Quote:
Originally Posted by
schildkoi 
I guess that I am just not eloquent enough to make my point.....let me try another approach.
Let's use this comparison. Tosai are to Koi as rock bottom ponds are to Koi ponds.
Is it better to teach about Tosai selection, or Koi selection? Either topic is irrelevent to those simply wanting koi for their pond. Like attempting to teach a rock bottom pond owner who may be in denial, the person simply wanting "Koi" in their pond has no interest in the finer aspects of Koi. For those willing to teach the rock bottom pond owners who are willing to progress is in comparison to those who wish to learn about the higher aspects of Koi, regardless of whether or not they intend to show. Shall those willing to teach "Koi Selection" (not Tosai selection) also teach those willing to progress (they are or they wouldn't be attending) the economics of Tosai selection as compared to "Koi Selection"?
The Rock bottom ponder who is not willing to change is not going to attend a koi pond building seminar. Those that perpetuate "hybrid" watergarden/koi pknd designs with the still existing shortfalls are by comparison the same as those who also perperuate a similar myth of acceptable progression through Tosai selection (sorry Dick). Teaching folks about Koi selection is a very good thing.....IMHO this should also include the shortfalls of Tosai selection.
Someone earlier (Dan Blatt I think), mentioned the 2 Tosai Kohakus and seemed proud that although Dick (I think) said that both would be shiro muji within a year, one was not.....but, it turned out not to be a Kohaku either but instead a Goromo. Although I might be happy it didn't turn Shiro Muji, I would think that if I wanted a Kohaku and it turned out to be otherwise, I would be a tad disappointed? No offense here Dan, but that case supports the shortfalls of Tosai selection, not the support of such.
Many may look at these posts of mine as coming across as "elitist." That is definitely not the intention. There are ways of learning other than the "school of hard knocks." Yes, that is the way I learned but wish (at least monetarily) I had opted to advance my methods of learning through other alternatives which I eventually found.
Yes, I still buy a Tosai now and again to "play with," or to enter into a show only to be given away shortly thereafter to an up and comer. This helps advance their learning curve since without exception these Tosai go down hill quickly and they can see the logic behind "holding back" until their selections can improve (nisai).
Time to run...gotta go tell a rock bottom ponder how to select their rocks for their pond.
(I know, I am bad)
Steve