Newcomers - Welcome

Broomcroft · Post by **Broomcroft** » Thu May 17, 2007 7:32 pm

Hello

I would just like to say that this discussion board really is just brilliant. Big thank you to Mark and Chris. To be able to communicate with people all over the world with different experiences and knowledge without leaving your home is stuff we would never have dreamed of years ago. It would be nice to have some more newcomers as well as the regular contributors. It's great to hear different views and ideas.

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Thu May 17, 2007 10:36 pm

I really agree with Clive on this, the site does give us wonderful oportunities to exchange views with so many others in so many places so instantly too. We owe a lot to Mark and Chris for creating and maintaining the site.

It would be so good to have more contributing though, not only newcomers but many long term members of the list have not contributed at all, and the vast majority very little - over 50% of the posts have come from the 10 loudest mouths on the list. Maybe some of us, myself most of all, leap in too often with an answer and inhibit others from doing so, but a lot of the subjects have more than one correct answer or view, it would be good to hear from more of the list members, many of whom are well known and respected breeders, with lots of experience to relate, and many new to the breed can give a fresh view on many aspects of Dextering. Should those of us who cannot keep quiet take a holiday?

Duncan

Sylvia · Post by **Sylvia** » Fri May 18, 2007 8:39 am

As one of the loud mouth culprits, Duncan, I say let's go for it. I did think that you and I represented the sublime (you) and the ridiculous (me) - just so there is no mistake!! I don't know who the other 8 are but if we all take a break and just watch maybe others will feel the silence is deafening and have to contribute something. I'll be back on June 9th, if nobody minds. :D

Inger · Post by **Inger** » Fri May 18, 2007 11:22 am

Problem is, without the 'loudmouths' nobody would post anything. Sometimes it takes a long time to get brave enough to actually post anything.

Its so good to have this forum. Its the only place that I can get answers to some of the more 'technical' questions that come up. I've learnt more about Dexter genetics from this forum than anywhere else. Its an invaluable asset to Dexter breeders all over the World.

Broomcroft · Post by **Broomcroft** » Fri May 18, 2007 11:47 am

I'm not saying anything :O.

Woodmagic · Post by **Woodmagic** » Fri May 18, 2007 12:07 pm

Firstly I would echo Clive’s thanks for what is a wonderful medium to listen and learn. I have picked up a lot of useful information, and it has widened my horizons. I am one of the more vociferous, but I wouldn’t have wanted to miss any of Duncan’s contributions.
I think Inger is probably right we might simply invite a deafening silence, if we call a halt, but it would be good to have more, and novices particularly can give one a fresh stance as to what we need to provide in the Dexter world.

Kathy Millar · Post by **Kathy Millar** » Fri May 18, 2007 3:45 pm

Personally, I would like to thank mister Loudest Mouth Duncan (over 500 postings and still going!) for his absolutely bang-on, totally helpful advice. Please do not stop posting or slow down in any way. If folks want to post, they will.

I agree with Inger. If the loudmouths stop posting, this site would quiet down too much. By the way, I would be interested in seeing a ranking of the top ten posters. By looking at the posting numbers beside the names you can see that Duncan is probably the top and I think Sylvia is next. This is something to be proud of, I think :D :D

106-1100209741 · Post by **106-1100209741** » Fri May 18, 2007 8:33 pm

Can I echo the thanks to Mark and Clive for this excellent, and entertaining, website. Also thanks to the Top Ten for answering the many questions that crop up. As there is a wealth of information on the site, my questions are often answered without the need to post so this mouse mostly just looks on quietly from the sidelines.

Broomcroft · Post by **Broomcroft** » Sat May 19, 2007 6:46 am

Duncan - Are you back from your holidays yet?

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Sat May 19, 2007 3:32 pm

Hello Clive,

did you not get the postcard?

I do not often manage a holiday, took two days away to a course in Exeter in April and unsurprisingly noone missed me, so now I have managed another 2 days off the board. I will be making a habit of it soon.

I do hope though, that this thread will maybe encourage new contributors, it is good to have a variety of input. I find everyone's contribution interesting, be it astute observations from those who think their contributions are ridiculous(Sylvia) or the real expert in special areas (as Kirk is on genetics) or the true wise old owls of the profession (Beryl alias Woodmagic), or the new points of view from novices. No one should feel they have nothing to conribute, nor be afraid to have their say. So come on lurkers, lurk no more!!

Duncan

Inger · Post by **Inger** » Sat May 19, 2007 11:51 pm

If you're going to make a habit of going on holidays, does that mean that you will be trying to retire from work? :;):

I don't think you'll be allowed to retire, with the amount of knowledge you've got. :laugh:

Kathy Millar · Post by **Kathy Millar** » Sun May 20, 2007 10:58 pm

I wonder who the top ten are? I often check out the number of replies that each person has made and so far Duncan is miles ahead :laugh:

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Sun May 20, 2007 11:10 pm

It is no secret. At the top of the page, click on the MEMBERS button, ask it to list by Member by Total Posts in Descending order.

Duncan

happy hollidays · Post by **happy hollidays** » Wed May 23, 2007 11:01 pm

I have a saying - it goes - " when I grow up I want to be a big Dexter farmer just like some of you ", whereas my kids want to be various things, vet, racing driver etc. At the moment we are just playing, when my husband retires we aim to upgrade substantially. This aim has been brought about by the wealth of information and advise you all give. It gives a newcomer a huge amount of confidence to know there is always someone to ask for help, or look through all the posts and learn from them. Topics that are well out of my league at the moment I still absorb as they will be my bible at a later date. Being a friendly site, with humour helps ease the nerves of a first timer in posting. It is also good to know that you can also disagree, debate, heckle and get stuck in! Its a fab site and I love it the way it is now. Thank you very much :D

Saffy · Post by **Saffy** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 12:43 pm

Would it be possible to start a thread asking those who have never posted to maybe just say hello? Even the most hesitant typists might be persuaded to have a go.

Perhaps explain how easy it is to reply and how much we would all like to hear from them.

Once people have broken the ice and posted a "hello" it will be easier to go on and reply to other posts.

Possibly a more "prolific poster" like Duncan or Sylvia could welcome each new "poster" by thanking them for giving it a go.

Because everyones Dexter experiences are interesting to other Dexter lovers!

Stephanie