Don't give up!!

[shenzhenluohan]

This is a reply for some of our newer members who seem lately to be put off by one or two inflamitory responses to their questions. Let me first say that this is a forum, meaning all opinions are welcome and no-body's word is law!
I came onto this forum with 20+ years of fishkeeping behind me and there is always going to be somebody who thinks they know better and honestly there are many who do! I will use some of our younger members as example, Bogwoodbruce and Hao (solely as example) are full of usefull info and never flame, unless completely called for. (meaning the poster has repeatedly asked the same question over and over again) So please remember again, this is a forum and I for one have , in 2 years learned more than dozens of books can provide, and hope you newbies can remember there are no real experts, and I hope you can learn to weed through the crap posts for the gems. Back-up info and links are a good place to start! There is no reason for me to place this thread aside for what I've learned here and I hope no-one is disheartened by one or two idiots who like to flame for no better reason other than looking cool. Happy fishkeeping! Also, If you know what category your question your query belongs in it helps immensly. GF seems to be a place tovent for everyone. Last thought, MFK kicks A**! ans we are genuinely here to help!

 

[peewee]

experience is still the best teacher. not only in fish keeping, but life in general. try to experiment. and when there is a problem, we are just here. questions are always welcome.

 

[tcarswell]

experience is still the best teacher. not only in fish keeping, but life in general. try to experiment. and when there is a problem, we are just here. questions are always welcome.

Exactly word for word what I was going to say. +1

 

[shenzhenluohan]

You are both extremely right! The reason for my rant is there are many new fishkeepers on here and I just wanted to re-assure them that we are here and ready to help. (positive intentions only).

 

[Sab_Fan]

I know of at least one person who posted a legit question and then got flamed into oblivion . . . hasn't been seen since

that was some good advice for everyone . . . new and old alike

 

[peewee]

some people just get too harsh criticizing. maybe they can tone down a bit so that others won't feel offended. we all commit mistakes.

 

[CODzilla]

I'm a new fish and I have to say everyone here has been great with me.

 

[shenzhenluohan]

some people just get too harsh criticizing. maybe they can tone down a bit so that others won't feel offended. we all commit mistakes.

You got it bro.. Some times with all the spam and redundant questions we forget that there are always gonna be newcommers who are clueless. I feel our hobby is one of the last that ANYONE can enjoy so lets help! IMHO its better to look stupid on a spammer then lose a prospective friend because of our own little fears!

 

[shenzhenluohan]

I'm a new fish and I have to say everyone here has been great with me.

Cool!! positive feed back is what we need too! I didn't mean that all feedback was bad! more-so as a reminder to all that when we work together constructively nobody loses!

 

[Freshwater Tim]

Very Timely thread as I just read another flame session on a new member.

As I said in that one, be constructive in your responses. This will go a long way to making the new member feel more like they are part of the "MFK Family"

Keep in mind...just because we are new to this site does not mean we are new to fishkeeping. I have been doing it for 23 years, both salt and fresh...but have never kept the fish that turned into "monsters".

We can all bring something to the table....if you have nothing nice to say....well you know!

Just my .02 cents worth.

Cheers
T