Newer forum members, is the forum helping you?

[justagirl]

I very rarely post due to the fact at times I'm scared of asking a question and having those that are or have been in the business alot longer than I (mini business) come back with smart remarks that may not seem to be harsh from thier point of view but from one newbie to another it does come across very harsh...Therefore i just lurk and read and seldom respond....

I agree. I waited months before my first posts just for this very reason.

Most of the old timers are great and I appreciate them taking the time to teach me, but there's a couple I try to avoid, but sometimes it's not possible.

 

[kaykay]

the above statement makes me sad. Please feel free to ask all and any questions!! that is what this forum is for! Be like a duck and let rude comments roll off your back. (easier said then done i know) we were all new at one time and had to have help. I know when i first came i asked A TON OF QUESTIONS. The majority of people here are wonderful and dont mind questions at all even if they have been asked before

 

[EquineLover]

Hi!I am pretty new here too.I have had big horses as long as I can remember, but I dont know that much about the minis.Im glad to have such a nice site to learn off of though.I really like getting other,more experienced peoples opinions and tips,and I like a variety of opinions.The saleboard, and breeder listings are also really nice. :aktion033:

 

[slaneyrose]

Well Shane may be sad... but I`m really stressed!!.....coz my internet bill next month is going to be MASSIVE because of this site!! LOL

I agree with everything that has been said here...This is a fascinating forum, and far superior to any other as regards helpfulness and warmth.......yes there is the odd "know it all" who seems to be compelled to lord it over ones who haven`t been doing "the miniature thing" for as long as some but they can be avoided/ignored and should be pitied coz when you think you know it all.....is when you really dont. The good FAR outweighs the bad.... I have learned SOOO much already and have only been posting a couple of weeks and lurking a while before that, some questions I have had but didnt really have anyone to ask, and others had never even entered my head!!! LOL

:

Frankie, you are an example of the nice things about this Forum...how lovely of you to post such a thoughtful question...THANK YOU LOTS! It isnt easy being new to anything and so many kind people have sent or posted supportive and informative stuff.....i`m really glad I joined....thanks for having me.

 

[littlehorse2]

[SIZE=18pt]It is very helpful anf informative for me. I've had big horses, but I'm fairly new to minis and deffinatly new to foaling. I'm thankful to everyone that has replied to my posts and to the other informative posts.[/SIZE]

Christy

 

[Frankie]

I wanted you guys to know that i received a number of emails. Was pretty surprised at the number. They were all from new people, most who were afraid to post on this thread, due to fear. I hope they read some of the members responses and know that it is ok to ask that question we have heard a million times. I do hope my response to them personally helped, even if just a little.

We have all been new, we have all asked what others may consider a silly question, heck pretty sure I have done that in the last month, But,,,,,,we all here do try, do not always have time to answer each and every person, wish I did though, but it does not have to do with you personally if I don't. Most of us will go to "our" interest first.

My suggestion, jump in with both feet, if you do go under, I can promise someone here will jump in after you, they're just those kind of people.

: Just getting your feet wet will help with all that fear I heard about today.

And for the people who emailed, 2, who said they included me in the group to be more "standoffish" and do not offer much help. The month you have had on the forum is in my opinion not ample time to know me or anyone else in that group. Maybe I just don't know the answer, I think all of us are still learning. I joke a lot, and if I'm not, I have to make sure I tell folks I'm serious. I like to keep the forum fun, and educational, and helpful.

Anyway, I also want you to know that by your emailing, the critisism you gave me, I have looked at and with some things, you were right,, and I will work on those things. Thank you for helping me to be a better forum member!

 

[nootka]

Great post, Frankie!

I have been a member here since May of 1997, had minis since Dec. of 1995, but I was thinking just today how I was going to ask something on here that has been asked likely a thousand times already, but it was easier for me to post it anyway, instead of do a search.

I happen to know that the "know it alls" truly don't and even those of us who've been around a while have basic questions we need to ask, if only to find out what others do, to kind of "check up" on ourselves. A lot of times something I thought was right or established changes, and I always like to see what's going on with everyone else, and their opinions help me to pose questions to my vet and farrier.

If I am asking something that directly relates to my horses' health, I certainly run it by a vet first, but I have to say that the majority of the advice I've gotten has been very helpful. The support I've gotten has been invaluable.

I would hope noone would be afraid to post, that's what it's here for.

Welcome one and all!

Liz M.

 

[Sanny]

I've been around now for a couple of years but I learn something new everyday so call me a "newbie" if you want because I certainly DON'T know it all and there is always lots more I can learn. I grew up with horses, but as we all know minis are unique in many ways and it is just two years ago this month that we bought our first mini and this past year first we took four horses to the World Pinto Show and came home with two World Champions several Reserve World Champions and a number of top fives and top tens. Then at AMHR Nationals our family took four horses and showed them in youth, ammy, open AND stakes classes and came home with 2 National Champions, five Reserve National Champions and 39 top five and top ten placings. This forum and all the helpful and supportive forum members both old and new deserve a LOT of credit for how quickly we figured out what we were doing and the successes we've had. I take notes and keep a file on everything off the forum that is of interest to me. I've never been afraid to ask a question though if I know it has probably been asked many times I will state that "I know this has been asked a million times but....." and I've always gotten the answers I needed. I've always been open to other opinions different from my own.

We have the only minis our vet treats and she has been known to ask me if I've run something by my "mini friends" and what their experiences have been with certain problems or issues.

If you have a sincere question and think it through before you post and use common sense as well in the words you choose I can almost guarantee you won't be "flamed" by anyone and you will get a lot of good advice and help. What a new person or someone who doesn't visit the site a lot might not know is often times if you see someone you think forum members are being "harsh" with that there is what you might call a "forum family history" with that particular person and their posts. Like family, people are going to be pretty blunt and honest about what they think - perhaps even more so - since this isn't face to face. There have been some posts that I just shake my head and move on because I'm just not going to take the bait and be drawn into an argument. I do the same thing at family gatherings too. Life's to short for me to waste my time and energy on that sort of thing.

 

[Sandee]

Helpful? I'd have to say it's down right addictive! This is the first "forum" I have joined and I check it 2 or 3 times a day. It's winter - I don't have a life when I can't get out with the horses!

Yes, I've gotten a lot of help and hopefully have been able to point to a website or whatever in answer to a few posts. This site is great in that it offers support and advice and a place to vent, if needed. A group of mutual horse addicts that can talk with, to and at each other.

I understand those "worried" about posting. It brings to mind that quote about people might think you're a fool until you open your mouth and prove it. But this is a good place to ask questions and share opinions and if someone comes across as rude you have to look at all the others that are kind and helpful.

Oh, and Sassy1 those two are more than cute. They would look so great as a driving pair.

 

[angelridge]

I am not a newbie, but there are definatly things I will not ask or post about on here, and I see exactly where some of the newbies are coming from,,, some peaple on this forum seem to cut you off right at the knees for asking questions or stating opinions, and think it is their dutie to police ones actions, on and off the forum.

It is sometimes hard to word a topic by just typing as you dont get the real emotion from talking to someone. So I think each topic should be carefully thought out before a reply is made.

I really have to be in the mood to post on the forum,, well today must be one of my "moody" days! LOL!

Angie

 

[jacks'thunder]

I'm definately new to the mini world and I'm sooo happy this forum found me! LOL! I've found advice, support, answers(not always the ones I'm looking

: for but that's ok!), and best of all friends! I've made some great friendships on here that I charish(sp)!

I'll ask and ask and ask questions! I'm new to this and these are things I want and need to know. So if I ask a stupid question or one thats been answered a million times, sorry, but these are things that I'm not sure of and that I have no one else to ask.

I have to say I love this board and I'm a early morning checker and a late at nite checker! Some times I even check durring the day if something exciting is going on!

:

Thanks to all of you who have made me feel welcome by your posts to my questions! :bgrin
I think just being acknowlaged for your questions sometimes just makes the day a little better. I know that sounds goofy but for me it's true. I think it's just the fact that someone took the time to answer my little question that makes me stay! I'm usually asking for a reason and the responses, to me, are worth a million bucks!

Leya

Oh I just wanted to add that the support system here is outstanding! One of my very first post on this board was a scarry and sad situation. And the out pour of emotion and caring for someone they did not even know was amazing! So again a BIG THANKS!!!!!!

 

[Narrow Way Farm]

We'll I guess I still feel like a newbie sometimes. I have had horses since I was knee high and have always showed and cared for them. But hubby and I took the big adventure into minis about 2 years ago, at which time I was told by a dear friend about this forum. We just love it, and will never turn back. I guess I sometimes I lurk more than I post just because I too don't want to ask a question that I may get a look of

: here we go again, another newbie asking the same ole question. I have found some great friends here though that have been more than happy to help, and those people know who they are. I can email or PM them even if we haven't talked in awhile and still they are just as sweet to me. I don't always have lots of time on here as we have a large family and my time is usually very quick and short on the internet. I will try and help others as much as I can, and I will try and never act as though I know it all, because there is always something to learn! Thanks to all the ones who do help the newbies and aren't too tired of all the questions.

:

 

[Critter]

I have noticed many new forum members recently, or maybe new to posting. I have seen tons of questions from them as well.

I am just wondering if the forum is helping you, working for you?

I am not asking how Mary Lou runs it, I am asking if the members here are offering you the help and information you are in need of?

Many of us have been here a long time, I think we may at times forget what it is like to post our first 100 posts, when we are already at 4,000.

If you do not get responses, keep posting and keep asking. Please remember that some of these questions have been answered a hundred times, including when I asked 3 years ago. I think most here really do try to help out when ever possible. :bgrin

So this is a question for the newer folks, but I think if it can help all of us. You get your answers, and us being more helpful and too considerate.

Because I do see so many new names, I would like to hear your imput. If for no other reason, to help me when I respond.

:

Just want to encourage you to keep posting, it takes each and everyone of us to make a great forum.

This was a awesome question because now I don't feel like "maybe its just me" when I get harsh responses. I too am afraid to post comments/questions but won't be any more. I will make a mental note of the members responses that I shall be aware of. I will try to phrase questions correctly and tell them how much I do know (about the subject) to help get the correct answer. I guess some of the problem is my fault for that very reason.

Here is an example for all us newbies: part of my question was do you need so many points to show in futurity class. Answer: They went on to tell me how to sustain and nominate them for fututiries (which I already have horses/ and did sustain) BUT no one told me if I can just go that class say at nat'ls or if i had to show them at r shows first and get points ect....( i still don't know).

the reason for my questions was I purchased "futurity nominated" weaner last year and did not take him to nat'ls for it because i thought he had to be shown first......................

Be specific with questions

Another frequent response is "there is alot of professionals out there" well I think we all KNOW that but that may not be an option. So why even respond with that unless it is a life/death thing. If u can't respond with some kind of suggestion then don't (IMO) you can flame me now (wow, I actually got to say that!!!!)

I am learning alot and thank you so much. TOO addicting... I should be working with my horses!!)

 

[Manyspots]

I don't get to check the forum every day and feel bad if I answer one new person but miss one from a previous day. This is a great place for everyone to share. A person can pick out what they chose to believe as some of the advice might be not quite up to date. Everyone means to help though.

 

[user 488]

Just a bit of advice. If you have a question that you have asked in a thread and it has not been answered......... ask it again! Many times things just get sidetracked and people sometimes don't really read the original question and often respond to the post above it or another post. So don't be shy and don't think that it wasn't answered because you are a newbie. I. for one, don't even look at those number of posts as they mean nothing to me. Most of the people on this Forum are good people and many would be upset if they thought they did hurt someones feelings as 9 out of 10 times it isn't intentional. Never know for sure what went on in another persons life that day. So always give people the benefit of the doubt.

Don't judge people because they don't believe what you believe in. Opinions make the World go round and, as I always say, why "cars are painted different colors". Who knows......the next thread their opinion might be the same as yours!

Here is another secret.........if you have any doubts as to what I am saying just try PMing or emailing the person. Most of the time you will get a wonderful and warm response back. And if you don't it could be because the PM fell into that big black PM eating hole that sometimes plagues this Forum! :new_shocked: :lol: :lol:

And the last thing is that you have just as much right to be here as the next..........newbie or oldbie!

Carol

 

[NMMack]

I too, am a newbie to the Wonderful World of Mini's, and this place has been a Godsend to me!

If I have a question, I just ask it - maybe it is my age, or that I just really want to know the answer, but I don't let a few Drama Queens ruin it for me! For the most part, this forum has a very caring/sharing attitude and a genuine interest in helping one another. I love it!

: I just love how everyone pulls together in a crisis, natural disaster, or man-made disaster, this group together has an amazing amount of love and ability to make positive changes!

I have met some incredible people here, some I am proud to call my new friends, I have learned SO much and even found my little Peanut and HotShot! because of this forum and the Sale Board. Don't ever let someone intimidate you from asking questions, or learning things that will benefit your babies!

And I love the pictures too! Keep 'em coming!! LOL!!!

Nancy