What makes a good hobbiest a good hobbiest?

[Russell Peters]

It may seem like an odd question, but what do you think?

[koicluboftheair]

Quote: Originally Posted by Russell Peters It may seem like an odd question, but what do you think?

I think a good hobbyist with regard to the koi hobby is one who cares first and foremost for his or her fish. They make sure that their koi are provided an environment that is not over crowded with room to grow in good water quality. They provide proper nutrition making sure the food is of good quality, but do not over feed. Plus, they share with others a good testimony of how the koi hobby is beneficial to their life and encourage others to participate.

[Dwight]

I know this sounds wierd but I'd say the ability to relax and enjow all that hard work should be up there somewhere. I know a few keepers who just never seem to really enjoy it.....gettin' ready for the next show , gotta keep up with the local big kahuna , will they get sick , etc. They never seem to relax and just enjow the fish.

[Brutuscz]

I would simply say a passionate desire to learn everything about their chosen hobby. I have been keeping fish for 27 years (koi for 7-8yrs). I have done saltwater reef, discus, pirranah, ranchu's..so many different type's of fishkeeping. I never get bored of it..I study different subjects constantly. All that reading, and it never feels like work. The hobby simply feels like an integrated part of my life..I think I'd be lost without it. I hope that makes me a good hobbyist.

[Akinosan]

I feel a good hobbiest is someone who does everything possible to learn about what it takes to keep his or her Koi healthy, learns from their mistakes, shares what they learn with others who need help, and don't take themselves too seriously.

[koiczar]

I would have to agree with KCOTA(believe it or not)!! But, I really think a GOOD hobbyist is all that and also someone who is willing to share their gained knowlege with others newer to the hobby. I remember back in the '70s, koi keeping was like a secret cult. Unless you were in the hobby for a while no one would give you the time of day. Especially dealers! Well ,how else was someone rather new to the hobby suppose to learn what is necessary to provide a healthy environment if no one would tell you? We didn't have all the manufactured products we have today, such as centrifugal pumps, pressurized bead filters, settling chambers (vortexes), bottom drains, etc. The theory of pond building was that, the more surface area, the better oxygenation was provided and 2' depth was fine!?!?!?

Bottom line is that I was convinced that I needed to learn all I could about the requirements to keep koi and my appetite hasn't changed. I'm also of the conviction that anytime anyone has a question that I can be of assistance on, I will gladly put forth the effort be they new or seasoned in the hobby. Giving back what you have gained is simply the right thing to do!

[bekko]

I think jdFloyd hit it square. Hobbies are what we do for fun and recreation. A good hobbyist has a lots of fun and regularly re-creates their mental health. Sports are supposed to be competitive diversions. Hobbies are supposed to be non-competitive diversions.

-s teveh opk

[dick benbow]

The good hobbyists I know, are gracious, outgoing, willing to share, passionate about learning, and driven with the japanese concept of "kaisen", the daily striving for improvement. Kinda sounds like a cross section of KB folks!!!!!

[Russell Peters]

Quote: Originally Posted by dick benbow The good hobbyists I know, are gracious, outgoing, willing to share, passionate about learning, and driven with the japanese concept of "kaisen", the daily striving for improvement. Kinda sounds like a cross section of KB folks!!!!!

Well put!!

[lildude]

Quote: Originally Posted by Russell Peters It may seem like an odd question, but what do you think?

Definetly Not my behavior yesterday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think a person who has infinite passion, respect, patience, and thankfulness for those around them to help him/her.