DON'T KILL THE MESSENGER

[Pam and Ginger Snap]

Hi All,

I have been on this site for a year and a half. I have gotten some great advise and made some nice friends.  I have gotten great grooming tips, food advice, lots of laughs and a few tears.  However, I have noticed recently when people ask questions, there is a tendency to be a little forceful with answers.  A lot of people are asking  questions or looking for solutions for real problems....aggressive dogs, food issues, re-homing issues...and instead of lending a sympathetic ear and helpful advice, there seems to be some quick responses with judging comments.  Often times I feel sorry for the person asking the question, and some of the answers are mean-spirited.  Some are very helpful.

Sometimes people don't see previous posts.  When someone re-posts something, or asks a question, again...the poster is not doing it to be a pain...maybe they just didn't see the original post.

I like this site. I like knowing peoples stories, and their pups.

I hope that this post can make people think twice before they post an answer to a post, where the poster is seeking advice.  The advice might be something that the poster does not like, but it can be stated in a kinder way.

For example, I am really nervous that people are going to react harshly to this post.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I actually think this is a great idea. I think we should have an FAQ section on this site.

[Shannon and Finn]

Agreed (now, the question is if anyone would actually want to do it)!  I notice some groups (like Food Group and a Grooming page) have the basics listed on the home page and I appreciate it a lot.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I would love to see a few:

Potty Training

Crate Training

............... ugh. I think of them all the time.  Long hot day at the outdoor office.  My mind is blank.

  As a new user, they should still be encourage to post discussions too!   But also read, and ask more questions is what I am trying to get at.

This would be so beneficial. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You are rare, Shannon. About 40 times a week, someone starts a discussion in TFG asking for food suggestions, lol.

[Pam and Ginger Snap]

Yes, I refer to the "basics" on those two pages often...especially the food group.  I even printed it out and took it the the store with me!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

See my blessing of you below, lol.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I have an index in the photography group. I may be the only one who ever uses it : )

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I do use your index in the photography group!  That is the best one on this site!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Thanks, good to know.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Nobody will read it anyway. Just like nobody reads the DK Guidelines, or the Recommended Foods list, or...anything, lol.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

That was in the back of my mind also and I backspaced that one out too!

[Pam and Ginger Snap]

I do!!!