I do not believe that the intent of the division of content of the thread, and that is truly all it is, was to make any of these folks take BYC seriously.
This one sentence sums up why we have opened the new section. It's not our goal to "keep people out" - it's our goal to provide two distinct areas for all to coexist. Will this resolve all the issues we have with the two distinct types of poultry folks? Surely not; but, it should greatly reduce them.
BYC has always been about inclusion for everyone. Personally, I don't think this new split into 2 forums is about an us vs them mindset. I think it's about helping people more easily find the info most pertinent to their quest for knowledge.
I agree.
As a long time chicken owner and a SOP breeder for only the past 4 years, I will be visiting both of the two sections frequently. Most of what I have learned about the SOP has come from lurking on some of the best threads in the old Breeds, Genetics and Showing section and by conversing with knowledgeable people in the Heritage threads. While I have felt a little on the outskirts at times, I believe that breeding my flock of Columbian Wyandotte to the Standard is the only way to try to maintain the integrity of the breed so I swallowed my pride and kept "kicking the can down the road". There have been wonderful folks who have offered good critical assessment when I have asked for it and encouragement when I needed it most.
Two avenues for finding answers from those willing to share their wisdom sounds like a win-win for those of us seeking knowledge!