Re: [AlpacaTalk] Let them eat cake.

Heather
I am not an "active" participant of this group; I have been reading it with interest over several months.  I have watched this particular discussion and previous similar ones can no longer remain silent.  Heather, I realize that this is "Your" group.  You certainly have the right to express your opinion because you do 'own' (for lack of a better word) the group.  However…in the interest of a truly better industry and encouraging new farms and overall excitement about the Alpaca Industry as a whole, I believe you are doing a great disservice. Many people (like me) joined this group as we were getting into the industry or researching it.  We look for information that, combined with others, will help us make sound decisions regarding the care, health and wellbeing of our herd as well as the business of alpacas. 
It would appear based on your remarks that you have been disenfranchised at some point in time by AOBA; Alpacanation; the "good ole boys"; and all others associated with said organizations.  Your sarcastic comments regarding the price of the stalls at AOBA sounded more like sour grapes that someone who wants to work to promote the industry and the alpaca community as a whole.  If you are so sure that the aforementioned associations and business are simply greedy and do not use the funds to promote the industry, then why in the world would you subject yourself to the torture of belonging to an organization you despise so much?  If the "good ole boys" and Big farms are the thorn in your side, why not just ignore them rather than torment yourself and trying making others feel your disdain by your remarks.  Many of us, whether we have personally done business with them or not, respect the Big Farms and good ole boys, because they ARE Big and
successful and have been in the business a long time. 
Heather, you express so many wonderful ideas and experiences.  I, as have many others, have enjoyed and learned from you, but when you waste so much time and energy trying to bad mouth the Big Farms, AOBA, the good ole boys etc, you lose your credibility and sound  petty and jealous; rather than the intelligent, kind person you appear to be  on most occaisions.
There are many avenues for marketing, buying and selling alpacas.  What is right and good for one person may be totally wrong for another.  But that should be their decision and discovery.  When people ask for assistance here, one would assume that they want experiences and recommendations based on facts not JUST negativity.  The good news to this is that in spite of the economic scares being thrown around, there are still many good business opportunities.  Alpacas happen to be one where the reward is more than simply financial. 
Success breeds competition.  There are many new organizations and opportunities for breeders of all sizes.  Everyday breeders are looking and creating new marketing tools to promote the industry I would love to hear the "experiences" of those who have used some of these organizations and venues.  NOT just a complaint of the price and personnel. 
Something is only expensive if it doesn't work!  $225 for a stall is peanuts IF it works and exceeds the expectations of those who pay the price.  But never pay $1 or $225 and put nothing else into it and expect great rewards.  We have to do our part as well.   
 Many reading this may have never participated in a discussion (like I was until tonight).  I accept the fact that I might be totally off base and am willing to take that chance and accept the comments and criticisms as they come.  I am not trying to insult you, Heather.  You do a remarkable job keeping this group going and interesting.  A much better job that most.  It is my sincere hope that you accept my comments in the manner in which I intend them:   Constructive discussion in an effort to improve the overall heath and attitudes of the alpaca industry.
Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts.  If you ban me for my comments so be it. 
Patti Jennings
WillowBend Alpaca Farm
Forreston, IL
patti@willowbendalpaca.com

--- On Tue, 11/11/08, Heather Zeleny <alpacatalk@westwindalpacas.com> wrote:

From: Heather Zeleny <alpacatalk@westwindalpacas.com>
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] Let them eat cake.
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2008, 1:13 AM

Wooooo! Looky what came in the inbox this afternoon!

Pre-Sale Stall registration until Dec 19 is ONLY $225 per stall! Which
can house 2 animals.

On or after Jan 12, price is $275.

I have no idea how much it might cost between Dec 19 and Jan 12.

And they just don't understand why membership and participation is
down, and so many shows have been cancelled.

AOBA, the membership has no bread!

Heather

Heather Zeleny
White Lotus Alpacas
Creswell, OR

541.895.0964

Holistic Farm and Elite Fleece
http://www.whitelot usalpacas. com
http://tech. groups.yahoo. com/group/ AlpacaTalk/ join

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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