The countdown is on!

[Ian Turkstra]

Thanks CCBettas...A site is something that is in the works and I am hoping to have it ready (at least to a degree) when we switch to the Member Only format...  

[Jeradatar]

I understand what folks are saying. In regards to having a club. But you have to understand that some of us just don't want to join a club and never meant to join a club. I simply was looking for a place to chat and share with other Betta keepers in Canada.

A Canadian Forum much like the CanadianAquariumConnection which is free or the AlbertaAquatics or for that matter even the EastCoast Group but I thought it would be fun to join a group just on Bettas because I love them. Just a place for us Canadians to support each other in our love of fish keeping and a place where I could actually find folks who sold Betta fish that I could buy in Canada. But I had no intentions of joining a club. I was not looking for a club to join. Fish Keeping is already an expensive time consuming hobby I wasn't looking at more ways to spend money. I will take my $40 and buy a new fish or two. Or I will join the local fish club. Which in my mind would benefit me much more than an internet forum.

So while I think that what you all have decided to do with this internet forum is great, I hope it works for you. For those of you breeding and desiring to show your fish, I don't blame you one bit for going official. I'm even proud of you for creating this. But if I would have known up front that I was joining a club and it would cost me $40 to read a few emails once or twice a week. I would never have signed up in the first place. Not even for a trial run, why bother.

Not saying I never will, if I ever get interested in joining a club I know where you are.

But in the meantime I guess I will just float around here for a few more days then I will get flushed.

[baycitybettas]

I understand what folks are saying. In regards to having a club. But you have to understand that some of us just don't want to join a club and never meant to join a club. I simply was looking for a place to chat and share with other Betta keepers in Canada.

 There are plenty of those places on the net.  Both Canadian and otherwise.  Again, this is not a "forum" but an internationally recognised branch of IBC.  If you or other like minded people are interested in chit chatting about Bettas, there are plenty of places go go hang out.  Bear in mind the quality of the advice is dubious at best and the conversation roughly limited to what Walmart is selling that week.

A Canadian Forum much like the CanadianAquariumConnection which is free or the AlbertaAquatics or for that matter even the EastCoast Group but I thought it would be fun to join a group just on Bettas because I love them.  Well it is fun! So is showing them and learning about Genetics.

Just a place for us Canadians to support each other in our love of fish keeping and a place where I could actually find folks who sold Betta fish that I could buy in Canada. But I had no intentions of joining a club. Well, that is your perogative.  

I was not looking for a club to join. Fish Keeping is already an expensive time consuming hobby I wasn't looking at more ways to spend money. I will take my $40 and buy a new fish or two.

 You are allowed.  Nobody is forcing or begging anyone to do anything here.  Can I ask you how you came to gain the knowledge required to make a wise purchase of a quality fish?  I dont doubt it was in atleast part due to the advice offered by an IBC member or their website. Or I will join the local fish club. Which in my mind would benefit me much more than an internet forum.  Please stop referring to us as a forum.  We are not a forum.  The internet is just an easy way for us to get together and exchange ideas on a regualr basis.  I assure you that several members of BBC do meet in person on a fairly regular basis  Be prepared to pay dues at any fish club you join.  If they are anything like the ones here you had better breed pet store Cichlids.  Not much else going on unfortunately.
So while I think that what you all have decided to do with this internet forum **SEE ABOVE** is great, I hope it works for you. For those of you breeding and desiring to show your fish, I don't blame you one bit for going official. I'm even proud of you for creating this. But if I would have known up front that I was joining a club and it would cost me $40 to read a few emails once or twice a week. I would never have signed up in the first place. Not even for a trial run, why bother.  You have a point.  I am sorry that you have not found our handy message board to be of any benefit.  

Not saying I never will, if I ever get interested in joining a club I know where you are.

But in the meantime I guess I will just float around here for a few more days then I will get flushed.
It has been nice knowing you.  Have fun with your fish!
 

[baycitybettas]

Actually Kim the forum already has a guestbook section...

I think many here are missing the point of setting this forum.

First and foremost We are the Canadian chapter of the IBC...

You do not become a member of the Forum...The forum is one of the many advantages of the BBC. Remember that this is a young club, it will get better with time if people believe in it. There are plenty of dedicated betta forum on the WEB. This forum is not one of them, it is for the Club and it's members,  to be part of the club implies that you are an IBC member... So yes you need to pay your IBC dues and BBC dues....

The BBC has certain goals, such has holding a Betta Show... If this is not a goal that you personnally share, well I respect that, if you do not whish to pay dues, I respect that also, but you can't have your cake and eat it... So I don't understand the big fuss in not having access to the BBC forum.

Also what about the people that have paid their dues, they have made a financial commitment to this club. They believe in this... It wouldn't be fair to them. Yes I understand that on October 1st we will most likelly be only 20-30 people, but that's life.  

Some people are busting their butt here, I'm talking about the BBC Board... I applaud for your efforts in taking this Club to the next level and hope that they will not go back on their ways of achieving this !!!!!

I do not wish to offend anyone, and I hope that some of you may understand my point of view...

Fred

AMEN FRED.  Thank you for your kind words.  It has taken months of paperwork and ALOT of personal Capital to get this thing legitimized.  Glad to see a few people still have a "vision".    

[Jeradatar]

Dear Miss Bay City Bettas

I find your attitude offensive, just so you know.

I joined a forum, you were a forum when I joined. Seems to me you just became an official group. Sorry if I am mistaken on what it was I joined. Forgive me.

There is no way I will drive for 3 days to attend your meetings so to me you are a forum and you will always be just a forum.

I have been keeping Fish for years, I read books! I read books on fish keeping long before there was Internet. And if you think I need you or an IBC member how to buy a quality fish you would be highly mistaken.

I'm not an idiot I know if I join a local forum it will cost me money. MAN! You are unbelievable.

Now I looked earlier for a way to remove myself from your fish forum, yes even before your post. I see no method for me to remove myself. So I would ask that now YOU Miss Bay City Bettas get off your defensive high horse and remove me immediately. I'm sure that will give you something enjoyable to do this evening.

I did say I was proud of what you guys accomplished just for the record but it is not for me! I will have fun with my fish. Thank YOU. I wish everyone else here well with their fish too.

[baycitybettas]

Dear Miss Mrs. Bay City Bettas

I find your attitude offensive, just so you know. Duly noted.

I joined a forum, you were a forum when I joined. Actually, you are incorrect.  We have been a recognised chapter for a few decades now.  Yes, long before the internet.  Seems to me you just became an official group. Not exactly.  I legal Corporate Entity yes, but not an organised Chapter.  That was a long time ago.Sorry if I am mistaken on what it was I joined. Forgive me.

There is no way I will drive for 3 days to attend your meetings so to me you are a forum and you will always be just a forum. Well, if that is your rationalization, so be it.  I cant exactly get to Mars tommorow, but I dont call it a dirt ball in the sky, still a planet weather I make it there or not.

I have been keeping Fish for years, I read books! I read books on fish keeping long before there was Internet. Impressive.  I have bred fish for 30 years, so safe to say we are most likely both experienced. And if you think I need you or an IBC member how to buy a quality fish you would be highly mistaken.  I believe I was referring to Bettas, not fish in general.  Did you read any books on Bettas?  Last time I checked they were written by members of the IBC or one of its associated chapters.  

I'm not an idiot I know if I join a local forum it will cost me money. MAN! You are unbelievable.
And it is unlikely that you will receive the relevant info you have gleaned here.  Also likely that your yearly dues will be higher also.

Now I looked earlier for a way to remove myself from your fish forum, yes even before your post. I see no method for me to remove myself. So I would ask that now YOU Miss Bay City Bettas get off your defensive high horse and remove me immediately. I'm sure that will give you something enjoyable to do this evening.

Good thing you made this demand.  I was just hovering over my computer looking for a reason to go on with life.  Thank you for giving my life purpose.

Defensive high horse?  Im not the one having a melt down.  I thought I made the whole situation clear on the first page of this marathon.  Do you always get this angry over nothing?  Our objectives are clear.  Stay or go, it is your choice.  But, if you stay, you will pay.

I did say I was proud of what you guys accomplished just for the record but it is not for me! I will have fun with my fish. Thank YOU. I wish everyone else here well with their fish too.

You have made your choice.  Sorry we could not accomodate you.  good luck with your breeding projects.  

[swampmeet]

Note: In this post, the word "you" refers to everyone. I'm not singling anyone out because to be honest, I don't remember who said what.


Really, is all this mud-slinging neccessary? From anyone? I was under the impression that we're all civilized people who happened to share a common interest. September 30th is a day that most members will have to make a choice, and arguing the validity of the club, the forum and/or the club's forum, insulting a person or their intelligence or flat-out telling people to "take it or leave it" is not conducive to good relations. On either side. So just do what you have to do without all the viciousness, please.

[EclipseBetta]

I like what CCBettas said about having a website with info and a breeders directory, and then a link to the forum. I didn't think of this before, as my idea was to have a section of the forum open with the directory etc, but this idea is much better.  http://209.85.62.26/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' />

[Rayman86]

It would be nice to have a small open section where we guests could pop a quick question such as when the next transshipment will be or if a Canadian breeder has a spawn and if they are intrested in selling some of the fish. Just an idea.

But best of luck to this club none the less. Id love to be a part of the growing of this club. Would be nice to have something to do on the side to escape the mundaness of home/work/home/work but I have to do that to get where I want to. Im sure bettas were around for a while before the IBC came along. The other betta lovers are out there waiting to be honed. And hopefully when that first betta becomes a passion they will find their way here.

[baycitybettas]

It would be nice to have a small open section where we guests could pop a quick question such as when the next transshipment will be or if a Canadian breeder has a spawn and if they are intrested in selling some of the fish. Just an idea.

There will be an area for club sales.  Those that are members (that would be dues paying members) can post fish and acessories for sale.  

Sorry, no questions from guests.  Would you walk in off the street and into a meeting of a club everyweek to "ask a quick question?"  No and I doubt very much that the paying members of the club would appreciate it either.  Being a club member allows you a "back stage pass" sort of speak for things like transhipping and events.


But best of luck to this club none the less. Id love to be a part of the growing of this club. Would be nice to have something to do on the side to escape the mundaness of home/work/home/work but I have to do that to get where I want to. Im sure bettas were around for a while before the IBC came along. The other betta lovers are out there waiting to be honed. And hopefully when that first betta becomes a passion they will find their way here.

So do I.  Who knows Ray, maybe you will find a few extra bucks burning a hole in your pocket.  We will be here if you change your mind.  

[MRuttle]

Right now I only have the money for the IBC member ship... I also cant have my own paypall acount for my self as im to young. So I am having some trouble geting my dad to sign me up....

Just leting you guys know I am still trying to round up all the money.  

[Sunaga]

Technically, being under 16 at the moment, I have it pretty easy. I'd only have to pay 24 dollars total for both IBC and BBC membership. But, I don't have paypal, and my parents wouldn't like it. I guess that means my only option is to get my aunt to help me. And I'm even short on money for the moment, since I'm trying to save up for a school Euro trip.
But still, I'll try to see what I can do. I do like this club, and I'd like to have all these advantages from both the IBC and just the fact that I can talk with breeders in my own country here.

[ClaireMcH]

I understand that some people may not want to join BBC as they are not "as" serious about bettas and breeding them as a hobby, but I must say that for anyone who is really serious about breeding and showing bettas, joining the IBC and the BBC is invaluable.

I used to be a member of the IBC when I lived in South Africa a few years ago. We had no chapter there and there was no way on earth I was ever going to be able to show my fish in an IBC santioned show (imagine shipping a fish 60000 miles just to show it? lol) I still joined up though - the reason being that I quickly realised how much the members of the IBC gave to the community - regarding fish genetics, better ways of breeding, feeding and keeping bettas. Introducing new strains, help with illnesses, the list could just go on. For me, that alone was woth the $20 (and if you consider that I had to multiply that by 8 because of the exchange rate...)

I am sorry that soem current members don't feel that $40 dollars a year is worth it. I, personally, think it is a very reasonable price to pay in order to be in contact with the best and most dedicated betta enthusiats that there are.

The money we pay go towards shows and research - without those we would not have the fish we have today.

[baycitybettas]

I understand that some people may not want to join BBC as they are not "as" serious about bettas and breeding them as a hobby, but I must say that for anyone who is really serious about breeding and showing bettas, joining the IBC and the BBC is invaluable.

I used to be a member of the IBC when I lived in South Africa a few years ago. We had no chapter there and there was no way on earth I was ever going to be able to show my fish in an IBC santioned show (imagine shipping a fish 60000 miles just to show it? lol) I still joined up though - the reason being that I quickly realised how much the members of the IBC gave to the community - regarding fish genetics, better ways of breeding, feeding and keeping bettas. Introducing new strains, help with illnesses, the list could just go on. For me, that alone was woth the $20 (and if you consider that I had to multiply that by 8 because of the exchange rate...)

I am sorry that soem current members don't feel that $40 dollars a year is worth it. I, personally, think it is a very reasonable price to pay in order to be in contact with the best and most dedicated betta enthusiats that there are.

The money we pay go towards shows and research - without those we would not have the fish we have today.

 http://209.85.62.26/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' />  http://209.85.62.26/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /> THANKYOU CLAIRE!  http://209.85.62.26/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' />  http://209.85.62.26/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' />

 I like you was a member of IBC back in the "day" when there was not an active club in Canada.  There was a club, but almost no way to contact other breeders in Canada, let alone worldwide for stock. IBC was worth its weight in gold when it came to making connections and learning about Bettas on the next level.  Just like you, it was unlikely that I was going to show a fish any time soon, but I recognised what a great organization the IBC was and joined.

If you are still sitting on the fence, I really hope that you go through the IBC website.  The species Maintainance Program is both fascinating and critical to the survival of several wild types.  All species-type clubs should be so active about protecting the wild stocks. The technical CDs are EXCELLENT and worth the investment.  I have consulted them many times.

Once again, I hope to see you all on the other side.      

[Allie]

Anyone who joined this forum had to know that it wasn't a place to chat. It's for info and betta breeders sharing tips, selling & buying betta related things. The odd chat type post.
For those of us who are just learning about breeding, it's an opportunity to be connected with other people into betta too.  If you haven't gotten people's emails and what not by now then you haven't made the most of  the site. Most people have links to their own sites. If you misunderstood the purpose of this forum & you aren't ready to pay to be a BBC member, there is no need to get an attitude.  http://209.85.62.26/html/emoticons/huh.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='huh.gif' />

I will try to join as soon as I have the extra cash.  http://209.85.62.26/html/emoticons/cool.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='cool.gif' />