I just wanted to point out (again, as I think it was brought up in another thread) that even though the official associations are being deleted, we can still start associations and run them on regular player pages. I don't know if anyone has been thinking about keeping their association(s) running (or "taking over" their favorite associations) by transferring the layout, contests, and starting shows in its name on a regular account. 

It may even be a little better because you can host private shows as well as public ones, so possibly there could be raffles or contests to get into the private shows? And there aren't any set rules about only having one president. If some associations wanted to have a vice president, they can, while others don't have too. Also, it would be easier to hand the association over to another player if the current president doesn't have time anymore. 

And I had an idea to replace registering animals and the "Join Association" button; is to list the players (and perhaps their breeds) that ask to join on the page (and send RBR) and in return, they have to add an association graphic (like "club cards" I think they are called, from HL) to their page in order to show support and also as a reminder that they joined the association. I think this will help the president know who is being active and also help players to remember to check on the page every once in a while (and to enter the shows).

But mostly, I just wanted to remind everyone that since associations are being deleted doesn't mean they actually have go away :)

I've been debating on keeping the Almanac going on a regular page. I biggest downside I see if the inability to mass message everyone. It's been hard enough to keep the listing UTD as is, I'm just looking at having to spend quite a bit more time to really get the word out so people stay interested. On the plus side, I posted a poll on the association page while I still have it and the majority of voters want me to keep it. It's definitely something I'm juggling the pros and cons with right now.

Mine is going and no one has shown interest so I am about to talk to my partner about what to do. 

Thanks for the reminder Sass! :D

Well written Sass, I completely agree!

On the other hand, I have asked Sam if we could add the option to message multiple players at once using compose in your message box.

That would be so helpful. In theory, I'd use the buddy feature to keep track of members but if there was a way to message multiple people at a time that would be so nice.

I also thought about creating a suggestion thread on, or messaging Sam about the mass messaging. It does seem to be a bit of a negative. However, one could argue that a lot of members just delete messages from associations/clubs without even reading them. I'm actually one of the players that does this, not to ignore it, but because I go to the actual page to see what's going on anyway. I mean, sometimes I read them, but not usually. On the other side of the argument, messages are a good way of reminding people that there are things going on and to check in (even if they don't read them).

Also, having the associations on pages would mean players don't need to join with all of their spares. So that may also cut down on the amount of members that needs messaging.

I'd like to see people continue with them, but to be honest I never really kept up with them. I only registered my horses in the Paint Horse association ): 

It's always hard to see a feature go on a game.

Paints since 6-8-14

There were a couple associations that I followed religiously and I hope that some of them stay as player pages!  I think those that are still hanging on to their associations should ask their members if they would like to still see it on a player page.  I know Trig did with the Almanac and I totally voted yes! :P