[KoiCop]

An interesting thread. A few personal observations:

* Only a few will gravitate towards the upper echelons of the hobby -- most won't. Oh, well.

* While koi shows can be described as education disguised as competition, they are put on by and for the upper echelons of the hobby. No one else really cares enough.

* Some folks will aspire to join the upper levels of the hobby, not vice versa. Outreach, shmoutreach, the upper echelons of this hobby ain’t for everyone. We’re not talking stamp collecting here, people.

* Recruiting water gardeners into our clubs won't change the equilibrium -- and they won't be there to help when it comes time to put on our shows. Why should they?

* Because the upper echelons of the hobby require land, disposable income and time, it attracts a certain demographic -- ergo, youngsters, inner-city types and the cash-strapped will always be scarce at the upper echelons. Makes sense to me.

* If you want to show you should belong to your local club and/or help put on your local show. Otherwise, you’re a leech on the hobby.

* Never saw a Japanese-style show and no doubt never will. English-style works for me.

* Time and effort put into making koi shows easier on the koi and on the competitors is time and effort well spent. On the other hand, trying to turn koi shows into spectator events? Well, . . .