I've been a member for less than a year & I didn't really post much until the last few months or so.

I kept coming across this site in search for answers mostly before I got Princess. So I joined & read & read. But I was not comfortable posting yet. I didn't "know" anyone & didn't know all things yorkie so I thought I should wait it out. Once I decided to post people were very warm & welcoming. I felt very comfortable posting my problems, doubts, or even ideas. I try to check in everyday now just to see how others are doing or what I can learn. And for what it's worth, those that post a quick "hello" or prayer/thought really do make a difference for me & now I try to do it in return.:)

I hope like heck YT doesn't "go under". As far as the bashing else where, I think some people don't like to see anything good if they don't benefit from it directly & they'll try to destroy it. I think the fact that there are so many members & posts speaks volumes for what YT really is. Sure there will be debates, what's to be expected when you put so many people in one area to discuss one thing?

I like all of the threads, seeing the cute pics, learning tips & tricks, food, er help & more. I think the OT threads & games can give more insight on someones personality & make it easier to relate to them, too. How many places can you go on the web to get banned & be better because of it?;)

:thumbup: This is why I love Yorkietalk. The information is invaluable.

ETA: I hope the off topic posts don't stop! I have met some amazing people here. I like to chat with them about other things besides Yorkies. As long as it's in the off topic section, I'm not sure why it matters...

I for one LOVE YT. I would never have my Wally, my baby, if it hadn't been for this site. If there is ever anything wrong with my babies or I have a question, the first thing my kids say is, "ask on yorkietalk". Even they know. haha
Whenever I find an especially cute picture of one of your babies I have to share it with my kids.
I have really learned so many great tips from everyone here.
Love the Christmas Card exchange!!!

I try not to analyze stuff..I just enjoy what is here.

I have cried tears of sadness and tears of joy on this site. Like a family it has it's ups and downs but we need eachother.

:yorkietal:yorkietal:yorkietal

I love YT. I try to avoid stressful topics both here and in "real" life, just because I try to avoid stress in general. Sometimes I get sucked in, though.
I joined in December, and I think it's even "slowed down" since then, but I check it every day. Usually, I avoid the sections that I'm not interested in that day.
It has been an invaluable resource for Zoe and I, and I truly hope it continues with success.
We need to share any ideas we come up with about how to improve it.
:)

I would guess the reference to bashing gives greater insight into the lack of activity by some. Safer to "lurk". I've even seen posts where people have commented that they decided to stay up late so they could laugh at someone getting bashed. So between the bashers and those that keep it going I can see where some people just leave or lurk and don't post. I've seen some really, really sad, pitiful responses to innocent questions. Such a shame and the irony in it some of the responses that were from the "all knowing" were wrong.
If people would just answer the poster's question(s) without a flip little judgmental add-on (that generally has nothing to do with the op's question) things would probably get better. I also see a lot of people that express 'appall' at some of the responses yet go no further, such as telling the person to back off.
But it also makes sense the season would dictate a slow down. I know I haven't been on much for the last couple weeks, new pups, work, life has kept me hopping.

I'm an "oldie" and still hang out. Most of my friends have moved on but I love making new ones! :)

I've only been around for a couple of years but I love the GE - it's such a nice departure from the depressing threads on Sick and Injured and Health and Diet where I usually spend my time. I havent really noticed it slowing down all that much, every time I log on there are a few hundred new posts and I can never read them all!

One thing I know for sure is things never stay the same. YorkieTalk is just like life, in that respect.

So, some people have left... just like people leave in my neighborhood, my job, my church etc. But, look all the new interesting people. I am one person that does not want things to stay the same.

In my humble opinion things are just getting better on YT and I have to admit I am addicted to this place. ;)

:thumbup:

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: Ditto to all the above :p

I am fairly new. I also have noticed that I have "spells" of which sections I go to. Sometimes I like to look at pictures, sometimes read the off topic sections, sometimes I even venture into breeding and health. I guess I have learned that I can choose when and where I go that is best for me at that time.

I have made friends, and I hope people can call me their yt friend. We are all people.. just like at work/home/school/church.. some of us are nice, some not so nice. I have also learned to "avoid" some people and their threads-- best for my blood pressure. I love yt.. it has found a place in my life, a source of knowledge and fun.

I think it has changed a bit, but it just may be because of the sections I choose to go in. I am sure most changes are for the best, I hope the nice people that have left will choose to come back soon!!

i havnt been a member that long in comparison to alot of other people but i find this site has help me SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much with my yorkie Millie. shes my first yorkie and i dont know what i would have done sometimes with out the star members that helped me with alot of things and still do today.

personally i love the site and i log on here almost everyday!

I sign on daily, mostly read posts, very seldom post, but I love YT and the people Ive met thru yt, and I am hopelessly addicted to the ge's.

:thumbup: What a nice thing to say! :)

I see so many positive nice comments just from the people posting on this page. As long as there are others who mean well, and are kind, patient, understanding and forgiving I believe YT will thrive and continue to be a positive, helpful, and definitely fun place.
Now that I'm newly addicted to the GEs, what in the world would I do without them?! :eek: I think if more people were encouraged to, and did, take place in the GEs the atmosphere would be even better. Our "village" would grow closer.

I guess I'm considered an oldie. Most days I still check in a couple times-I may or may not post. Yes, a lot of the older member do not post as much as before but you will occasionally see them post. I think some times life just gets in the way. And sometimes new members join and learn what they need to know and go on from there (just like any other web site you search). Yes, we all have opinions and may sometimes get in someone's face but all in all it is generally because of our love for animals and a need to protect.

I rarely post, yes you could call me a lurker, i think i am one of the oldest posters on this post. I have become friends with many people on here although it may be in private. I have seen some of the best of the best come and go and will dearly miss all of the knowledge that these people have been so willing to share. I have learned so much from them and through them and YT have had the chance to meet some very well known show/breeders and some very nice pet people. YT has given me the oppertunity to learn and reach people i never would have met otherwise. YT (and my mentor) has given me the oppertunity to have my dream come true of having my first show dog in the ring this year, took me 7yrs but the wait has been so worth it, i am so very proud of my boy.
Sure there is and will always be drama in such a large varity of people, but that is life in general, only you have the choice of either ignoring it or joining in on it.
I can not thank admin enough for allowing us to be a part of this forum and all that it provides to people all over the world. Thank you Admin!!!

Yt goes through different types of periods. There may be a particular group that does alot of the posting on here then gradually that group thins out and the forum goes through a slow period then a new group will develop and on and on. We are in a slow period now

I have no idea how it was but I can tell you I see more new people almost everyday. The breed is so popular and there are so many that need help with new puppies and learning how to buy a puppy that I hope those who are more experienced will stay around to help those starting out and will stand up for the breed that they love so much.

I'm pretty much a newbie, but love YT. I can not tell you how much I have learned and how much better you have made Cali's life from the changes I have made listen to you folks.

I pretty much got "slammed" early on with a question I asked, but it didn't ruin my life and many came through and answered my question.

Frankly, I like that people have convictions and are not afraid to be true to their defense of dogs and especially Yorkies. In general I find your folks to be very smart and nice:) And I appreciate your generous sharing of what you have learned about Yorkies - If it weren't for that Cali would still be itching and not come to love being brushed because of her new shampoos and conditioners:D

:)! I nearly fell off my chair as I read this, bc this was almost verbatim to what I was thinking! People come and go in jobs, neighborhoods, cities, social groups...and on and on. So, I'm never quite sure what to say when people express a lot of surprise over people coming and going.

Sure, there will always be people who are missed - but there are always new/more people to embrace. Sometimes, when the board slows a bit (ie, certain seasons) - it seems to encourage less frequent posters to post more, and I love that :)! It shows me what I've been missing when they posted less.

Sometimes people go through spurts in terms of posting too. For example, sometimes I'm in ER/Health/Diet a ton...and other times, I just need a break from those 2 sections. My fave section, hands down, is the Animal Welfare section - but it can be tough emotionally in there - so sometimes I take little breaks there too. Just depends. So, I do think people take breaks for varying reasons.

From time to time, we hear something like "it used to be so different" / "there were never disagreements like today" / "everyone used to get along". Simply not true. Everything that happens here today (good or bad or indifferent), has happened here since the beginning.

Just now read your post and went to look at when you joined. I was surprised to see you joined just last year. I honestly felt like you've been here as long as I have. :p maybe I get distracted by the cute face on your avatar and never noticed your join date before. :D

I agree the GE seems to be a great way to build relationships between our members. I wish it wasn't so expensive!!!!

I second that !!!

I read the rules and regulations and got so confused. I have 4 so it would be hard to choose only 1 dog. I am still thinking about it.

Sometimes it surprises me to see members join dates too!! I feel like some people have been here forever, then I find out it's not even been a year or something, pretty cool.

I've thought about that, too. I wonder if anyone has considered having two different spending levels to the GE...one for the "Yorkie Shopping Addict";), and one for those who just want to exchange one appreciated item or so?

I too, love it all! And, it's my choice what threads I opt to read or not, that works for me.

It evolves. Will always be some disagreements, and heated exchanges, but that is how life is. I think it is still just as good, if not better. My favorite poster will soon be back after all the TX shows. I like the Off Topic myself, but also General, Health, Training and Rescue.

Now, anyone else into Hog Hunting?