>I welcome opinions, comments, criticisms -- what did others think??? >Murray Mustelid the Show Sleuth I'll start with the end first -- I don't think much of anyone who sails under a false flag, hiding behind anonymity to make unkind comments about the work of others. If the work of "Murray Mustelid" is so pure and devoid of axes to grind, then comment openly and fairly. And that is the biggest problem with the Show Sleuth's little hatchet jobs -- they are not fair and balanced. They tend to dwell on his/her perceived negative observations of the shows -- to include the dress of the show attendees; something over which the show organizers have no real control. Each of the anonymous reports gives a laundry list of unattributed negative comments, but no real way for the show coordinators to go back to individual vendors to discuss the claims of problems and see if there is a way to correct the alleged problems. If there are indeed unprofessional judges -- identify them and clearly state the shortcomings of those people. What about their conduct was unprofessional -- or is that simply another preconceived and unsupported opinion? Murray claims he/she is not out to slander anyone, and yet that is exactly what happens -- all of the individuals are tarred with the same brush, without any facts being presented to support the allegation. Show Sleuth conviently failed to mention that there were two ferret shows in different locations on the same day -- could that have been a contributing factor to the low attendance? Why was a sifnificant fact like that omitted from what is supposed to be a fair, unbiased report? That omission is significant and tends to indicate the Show Sleuth is not taling the trouble to be as fair as possible. The truth is the Show Sleuth by his/her own admission attended the Croydon show with preconceived notions that things would be bad and it appears that he/she went about proving those "facts" true. Something had to have been done right -- and yet, the Croydon organizers weren't complimented even once for the smallest of things done right. Show Sleuth, if your motives are innocent and intended only to help the show organizers create better shows, then come out from behind the false front and report openly and fairly. Scott [Posted in FML issue 2830]