I am sure I will get heat on this one

[Amanda]

Are you now queen of the forums?

[Slap Maxwell]

Excuse me? I really don't see you doing anything but criticizing. Why don't you offer up the advice, provide the links, and write the PMs?

I never said what a mod would or would not do, I said if I WERE a mod.

You notice you never mentioned that after that was settled, I offered up an extreme amount of advice BEFORE Sabriel posted. A little one sided are we?

[amfeider]

You have to read the entire conversation before calling someone rude or assuming the worst.

[LuvMyPiggers]

These are the moments I hate in this forum. The really upsetting ones to everyone (Meaning both sides) I think it should be stopped. But that's just me.

[LuvMyPiggers]

A finding nemo moment.... just keep typing just keep typing... sorry I had to do that. Reminds me when everyone is typing stuff.

[Krysanthemum]

Originally Posted by Amanda

Are you now queen of the forums?

Hardly. I'm expressing an opinion, like everyone else around here. And again, I think that was rude.

Originally Posted by amreider

You have to read the entire conversation before calling someone rude or assuming the worst.

I did. Again, it is my opinion that it is rude, but the sheer number of posts over the last few months expressing the same opinion suggests I'm not alone. I just thought it would be interesting to show some examples.

Originally Posted by slap_maxwell

Excuse me? I really don't see you doing anything but criticizing. Why don't you offer up the advice, provide the links, and write the PMs?

I have posted advice in the past and regretted it almost immediately. I don't actually post very much on this forum, I usually can't be bothered with the instant flaming. But I read it every day.

Originally Posted by slap_maxwell

You notice you never mentioned that after that was settled, I offered up an extreme amount of advice BEFORE Sabriel posted. A little one sided are we?

You did, I agree, but I was talking about the manner in which the advice was given. And anyway, I'm just giving examples here, not a comprehensive critique of every single post in this or that thread.

[VoodooJoint]

Everyone needs to get it through their heads.

This site is completely against

-breeders
-animals in pet stores
-small cages
-poor diets
-breeding
-neglect or poor care for animals in any form

The people on this forum that embrace those ideals are rather loud mouthed about it. Anyone that comes onto this forum without reading the general rules, understanding them and following them may be in for a rude awakening.

Is it ideal? No.

I would rather see a more peaceful approach and I have to say that 80% of the time it is handled well. BUT even the most patient person can get jaded by the same story over and over and over.

If said person is going to refuse to see the plain facts laid out before them and continue to openly defend the very things this forum stands against then they will get blasted by both barrels. Ignorance is not an excuse once education has been offered.

Perhaps people here don't realize it but there are breeders on this forum. Breeders that post fairly regularly. They are welcome here as long as they keep quiet about their breeding. They understand that we will not tolerate discussions on breeding around here so wisely enough keep quiet about it. Hopefully, one day, what we have to say will sink in.

Meanwhile get over it. We can't all get along. On this type of forum there are regular debates, fights and controversy. If you don't like it don't read it.

Those of you that were borderline rude and near-namecalling KNOCK IT OFF!!!! You know who you are and if you are in doubt you can consider that I mean you too.

[twofinepigs]

I came a few weeks ago and said I bought my pigs at PetSmart. I didn't defend it and no one attacked me. I had already read the site, perhaps that helped. I wasn't asked to defend or explain why I had done it. I'd already become more informed and I had no need to argue my actions.

I was feeding an inferior food and no one attacked me for it. They gave me advice and they gave it straight-up, no fizzy water. It was a gift, and mine to take or leave. Certainly not an attack, and not personal to me (it was personal to my pigs.)

If I got advice that I didn't agree with, I might question it ("why do you say that?") but I wouldn't argue. I'd check it out.

I do cringe when new members arrive all excited about their new pets and the next post is, "Nice pigs. Where'd you get 'em?" because I know what's coming.

I know it helps to be 48, but I don't get the arguing. It's a gift to be able to contact so many knowledgeable pig owners and get advice on the spot. Take it or leave it, what a boon to be able to access it at all.

Now I know of THREE pigs named Einstein. Who'd of thunk it.

[Ly&Pigs]

Those of you that were borderline rude and near-namecalling KNOCK IT OFF!!!! You know who you are and if you are in doubt you can consider that I mean you too.

Couldn't have said it better myself VJ. I said this in another thread, but I will say it again. I am ashamed of some of the members for their overboard rudeness. Learn the definition of tact and start posting with more tact and less rudeness. We will get NOwhere with rudeness like that. We will get farther with educating new member (and even old members) with tactful posts.

[amfeider]

If my earlier comments offended someone I am truly sorry. :(

[Skyenoir]

I, too, came to this board and felt the same way as Sweetdaisy, it was a bit of a turn-off, and it made me think about not wanting to be part of this board. But, I have since changed my mind, and I now feel passionately, too, about the issues with owner and breeder ignorance, poor cage size, etc. I do think that sometimes the good intentions come off as quite judgemental and harsh, but that is also the passion coming through and some people may have no way of toning it down because their passion CAN'T be toned down. This site has helped me to become passionate about something I NEVER thought I would have such a love for, guinea pigs! Thankfully for me, and my sweethearts, I decided to keep coming here despite my first impressions.

I do agree with the harshness when it is doled out to the truly idiotic on the board, such as "alfie", because how dumb can someone be, and how irresponsible and lazy can someone be? If you can't agree with the views of this site, then go to another site. It's that easy. Hopefully the put-off can glean enough from this site to make some better choices before they decide to go elsewhere if that is their ultimate decision.

[smoot]

As a petshop-piggie parent and a former too-small cage owner, I have to say no one has given me any flak about it. I think part of it was that I didn't broadcast these facts. Why? Because I explored the site and read old threads and looked at the links before I started posting. I knew right away that the site was pro-adoption and all about C&C cages.

Whenever people introduce themselves, I've noticed that the contrite ones ("I bought my pig but I know better now" or "I have a pet-store cage but I know better now") are warmly received, encouraged and given tons of advice. The people that get defensive are the ones that get hostile replies. The hostility drives me crazy because I want everyone to get along, but I can't complain either because this site is pro-adoption and pro-C&C cages. Maybe these folks can be gently directed to a different forum where breeding and store bought cages/pigs are accepted.


A little common sense goes a long way: Newbies, read the site before posting and keep in mind what this site is about. Members should remember that shouting at someone doesn't make them be better pig-parents (even though there have been several newbies I've wanted to shout at).

[LuvMyPiggers]

My first piggie was from a petstore. When I came, no one really gave me much about it. I actually don't remember being told hartz was bad, but I took there advice and got some oxbow. I then supported getting pigs from pet stores because I thought it was rescuing it but now over a few months I am completley 100% pro adoption. The members on here have gotten pretty harsh, but 90% in only ways that were needed. So I think we need to knock in some more Troll Control©

Luvmypiggers

[Myspoiltpiggies]

Originally Posted by sweetdaisy

Example where is there hay or they need more hay than that, your cage looks too small. I mean come on people if you cant say something nice dont say anything at all. Or at least have one negitive and then say but overall the cage looks great. Its just sad that these people work really hard on there cage and they get negitive comments

When we say, 'there is no hay, or not enough' we aren't saying it to be spiteful, we are just helping the poor guinea pig. Isn't that why we all come to this site? To learn more about guinea pigs?

[munchkin]

I think what everyone here does realize is that we all make mistakes. When I was young, I bought my first guinea pig from a pet store. He only lived three years. Now, being a research freak, and after I was asked to take in Pucker, I decided to do a little homework. I found this site and it was a godsend. The first thing I quickly realized was that my cage was much too small. It went on from there. But I took the time to read this entire site before I posted so that I knew the rules. I knew that these were passionate people and that they may get "passionate" in their responses. Perhaps it is just my opinion but I choose to see it as a "passionate" response. I don't have a C&C cage. (Though I am hopeful that I will one day) However, I built a cage large enough for my boys. I have never been criticized for not having a C&C cage. The most important thing is that it be large enough. Yes, most here would prefer a C&C cage, but if you have adequate space, they don't give you much flack.
Maybe if people thought about it a little differently it wouldn't seem so hostile. Passionate people are often accused of being hostile. It doesn't mean that they are. It is just how some choose to percieve them.
As for the whole Buy/adopt debate. (Here goes one of those passionate people again) try thinking of it like this. You wouldn't go to the store to "Buy" a person, would you? And breeders could be thought of in a similar manner. Could you just imagine someone out there breeding humans for sale? It just isn't right. It isn't humane. We have enough unwanted babies in the world, both human and animal. We don't need to compound the problem.
I say get passionate. We need more passionate people in the world. And if you think us rude, maybe it is because you percieve it as hostile. Try looking at it from another vantage point. Remind yourself we are very passionate people.
This is just my opinion. Take it however you choose.

[VoodooJoint]

Originally Posted by munchkin

I don't have a C&C cage. (Though I am hopeful that I will one day) However, I built a cage large enough for my boys. I have never been criticized for not having a C&C cage. The most important thing is that it be large enough. Yes, most here would prefer a C&C cage, but if you have adequate space, they don't give you much flack.

Actually if it is adequate space you won't get any flack. Teresa doesn't care what you make your cage out of as long as it has enough space and is safe and healthy for GPs. Heck she even made my post about building an alternative C&C style cage a sticky thread. Meaning that it is always the first thread seen in the Cage Chat area no matter how old it gets. That pretty much proves that it's not cubes and coroplast she's passionate about. It's the space.

I love the C&C idea but I have never used it as T describes on the home page. I'm on a tight budget, great with tools, have a healthy imagination and have some wonderful recycling resources near me. All of my cages are alternative ideas and T made me a mod anyway.

[DaCourt]

My first Pig came from Petco. I love him and I have to say, he is my favorite. After I bought him, I decided I was going to be the best guinea pig mommy there was. Cavy Spirit was the first site I found. I read, and I read, and I read. I followed her links and read fro 2 weeks. Then I posted here for the first time. No one blasted me. I never hid where Scooby came from.

See there is a difference between ignorance and stupidity. I was ignorant. I didn't research first. I should have known better. I never would have bought a dog from a store. However, I came here and I learned. Stupidity would have been to come here and/or GuineaLynx and have gotten the information, and choosing to toss it aside.

[munchkin]

Voodoojoint, Thanks. I should have said any. My mistake. Nobody has ever critisized my cage on this site.

[suzy_99]

I agree that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being passionate, but it crosses the line when people get rude and bossy. Most members are not this way, but there are some that are. I agree that it can be very difficult to read a post and understand that person's tone or intention, but this is why we have to be more careful when writing them. We need to think if these post could be interpreted in a negative way and if so, maybe they should be reworded.

Lots of people are coming on here saying that they were not attacked or their cage was not insulted and that's great, but the fact is that some people were, myself included (although not by veteran members). Saying that you were not one of these almost makes it sound as if " it didn't happen to me, so it must not be a problem". Too many people are trying to defend themselves and others right now and will not even admit that sometimes things do get a little out of hand here. If we even chase one person away that is too much...that is one piggy who may not get the right care and attention, because I know that this is one of the best, if not the best site for caring for your piggy.

Lastly, instead of always saying that this is an anti-breeding, pet store, small cage site, why don't we try saying it is a pro-adoption, large cage, rescue, etc.. site. This is what it actually states in the description, but it is rarely ever used. It tends to sounds a lot more positive this way.

[VoodooJoint]

Originally Posted by suzy_99

Lastly, instead of always saying that this is an anti-breeding, pet store, small cage site, why don't we try saying it is a pro-adoption, large cage, rescue, etc.. site. This is what it actually states in the description, but it is rarely ever used. It tends to sounds a lot more positive this way.

I agree. However when members, newbies, etc.. Keep defending the things this site stands against I have to assume they are either terribly confused or trying to make trouble.

There are many sites out there that say they are pro-rescue and state so right next to their breeding forum. Their idea of being pro-rescue/pro-welfare is being all for it along with breeding, petshops, showing, small cages,...

When people just don't "get it" they sometimes need it spelled out in harsher wording. Instead of the "pros", stating the "antis" clears up the confusion nicely.