One of the fastest and easiest methods of conversation between fellow livestock enthusiasts is message boards. Depending on their provider (website, server, etc.), each board will have a different format, but they all follow the same general idea. A person may post a new message, and thus start a new thread with their given subject title. Anyone else who visits the board can read their message (usually a question) and reply, keeping in the same thread. I have seen threads on certain controversal issues get up to 300 or 400 responses in a week's time, but that is the extreme. Generally the responses vary with the membership and participation of the group and get a few answers.
America Online (AOL) offers message boards on nearly any topic under the sun, and is quick to add more boards if they are requested. AOL has an awesome "Goat & Goat Folks" message board which can be reached by the keyword address aol://5863:126/mB:163181. The board is frequented by 20-30 visitors and has several more lurkers and occasional posters. Of any board on AOL that I have posted, the goat folks board is one of the most caring, family-oriented boards of them all. There is rarely any arguing, and almost never any personal attacks. Questions are quickly answered, or a suggestion for more information made if no one knows the answer. Because of the title of the board (...& Goat Folks), slightly off-topic threads are welcomed. Given the conversation, people may be led into discussing anything from sheep, dogs, mules, children, or weather. These threads are easily ignored by pressing "marked read" if you so choose, but are for the most part equally interesting and a great way to get to know the people to which you're talking.
The biggest disadvantage of AOL message boards, in my opinion, are the hosts. Although some boards have actively participating and understanding leaders, some boards are left without one, yet are still subject to very strict guidelines (a result of being open to a huge public) that come off as harsh when enforced by an unknown screen name. Most means of communication have some sort of moderator, but are customized to fit the needs and desires of the participating members.
Although AOL does have a sheep message board (aol://5863:126/mB:163199), it has only one or two active members and you are not likely to get your question answered there, not for a few weeks at least.
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