**Help Wanted**

ORIGINAL: glenmar

Xebby?  Did you get my PM?

No I haven't, maybe you could try e-mailing me instead. I don't know what the glitch is, but for some reason I don't get every PM that people send me.  My email: [email=axolotl@writeme.com]axolotl@writeme.com[/email]
 
Edit:  Just got it nevermind[]

Hi [] Newbie input here~
 
I think the new member section is a fantastic idea.  When I first joined the forum, I lurked for a bit before posting.  Being a nervous, first time Mommy I think I bombarded everyone with questions and I deeply, deeply appreciate all the advice and time everyone took to answer my questions.  Everyone here has taught me how to be a better Mommy to my little Cocoa. []
 
However, I did get the impression from a few that maybe I didn't belong here.  I guess I felt like I was intruding on the clique here - I know there's been some animosity here with some new members being rude but perhaps it's difficult for the veteran members to be completely unbiased since they don't know what the new members are like just yet.  Hence, the new member section being an excellent reference point. 
 
I would love to get to know everyone in the community but it's difficult for me to participate since my knowledge of the subject is limited so I can't exactly "jump in", you know?  I just feel badly asking questions and I feel like I give nothing back.
 
Just my [sm=2cents.gif] Hope everyone is having a great day! []
 
With love, cuddles and doggy treats,
-Jessi & Cocoa

Im just glad to be here.[]

being a newbie on any forum is imposing, even more so when its a subject you don't know much about.i admit when i first came here i felt weird about giving any advice or opinions since i technically have only raised one dog and not for very long. i am just getting to where i'm comfortable posting replies rather than just asking questions. i feel the "oldies" on this forum have been very welcoming and understanding and i personally have never felt like i didn't belong just because i am not as knowledgable on the subject of dogs as some of the other members. sometimes some things can be stated in a more understanding manner, but overall i think most everyone here just does their best to help and i hope this continues to be a forum where respectable people can come for respectable discussions about dogs.

ORIGINAL: stardancnminpin

I would like to second the suggestion of making some sticky post in the various topics with answers to the most commonly asked questions/problems.  I have thought of suggesting this before, but I never do. Maybe Jamie could request certain members to write up post in their areas of expertise.  Members could then email the writer with comments that have helped them that the original writer can then go back and add to the thread - that way it stays nice and neat and easy to follow.  That way when a new member joins the board with a problem, they can be directed to those post, and if they still have questions, they already know what kind of 'tone' the members are likely to suggest.
Just my two cents.....

I thought about your suggestion, then it occurred to me that there would be quite a rush of "experts" posting there - we might have to clone idog LOL.
I wonder if people would like the idea of having a some symbol that identifies the people on the board who are actually dog professionals.  That way, when a thread has many points of view, the new readers would know who is a vet, groomer, trainer, behaviorist, competitor, CGC evaluator, breeder, judge, acupuncturist, holistic vet (gee, I miss Dr. Kim - where did she go?), etc.  That's not to say that other owners don't have a great fountain of knowledge (where would we be without Callie?) but it might help to know if the info you are reading comes from a pet owner or dvet (sorry, couldn't resist).

ORIGINAL: spiritdogs

I wonder if people would like the idea of having a some symbol that identifies the people on the board who are actually dog professionals.  That way, when a thread has many points of view, the new readers would know who is a vet, groomer, trainer, behaviorist, competitor, CGC evaluator, breeder, judge, acupuncturist, holistic vet (gee, I miss Dr. Kim - where did she go?), etc.  That's not to say that other owners don't have a great fountain of knowledge (where would we be without Callie?) but it might help to know if the info you are reading comes from a pet owner or dvet (sorry, couldn't resist).

Thats a really good idea! Or, people can simply put it in their signature. "Name, Dog Groomer" etc.

I wonder if people would like the idea of having a some symbol that identifies the people on the board who are actually dog professionals
 
That's also making the HUGE jump that said people are first off telling THE TRUTH, and secondly actually respected people in their field with hordes of happy customers.
 
The only way I'd agree is if the said people posted first last names, phone and address of their business or practice in their sig tag, and were THOROUGHLY researched by the forum heads....IMO a lot of work for little benefit. For all you know anyone claiming to be a vet could have had their license revoked in a state or a trainer could have been sued or reported to the BBB by numerous people.
 
On the net you can SAY you are just about anything...that to me, makes this idea considerably less attractive when it comes to welcoming new folks. Just be yourself and give your opinion and let others have theirs.
 
Put your credentials in your profile and refer folks to them...but asking for a special icon or something is a bit much for me...

I agree with Gina.  I also think that if someone was flagged as a "professional" that people would then lean towards only listening to the professionals when others may have great ideas also. 

I also agree with Gina.

Also brings into it, the need for disclaimers and liability issues when someone here doesn't GO to a vet or behaviorist or groomer, because someone here who's icon says they are a vet or behaviorist or groomer, gave them this or that advice...'for free' (regardless of the "but check with your vet to be sure" because we've already discussed on some CM threads how many here feel people pay disclaimers little mind in the face of a quick fix).
 
Your points are valid RK.
 
I think the beauty of this forum is it's "inclusiveness" and I think much of that would be lost once we start ID'ing people with an official "forum expert" tag.

Can us self proclaimed experts at nothing have an icon too??  Pretty please?

Lmbo... [sm=rotfl.gif]

I agree with Gina on the 'professional' label. I would be concerned with people misrepresenting themselves and possibly discounting many members who do not have a certificate but have years of experience and a wealth of knowledge. Also remember there are lots of 'professional' whose ideas run contrary to the general beliefs of this board in regards to BLS, breeding, training, animal rights etc. I would be careful giving them any extra credibility by placing a 'star' beside their names.

I wonder if people would like the idea of having a some symbol that identifies the people on the board who are actually dog professionals

 
honestly, if i wanted a profesionals opinion i would go to one i could see and meet in person. i like coming here because the majority of the members are just regular people like myself that i feel i can relate to and understand my situation. not to say i don't appreciate the advice and opinions of the people on here that have dog related careers, but i prefer to know them as "bob-owner of bilbo the basset hound who happens to be a vet tech" instead of "bob the vet tech who happens to have a basset hound". i think singling out certain people would alienate both parties and just cause more problems. both professionals and joe shmo dog lovers deserve the same amount of respect and recognition.

I think an "old fart" icon could work!!!!