The GFSA participated in a very successful goldfish show in late August, sponsored by the Midwest Pond and Koi Society. Billed as the GFSA's 2006 National Show, over 140 high quality goldfish were assessed by GFSA judges. The MPKS deserves a big "congratulations" for putting on such a successful, quality event. Visit their Website for details (MPKS) and stay tuned for GFSA write ups in upcoming Reports.
For info and updates on the Goldfish Report, take a look here for info from the editor on upcoming issues of the Goldfish Report and the publication schedule.
If you have let your membership lapse or have been thinking about joining the GFSA, now is a great time - here is a form you can print. To submit material for the Goldfish Report to our editor, please see the updated society contact info. Articles and photos in electronic form are particularly appreciated.
The current line-up of people filling the GFSA offices is on the society officers page. The GFSA Board of Directors kicked off 2006 with a renewed effort to ensure that the society is undertaking activities and providing services that our members want. Tell us if there is something you really want (even better, volunteer to help us do it).
Interested in joining the GFSA but still not sure? We have two sample Goldfish Reports available to download, to demonstrate that every issue is packed with thought provoking information and pictures available nowhere else. We are also promoting an electronic membership option that significantly lowers the cost of membership.
Lessons Learned "Quick Hits"
We are soliciting short lessons-learned from hobbyists: events that possibly left you sadder, but measurably wiser. Have a good one? Please send it to the . Here is a brief diatribe from the Webmaster:
What is the difference between "rare" and "unpopular"? It is probably safe to say that most unpopular varieties are rare, but certainly many rare varieties are avidly sought by collectors and so are not unpopular. Difficult varieties to breed and rear, like Veiltails or Tosakin, or varieties that have very exacting standards that few specimens approach, like Jikin or Ranchu, will typically be expensive and thus are unlikely to ever be common ... but they are certainly popular and most goldfish keepers would enjoy having these breeds. On the other hand, some varieties that are relatively easy to reproduce and rear, like Midnight Shubunkins or the famous Blue-Egg Phoenix, seem to just hang on, supported by a few breeders. Why is this? For these two examples, one issue is that their dark colors makes their appeal as pond fish somewhat limited. Another problem is that the lack of a large base of breeders pushing the fish to a standard has led the varieties to devolve towards less refined and attractive forms, which further limits the appeal. Perhaps this also creates an opportunity for a dedicated breeder to create versions that have more appeal and can contribute to a resurgent interest in rare, but unpopular, varieties.