LOL, you know we go through the same cycles and rehash the same issues every time someone new gets on a thread. And to the people that have heard it before, or that have strong personal feelings one way or another, they can sometimes feel like anyone with a different opinion is trying to force other people onto their side. Personally, I don't get butthurt over everything that is said on the internet. Although I do have copies of the butthurt report form should anyone want one though.
My problem with any thread on BYC is that newbies come on looking for guidance and they frequently don't get all the info they need. Each side wants to only present that side and nobody wants to any other options to be voiced. I've had "heritage" people get upset because I suggested to someone that hatchery stock would meet more of their needs than anything else, once we finally got the girl to actually be able to sit down and write out her expectations and goals. Linda has done her research and has specific goals in mind and is making an informed decision of how to proceed on her path. But a lot of the total newbies that breeze through here are still drifting and they don't know what to ask. They don't know that one person's opinion of what is good production is different from another's opinion. They get caught up with one suggestion they read somewhere, and they think that is the best option because no one else stepped up and showed them other options. I think if we really care about poultry, we should give these folks the tools they need to succeed rather than letting them go blindly down a path without a map of choices.
I am at a loss to see where the different sides are not represented. You mentioned that some are afraid to speak up. Is there an example of fear that you could share? I also do not understand the remark that each side does not want the other side represented? Can you provide an example?
I only recall your critique of my posts, and my response. It appeared that the root of it all is that you did not like the direction of the conversation. I do not know. Maybe you can clarify. I have not seen the concerns that you have raised.
I will say this. I started in this hobby two decades ago, and much of it was projects, crosses, and tinkering that revolved around numbers. Eight years (or so) ago, I decided to stick to a breed that fit what had come to be my ideal. A breed that had become rare and was in bad shape. So I sympathize with the desire to promote these breeds. I also appreciate what it takes to make progress with an individual pure breed.
On the other hand, I have never lost the interest in production genetics. I never got into color projects. This was my first interest and remains at the front of my thinking today. I tinkered with the projects for my own reasons, and I committed to a pure breed for my own reasons. I do what I want to on my own yard. I expect everyone will do the same.
I am also not a purist. I refuse to wallow in the muck of mediocrity just because it seams like the right thing to do. You know enough about genetics to know that something will not come out of nothing. Some efforts require forward thinking, and some flexibility.
These types of efforts are not for everyone. At the same time I will not presume to know who that is or is not. I am one of those people that thinks he can do anything. If I want something, I generally get it. All it really takes is some want to.
When I speak on here, I assume that I am speaking to adults that will make mature decisions. I also expect that some will not like what I say. Like you did not like what I said.
Good debates are good. I like them myself. That is if they stay on track, and to the point.
I will concede that for beginners that want to learn to breed a pure breed, it is best to stay away from the distractions. In that case a mentor is helpful. I think that I have been saying that though.
I enjoy your contributions, though we got off track today.
At the end of the day, they are just chickens. LOL.
