To the people who may have only gotten a few responses to their posted
questions to the FML:
 
As a relative "old-timer" (4 years?) I have to say that even when I post and
ask questions sometimes I get NO responses, even though I have several
friends on the list and plenty of people recognize my name.  It's not just
you. :)  New names often get plenty more attention just because several of
us are often eager to help out new ferret owners or first-time posters.  I
think we all realize that having new people on the list benefits everyone.
 
However, if you've felt slighted, please post again!  Realize that there are
sometimes well over a thousand lines per issue, many of us are busy and many
of us don't get the chance to read the FML daily.
 
There are certainly no cliques here centered around old-timers not helping
out newcomers.  Perhaps the people who know most about the question you have
are not reading the FML that day.  Perhaps the question is a very simple one
and answered in the FAQ, or more likely, if the question is simple most
people expect that someone else will answer.  Lastly, maybe nobody here has
seen your problem before, or they are unwilling to replace the hands-on
expertise of a vet with their own guesses as to the source of the problem!
We are all very conscious that while we can provide recommendations and our
own experiences, we (mostly :) are not veterinarians.
 
Posting twice shouldn't be necessary, but we all feel bad if someone doesn't
get a response and are much more likely to respond the second time around,
even if we're otherwise busy.  Please don't be offended - it's a very
public, anonymous list despite its seeming familiarity, and sometimes things
will get overlooked.
 
Remember, lots and lots of questions are answered in the FAQ:
http://www.optics.rochester.edu:8080/users/pgreene
 
Melissa
 
 __ Melissa Litwicki ____ [log in to unmask] __
 By the whole newsgroup devoted tennis showing
     it after scarfing fork and laughters
[Posted in FML issue 2187]