DSRs: Anyone else feel like this section has changed drastically over the years?

Since returning from Florida over the Winter, I noticed a change also. Gone were some of the Reg. members that I grew to enjoy so much! We had so much fun with the Fun Q's, even though they were eventually deleted by some miserable Bit*ch!

Now, I am staying on when time allows because in looking at the bigger picture, there are so many people that need REAL help with urgent situations. My satisfaction comes with providing info, or a network for finding a Vet, Foster Situation, Lost and Found dog situations, or being a support for someone facing Euthanasia or death.

The tie that binds us is our Love for Dogs. (Well, most of us do) For each person that quits YA, there are more to give fresh perspective to needy folks. Of all the people gone, I miss GREEK the most, as do many others!

Raw VS Kibble issues are as important as what we feed ourselves. Nutrition = Health, and we are always striving to take the most sensible path in life.

PS: Sometimes a Q appears to be from a TROLL, but upon close scrutiny of their bio and other Q & A's, it is proven to be genuine. (That is scary in itself, lol)

I recently thought I was starting to notice fads go through the dog section. When I first came on, every dog food question had at least 7 regulars telling them to switch over to the BARF or raw diet. I saw a recent question about Purina and the one person that mentioned raw got 7 TDs. Made me wonder... Is the BARF diet a fad? Are people over it? Or have the people that used to promote it left?

I left Y!A because I was annoyed with some of the happenings, but I came back, and much to my surprise, when I came back I realized certain people were missing. I had been chatting with BSL is the Pits for a week or so, but then she left and she hasn't been back in 6 months. I suppose this section gets tiring after a while.

I think the reason people leave Y!A is they come to the conclusion that it will never change. There will always be BYBs, there will always be people who own animals but can't afford vet care, and there will always be people who think that it's fun to come on here and get a rise out of people by talking about dog fighting, etc.

-Alika613

EDIT: It's not that I meant fad in a bad way, but I was wondering if the regular supporters left or if more Purina people came. I used to see like 6 or 7 people that regularly promoted it and discussed it, but I haven't seen that many people as of late.

Note that I am not using "Purina people" as an insult, just as a way of refering to the opposing view point.

There are solutions to the Troll problem. All that is needed is a bot that watches the ratio between respondents and um, thumb downers? If a troll is following someone around, that should be easily seen. Another way would be to limit the rating to a higher level of answer's; or better yet, reach a level of Top Answers. Trolls are fly-by-nights and would not have the staying power to reach a hundred Top Answers. Just some thoughts and ideas.

This place is the same it's always been. Same sh*t, some different people.

Generally, this is a great place to learn if you choose to pay attention... but only to a certain extent.

It has always been cliquey, always been full of people ready to jump on a bandwagon, and always been full of questions from people who just don't "get it" or don't care.

After a while, it gets pretty old, and many will either find better places to learn or just get tired of the same old crap day after day and walk away.

The only thing that usually keeps me going is there are a few people here who I really respect and enjoy hearing from. There are also a few askers who really genuinely want to do right by their dog and are willing to listen and learn. These two factors usually make it worth while.

I have made friends here. About half of them don't come here anymore.

I've been here for 3 years (on my second account now). I don't see any real changes - same questions, same answers, same trolls ... and this is my place to waste time. I use it for entertainment purposes, when I don't find it entertaining, I leave. The drama is even similar - just different characters lying about who they are and their levels of experience.

As far as feeding dogs --- If my dogs would do well on Purina I would FEED it - it would be a LOT easier than sourcing and feeding raw. The issue is I get dry coats, dirty teeth and HUGE MONSTROUS poops - none of which work for me. If I couldn't afford what I feed - Purina would be on the menu and I'd supplement it to alleviate the dry coats, I'd buy a new tooth scraper and I'd find a neighbor kid to clean the lawn ..... but by the time I did that I may as well do what I'm already doing!!!!!

I thought it changed in the last few months even..but I thought that was just because schools out. I miss Greekman and I never see Golden Gal's answers anymore..

Thank God for the regulars who stay here. I love Hooch's q's. I love Launi's answers.Among others. There are really good people here still. I always get a laugh from some..like "BYBs have little caulk" she's a gem here!! There's just a whole lot of trolls and people who have no idea what they're talking about.

I don't help as much as I would like to give answers as controlled as Bare Nekkid or as wise as Launi. I go with emotions alot and the q's about very hurt dogs not going to vets really piss me off, so i don't answer much but paraphrasing"TAKE HIM TO A VET YOU (@#%&(#%" sometimes.

I agree. There is a handful of regulars that I actually miss coming on here--they had fun questions and great answers, and I loved learning from them.

I even miss some of the trolls and the drama-creators [Tony or Rockin' Retriever, anyone?]

Not that some of the newer regs aren't great...I love you all. I do miss some of the old fun, though.

ADD: @Curtis--I've spoken to multiple people in person [even those 50+] who have the maturity level of less than a 12-year-old.

I've seen a 50-something year old man actually pout because he didn't get his way.

I haven't a lot of faith in my entire generation...but then again, previous generations have got some problems going on as well.

Yes Life Has Changed For The Good. My Life Path Is On Track.

I think many of the more knowledgeable people tend to get sick of the asinine redundant questions and TROLLING day after day. So much crap happens on here that should not be happening, all at the hands of immature people. Its only a few of a idiots who continue on regardless LOL. I have to say that I do notice I am seeing less and less of the regulars now that summer has hit. Kinda a shame, as I always look forward to the hypothetical more opinion based questions of our regulars.

The sane experienced intelligent adults are continuously harassed attacked & false-reported by the maliciously envious stalker-trolls.

Many have simply gotten too disgusted w/the same 3 or 4 brainless Q's. being repeated several hundred times a day & then having the truth screeched about as being "mean" instead of just plain FACTS.

Summer vacation is like the week-ends....more bored lonely children,turned loose w/nothing better to do than post immature crap.....looking for their "soul-mates" in cyberspace? Don't realize how foolish they prove themselves to the world? How gullible & prey to the humaniacs?