Jul
28
2008
Welcome to Zootoo

1:37pm

New Zootooers Seeking Friends

Posted by Cheryl (cherries33) in General

73 comments

I and a number of zootoo friends have been approached by people seeking friendship lately. Since many of us have learned to be at least slightly cautious we look at the requester's profile page and have frequently found it to be blank. No I.D. photo, no pets, no journals, no comments on photos, news or journals - nothing. The most likely response will be rejection.

So, new zootooers, please get your profile filled out before you request friendship. We'd love to see your pets and see if they are similar to ours or if they are the kind of pet we always wanted, We'd be interested in knowing if we live in the same part of the country or a continent away. We'd love to know if we have hobbies, jobs or families in common.
Joining some groups is a great way to get started too. Make sure we know that you're not some anonymous weirdo.

No one wants to be in the position of rejecting you if you are sincerely a new zootooer. Don't make us hurt your feelings. Give us some information so we can get to know you. You'll make lots of real friends and learn about a lot of interesting things if you post information about yourself to get involved with groups of zootoo friends.



Discussion

Comment on this entry


73 comments found.
Becky
Becky (becky2458)
1 month ago
Reply
I agree with you. I was declined today by a lady but she wrote my why and I thanked her for at least doing that.
It was nice of her to do that.
Cathy
Cathy (wiccabrat)
1 month ago
Reply
I understand your caution but being new here myself I'd like to say a few things. Now I do have some info up and all or most of my pets listed but pictures you get points for and only 5 a day so I'm trying to space them out. I always try to say something to people when I ask them to be friends, comment on whatever drew me to them in the first place and I've been doing my best to comment on journals and news. All I'm saying is some new people just need some guidance so be nice to us. I've belonged to alot of pet forums/groups and maybe when you decline friendship you could write them a lil note saying welcome and how to improve. Just my thoughts...
Cathy
I've already started seeing your comments which is really the way to go. Also started looking at a bunch of your photos since you were a top zootooer. And I like your name. And you are one of the few people who has more pets than I do. :o) But some people have NOTHING and since we've had a couple of weirdos on zootoo some newcomers who may have been perfectly nice were getting rejected for friendship. I was hoping the journal would give them some hints about making it easier to make friends on zootoo.
Cassie3
Cassie3
3 weeks ago
Reply
Some people are on here only to promote their services/books. I accepted friendship with one of these, and then saw that her *only* activity was to add "friends."
Cathy
Cathy (wiccabrat)
1 month ago
Reply
Thank-you, I find it easy to talk about animals and love having places I can find people as crazy as I am for them.
That's exactly what we all say!
I totally agree with you....I would be cautious to be friends with anyone who does not have pics and a profile....
I'm not new on Zootoo, but I just found where you add your profile. I'm not very computer savy, so I've also had trouble adding photos. Seems like every time I try to add one, it says file size too big. I went through all the ones I have of my cats and I didn't have any that it would accept. So I don't necessarily think people don't want to post information, I think it may be they just don't know how.
You can reduce the size of your picture file on your computer. I've had to do it on many of mine... and had to ask a half dozen people for help in finding out how to do that. I'm not computer savy either which was part of the reason it took me so long to get set up. I'm sure most people would be more swayed by your writing.... but looking at pet photos is such a treat for everyone.
Hi I am new to Zootooers, and I was trying to figure out how to reduce the size of my pictures. It will accept some, and others it says that the file is too large.. ??? If anyone could let me know how to do this that would be great!! Thanks in advance
If you right-click on the picture and open it with, for instance, Paint, you can then reduce the size of the picture. If you open it in Paint, you can then click on "image", then "stretch/skew" or "reduce size/skew". Then when the box pops up, you type a percentage into the top two boxes ("resize"). For instance, if you want the picture to be half the size it currently is, you type "50" in both boxes. Leave the two boxes on the bottom of the pop-up ("skew") alone. Then hit enter or click OK.
I forgot to mention, you may want to make a copy of your picture on the desktop and use that. If you do it to your original and save it, it will permanently shrink the picture.
Thank you.. I will try this for sure!
Do you have a mac/iphoto? I could tell you that but I have no clue about pc.
I have a pc.. but thanks anyways :)
clslay
clslay
1 month ago
Reply
Thank you Dear Cheryl for writing this! I get invites as well. If I have never spoken thru a journal or? to you and I get an invite I feel badly but I hit ignore. Its a sad world now that we have to do that. I would like to see it be recommended that no one ask for an invite outbound until they have had messages with people of have made at least a certain amount of points. However others can message you. That way you can still have access to contacts and build up your status.Its hard to get started I realize. To much has gone on with the internet in the past few years we all have to be careful. It's a shame. Rather then be offended I would suggest waiting to invite anyone until you have a complete profile as Cheryl stated and have at least 1000 points. Its just sad. But its life. We have all been there. Just my thoughts...
Yeah, it's too bad we feel we have to start being so careful esp. since most zootooers are so nice. 1000 points seems high to me mostly because if you don't have friends it takes much longer to find your way around the site and to find interesting stuff to comment on. I was really slow until I ran into DeeDee and Tam who comment on everything that happens on zootoo.
Tam
Tam (PartiPomMom)
1 month ago
Reply
Great post Cheryl.. Cheryl and DeeDee were 2 of my first friends on zootoo.They make my day, every day. I joined this site to meet new people and to learn from them and from zootoo.
I have had a couple of negative experiences with people that I added to my "friends" list, prematurely.I don't mind their picture not being posted, but I would like to see something on their profile, (how many pets they have, what type of pets they are, etc...)
I will not add anyone with the name "anonymous". How ridiculous is that?
I don't think we have to all agree, but, I do think that we need to be nice and respectful of each other.
I am cautious about who I add as a friend now, because of a previous experience on here, that made me want to delete my account and move on. I'm glad I didn't.
Zootoo is a wonderful. I can't think of a better place to spend my spare time.
You know I agree with everything you said!!!
Tam
Tam (PartiPomMom)
1 month ago
Reply
excuse the type-o. Zootoo is wonderful.
I agree with this! When I see nothing, no pics, no info, no nothing, I will pass it up due to suspicion because unfortunately there are a lot reasons to not fully trust out there! :)
Debby
Debby (zennla)
1 month ago
Reply
I am still working my way around the site and learning new things.. started commenting yesterday. Unfortunately in every group and such there are people requesting friend add and not having any information on their profile or introduce themselves in a note. I usually reject people that don't introduce themselves first and definitely reject those without anything filled out in their profile. Sad as it is many people are out there just to play games and I don't want to be included. Not to mention spam/ phishing etc type emails and messages are getting out of hand in every email account and group.
I look forward to being more involved and communicating with some of the wonderful people here on Zootoo. Sharing and educating in a forum such as this where the concern is animal welfare is FANTASTIC !
It is fantastic.... and it sounds like you're making good decisions.
Must agree with you to Cheryl. I am quite the internet user and it has taken me awhile to get zootoo kind of figured out. There are still a few things I am up in the air about. I love it so far. I love posting pics of my pets for others to see. It is nice to see other pets pics as well.
I agree, nut I'm new to this kind of thing and every time I'm on I try to do something new. I'm not really computer smart and just learning the ropes. Thanks! ;)
You know I didn't think about that. This is my first night on the site, and I carefully put all my information on the page, including pics and a journal before I went to request friends. And actually Cheryl, you were first, because you wrote such a nice response to my journal.
Thank you for that warm welcome. I guess I would have been a little upset had no one responded to me..
clslay
clslay
1 month ago
Reply
Cheryl is a wonderful lady and you made a great choice with her. I agree totally with her on this subject she and I have spoken about it often. You are safe with several but there have been some odd lots in here like in any site. Sadly its a cruel world out there as you are well aware. Not to scare you but there are a few of us left that don't bite. Right Cheryl? Well at least not hard. Watch out for deedee she just bumps you with her crown. LOL jk.. deedee should be called "doll". Most of the ladies you will get to know here are just that Ladies and may I add sweethearts to boot. Most animal folks are wonderful people for sure.
Well you're really doing good newcomer! I think it took me at least 2 months to fill out my profile and down load even half of the photos. A month and a half for my first friend.

And for the record, everybody, I DID turn zoowise tonight. And I got to sign up for an extra sample of Dick Van Patton's dog food rolls!!!!! My graduation present!
clslay
clslay
1 month ago
Reply
Way to go Cheryl...you mean they have sample? I bet I am to late..LOL
yeah, there was only one of that sample left this morning out of 35 or so. But I'd guess there are different samples out there.
congrats Cheryl looks like alot of us have graduated in the last couple of days!!
patty
patty (mikkizmom)
1 month ago
Reply
YYYAAAYYY Cheryl, Zoowise, as such a nice ring to it doesn't it! I'm not sue if I like the "zooNATIC" maybe I'll stay at wise for awhile
Thanks Patty! I'm guessing it'll take me several years to move up to zoonatic!
You can always block the person and I would let ZooToo know as well if you feel it's creepy.
There really wasn't enough info to know if they were creepy or just new & in a hurry for friends. I was lucky with friends early on and I don't want to have newcomers feel rejected just because they didn't give us enough info to learn about them.

I agree with you Cheryl! It is kind of scary joining internet sites, but you want to believe that since this is a site for the animals it will be safe. If someone wants you to be their friend, then they should have at least a limited amount of information available as to who they are - especially pertaining to their pets. Like Maxxie, I found comfort in requesting friendship from Deedee, and that started things for me!
I think she started things for a lot of us..... and once again she's Queen for the Day! Or maybe Mother of the Year. :-)
DEEDEE was my first friend and we found out we had much more in common.
MaxxieBrown
MaxxieBrown
1 month ago
Reply
I think Dee was my first friend. I was new and it felt like she took me under her wing. Then I just kept checking out her journals, posts, etc. and from there gained her friends. So I feel like I am part of an elite group. I think I have made some very terrific friends all with at least one thing in common. The love of animals, our own and others.

When something tragic happens to one of our babies we feel for them.

When one is going through a medical problem, we pray for them.

When funds are needed, we are there spreading the word.

We share our precious pictures and stories with each other.

This is no longer just friendship, this is more like an extended family. One that I can go on & on with about my pets. My sister is the only one that will let me do that.

Thanks Dee for taking me in. Just think my circle could have went a different way...
You're right, it is like a family. Maybe even better than some families. DeeDee was an early friend for me too. DeeDee and PartiPomMom became friends of mine the same day and have been great friends ever since!
ourstaff
ourstaff
1 month ago
Reply
I don't always have time to send specific message to friends or people. When I do send one it is something that is more of an aside from a discussion stream or a question about something specific. I think that most of my exchanges are now in the discussion section of journals. I check them every day and have seen some people who are more interesting than they think
Zootoo can eat up a lot of time.
Paige
Paige (Paiges)
1 month ago
Reply
If someone chooses to stalk me I think they will be highly disappointed as I lead a very boring life HA! Seriously though, I have had several friend requests and it's never been by anyone that did not have pictures posted. If someone added you it's not like they have access to anything anyone has does it? I feel safer here than on myspace, everyone has been super nice and think my babies are just as cute as I do!
Andie L.
Andie L. (AndieL)
1 month ago
Reply
I'm obviously not very savvy because I never considered that there could be some people trolling out there. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. ....and thank you to all those who requested my friendship based on my profile, my pets, or something I wrote. I hope I am what you expected!
I never considered it either until we had a little unpleasantness a little while ago. Once burned, twice shy.
deedee
deedee
1 month ago
Reply
You're THAT and more!!!!!
deedee
deedee
1 month ago
Reply
EXCELLENT journal entry Cheryl. Thanks for bringing this to light. One can never be TOO careful. This is a wonderful introduction to "requesting friendship" to the newcomers as well. I really care about my friends, INCLUDING you, and I want to keep the site safe.
ChicoianVolenteer
ChicoianVolenteer
1 month ago
Reply
What I would do is leave the request pending until they fill something out, if they never do....well then I would reject them.
That's what I ended up doing. In fact I still check on them to see how things are turning out.
MaxxieBrown
MaxxieBrown
1 month ago
Reply
I took a very long time to update my profile. I only just added my first name. Having a 14 yr old son, I like to practice what I preach, even though he doesn't. I accept and request friendships based on their journals, questions, and pets. I will interact with many before a request goes out to them. That way I know I will continue to interact.

I did send a request to someone who accepted it, but there has been no interaction since then on her part. I even messaged her to see how her dog was doing. The reason I requested her, she asked a question about seizures and she lived about an hour away from. I thought this was the making for a good friendship. Well, I think maybe she happened to stumbled upon this site and then hasn't been back. Maybe even forgot about it. I'll leave her as my friend just in case she comes back. It's not bothering anyone being there.
I have a child also who is forbidden to post her picture on the internet, so I know what you mean abut being an example. Besides, I don't have a good picture I could use. If I ever decide to post one, I would have one taken with my cat I suppose. Also, not everyone is fortunate enough to have a scanner. I have only had a computer in the last year and am just learning as I go the ins and outs. Personally, I don't think a person has to have their pic up to be considered a friend. I accept friendship from people who I converse with, and I think after awhile, you can tell what they are like by their writings and how they fill about issues and animals. I feel like I know everyone who is on my friend's list.
Debby
Debby (zennla)
1 month ago
Reply
I wouldn't say pictures are a necessity because as you said not everyone has instant access to scanners, printers and such. I wouldn't turn anyone down because they don't have pictures; I don't have a picture posted yet. I havn't really gotten involved to the point of invitations for friends yet but I have always sent the person a message to initiate conversation in other group type situations before adding them or sending them a request.
Forgot to say that I'm extremely happy you child can't have their photo posted. Too many horror stories out there.
Oh, I agree...your ID photo isn't the most important thing. DeeDee only put her photo up fairly recently but we all knew and loved her through her comments.
I would be extremely cautious of those who registered as anonymous though.
I think about half my friends were people who said something interesting or who had pets I liked but them never saw them post again. Occasionally I check in and it sometimes takes a month for people to get back to me. I assume they've got a lot going on in their life. I doubt there are tons of us who write every day.
I know what you mean about the "friends" thing. I asked a person yesterday to be my friend and immediately thought that was the wrong thing to do. (Yes, I am a zoocomer), but I plan to log onto this site at least once a day, if not more. I don't blame anyone if they think it's being impulsive to ask for friends too soon. I think some people are very shy about putting info into their profiles and, as for me, I don't have a clue as to how to download pictures on the web. I've got to spend time finding out how to do that. At any rate, I won't be asking for anyone to be my friend for quite awhile, but would love it if ANYONE wants to be my friend and I promise to respond.
MaxxieBrown
MaxxieBrown
1 month ago
Reply
Good luck with once a day. I'm addicted.
Brea
Brea (Brea1)
1 month ago
Reply
I accepted a friendship request from someone who hadn't filled a profile yet. They had their pets names, no pictures, no reviews, no comments, nothing but the pets names. I accepted the friendship and waited patiently.

After about a week, I sent this person a message saying how I looked forward to hearing what they had to say and seeing photos of their fuzzies. I mentioned that they might not want to wait too long because "lurking" was in violation of the zootoo terms. I had just about given up on this person and was a day away from deleting them from my friends list when they responded to my email and said they'd gotten busy and hadn't been able to get back to the site.

She later posted pics of her pets and self and she occasionally posts a comment on something. She's not an everyday zootoo-er but she comes around when she can.
I've done it too and it usually works out fine. But having one bad experience I tend to be a little more cautious now.
Brea
Brea (Brea1)
1 month ago
Reply
I'm sorry to hear that you had a bad experience
I hate turning anyone down.I had to get rid of one friend last week.They were giving rude comments.But most everyone is okay.If they didn't have a profile I would not agree to them for a friend.Janie was my first friend.After that I don't remember who came next.But all of you have been great friends putting up with all my talk of Flip.And enjoy all your stories.But we do have to be careful.
DanaF
DanaF
1 month ago
Reply
I agree - this was a great post. I recently received 2 friend requests and the first thing that I did was look at the profile. I am pleased to report that they both had profiles and are now my zootoo friends. :) It's important to be cautious in this day and age.
One of those people who requested you be a "friend" was me. Good ol' Vicki T. (LuvYourPets). Without hardly looking at your profile and just one of you journals, I must say you have the most heart-warming smiles I have ever seen. Your picture speaks for you. I will figure out how to download photos soon. I know it's hard to get to know someone without anything to go on.
Vicki T, you're right! Dana has some kind of brilliant, heartwarming smile, for sure! Friendship requests ... my time for messages is very, very limited, but being a researcher, I always look at the profile and consider the journal entries, pets, etc., before accepting a request.
I agree Dana. Back when all the nasty attacks were going on your smile was the high point of zootoo!
DanaF
DanaF
1 month ago
Reply
Well now I'm just blushing....thank you Cheryl. :)
DanaF
DanaF
1 month ago
Reply
Hi Vicki. I accepted your friendship based on your profile and your wonderful journal. Thank you for the compliment...very sweet of you. I just added my babie's pictures today. I couldn't find the connection for my camera so I finally just took pictures with my phone and emailed them to myself. I'm glad to have you as a friend. Thank you for the invitation.
Anonymous
Anonymous
1 month ago
Reply
Very good post. Cheryl was my first friend, and has been a fun one to have.
No kidding? What an honor! You've always been very interesting, funny and supportive.... lucky me for finding you!
Absolutely! You make a VERY valid point, Cheryl. We'd love to be your friend...if we had more info about you...that way we can make some evaluations...like 'Oh cool this zootooer has a cat like mine' or 'this zootooer does scrapbooking...cool, I do, too...maybe we can exchange ideas.'

Great journal entry, Cheryl!!!! ^_^
Thanks Rachel. I've rejected three people in the last two weeks because they had NO information. It made me feel bad because they're probably really nice people... but who knows? I think most of us have run into the occasional nut job.

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