I haven't been a member of this forum for very long. I was also gone for awhile which had nothing to do with any of the activity that goes on here. I came back this month to find out that many of the people that I enjoyed hearing from had gone - that was very dissappointing to say the least.
As a newer member to Chaz, though, I hope you take my thoughts to heart. Because, I believe, new members are as vital to a forum as the moderators and older members that have given life to the forum. Without the constant influx of new blood, a forum will eventually become stale and die out.
I came to Chaz for help. I bought a puppy and was having trouble and I, thankfully, found this forum. Fortunately, for me and the pup, I found that help. Unfortunately, many of the members that gave me the help are now gone. What differentiates these "special" people is that they gave me help in a completely non judgemental way. I was ignorant, I admit, but it seemed their goal was to educate me, not judge me and make me feel bad for the mistakes that I had made. This should be the goal. Not to chase inquiring people away because you frown upon their philosophies, pilosophies, mind you, that they may not even be aware they have - yet.
Many of us that seek Chaz out are like newborn babies. Diving into the world of pet ownership and looking for help and guidance. Growing, learning, making mistakes, etc. This forum can be a very scary place to end up during that quest. I can't speak for Chaz, and haven't been around long enough to know what the initial intent was at the creation of this forum, but I doubt it was to cause such controversy that it chases people away. Who does that benefit in the long run? A "lurker" could be someone who truly needs advice and help but is unfamiliar with forums and now is afraid to join because of all the drama. That, to me, is a complete loss of a teachable moment. A chance to teach someone who proably doesn't know any better. The recipient of that unfortunate error is the poor animal, none the less.
I think this forum can be scary and unfriendly. I don't know any of you personally, and I likely never will, but I find it hard to learn here under these circumstances. If the purpose of this forum was to create a "family" that believes in certain philosophies at the exclusion of others, than perhaps, this forum should close and become just a group of people that keep in touch. It's almost cruel to allow unknowing people to join. Strangers, like me, that are just looking for help with a strange new creature that may end up in a shelter because they don't know where else to turn for help. The internet was the first place I went for help. Chaz was the first forum I found. I'd say this forum has a HUGE responsibility to people. Do you feel it is living up to that responsibility at this moment? I don't. I truly find it hard to believe that the sole purpose of this forum is to try to convince as many people as possible to see things your way - whoever "you" may be. How about education? I think that should take precedence in a public forum such as this. This forum feels more like happy hour to me most days. Often, the people who are looking to be educated are judged suspiciously.
I hope these issues are ultimately resolved, and Chaz becomes the place I hope it to be, the place I was looking for. I intend to still stop by, and look for help and join in conversation that is non-threatening, but, honestly, I think if this continues, the future of this forum looks bleak.