Some have had to rehome and they have been praised/commended for being so "selfless"....doing what's so right for their fid. It seems, to me, and maybe to others?.. that only the "elite" members get this type of praise. Others, it seems, are criticized and looked down upon for having to do so. I have done both, rehomed and have done rescue, I won't go into the details of why I rehomed, many of you already know why. I just don't like, what has been so blatantly obvious, the difference in treatment of some members at times. Rehomes, whether it be due to allergies, which can be very serious or can lead to something very serious or because of life's unexpected changes or many other reasons why, some are told they are doing the absolute right thing while others are berated. I use to love to come here, but in the last couple of years I have only read or posted very infrequently. Yes, I have learned a lot here, but the one thing that stands out that I've learned, is the difference in treatment between some members, and not just about rehoming, but about many things (their beliefs and how they "raise" their fids etc). That, I think, is totally unfair. There have been some really good members who have left this board because of the difference in treatment and the "drama". I'm not looking for an argument, or a debate, Lord knows there's enough of that here, I just wanted to be heard.

And maybe, just maybe, I am speaking for some who have not been so outspoken.

Well, I think you are wrong but its your opinion...thats all I have to say on this matter!!

The Needs New Home section is intended to be used for the rehoming of birds belonging to our members.

Moved to: General Pet Bird Discussion ...

Actually, I agree with you...to an extent. I've noticed some of the same things that you have mentioned and for that reason, over the last year of posting I have made a conscious decision to not judge any one for their actions/decisions.

I realize that you don't mean to generalize and put all members in to one group, but from your post it does sound as if you are grouping all 'elite' members together. And this is not the case. I admire several members for their non-bias and the ability to treat all the same. But it can be hard. Those of us that post on a regular basis become family/friends to the others that post on a regular basis. I know that I am more prepared to criticize someone who is not part of my family than someone who is...be it as that may be wrong.

Anyways, I do thank you for your post because it is a reminder to all that no one should judge another for their actions/decisions. We honestly do NOT know what goes on once the computer is turned off or abandoned.

I'm sorry to hear that you aren't posting as often as you used to be and I wish you would come back and post more often. It takes all kinds of people/opinions to make this board work...and work is does!! This is one of the best forums out there. Hands down

I guess I don't understand. This forum is a great place and there are great people on here. Just like any place......there is always one person or maybe 2 or 3 that cause problems, but considering the number of people who joined this forum I still think it is a great place. Maybe I missed something.

Just wanted to say that you are not the only one to notice this and other "cliquish" things happening here. Well, that is my observation as well for what it is worth and I will risk being blasted with you by the "elite" members. Thanks for allowing my to state my observations as I see them as well.

I used to be a bit more ative member here. In recent times I have strictly answered mostly newbies that had not received a reply and I felt that I could offer them the advice/help that they were seeking. I try to only reply when I can offer positive assistance.

Jan

wow...

i'm still a relatively new person to this forum and i haven't noticed anything "clickish". i can see why some people think that, but a lot of people have been here for years and may know each other personally.

all of my questions have been answered by older and newer members. i read other questions and older and newer members have answered. newbies are greeted warmly by everyone.

people are allowed to have opinions... about re-homing, wing clipping, etc.

i just wanted to say i just don't see the clicks....

And I don't see the clicks either...Maybe if Taavi's Mom would come back and say what she wanted to say, I'd be glad to listen....

Yah i dont really know what your talking about. I will post an answer to the persons question. Most of the time i dont even read the other posts because thats not my opinion. I knoe something happened like that a long time ago, but it only involved 2 members. Basically i dont feel the drift. Noone should go past giving their opinion. You give your opinion and you let them make the decision. I'm sorry you feel that way.

I'm just reading taavis post" blasted by the elite members" Wow that's pretty harsh. Who do you consider "elite" members. I have been on this forum as a newbie and i have never seen any unequal treatment to me or anyone else.
Maybe i dont know what your talking about cause im never involved in the rehome section.

While I do not understand the benefit of this thread at this time, valid points have been raised. This could be a sensitive topic for some, so I kindly ask members to carefully review their responses and respect other members' feelings before posting in this thread. Please refrain from addressing specific members or incidents, but rather focus on the subject matter of the thread.

I wanna be an elite member!!!

Do I have to purchase anything?

Always got a funny joke lol How's willie been doing? I remember he was only 4 months old.

LOL!! Yep, and it's gonna cost ya big bucks!! (You can send me pre-payment through paypal ).

I do have to wonder who classifies who as an 'elite' member. Just what does it take to be an elite member? And what exactly does that mean?

Yah maybe you have to get 1000 posts without xing of the window or have the most topics answered in a minute. Or you have to own the most quakers.

Well my other 2 cents worth, I think we all can be elite members...Just say what ya wanna say and get it over with and if someone doesn't like it, let them voice their opinion....That is what I think about it....And if you are chastised about it, well---that goes along with being an elite member.....So take the bumps with it also....



And QPdad, yep, it may cost you a lot to become an elite member now that you mentioned....

I think that I am an elite member with over 14,000 posts and guess what????? You don't get points anymore for posting on the thread.....who is on TOP so I didn't get that many posts from that thread.......where am I going??? Sorry I hijacked this thread got a little carried away

geez 14000 posts. Youve helped a lot of people. [as long as there not n games]lol not that i care but im having trouble getting to 1000. your in the 14000 post club.

And you don't get posts counted on any games I believe Cleo.... I got messed up on them last week and that is when I found this out....After I got out of the games of posting, my calculator must have got hung up because it kept staying on the same number of posts for the longest so I don't go to games anymore... Sorry, I got off track here....

Did you say you dont get posts for posting on games or just that game.[somedays i feel like upping my posts]

I think that is the way I understand it....Each time you post in a game, check your post count and see if it changes...I think it will stay the same until you get out of it...Except in my case last week, it got hung up....But I did finally get it back to counting....

It didnt count it. thats okay.wah.

I remember the big 5000 harley.

So it didn't count at all you are saying...Oh well, I guess they thought that anyone could go there and post and post and post just to run up the counter...So that is stopped...And I think that is a good thing....After all it is just a game....So I have no feedback on that....

Well I don't feel that I have ever been treated badly on here. This is a message board and people are going to say what they want so don't let it bother you its just peoples opinions. I have not been on recently because I started getting a little bored and was on too much and also have family visiting and working so much. You can not let every thing bother you. I just let it go one ear and out the other. I take what works for me and leave the rest. I just try not to take anything personal from anyone on here. Just me tho! I think this is a great forum its a lot better than one that I belong to and if you want to feel very judge about what you do with your birds I will tell you the name of. Just pm and I will let you know. I don't even go there much any more cause the people there are so harsh.

Well, to get back to the original Idea of the post...

I'm sorry you feel that way. I guess I don't consider any one to be elite...especially myself...I just try to give the best information to anyone who asks. Or if I feel some mis-information has been given (In my opinion of course) then I try to remedy that.

I do understand where you're coming from on the topic of some seem to be chastised and some are patted on the back so to speak. I don't think that that's happened for a long time. But I can think of one specific that I won't go into detail about. Because its done and over with.

Everyone must realize that life can throw us a curve ball at any given time and we have to do what ever it is that we need to do to ease burdens etc. Unfortunately that can mean birds or other animals need to be re-homed. It's my belief that no one has the right to criticize anyone else unless you've walked a mile in that persons shoes. Its never easy for someone to give up a pet no matter what kind it is. That's why I feel its our job to educate people...and help them understand what they're getting into BEFORE they get a bird, or any other animal. I have a whole houseful of pets just because of that very reason. Its not that these people were bad people...Lifestyles change. And all of us need to be a little more sympathetic to that. Its the ones that (and there have been a few on here) have purchased birds got on shortly after having jumped in and purchased the bird with out really learning about the general personalities of the bird and then realized a short time later that hey...this isn't the right kind of pet for me...This really upsets me...But its better that they try and find the bird(or other pet) a good home than keep it and let it become neglected or abused or have it become a plucker or self mutilator etc.

I think part of the problem that was hinted at with the "elite" group, and its ok to correct me if I'm incorrect, is that since some of us have been on this forum for quite sometime, and we have met a few members personally OR gotten to know them just through longevity here that we do consider each other family and friends. However, sometimes that gets passed into the PMing etc and Then there gets to be back biters and gossiping etc...And then one person will PM another person and say..."Do you know what so and so said...well...blah blah blah.."

We all need to remember the "Golden Rule" Do unto others as you would have done unto you! Before you say something...Stop and think of how you would feel if someone said the same thing to you. And that means both on the forum and Behind the scenes as well...PM's etc.

If you have a difference of opinion with another person, and I know all of us have at one time or another, (we're only human) then take it up with THAT person yourself! Then leave it there. Don't go behind the scenes and back stab. If you have a problem take it to the source address it and settle it...And if you can't settle it then drop it...and move on...And especially don't bring it on the forum, please.

If we'd all practice the "If you can't say something nice, then say nothing at all" we'd be a lot better off...You can politely disagree with people, state your opinion and then be open to suggestions. But remember, if you state YOUR opinion then you have to be willing to accept hearing someone else's who may differ drastically from your own.

We, also have to remember, and I'm one of these people...who will use sarcasm and forget that people can't see our eyes or our faces and be able to read body language...so it is important for us all and I'm really trying to be better about it...using our little Smiley face icons etc so that other people know or perhaps realize when we are just saying something in jest.

I also understand that some people wear their feelings on their sleeves and they get hurt fairly easy. Please try not to take everything that's here so seriously that it hurts your feelings.

I know of several members who have recently stopped posting who were very knowledgeable people and because of the back stabbing and Behind the scenes PMing has decided to leave the forum...This is so sad.

So come on people...Lets keep this forum a fun and educational place where ALL of us can come and feel safe and feel like family.

And I give anyone permission anytime to contact me personally, if I ever say anything to hurt your feelings. All, I ask is that if you feel the need to contact me for that reason, that you do it with respect, as I would try to do in return.

Well put andie!

Dang Mom, you're good. I guess I haven't really noticed an "elite" group...but I haven't really had a chance to post much either the last few weeks. It is definately our (forum assistants and managers) goal to make sure that the threads are addressing the post not the poster. Re-homing a fid is the toughest thing we have to do as resposible thing. I know some people have very strong opinions concerning this, and one thing we've really stressed to our members is to be supportive, and if you can't contribute in a positive manner, then maybe you shouldn't post. This is one reason people may not be getting faster reponses...or the fact that it's great weather and we are spending so much of it outside.

I feel bad that you feel this way about our members. I hope your experiences with the forum improve.

well for me i have to admit i have felt a little un liked on this forum. when i first joined. it is the first forum that i have ever been a part of. (lucky me) so i dont have much to reference. because i only post when im at work and my key bord is always in caps lock.(so my programs work)i found i was shouting at people and didnt even know it. it's kind of funny now. some of the people were like ok ok. i didnt understand what i was doing wrong. so i posted and ask. a copule of people replyed. so i stoped doing that (most of the time) anyway i love the people here and i dont get to post to often but i read alot when i can and it's been most helpful.i've seen people trying to help someone that needed help so thay didnt have to rehome. i dont think you could ask for more support or understanding than that. when that didnt work out poeple were fast to help and try to find good homes. most of what i have read has been said with love and concern for both owners and fids.
prays go out for those in need everyday. it's just a good and so far safe place to be. thanks to all that make that happen. "elite" and new alike.

I am really sorry anyone feels that way but I can tell you first hand from experience you don't have to be out of a click to be looked down on or frowned upon. I can tell you I am one of the original members of Quakerparrots.com/forums. I go all the way back to the cave man days when we were on delphi. There are not many of us left, but I get chastised just as much as many of the other members and I get supported to the fullest just as most other members. It's not a "clique" thing it's a humanity issue. Good grief our emotions pour over from the type of day we are having. Though chastising a member is not supported by me or any of the staff, it can slip through the cracks and the staff not catch it. We are only human, and some times that part of our humanity that controls our impulses flies south for a bit. I would hope that any member reading this, that has hurt or chastised another member in the past will take this chance to apologize and make amends. We can only know that of another what they are willing to share, and if we are chastising others for their choices we are not learning anything.

Yes I have seen it and Yes I have been on the recieving end of it. However, with that said, it is not tolerated but sometimes we miss it. Also you will not find a better group of members then we have here. We are all aloud one bad day.

None of us like to see the parrots rehomed. Most of us understand it could happen to any of us, as most of us are just one paycheck away from being homeless. This is the reality of today's times.

Hey Ben, Willie is doing great; thanks! He'll be a year old on the 24th.


Can I get in installments Carrie?

...............
Sorry for being a bit OT. I'll go now.

... I don't think I've ever seen anyone blasted for rehoming birds. I have seen a couple of members cautioned because they've bought and rehomed multiple birds in rapid succession - but they weren't insulted for it and the advice was given with good intentions. Rehoming a pet is a heartbreaking thing, so any advice given in that situation was given not with the intention to hurt them, but rather save them the heartbreak of having to rehome another animal.

Now that being said, the more "regular" or "long term" (I refuse to use the term elite, because I don't think any of us have heads so big as to say we are elite members) members sometimes get more sympathetic responses to their posts simply because people know them better and know the situation they are in. I myself will readily admit I am guilty of that. If I see a member that I know fairly well posting about rehoming their bird I am more likely to drop a message of "That sucks, sorry you have to do that but it's for the best" then I am for a member who has 10 posts that I have never spoken to. I won't say "but it's the best thing for all involved" if I don't believe it is... with the more frequent posters you KNOW their situation, you KNOW the lengths they went to in order to try and keep their birds and you know the rehoming is an absolute last resort. So while I feel bad for any member who has to rehome and will offer condolences and the best of luck in finding a good home, I will go out of my way to try and comfort someone that I consider to be a friend that has spent months trying to find a way to keep their flock together.

I have seen members here join solely to post in the rehoming section... nothing wrong with that, but don't be surprised when members pop in and offer a bit of advice on other things to try before rehoming. We have no idea if what we suggest has been tried before because this person has never posted before... it's not malicious or mean spirited, it's an honest attempt to make a helpful suggestion. If I was posting about needing to rehome my pet you better believe I'd like to hear every suggestion people have on how to get around rehoming! I don't care if I get 100 suggestions and I've tried 99 of them, I will try that last one because if it works, it's worth it.

So I don't think there are deliberately cold responses to anyone rehoming pets. I know the only really nasty comments we've gotten from members about rehoming are from members that run dog rescues or actually work in a pound who have seen dogs surrendered because they "didn't match the sofa" or a child's pet surrendered because they "didn't clean their room." Nobody has ever even suggested that a member here would rehome for that reason.

So I can see where you would think that longer term members get more sympathy when rehoming their pets... but that's not because we think they are better people, it's because we know the entire story and the lengths these members went to in order to try and keep their birds. Like Cheryl said, a lot of forum members are 1 paycheque away from homelessness. We have all known members here that have done everything under the sun, moon, stars and sky to keep their birds... spent thousands on vet care to try and save a bird who was sick. We've had members here send bags of food, boxes of toys, entire cages, organize fundraising drives and donate out of their own pockets to help members who are struggling keep their birds... that doesn't happen on most forums, this is a really special place to be.

I don't consider myself "elite" or even particularly knowledgable about parrots in general... what I know has mostly come from experiences and other more experienced forum members. That being said, I will offer advice wherever I can to anyone that needs it because I think experience counts for something. How many books on parenting are there?? Does even one of them tell you how to respond when your 2 year old decides to paint the dog green and coat it in spaghetti? Parrot books are great sources of information... but the day your quaker decides to pick all the blue pellets out of their food and spend the next three consecutive hours flicking them off the back of your head? Well... that's something only a parrot owner can appreciate the funniness of.

Aviculture as a field is incredibly new in comparison to the keeping of other pets. Parrots only became more common pets in the last... oh, 30-ish years? (someone feel free to correct that number if it's wrong) So we're all still learning and in doing that, we share what we find works and what doesn't and offer the best advice we can based on what we know at the time. Is some of the advice wrong? Absolutely... but that's how we learn and become better parrot owners. Dog training in the 50s-60s was punishment based... then it was reward/punishment based... now it's 100% reward based. Aviculture will continue to evolve and change and more people own birds and learn about them. Until then, it's up to us as parrot owners to gather and share information with eachother and relay our experiences so everyone can learn from them.

Good tohear. Gizmo's birthday is this month. I have to ask my breeder when.

Already found a parrot friendly fructose sweetened pineapple upside down cake recipe for him???

Very well said Jamie. I haven't seen anyone chastised for rehoming birds. I think I know some things you may be refering to but I think it has to do more with knowing some members better because they've been on for a long time and posting their concerns and asking for advice. I think the difference is that when members have the extra insite and kinda feel like the poster has tried everything and there is nothing left to do but to rehome for the sake of all parties envolved verses someone who pops up and wants to rehome and only gives a small snippet of a reason and it doesn't "appear" that they've tried much. I think we all just have the birds best interest at heart an want to see the birds have good forever homes. The unfortuate reality is there are people out there that are "pet cyclers" and give up on pets so quickly for silly reasons and don't take the extra time that needed to change their unwanted behaviors. I am not saying that members on here are like that but we worry sometimes when we see something that may resemble that and may come across wrong when we try to offer suggestions and advice.

I've noticed that some long time members don't post to my threads. I think I may have a stigma about me because I have rehomed so many of my birds. I've noticed that the ones who post to my threads don't seem to mind, though.

i only know one person who has rehomed a lot of birds. i only piost in topics i find productive and the question is not answered. i think some of the long time membeers might do the same thing. people cant think of everything. most topics it takes one response to truly answer the question.

Well, this is an interesting thread and a good discussion, I think. Always good to have a review of yourself/ your community every once in a while.

Just to put it out there, but... I consider a person with a signature/avatar as more invested than someone who doesn't. Plus there is the recognition factor. If someone has a siggy/avatar I'm more likely to pay attention to them rather than their post count (for whatever reason). Many people who have sounded bitter on this thread have not had avatars/signatures/pictures. Why there would be this correlation? I have no idea, but there it is...

It does seem like recently newbie posts have been neglected a touch... I've been trying to get to them but it's been a busy week... speaking of which... I need to go do that thing...



As for rehoming, I am always against it unless you have an allergy or horrible illness you developed since getting whatever pet it was. Or perhaps if your new pet is not getting along with your old pet to the point where there is possibilities of physical harm. (In which case you should always keep the old pet)... Maybe a few others, but they have to be drastic and completely unpredictable. Even when my (er... real? physical? biological?) family rehomes to each other I disapprove. All rehoming means to me is that you didn't plan far enough ahead for the animal and didn't take them into account with your life changes that should have been part of your research/contingency plans in the first place.

For this reason I refrain from commenting at all on Needs New Home treads. I know that there are various opinions on this forum about rehomings and circumstances therein and I don't think it appropriate to start up a heated debate on every Needs New Home posting. It's not fair to the poster or their bird and detracts from finding said new home. So.

I've also seen too many homeless pets (of all species) and had one too many tragedies/ guilt-ridden situations in my past to think any differently. But I don't think, either, that that gives me a right to blast people for what they consider best for themselves and for their animals. In all likelihood, we're both wrong anyway and the truth lies in the middle. (Also I just noticed the first bit of this paragraph is really mysterious, but I honestly just don't want to talk about it )

We all need to think about it in this manner too...New member isn't getting responses to a new post could be because the more frequent posters don't have an answer. Or a suggestion. Its not meant as a snub... There are times that questions are asked that I don't know much about so rather than give the wrong information out I opt to not answer or wait until I've had a chance to do some research and ask my mentors. When I get an answer that I'm pretty confident about, then I'll post.

Sometimes I just decide to let others offer their own ideas and suggestions and then see where it goes from there. Sometimes I feel like I've answered so many threads etc that other people might think that I'm a "know it all" I don't want that to happen...So I will sit back and watch. I'm on here for the same reasons everyone else is and that is to learn as much as I can about behaviors of other peoples birds and problems that arise and how other people work to solve them, what works for them and what doesn't. That's why I'm always saying, Keep us posted, tell us what the vet has to say etc. I can't tell you how many times I've sent an E mail off to one of my mentors giving him examples of stuff that's been posted on this forum and asking him what he would do in that situation etc. And because I know and trust his judgment I can get a pretty good idea what to do if something like that problem should arise for me.


I'll admit that there have been a few times when I've had a minor working on major conflict with other members and have tried to go directly to them to get the problem solved, I try very hard not to involve other people in it so it doesn't become the "did you read what so and so said about such and such" That kind of stuff really irritates me.

As another poster said previously...we all have our off days...we've maybe had an extremely rough day at work or the kids have driven us nuts or whatever the case maybe, and we get on here where we feel safe and we let off some steam. Or something thats said in a post just hits us wrong and we over react, and say something that wasn't intentionally meant to hurt someones feelings. If we'd all just take the time to go back over and read our posts before we push send and try to think of how we'd feel if someone answered us in the same manner and then make changes before we post, it might help.

Remember folks...these posts are just one person's opinion, EVERYONE has an opinion...Some are just more forceful at stating their opinions.

I'd like to give a little EXAMPLE of a personal experience I've had here on the forum A member answered one of my posts and phrased the answer in such away that it irritated me a little bit, and I'd been following other posts and saw how this same responder had responded to other peoples posts and they too seemed a little abrasive. So me being who I am...(nutcase most of the time ) Decided rather than be offended and ignore this person or get into it with them, I'd contact them personally and ask a few questions etc. to see if I could figure out what made this person tick, to figure out what caused or why this person came across so matter of fact and in your face so to speak. Well after several PM's back and forth I found out the reason...This person profession taught them to answer or ask questions in such a way that it would leave very little room for discussion. Right or wrong? Who's to say...But I also found out along the way that rather than be a big tough bully, this person was just a softy but had learned to respond in such a way that they could actually convince someone who was doubtful to see it their way. And sometimes it may all have been a bluff.

We have since corresponded and I think become fairly decent friends.
(I think??)

So the point I'm trying to make is, We are such a diverse group of people here, from all walks of life, and countries of the world. We need to stop and learn about these other people who may have ruffled our own feathers and try to figure out what makes them tick rather than just getting bent out of shape and allow our feelings to be hurt
And even though we all come from different walks of life, we all come here to THIS forum for the same reason...To learn about our Birds and try to make a difference for them so none of our animals or us have to suffer.

So people could I just ask a big favor...for all of us that get on behind the scenes and correspond with others here, please keep the back biting and name calling and for lack of a better word right now "pissiness" to yourself. What makes this forum what it is, is because I truly feel that none of us feel we are better than anyone else here. We all face so much negativity in our day to day lives that wouldn't be nice to have and keep this place a positive place to come. So when you leave here for the day its like getting a breath of fresh air. Its like we come here to our trusted friends and we get a Big Hug and that makes us instantly feel better.

In my opinion, in order to do that we all have to be willing to agree to disagree. We need to feel that we're safe to state our opinions without fear of reprisal and if there comes a time that we do have a real disagreement with someone we can freely take it up with that person behind the scenes and work to solve the problem without the fear that the other person is going to drag 15 other member in to "take their side" We're all supposed to be adults here (even though I know some of our members are youngsters; some of those younger ones show more courtesy to others and have more wisdom than many of the adults on here show at times.

So please, lets just continue to make this the best forum on the internet...We can do it if we all try!

I also notice this, but as said, the members who are more active, peopel on here tend to know theier situations better. so that helps.
On another note, sometimes I feel like I get ignored on some stuff, sometimse, not sure why..but makes me post less I suppose..try to figure out things on my own. Guess maybe I come across funny, couldn't tell ya!

I was wondering that as well. I don't consider anyone here to be more elite than anyone else. Some members have been around quite a while and have a wealth of knowledge and have earned a good bit of respect (in my opinion). I think when a member that's been around a while and is well known posts that they are rehoming, those of us that have gotten to know them and have also been around a while already know that every step possible has been taken and rehoming is truly in the best interest of the bird. However, when a new member that hasn't posted much posts that they are rehoming, I think we generally tend to try to give advice and suggestions in the hopes that maybe there's a way to work things out. I hope that makes sense.

[quote name='Alusdra' date='Jun 22 2007, 01:51 PM' post='306409']
Well, this is an interesting thread and a good discussion, I think. Always good to have a review of yourself/ your community every once in a while.

Just to put it out there, but... I consider a person with a signature/avatar as more invested than someone who doesn't. Plus there is the recognition factor. If someone has a siggy/avatar I'm more likely to pay attention to them rather than their post count (for whatever reason). Many people who have sounded bitter on this thread have not had avatars/signatures/pictures. Why there would be this correlation? I have no idea, but there it is...

OK, the reason i dont have a siggy or an avatar is because i am not that knowledgable with computers. I have tried to put them on but cant seem to accomplish it. So even though the percentage may show that a person is less invested it isnt always the case. I have thought that if i had one then other members could relate more to me or at least be reminded of the kind of birds I have. Be more familiar so to speak. But, i have felt like it would go unnoticed if i never returned to post again. I have felt like there are those that regardless of what they post they will get replys and then other posts that are made by others ,that seem more relevant, will get very few replys. So i would have to agree to some degree with the original poster .

I don't have a signature because I am fairly new here. Why do you need a sig or avatar to get replies?

Nope, not at all. Some members (myself included) like them because they add some character to the forum and the posts, but they're not a requirement at all.

You don't

How do you go in and make the worded sigs naming your birds and such?

I don't think the siggy's or avitars are necessary...they're just something to show some of your personality. It does help some people with spot recognition but its definitely not a requirement by any means in order to get more replies or what not.

Some people aren't comfortable with other seeing what they look like etc., and want to keep themselve more private...that's fine too.

Another thing I was thinking about in reponse to why some people get more replies than others is how the Opening thread is worded to begin with... Sometimes they are worded in a confusing way and then when you open it up and read the thread it has little to do with what was stated so it can be quite confusing.

We have a thread on that very question Signatures Perhaps Majj will help you out.

Thanks!

The only thing I can think of that comes remotely close to "elite" would be members that have made a commitment to remain a part of the forum for a long period of time.

As far as "cliques", I prefer to call them friends or aquaintences.

Now you put those two togehter and what you have is members who know each other pretty well. So when an older member is forced to re-home, their motivations are usually pretty easy for other long term members to understand, even sympathize with.

However, when a newer member states, "My bird's screaming is driving me nuts and I have to re-home, but then I'm going to get another one that I hope won't scream", invariably someone will state the obvious, that you shouldn't be keeping pet birds as you obviously didn't do your research.

If you want to be in the "clique", you have to put in the time. Posting a question once a week won't make you any friends, you'll get an answer, but won't make many friends that way. Let members get to know you, open up about yourself, and get interested in other members pets, children, spouse and life in general. Heck I've been here more than two years and there are many members who are very close friends, more who are aquaintences and I'm meeting new people all the time. I get asked questions via PM from newbs all the time, and I'm always happy to reply.

So post lots and be a contributing member and you'll earn the respect of the "elite".

Very well put Ron!!!

If you're not getting the results you wanted from your post or you want one of the "elite" people to answer, PM them directly. I really don't know who the "elite" people are, but I know for me that going through every post that is posted in a day and making sure they follow the guidelines of the forum...I don't have the chance to really sit and answer newb questions often. If someone PMs me directly, they will get an answer, but I can't promise it will be super quick, lots going on right now. (That was a HUGE run on sentence!)

I really don't see cliques, but if you are wanting to be involved more, jump in. People aren't going to find you and take you by the hand to get you into dialogs...it takes some initative and do not be afraid to PM someone specifically if you want their opinion. Sitting there waiting to be noticed isn't going to help the members get to know you. Also, create an introduction!!! That helps us get to know you better!

A lot of the newb questions have been answered in the archives...I would always suggest looking there along with posting your thought/question there could be some bonus information for you.