Quote:
Originally Posted by
dick benbow 
the hobby itself has many doors to enter thru, and many doors to go thru once inside. It is an opportunity to learn about a unique culture that gave us this hobby. It is also an opportunity to create friendships worldwide. many of us come thru the entry door seeking the peaceful serenty and a quiet moment away from the demands of modern hectic life. If we're lucky we learn from our new found koi friends how to care for our charges...and then the hobby seems to offer up so many more doors to journey thru....breeders,bloodlines, water parameters all kinds of neat new info to explore. For some who cannot get the help they need for whatever reason, the hobby eventually leads to the exit door. A little used door for most, but for an unfortunate few, one that must be used to get away from the frustration of loosing fishy friends, or trying to make inroads into cliquey clubs; only to give up in frustration. As we define what door we wish to enter next, let's all vow to take 5 minutes at the next show or club meeting or random meeting at a dealership, to offer a hand in friendship to a newbee. Afterall they are here for the same reason we are. each with their own gift that they bring. let's not send them away and loose what they could have contributed.
Fortunately for us we have KB, It might not be a bad idea to spead the word
that this is the place to feel welcome and feel free to learn. let's make the exit door a thing of the past, so all can find the joy of koi.....thank-you Russ for always being the first one on this board to extend a hand of welcome...