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 Quote:
Originally Posted by schildkoi  Brett, there, as typical, not many factual points of yours that I disagree with. That being said, there are points you make that are not necessarily factual either. The BHP is simply a "BETA" program and according to Spike's post subject to change based upon INPUT from participants. The is no mention of otstrasizing non participants either. As a businessman myself, I also agree that a program to have teeth it must also be economically feasible. Issues such as these that may (or may not) exist in the Beata program must have that input mentioned previously by those who know...the dealers/breeders.
I have heard almost nothing but complaints concerning this program from the proffesional sector and to my knowledge (which is of course limited as I am not involved) and little in the way of actaul participation or improvement suggestions. Everyone knows that there is a problem that needs to be addressed yet few are attempting to do anything about it on an organized scale and even fewer are attempting to become involved with those that are attempting to do something? I would suggest that this gives off an even more negative appearance to end consumers than the non participation to begin with.
Another personal perception of mine is that those who are vocally against the program are for the most part those same people who I believe do the best jobs in this area and could offer the most to the program in perfecting such for the benefit of all.
If their are "issues" within the program, offer solutions to go along with the critisisms. Just my personal opinion to all.
Oh, and on the subject of the AKCA and KOI USA? Hmm, as I read KOI USA, I see many, many, many articles on the subject of KHV, QT etc. I also see many programs by the AKCA in educating as well. As for "exposing charlitans"? I would "almost" bet that the editor would review any submissions (as I believe is done with all submissions) in this area and if legally sound include such. The problem then becomes someone getting those legally defensible facts and submitting such. To date, I personally have not seen such reporting from non involved individuals.
Then, as a hobbyist I would also have to ask myself what useful purpose would that exposure serve? Punishment? To who? The dealer involved? The dealer who's business is most likely already financially crippled? Or to serve as notice to other dealers that they too could be "exposed" if they were to act in a similar fashion? Hmmmmmmm, so Brett, you recommendation would seem to be "threatening through disclosure" verses complaints about non participation in the BHP program that you (and others) could help modify/create?
I think too many emotions are coming into play verses honest interaction and problem solving. buy hey....just an outsiders personal view.
Steve |
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Steve,
You make sense.
Issue...intrusive methodology.
Suggestion. Send an inspector, unannounced and unknown to the dealer, breeder, shop, etc. Have the inspector take notes and observe. Then after many such inspections have identified similar problematic situations at several locals, develop answers and offer assistance to the businesses involved in the form of suggestions and education.
Fund it in house, not by charging businesses who are already on the brink.
I am not sure about dealers, but the farm gate price for koi, here and in Japan, has not risen significantly in ten years. Meanwhile, energy costs have quadrupled, labor doubled, repairs, new equipment costs, pond rent, water, fish food, everything has risen trmendously. Nobody needs anymore financial burdens.
Issue....AKCA members insisting on buying koi from unreliable sources because they get "good deals."
Suggestion. Remind the membership that the quality of a good purchase lasts long. Continue to teach them about how to buy a koi, the right way. And I'm not talking about "how to pick a tosai."
Issue....lack of disclosure post infection.
Suggestion. Yes, punish those that try to sweep the problem under the rug by identifying them. Especially if they knowingly sent out KHV infected fish. Investigate the potential for legal action.
I got more......
No doubt that KoiUSA has done a good job and continues to do so with respect to infomring its readers. For me that is the bright spot. Dissemination of good information.
Now, I do not wish to be an impediment and I do wish to help any way I can. I just cannot bear anymore regulatory pressure from anywhere. If it comes, I will shut my operation down.
Brett