This is a placeholder text
Group text
by Abby Normal on 13 June 2011 - 07:06
Do you remember those things called 'Suggestion Boxes' from years gone by. Some of the most imaginitive and beneficial ideas came from them. They were always anonymous.
Anonymity stripped away the politics and corruption, as ideas couldn't be discarded because someone 'didn't like' the person that made them. This breed especially could do with stripping away the politics.
It also encouraged more imaginitive ideas because the person making them could not be ridiculed. Some of the best ideas come from those who can think laterally. Often, those deeply embroiled in any subject/environment for years cannot escape from a set way of thinking.
Surely anyone with an ounce of nous would recognise and take up a good idea if they saw one, no matter who made it. An idea should stand on it's merit not by who made it.
In fact, I would go so far as to say that GSDL should ask for ALL suggestions to be submitted anonymously (like a ballot paper that can be downloaded from their website and submitted). Because even among those who are well known in the breed the backstabbing, vested interests personal dislike and politics will surely colour judgement. Take that out and it cannot happen.
What about that for an idea as a starting point ?
by jaymesie51 on 13 June 2011 - 07:06
jim h
by Abby Normal on 13 June 2011 - 08:06
How did I guess that would be your reaction ? You would stifle an idea, albeit maybe a brilliant one because you don't know the identity of the person that made it. Great plan.
Your response is a precise example of what I am referring to. If ALL ideas were put forward anonymously there could be no abandonment of a good idea just because *you* don't like the person who made it, or because *you* don't know who they are, or *you* want to push your own agenda ! Where is the logic in that? How can the breed ever progress with that attitude?
A good idea is a good idea - end of. Yet you would discard it, it's called cutting off your nose to spite your face. Until people let go of the stuff that doesn't matter, we will never make progress with the stuff that does.
If you have 10 sheets of paper with ideas on, and four of them are great ideas why would you not adopt that idea REGARDLESS of where it comes from ? It is better to review ideas that way because they are looked at solely on their merit as an idea that a committee can consider, having taken out the distractions of politics.
Do I want a say in running this breed? Well I may have some ideas, such as points for working titles, I don't imagine for a minute that I could have 'a say'. Do I think I can make a difference by putting forward ideas that will be looked at solely on their merit? No, obviously not when people in the breed have your attitude, but it's been that way for years so I won't lose any sleep over it.
There are also people *known* in the breed who would like to say things that they feel they can't in the current climate. Giving everybody a chance to have their say without *fear* of reprisals would be refreshing, and IMO just what this breed needs.
by CAROL on 13 June 2011 - 09:06
I think you are being a little unfair, if the WUSV GSDL Regional group wanted to decide on a Champion status system without outside input we would have just done it, we want everyones views and ideas which is why we have designed a flyer to give out at shows and post on the internet, please send any ideas/comments to Brigid or Shirley (you can send them in any form you wish!) and these will be passed to the working party, there are many different things to take into consideration when designing such a system, we are fully aware of this and committed to coming up with the best possible system we can.
Carol
by yorkjason on 13 June 2011 - 09:06
I rest my case.
by yorkjason on 13 June 2011 - 09:06
by noddi on 13 June 2011 - 09:06
by Abby Normal on 13 June 2011 - 09:06
My post was not a criticism of the regional group, or it's approach to obtaining input at all. I noted your request for ideas to be sent to the group, and I congratulate you on this approach, IMO that is how it should be.
It was solely aimed at Jaymesie51 who stated that no ideas should be accepted from anyone who was 'anonymous'. My argument was therefore simply that a good idea is a good idea wherever it comes from, and identity of the person should be irrelevant.
It was only when considering this point that the idea came to me that general anonymity would clear the decks of any prejudices such as J51's, and allow for ideas to flow more freely.
I make no apologies however for referencing the politics, prejudices and personal animosity that are prevalent within the breed, we all know it has been a problem for years. I hope to see the League take steps to take this breed forward and cut out all these distractions. Some people become discouraged from participating in a lot of things because of it.
I think that YorkJason is right in that certain people appear to have a great deal of influence in the breed, virtually to the exclusion of all others. Whether that is actually the case I cannot say. They are really not willing to listen to anyone else, and when you get a 'closed shop' mentality this does stifle genuine progress IMO.
by Alyson R on 13 June 2011 - 10:06
You should note that we are trying to be as inclusive as possible, we have not confined comments to GSD League members, breeders, show people, or any particular group of people. All comments and points are valid and will be considered. Please just send them in ASAP and in a readable format to allow us time to consider every view point thoroughly. Very interesting so far!
by Abby Normal on 13 June 2011 - 10:06
Nice to *see* you. Yes, I agree with you, the KC is still available for CC's and many do both. The KC shows don't 'preclude' healthy dogs from being shown, and these days to be honest I don't think there are many that wouldn't have a passing health test, progress has at least been made in that department.
I think it's a case of opting for a complete break from the KC, and therefore coming up with an alternative which is much the same but with mandatory health testing and breed survey etc. A champion at regional events would mean that people could be lured away from competing at KC shows, if they could get a Champion award via the regional events. From a public perception I think a Champion award from the KC would currently likely be seen as more prestigious, as the WUSV/GSDL is not so much in the general public's awareness as yet. I think what would happen is that people would try for a champion at both, although if a points system for champion were adopted, it would mean that those who could attend and compete at every regional event would have much more chance than those who could only make the occasional event. That would make it more difficult than the current KC system.
No other countries do not offer a 'champion' award to my knowledge, this would be a British addition. As I said, we already have a top award and that is the British Sieger and Siegerin, BUT the only dogs that can compete for that have to have working titles, which completely fits with the ethos of the 'german' GSD. But, those who have dogs who do well in conformation but don't have working titles cannot therefore achieve it. Some exhibitors won't show at KC events any more, and so can't obtain a Champion title. At bottom I think that's why the Champion title is being introduced, to fill that gap.
Contact information Disclaimer Privacy Statement Copyright Information Terms of Service Cookie policy ↑ Back to top
