masquerading as legitimate pet threads. Nickel and diming the mods with dozens of pet threads is NOT the way to do this. It IS a good way to piss them off, though, and ensure that we'll never get one.

Well, it doesn't piss us off, but it doesn't give us a real read on the potential success of a new forum.

For all your consideration:

Bolded just for emphasis: The main issue is that a dead forum causes problems.

None of the 9 TFP Pet threads created (all simultaneously) lasted more than 4 days, and the only two to last more than 2 days did so only because the last post in each came two days after it'd already died on day two. Also, all nine were created by one person, and no one else has made even one other pet thread in the whole week since the 9 came up together.

How long the nine threads lasted:

1. thirty minutes, with the 3 posts being 2 from one person, and 1 from the thread starter.
2. one whole hour, with 2 posts.
3. six hours, 7 posts
4. not quite a whole day, 6 posts.
5. day and a half, 8 posts
6. day and a half, 13 posts
7. day and a half, 15 posts
8. two days, then 1 resurrection post 2 days later, 24 posts- the one where it seems there was actual back-and-forth discussion.
9. two days, then 1 resurrection post 2 days later, 13 posts.

Bearing those numbers in mind, know that the average post count for a thread in General Discussion is 43, and Tilted Parenting (not including the disproportionately huge thong thread, because that skewed the hell out of the result) is 35.

If Tilted Parenting can average 35 posts, and the above is the example you're giving us all on how much you actually "need" this forum, it puts us in a difficult position to understand why you think there will be even close to an average amount of traffic for a forum. I mean, if this is the participation we see while you all insist you have an active, fervent interest in it, what would happen if it were made a reality? It'd die off in two seconds.

Nine threads with a variety of pet topics to choose from, not to mention that anyone could have made more if they wanted to, with this kind of low performance... it's difficult to understand where all the "need" is.

And the only reason polls don't help all that much is because a poll is a button press... and a poll doesn't reflect the low performance of the vast majority of pet-specific threads. *shrug*

Originally Posted by Martian

Hell, as a guy who grew up in a kennel I may even have something of value to contribute.

You were crated??? lol

[shakran]

Originally Posted by analog

None of the 9 TFP Pet threads created (all simultaneously) lasted more than 4 days, and the only two to last more than 2 days did so only because the last post in each came two days after it'd already died on day two. Also, all nine were created by one person, and no one else has made even one other pet thread in the whole week since the 9 came up together.

I think it's safe to say that just about no one was fooled by this sudden increase in pet topics

If Tilted Parenting can average 35 posts, and the above is the example you're giving us all on how much you actually "need" this forum, it puts us in a difficult position to understand why you think there will be even close to an average amount of traffic for a forum.

Agreed. As has been said before, low post-count topics are what the General forum is for. I must admit I'm confused as to why a certain minority is foaming at the mouth to get a pet forum. What is so horrible about posting in the general forum? If I see a pet topic that interests me, I'm not going to avoid reading or posting to it just because it's not in a special pet forum.

You were crated??? lol

They had to do something to keep him from peeing on the rug

[Lady Sage]

At this point I am just going to shut up, pack up my sandbox and go home.

[roachboy]

pet forum?
why not?

i'd look at it and maybe post stuff about su tong the wonder husky.

[analog]

Originally Posted by Lady Sage

At this point I am just going to shut up, pack up my sandbox and go home.

Why? Because you aren't getting your way? There's no other way to put that.

Someone makes nine pet threads all at once, and they're barely used- plus, no one else made any other pet threads. Not even one. The ball is in your court to show the need for it, and none of the supporters of this idea (except maybe jorgelito) are really stepping up to the plate at all.

In all honesty, this is about the laziest campaign ever, and has been since it began.

From the very start, shani made 2 threads and someone else made 1 thread, and then we have jorgelito's simultaneous 9. I'm not calling the people lazy, i'm calling this effort lazy. And having yet another, "why isn't there a pet forum" thread (not faulting you, pan) isn't anywhere near as proactive, or indicative of need, as actually making, posting, and interacting in threads. We've said this repeatedly since this idea first came about, and it still has yet to materialize in any of everyone's participation.

[ShaniFaye]

Actually I made three... but I was told that some people thought I was being a smart ass and I should stop.....so I stopped

[Elphaba]

I guess the several I made have disappeared?

[hambone]

everybody loves pets

I would post if I had something to add, same as any forum. I use the new posts feature, so it doesn't matter which forum things are in to me too much

[CSflim]

I probably wouldn't post in a Pets forum, but I wouldn't be against it. But I do wonder if there is really that much to discuss. Such threads seem fine in GD.

Put me down for wouldn't post, but doesn't care either way about its creation.

[MexicanOnABike]

honestly, i made 1 thread about pets and it was the longest thread i ever made.
i thought it was comming along nicely. i was participating in the pet threads.

but after what happened in the "why we dont have a pet forum" thread, i just stoped. theres no fucking reason to TRY if the mods dont want to help.

and it's really fucking hard to keep track of the pet thread in GD. i have a ton of question about pets, a ton of info to start discussions but it would be all over the place. i guess the mods don't have any pets? bleh. this is dissapointing.

i say: let's make one anyways. it would generate more discussion than nonsense.

[Lady Sage]

Thank you all for your support.

Why shouldnt I pack up my sandbox and go home? The powers that be choose not to listen. I am tired of talking to people who wish not to listen and people are becoming frustrated. (Or so the above comments indicate) People get yelled at and demeaned for creating threads. Why should I? I have enough stress and drama in my life without adding stress here.

My life will not end if there is no pet forum. Make no mistake of that. If you choose to see it as me throwing a tantrum, so be it, I will not lose any sleep over it.

I will not, however, sit here and be talked down to by the people supposed to be setting the example for us all. I find it very disappointing.

[Jinn]

I could suddenly decide there needed to be a Tilted Plants thread and create 10 posts about it, and maybe a few others would too. That doesn't mean there needs to be an entire section for it, simply because I've decided its important and am now demanding that it be put into service immediately.

*

Way too many confuse diagreeing with not listening, and attribute honesty with malice.

I agree with Analog - Jorgelito's borderline spam was unncessary, and the short shelf life of the threads simply functioned as another reminder that Pet threads are rare and brief.

[jorgelito]

To clear the air, it was not my intention to spam but rather try and do my part to stimulate discussion on some topics I am interested in and thought others would be too. I tend to post in clusters as my time dictates (and based on interest in the current topics) so I could have just as easily posted 9 threads in a different forum. Actually, to the observant, I did post a lot ina couple of days as I had some time on my hands (Politics, Health & Fitness, Weaponry, GD, Music, Cooking, and Entertainment). I stopped posting for a few days because I was busy agian. I don't agree that my posts were uneccessary, at least I found them useful andmy dog seems to agree too (thanks for all the tips guys!).

Ebb and flow, ebb and flow. Let's just see what develops. Topics drift in an out and sometimes they are heavy traffic, sometimes they are low traffic. It's still up to us to "justify" a Pets Forum. it is interesting that we all talk about it but then don't really post (generally speaking). Maybe over the course and natural evolution of discussion and time, there will be a good reason to open up a new forum for pets. Until then, we have to make that happen.

For now, why don't we post in GD with titles beginning with "TFP Pets" so all the people who are annoyed by pet threads can just skip over our threads and we can have a sort of defacto ad hoc pet forum "renting" space in the GD? How about it guys? Roach, I want to hear about Su Tong the Wonder Husky. You feed him/her raw chicken I gather. Why is Su Tong a Wonder Husky? Tell us, post. Others, we claim the need, let's do it. I want to hear about it.

Analog, thank you for posting the statistics, I found it useful and informative. It is very revealing. Same with the short life span of the threads. The actions don't match the voices.

Lady Sage, Elph, Shani, please continue to contribute (and don't pack up your sandbox and go home - speaking of which I have a childhood story regarding a sandbox and kitty poo). Stay and share and discuss.

Thanks for listening.

[Elphaba]

Oooo! A dedicated "plants" forum. Bobby and I could get behind that! /sarcasm

I think the point being made here is that a suggestion was made and discussed in the "Suggestions" forum, and a mod recommended that anyone in support of a Pets Forum start topics to test the general interest of all the members. Several of us took on the challenge and started pet topics of interest to us. They were generally well received and had numerous posts of suggestions, opinions, further questions and links to more information. I found the input by others valuable to me, but I can't speak for anyone else.

Then it becomes rather obvious that the challenge to start pet posts (well received by other members) is somehow tainted because we responded to the challenge given?

Give me a fucking break. I stopped posting or starting new threads the minute I saw that hand writing on the wall. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Lady Sage decides to not rock the boat and says she is out of the discussion and she gets this response:

Why? Because you aren't getting your way? There's no other way to put that.

Hal, you and your mods own this decision and it was unfortunate that y'all didn't see an opportunity to be encouraging and supportive of your current and new members. New folks would find a pet forum a totally "safe" place to engage with tfp, feel supported, and move on to other forums.

There is some serious short-sightedness going on here. Analog's continuing insults to members in not at all helpful. These aspects do not encourage the growth of membership at TFP imo.

[shakran]

Originally Posted by mexicanonabike

i was participating in the pet threads.

Originally Posted by mexicanonabike

and it's really fucking hard to keep track of the pet thread in GD.

By your first statement, you seem to have managed OK. And the forum goes out of its way to help you keep track of threads that have new replies. In the individual forum, it bolds the subject line and kicks it up to the top. And you can get to it through the New Posts feature. Hell you can even subscribe to the thread and get an email every time someone posts to it. What more do you want?

I could make the same argument. Gee I have trouble keeping track of the democrat threads in the politics forum. Let's make a democrat forum!

i have a ton of question about pets, a ton of info to start discussions but it would be all over the place.

Why? Put it in the general forum. If you have so many questions and so much information for us, why haven't we seen one shred of it yet?

And here's a hint for you - - - if the mods see that a lot of people are following your example and there's a LOT of discussion (REAL discussion, not 9 spam posts in a row that die out almost before they're started) that's consistant and carried on for some time, then maybe they'll see a need for a pet forum and create one. Right now, they're right. If they made a pet forum it'd be a ghost town. You'd have the forum so no one would feel the need to do 9 pet topics in a row. We'd have the average number of pet topics on here, which is pretty damn close to 0 per week. What good would that do?

i guess the mods don't have any pets? bleh. this is dissapointing.

well hell I guess the mods don't clean their bathrooms because there's no cleaning products forum, even though I see the occasional "how to clean" post out there.

I have a lot of specialized interests myself, but I'm not asking them to create a chess forum or a star trek forum or a photojournalism forum because I realize that those forums would be dead.

but after what happened in the "why we dont have a pet forum" thread, i just stoped. theres no fucking reason to TRY if the mods dont want to help.

Seriously, what the hell? They created a GENERAL forum for GENERAL topics of interest. You guys are acting like the universe will implode if you put a pet topic in there. FFS if you wanna talk about pets, the mods aren't stopping you. Post it in the general forum. That's what it's there for. Why in hell are you all raising such a big damn stink about this? This is not OUR board, it's THEIR board (and more precisely it's HALX'S board). If we want something we can ask. If they agree, great. If not, suck it up and take it like an adult.

If you're really pissed about it, go get your own server space and make your own pet forum.

Yeah, some of us (and fortunately I'm not a mod so I don't have to be as nice about it) are getting pissed about this little scuffle. Possibly because people on this board are paranoid as hell and they LOVE to suspect the mods of being the Evil Ones of the TFP. Either they're out to ban everyone or they're out to suppress the republicans or the democrats or they're out to get the pet lovers. Just let it go.

Originally Posted by Elphaba

Hal, you and your mods own this decision and it was unfortunate that y'all didn't see an opportunity to be encouraging and supportive of your current and new members. New folks would find a pet forum a totally "safe" place to engage with tfp, feel supported, and move on to other forums.

General forum is safe. I don't see any scary topics in there.

There is some serious short-sightedness going on here.

Yes, and it's from the pro-pet forum coalition. Dead forums lead to dead boards. Let's say a new member goes to the pet forum looking for that safe place to post at first. There's nothing, or almost nothing going on in there. But over at PetLovers.com and PetsHub.com and petsforum.com there's LOTS of discussion about pets. So the new user goes there, and promptly forgets about us. How does this help us?

Analog's continuing insults to members in not at all helpful. These aspects do not encourage the growth of membership at TFP imo.

Quite frankly the thing I appreciate most about Analog is that he doesnt' sugarcoat things. You don't have to wonder what he's really thinking about you. If he thinks you're full of shit, he'll let you know. I think that kind of honesty is frankly refreshing, especially in this over-the-top political-correctness society.

And you should note that, unless you say something completely, appallingly stupid, he won't start out browbeating you. He'll explain what's going on, but if you don't get it then after awhile he gets annoyed. I'm pretty much the same way, which is why the tone of this post is not nearly as friendly as the tone of my first post in the original discussion thread.

[roachboy]

so i am not at all sure about what is happening in the general vicinity of this pet forum thing--prolly a function of frying too many brain cells in politics--but here's an idea of su tong. i dont understand the dogster thing, and i figure it's just out there:

http://www.dogster.com/pet_page.php?i=161487

[Elphaba]

Originally Posted by shakran

Seriously, what the hell? They created a GENERAL forum for GENERAL topics of interest. You guys are acting like the universe will implode if you put a pet topic in there. FFS if you wanna talk about pets, the mods aren't stopping you. Post it in the general forum. That's what it's there for. Why in hell are you all raising such a big damn stink about this? This is not OUR board, it's THEIR board (and more precisely it's HALX'S board). If we want something we can ask. If they agree, great. If not, suck it up and take it like an adult.

If you're really pissed about it, go get your own server space and make your own pet forum.

Yeah, some of us (and fortunately I'm not a mod so I don't have to be as nice about it) are getting pissed about this little scuffle. Possibly because people on this board are paranoid as hell and they LOVE to suspect the mods of being the Evil Ones of the TFP. Either they're out to ban everyone or they're out to suppress the republicans or the democrats or they're out to get the pet lovers. Just let it go.

snip

Quite frankly the thing I appreciate most about Analog is that he doesnt' sugarcoat things. You don't have to wonder what he's really thinking about you. If he thinks you're full of shit, he'll let you know. I think that kind of honesty is frankly refreshing, especially in this over-the-top political-correctness society.

And you should note that, unless you say something completely, appallingly stupid, he won't start out browbeating you. He'll explain what's going on, but if you don't get it then after awhile he gets annoyed. I'm pretty much the same way, which is why the tone of this post is not nearly as friendly as the tone of my first post in the original discussion thread.

I am glad to hear that you appreciate that level of honestly, because I think *you* are full of shit. Look at what you posted above and then give an honest evaluation of what has gone before you. Hyperbole does not become you or your profession.

No one here in support of a Pet forum is having some sort of hissy fit that you and analog imply. I challenged the notion that we were given an honest challenge to engage interest in a Pet forum, which in turn gets mocked by a mod. Very bad form in my opinion, but Hal runs this joint and I would like to believe that he gives a damn about what his members think as a whole.

I said long ago that I didn't give a damn about a pet forum, but I would support the challenge to see if interest existed among the members. I have done that level of participation, and I *still* don't give a damn about a pet forum.

A tacky cheap shot by a mod to a relatively new member of tfp is something that should matter to everyone that cares about this place of encouragement and growth. I am accustomed to that sort of treatment by analog and I truly don't give a tinker's damn. I am directly asking Hal if he cares about how members are treated here by this particular mod.

[analog]

To all:

I have never really had a problem with the Pet Forum as an idea. I love my dog, and I like the topic of pets in general. This personal interest in the topic has nothing to do with my opposition of it as a forum, for the many reasons i've attempted to outline over the course of the many threads that have started on this topic.

Sidenote: pointing out that someone expressed they wanted something, didn't get what they wanted, and now threaten to leave because they didn't get what they wanted, is not an insult. I'm not sure how that could, in any way, be taken as insulting. It's pointing out the pink elephant in the room. It's not even anything about a person's character, it's as plain as the noses on our faces.

The point is, Lady Sage, I apologize if you took that to be an attack. It was not meant as an attack at all, and I do value your contributions on TFP. The problem is the text of the internet, and that it makes it difficult at times to point out things you find odd in conversation without making it seem like something huge.

Despite my interest in seeing such a forum exist, I do not allow my personal desires to overrule my more important desire to serve the board as a whole in its best interest. I did not believe that creating such a forum was in the best interest of the boards, for the many reasons I've shared in the past.

I have, however, stated at least three times (and perhaps four) in the moderator discussion thread on this subject, that we just go ahead and do it. I said to go ahead and do it several weeks ago when this all last came up.

--> I'm not the person who can implement this change. It is incorrect to think that I am the one who decides whether this actually happens or not, or that I was the only mod to disagree with the idea of a pet forum. The one who decides whether or not we have one is Halx. Not me. Despite my saying it's a bad idea, I've said to go ahead several times now, and it hasn't happened.

In all seriousness, have I ever said, "No, you can't have one"? I've simply provided reason upon reason as to why I believed it was a bad idea for the board as a whole. I did, however, change my "vote" to "go ahead" the last time this came up. The reason that there still is no Pet forum is not because of me, even if my vote had stayed no.

jorgelito: For the record, I never considered your efforts spam, even if I said it didn't help to prove a "need". I applaud your effort to do what you felt was good for the board, and to help your cause. I have chastized others in the past for making a few threads all at once, but that was because I'd just taken a long post to explain, in detail, why we need to be shown over time a need for the forum, and that had never happened, any of the times it'd come up to discussion. When you did it, it was totaly random.

Thank you for taking the time and energy to try and get things moving. Regardless of what the numbers say, you gave it an earnest shot and worked hard in many of those threads to keep the conversation going, and that's awesome.

To those who have agreed with my points and have felt similarly as I do, I thank you for taking the time to express it and let people know that you agree.

Whether you agree with the implementation (not the idea itself, because I've always agreed it was good as an idea) or not, I thank you all for your candor on this subject. I assure you that we, the mods, are discussing this with the intention of getting the right person involved- Halx- to ultimately make this decision.

Since the subject sort of died for a few weeks, I've decided that I would be remiss if my involvement in these matters did not see some definitive conclusion, and I promise you all right now that it's my #1 priority to make sure this gets followed through. You may all feel free to PM me requesting updates, and I'll see that each of you receives the best update I can give you at that time.

You see, when it comes down to it, I really am a nice person. Some of you will say that's bullshit, and that's fine. I can't change your mind, and I'm ok with that. I wish that you could all see what so many do, and that's that I am honest, and I enjoy a good conversation.

I appreciate every discussion I have with each and every one of you. You guys and gals are fantastic, and the reason I love this place. It's also the reason I love this place enough to help keep it as nice as I can. Everyone learns life lessons- in this case, it's perhaps that the text of the internet just doesn't allow for some people to see that I'm just having a civil conversation with them; and in that case, I should just agree to disagree and take my leave of the conversation.

I learn things all the time, as we all do, and I think that the most important thing i've ever learned is that you cannot please everyone. *shrug* I wish I could make them happy, but I can't.

For the very few people who feel that i've truly wronged them (and I count only 3, maybe 4), I offer my most sincere apology, though I know I will likely not be forgiven. For my lot, I forgive you all for when you attacked me personally, my character, etc., in public. I forgive you, and I am sorry for whatever may have been my part in what you felt was an attack to you.

I hope, now that I'm comitted to seeing this subject to resolution, that there will be a bit more peace in this topic, and others throughout the board, as I'm keeping this subject from fading into the background again.

Take care,

- analog.

[777]

I got a pet, I'll post in the forum.

[analog]

Originally Posted by 777

"Puts on flameproof coat"
I got a pet, I'll post in the forum.

Hehehe, I like the post title there... and yeah, if it goes through, i'll likely toss in several pics of my puppy (I call her a puppy, but she's 12 and getting grey hairs lol). She somehow manages to increase her cuteness when you have food in your hand- is this just my dog or do others' do this as well? lol

[jorgelito]

I am convinced all dogs/puppies are cute. They have to be, it's in their DNA or sumthin'. My dog doesn't even look like a dog - sort of a cross between a gremlin and Stitch, with an ocelot body. She doesn;t bark either, she just sort of...mumbles.. But to me, she is the cutest, sweetest thing in the world.

I would love to see a pic of your um, puppy, grey hairs and all. I got a kick out of Roachboy's doggie's website.

You know, maybe the Pets thing will take the edge off the Politics forum even. Pets have that effect.

[warrrreagl]

*setting record straight*

The poll was Grancey's idea, not a mod's.

Another of Grancey's ideas was to have an Animal Forum, not just a Pet Forum, since there are plenty of non-pet animal-themed threads out there that need a home, too.

Won't you adopt one of these homeless little animal threads? Please? Somebody?

[Cynthetiq]

I have 2 cats and don't care if there is a pet forum. I don't come here for pet advice and seek it out in places that I feel get much more traffic. In other words, I google my issue instead of asking someone here to google for me. I voted yes, but probably won't post in it.

As far as the mods or powers that be don't or aren't supportive. Please look at the WHOLE list of moderators and admins. Just because ONE person posts something negative it isn't representative of ALL the moderators. There is only ONE power that be that rules over all of us and that is Halx. If he decides he doesn't think a pet forum is what this place needs or isn't within his grand scheme of things then that is the ONLY power that be who could so such decide things.

Please note the questions about a Men's Lounge comes up from time to time and Halx has stated he doesn't want to feel it necessary. People have posted and suggested it since the inception of the Ladies Lounge.

I have been working on the forum backend on a personal project and it doesn't create much more work or issue from an administrative standpoint, but to analog's point I personally don't see much traffic for it.

[shakran]

Originally Posted by Elphaba

I am glad to hear that you appreciate that level of honestly, because I think *you* are full of shit.

LOL! Now you're gettin' it!

Look at what you posted above and then give an honest evaluation of what has gone before you. Hyperbole does not become you or your profession.

I'm gonna let you explain that one better before I respond to it.

No one here in support of a Pet forum is having some sort of hissy fit that you and analog imply.

Bull. the idea was proposed. I and others including the board's administration pointed out the pitfalls to the forum considering the overall lack of pet-related discussion currently here. The mods decided not to install one at this time, but did mention that they'd keep an eye out for pet stuff and would reconsider if conditions warranted. 9 pet-posts-that-quickly-died later, with ample evidence that a pet forum would be underused, these topics are still being posted, and people are acting like six year olds who didn't get their way. The mods are meanies, I'm going home. That's ridiculous. Like I said in my last post. If someone wants a pet forum so bad, they should go get their own server and make one.

All that said, I'm gonna agree with Analog on another point. Halx SHOULD make a pet forum. That way in a month when there are 6 topics gathering dust and no one's posted for a week, he can take it down and the next time the rioting crowds gather to demand a pet forum he's got solid evidence as to why it won't work.

[ShaniFaye]

then we can merge it with the trampoline forum which out of two pages of threads...only 4 have been posted in, since August 17th (thats almost a month)

[Lady Sage]

Originally Posted by Elphaba

Then it becomes rather obvious that the challenge to start pet posts (well received by other members) is somehow tainted because we responded to the challenge given?
Give me a fucking break. I stopped posting or starting new threads the minute I saw that hand writing on the wall. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
Lady Sage decides to not rock the boat and says she is out of the discussion and she gets this response:.

Why is it that Elph is the only one who has pulled the proper meaning out of what I said in my one little comment?

I have completely had it with people taking stabs and being holier than thou. If people have such an issue with my intention to let sleeping dogs (pun intended) lie then fine. Put me on ignore.

Speaking of that fabulous function, since I will not start a new thread because of similar behavior from other people, would someone be so kind as to PM me with how to use that particular feature please?

If only closed minds came with closed mouths.
Minds are like parachutes, they function best when opened.

[Jinn]

You were either threatening or pouting. There's no two ways about it. Pink elephant indeed.

"At this point I am just going to shut up, pack up my sandbox and go home."

That was the entirety of your post. If there'd been more, it might've been a different story. As is, it was nothing more than a guilt trip.

Have you ever seen a child who isn't getting their way and doesn't want to go somewhere? They cross their arms, lock their knees, and say "fine, I'm not going!"

Most adults simply DO "shut up, pack up their sandbox and go home." Those who announce it (especially without any discussion of why) are saying "look at me, look at me! I'm going to leave unless you do things my way!"

[Sultana]

Initially I took Lady Sage's comment as she was going to quit TFP because of this--which is how I imagine others took it as well. But I re-evaluated it, gave her the benefit of the doubt, and decided that she more likely meant that she was going to let go of the thread, not the entire site.

I think that a Pet forum would likely generate more interaction than the Trampoline forum generally does now, and it'd be a forum I'd be much more interested in, if for nothing more than the cute pictures.

However, I also agree that there is not a substantive history of thriving pet-related topics (excepting the Post Your Pet thread in Photography, perhaps). So I'd encourage the interested folks to prove their point, positively and without rancor.

The mods aren't pet-hating folks, come on. Statements like those negatively affect the credibility of those making them, and reflect poorly on the cause.

[hambone]

But we can't argue in pet forum:

Poster #1: This dog is cute (insert picture)
Posters #2 through #100: sure is!

Now really, what fun is that?

hehe, I kid.