RE: [Killietalk] Newbies at the convention

[BigJohnW at webtv_net (John Wubbolt)]

I made it to my first convention in 1996 in Milwaukee.   At that time, i
was fortunate that i went out there with a bunch of UNYKA members so i
wasnt alone at my first convention.   I had some ppl to hang with and
talk with all weekend.   But that part aside, i also wasnt new to fish
at that point, I had been keeping other types of fish for several years
and was quite experienced at breeding many different species of fish at
that point.   It was my first major convention of any kind ( Im one of
the alphabet guys, member of ACA, AKA and ALA) so i was alittle in awe
of all the ppl there.
Being brave, i did walk up to several groups of ppl, listened to the
conversation, and gently introduced myself and joined the conversation
where i thought i could.   I spent alot of time that weekend listening
to more experienced Breeders of the AKA, even to this date, having been
to several AKA conventions, worked at our own convention in 98 ( UNYKA @
Syracuse, NY) i still find myself in a bit of awe at meeting some of the
"names" in the hobby. Just at a recent convention, i found myself
sitting at table with Tony Terciera, Peter Tirbak and Bob Morenski,
thinking to myself, wow, these guys are talking to me...  

So all i can say is, if you're new to keeping killies, be brave.... join
conversations, introduce yourself, and enjoy the convention.  Not ONCE
at any convention have i felt put off by the older more experienced AKA
members, but have found them to be very open and friendly in general.
Please dont let one bad experience taint your fun at the annual
convention.  

Time to stop rambling... Looking forward to getting some new fish this
year..... I'l be sure to have at least 15 open tanks for fish coming
home, knowing myself each year , that might not be enough!!

John Wubbolt
Tupper Lake, NY


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