I grew up in the Showing circle. It was this way before the internet was big as well.I honestly don't have any real opinion of the birds in question because I know nothing about the breed and care less. However, having yet to attend my first poultry show, I'm learning a bunch.
For example, most of my experience with exhibiting animals has been with dogs and I learned to schmooze with the best of 'em and I was quite successful for a number of years...
Another point that I find striking...If an AKC or UKC judge came onto a public forum and voiced an opinion about anyone's dogs, good or bad, their next assignment would be parking cars at the events and or cleaning out 'pit stop' areas.
This is certainly not aimed at anyone in particular because I've seen what I would consider equally egregious statements by several APA judges on this board so I'm left to assume that unlike other exhibition venues, the judges can get down and dirty with everyone else.
If I were a judge, I would certainly check out this wonderful board but the only sign of me would show up as 'guest'....but that's just me.
I've never shown animals other than Poultry so I don't know what it is like outside of the scene.
But others will likely concur with me on this statement. Judging Poultry is hardly a status. Most people who stick with the hobby longer than 30 years take that path. It really opens you up to understanding the birds, and it makes you a better breeder. In other words, the people who show ARE Judges. Judges are your competition, Judges are your acquaintances, Judges run the Show, Judges write articles, Judges stay to clean up at the end. The only thing a Judge really becomes is someone who evaluates the birds when the Show Committee request them to.