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Enter a new mailing list: Showboxer Forum.

Why?  There are numerous lists devoted to Boxers.  Is there some pressing need for another?

Yes.  There is.

A few years ago, a member was somewhat dissatisfied with life on the Boxer Mailing List, the original forum devoted to the Boxer breed, as were many at the time. The BML experience was uncomfortable for a number of its members who ran afoul of the administrators. More importantly, much of the content didn't appear to serve the breeding/showing public that was becoming a substantive element of the community.  Things were leaning heavily toward talk of puppy antics and novice concerns.

Those are, in fact, meaningful and interesting parts of the experiences of many Boxer owners.  Having overcome some of its growing pains, the BML continues to thrive on the familial feel of its unique Boxer society.  But at the time, the Showboxer-L seemed a potentially crucial alternative to those of us whose interests drew us to focus upon issues of more substance and complexity.

The SB-L filled that need, and did so well until, as appears can happen with List moderators, the administration became hyper-sensitized to the complaints of certain powers in the Boxer community.  What began as a splinter group owing partly to the perception that the BML's rules were becoming a tighter and tighter noose ended up a mainstream mailing list that imitated its predecessor in this worst of ways. One element that had fueled the Exodus from the BML in the first place took center stage on this newer list.  Some strong-opinioned writers (present company of COURSE excluded! ;-) caused ripples.  Some who felt the sting of those writers' opinions complained.  And the obsession with "The Rules" took shape.  Those rules became all-important and largely a rationale for squelching "uncomfortable" debate. This appears to be a standard evolution in InternetLand. 

Unique in its mission to provide breeding/showing-specific information, a forum that should have embraced the exploration of controversial subject matter began to shy from it. If you wanted to push an issue, you were asking for trouble.  Even a seemingly innocent or benign transgression could be met with undue force. (Do NOT forget your signature! Do NOT share your joy when your Dachshund gives birth!  Do NOT write anything about anyone or anything that anybody anywhere might be able to identify!)

Issues continued to arise and to be dealt with, in the minds of some, in incomprehensible and unjust ways. Things came to a head eventually, as things will in the course of human events.  The administration divided on the subject of how punishment for infractions of the now-overwhelming List rules should be meted out. They could come to no agreement. A couple of them quit.  Another became intensely disillusioned.

Does this sound familiar?  Seems that a sea change is necessary every few years in the world of Internet mailing lists.  Where there is a void, something is created to fill it. 

"If you build it, they will come!"

Well... it's been built.  On a new list with a mission statement that clearly defines the intent and the values of its creation, members will find an alternative to the SB-L. The focus will not be so narrow, nor the rules obsessive in nature.  A few examples: Expressions of conscience will be encouraged. If we want to decry the existence of a puppy mill, we may; puppy mills directly affect what reputable breeders do.  If we want repeatedly to post the results of certain judges' choices without editorial comment -- choices that consistently favor one handler or one kennel -- it will be considered appropriate. If we are concerned, after attending the National Specialty, that a given fault is becoming pervasive in our breed, we may state our beliefs clearly and respectfully.  Naming names won't be tolerated and neither will flaming -- but the administration will not support complaints based upon inference alone.  If the fault being discussed seems to emanate from a common source and a breeder sees him or herself in what is written, so be it.  That ought to be salutary; there is something to be learned therein.  No author will be punished for sharing his or her observations in a well thought out, intelligent manner just because an administrator has a personal bias, or is weary of fielding complaints, or has bred into the source they feel is being discussed. 

As veterans of Internet culture, the Showboxer Forum's administrative team have seen it all, and know where the pitfalls lie. The two women running the day to day operation are experienced Boxer folk. One is a longtime breeder of champions; the other brings a unique world view as an importer of Boxers from the UK and Italy who has many connections with breeders in the U.S.A. and Canada. They are excellent critical thinkers who instinctively support a concept upon which the United States was founded -- freedom of speech.  If you don't like the manner in which others exercise their freedom, YOU may exercise yours by making heavy use of your delete key.  But complaining because you dislike another member's point of view, or their provocative or perhaps even abrasive style, will not yield results. We're all big girls and boys, here.  

On the other hand, no matter WHAT your beliefs, if you are fascinated by issues and willing to jump into the fray without the regrettable tendency to take a professional conversation personally, then this mailing list WILL be a benefit to you, and your presence will benefit its community. 

Much information exists in this virtual Internet world -- a world that is, in fact, no different than the real one.  Arguments arise.  People disagree.  Those are healthy things.  If that sort of heat is something you cannot stand, then the Showboxer Forum's kitchen may not be a welcoming environment.  If, on the other hand, you have the courage of your convictions, and can not only handle but actually appreciate opinions and styles that diverge from your own, this would be an excellent time to get on board.  A fascinating future awaits.

The Showboxer Forum plans to be operational the first week in August.   Information concerning how to join will be made available via the Showboxer List and the Boxer Mailing List.  Watch for it!

Katherine Nevius
Minstrel Boxers
BoxerKate@cox.net
http://www.minstrelboxers.com