Be wary of those who profess they are all-round experts in Koi keeping – if there are any I have yet to meet one. Even the Japanese breeders who produce the very best Koi in the world for us have no idea as to what an overseas Koi dealer has to go through in order to get the new Koi safely back to his premises and then get them fully rested. There are those that have expertise in certain parts of this hobby but not in ALL areas.
We must be mindful that we are ALL at different stages of the hobby and hopefully we are all still learning but we must also bear in mind that there is no fixed period of ‘apprenticeship’ either. This all depends on the thirst and enthusiasm of the individual and I know of many newcomers who have quickly passed by, in terms of knowledge, many who have been in the hobby for many more years than they.
In view of all this, ALL enthusiasts should be made most welcome on here. No question or query raised, no matter how ‘basic’ it appears, should be sneered at or looked down upon because we all had to start at some time or another and I for one know how many ‘basic’ questions I had to ask others back then.
Because there are many myths; superstitions and downright flawed advice surrounding the hobby it is vital that the advice given by all of us here is as truthful as possible. It is far better to say ‘I’m sorry – I don’t know’ rather than give out information that is not correct.
This forum should be for healthy debate and it may at times get heated but that’s not such a bad thing if we can all benefit in some way from time to time.
Finally, this is not MY forum – it is a forum that belongs to ALL those who are Koi Kichi!
Welcome to you all.
Peter Waddington