@Janneke:
This discussion isn't new.. Every now and again it comes up when new members are 'overwhelmed' by all the goodness of the oldies here π But I have to say.. It is better now than it has been.. (but I'm a very positive thinker ;)) So the discussions weren't for nothing π
I think there has to be a balance between sharing info and scaring people off.. You can't be 'only nice' when people are asking things, or planning things, with which other people don't agree. (like breeding without health testing.. or buying a pup when it's clear the breeder isn't ok..)
Maybe the problem is, that everybody wants to say the same thing and it becomes a bit too much.. But that's a forum.. everybody is allowed to share it's opinion.. even if the one before him already said the same thing..
You should all visit the Dutch forums.. ggg.. we (cheeseheads) can be very direct.. so it's not always as nice and well said/written as it is here.. π
I agree, especially withβ¦well, everything above. But in a way, it is kind of good for this topic to come every now and again, because it helps people like me try to really think through how something is going to sound to a newbie, rather than just saying what I think.
People are never going to want to hear that they puppy they love (and rightfully so) wasn't exactly the bargain they had hoped for...but that doesn't mean we don't welcome everyone here. And it doesn't mean we should stop trying to educate people before they buy...for every one person that is sick of the message, there may be fifteen reading silently that are getting something from it.
I am truly sorry when someone's feelings are hurt about their beloved pet by something they read here...but if another person is helped by the post, that is important too.