Thought on posters asking for opinions of calves...

[Jive Turkey]

I must say that people on this board are some of the nicest and most genuine of any board that I visit but I think it becomes a bit detrimental to a point.

I have noticed more and more people posting pics of their cattle on here and asking for critiques.  Piece of advice, have thick skin or do not post a pic if all that you want is some ego-stroking or butt-kissing.

I must say that that most people on here asking for opinions take them to heart but if you're going to post pics of cattle that look like the worst steer I have in the feedlot and ask for help, well, there is not much help to be had.

I'm not sure we're doing anyone any good by telling a poster that a calf is thick and will improve if you "pour feed" to them.  I understand being nice to people and not wanting to hurt feelings but sometimes people need to hear the straight truth.

Sorry if I came off as a jerk, just wanted to prevent some youngsters from getting their feelings hurt.

 

[OH Breeder]

Many times a pictures can change a perspective of a calf tons. I would encourage posters to take the time to get a better picture of their stock. If you want positive feedback then take the time to sit on a bucket and get 50 pictures and find a couple that work.
To date I have never been able to take that "one" shot". Usually we have to take a ton to get a decent one.  :-\

 

[Jive Turkey]

Many times a pictures can change a perspective of a calf tons. I would encourage posters to take the time to get a better picture of their stock. If you want positive feedback then take the time to sit on a bucket and get 50 pictures and find a couple that work.
To date I have never been able to take that "one" shot". Usually we have to take a ton to get a decent one.  :-\

Agree.

 

[CAB]

I must say that people on this board are some of the nicest and most genuine of any board that I visit but I think it becomes a bit detrimental to a point.

I have noticed more and more people posting pics of their cattle on here and asking for critiques.  Piece of advice, have thick skin or do not post a pic if all that you want is some ego-stroking or butt-kissing.

I must say that that most people on here asking for opinions take them to heart but if you're going to post pics of cattle that look like the worst steer I have in the feedlot and ask for help, well, there is not much help to be had.

I'm not sure we're doing anyone any good by telling a poster that a calf is thick and will improve if you "pour feed" to them.  I understand being nice to people and not wanting to hurt feelings but sometimes people need to hear the straight truth.

Sorry if I came off as a jerk, just wanted to prevent some youngsters from getting their feelings hurt.

  I agree with what you are trying to say in that most of the time here on this board you'll find that if a calf is perhaps not quite stellar, you won't find alot of PPL critiquing it. It goes with the old adage that if you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything. There are ways to critique cattle and not have to be mean while doing it. That is a learned art. Certain livestock judges posses this art and it is why PPL like to show under them. There are all levels of competitions around the country and different levels of expertise on this and other boards. This board separates itself from most by showing some compassion for PPL trying to learn. B4 being too critical consider yourself lucky that someone has spent time with you, trying to train your eye and teaching you the differences in livestock. You'll find that using honey almost always gets you further than using vineger.

 

[SlickTxMaine]

  I agree with what you are trying to say in that most of the time here on this board you'll find that if a calf is perhaps not quite stellar, you won't find alot of PPL critiquing it. It goes with the old adage that if you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything. There are ways to critique cattle and not have to be mean while doing it. That is a learned art. Certain livestock judges posses this art and it is why PPL like to show under them. There are all levels of competitions around the country and different levels of expertise on this and other boards. This board separates itself from most by showing some compassion for PPL trying to learn. B4 being too critical consider yourself lucky that someone has spent time with you, trying to train your eye and teaching you the differences in livestock. You'll find that using honey almost always gets you further than using vineger.

[/quote]


Well said!! (clapping)   You can definitely critique w/o being mean or rude.

 

[rackranch]

Judges do it all the time in the ring!!!

 


Well said!! (clapping)   You can definitely critique w/o being mean or rude.

 

[vc]

I agree with OH breeder, start with a good picture. I try to give a fair evaluation and remember the old HP-way "Be Direct but non punishing", I try and point out the negatives and the positives, I do not know which it is you should do first, I start with the negative and finish with the positives.

I do thank it is important to give feed back, especially if it is a youth, not to knock the animal but to help them in the future when evaluating an animal to buy.

 

[ROMAX]

I'll go with CAB on this one,if the calf is plain and not very attractive  i just don't comment.

 

[Okotoks]

I think in some ways it's a good thing. I don't like giving negative comments but I'm not going to say I like it if I don't. As for a poor photo I will say take your time and get a better one.
It's funny in real life we can look at a good one standing funny or at an angle in bad lighting and still tell it's a good one but turn that into a two dimensional photo and a good calf looks like a real bad animal!

 

[Show Heifer]

Why not just be honest but with some constructive words. If they have the guts to ask then they probably want honest advice. But then again I am not one of the "nice ones" this post is referring to!

 

[6M Ranch]

Another thing that might help is to post the type of show the calf is for.  A small local show with ten entries vs. the National Jr. Angus Show.  Perspective changes my opinion.