Hobbyists, Dealers, Breeders and ZNA

[Sangreaal]

Quote: Originally Posted by koiczar Ray Although our parent organizations like AKCA or ZNA have basic rules/guidelines, they do leave the rest up to the local club's needs, goals and desires. Marie As Antonio stated earlier, the NorCal ZNA club has an affiliated group "dealers" under the main umbrella. Though it is a HOBBYIST organization, our dealer members are kinda like the Shinkokai to us in that we both help support one another. True, dealers have no voting rights, and can't hold office. Most wouldn't want those positions anyway (too much politics) but do enjoy their membership and the support they get from the local club. At this time, you are a HOBBYIST - NOTHING MORE. Feel free to join, you might find some helpful info for you to digest while preparing to become a breeder. Who knows, you may discover that, down the road, it's really not what you thought it would be and change your mind. So, no harm/no foul as a hobbyist member. Mike

Define "hobbyist."

[aquitori]

Marie, why do you want to go the route of breeding koi?

[Sangreaal]

Quote: Originally Posted by aquitori Marie, why do you want to go the route of breeding koi?

Because I am not a collector, Tonio. I've spent my life weaving the genes of purebred and hybrid animals from exotic birds to domestic livestock. I began with guppies and goldfish over 40 years ago. I've been breeding medieval warhorses for years. Imagine developing something like that with only ONE offspring per year (IF nothing bad happens). There's no room for error. To me, having the gazillion offspring koi produce to read the genes in is like...a godsend, a living banquet of colors and textures and forms.

I can't not do it. It is required of me BY me. Living art is what I do, and I can't imagine doing anything else.

Marie

[aquitori]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sangreaal Because I am not a collector, Tonio. I've spent my life weaving the genes of purebred and hybrid animals from exotic birds to domestic livestock. I began with guppies and goldfish over 40 years ago. I've been breeding medieval warhorses for years. Imagine developing something like that with only ONE offspring per year (IF nothing bad happens). There's no room for error. To me, having the gazillion offspring koi produce to read the genes in is like...a godsend, a living banquet of colors and textures and forms. I can't not do it. It is required of me BY me. Living art is what I do, and I can't imagine doing anything else. Marie

That's cool if you want to go that route. Alot of people want to go that direction but are limited to the what the inner city has to offer in what they call their backyard. If given the space I would go that direction too.

The learning process never ends given any title that is stamped on someone be it "Hobbyist", "Dealer", "Breeder" or "Whatever".

[Sangreaal]

Quote: Originally Posted by aquitori That's cool if you want to go that route. Alot of people want to go that direction but are limited to the what the inner city has to offer in what they call their backyard. If given the space I would go that direction too. How much space would you need? I have approximately an acre left over, adjacent to my pond site. Interested? The learning process never ends given any title that is stamped on someone be it "Hobbyist", "Dealer", "Breeder" or "Whatever".

Truer words were never spoken, Tony.

Marie

[aquitori]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sangreaal Truer words were never spoken, Tony. Marie How much space would you need? I have approximately an acre left over, adjacent to my pond site. Interested?

That's cool Marie, thanks for the offer. I'll probably go into breeding maybe after I am settled down with alot of things in my life...Maybe the lotto can speed that process up..

[koiczar]

Marie,

As far as clubs go the definition of a professional could be reversed here. Anyone who DOES NOT SELL KOI OR KOI RELATED MERCHANDISE FOR PROFIT!! So, as far as I know, at this moment in time, you are a hobbyist - are you not?!?!

Mike

[Sangreaal]

Quote: Originally Posted by koiczar Marie, As far as clubs go the definition of a professional could be reversed here. Anyone who DOES NOT SELL KOI OR KOI RELATED MERCHANDISE FOR PROFIT!! So, as far as I know, at this moment in time, you are a hobbyist - are you not?!?! Mike

I'm in that gray area, Mike. I live a much different lifestyle than most. I do not and rarely have had for any length of time 9-5 traditional employment. I have supported myself with my creations since I started my first business at the age of 19. I've procured most of my possessions by buying two and selling one to cover the cost, or through barter. My home and land are all paid for free and clear because of that.

And I have done that and will do that again with my koi.

So is that profit?

Some might think so.

Marie

[Bob Winkler]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sangreaal Because I am not a collector, Tonio. I've spent my life weaving the genes of purebred and hybrid animals from exotic birds to domestic livestock. I began with guppies and goldfish over 40 years ago. I've been breeding medieval warhorses for years. Imagine developing something like that with only ONE offspring per year (IF nothing bad happens). There's no room for error. To me, having the gazillion offspring koi produce to read the genes in is like...a godsend, a living banquet of colors and textures and forms. I can't not do it. It is required of me BY me. Living art is what I do, and I can't imagine doing anything else. Marie

That's a Purty way to look at koi breeding