Really starting to understand...

HumphreyBoagart · 02-01-05, 03:52 AM

I'm really starting to understand why some of the big breeders and veterans of this site don't bother posting anymore or trying to help newbies. They ask for help, so you try and help them and they do nothing but disrespect you.
Is this just me or has anyone else noticed this?

DragnDrop · 02-01-05, 07:13 AM

Welcome to reality.
Most people appreciate help, it's the so-and-so's that stick out in the crowd, the ones you remember more clearly. After almost getting ulcers over it, I now just stop responding to them after the 2nd time they get ornery about the help I give. Saves a lot of time and hassle and concentrate on the ones who want help.

It's like that no matter what you do or where you go in life, you get used to it after a few decades.

Manitoban Herps · 02-01-05, 07:46 AM

They should help, even when newbies ask questions I still learn from the "vetrans" and I take there advice. people are just to lazy these days

Someone learns something new each day.

peterm15 · 02-01-05, 09:19 AM

to tell you the truth i havent really noticed... i just make sure to say that im either doing my reasearch or say how much ive done. and i always get the help i need

CDN-Cresties · 02-01-05, 09:21 AM

I haven't noticed that either. Usually big breeders would have lots of work to do in maintaining their collection, not to mention family, friends, work, etc....

beanersmysav · 02-01-05, 10:11 AM

I don't usually notice people not taking advice. I've noticed one case in all the subforums I post on wont bring up who because they are sorry about it.

Bartman · 02-01-05, 10:54 AM

Ill try and put any info I can to help them out and if they dont like the answer, then forget about em.

latazyo · 02-01-05, 11:14 AM

everyone should post to try and help, we've all read "veteran" answers before and can write the post as easily as they can

its not their job to reply to every new thread that comes out, it is all of our obligations as members to the site

zero&stich · 02-01-05, 01:12 PM

When mid September hit, the forums slowed down. I noticed that. I felt that was because it was time for the breeding season and most were focusing on their collections. Now its nearing later in the year, the forums have picked up in activity.

I'm not sure where anyone thought the 'vets' ran for the hills? Maybe I missed something.

marisa · 02-01-05, 01:46 PM

Many people are too busy these days to have time for online forums. Even myself, I have to make SURE I schedual in some time because I am a moderator, as sometimes during the week I am simply too tired after working.

Aside from that, regardless of how bad newbies are, it's EVERYONEs responsibility to encourage new members to the hobby. Especially the breeders! If they don't encourage, and get newbies on the right track, then who will be buying snakes from them in 5, 10, 15 years? Young people, and new people are the market of tomorrow.

On the other hand, yes it does become difficult and trying to get a point across to someone who might not want to listen. The best way to handle this frustration and possible anger is to simply take a little break from the forums. I find this helps me.

Marisa

mykee · 02-01-05, 02:00 PM

I've noticed that the "veterans" in the hobby, or at least the ones we would consider to have a plethorous amount of knowledge do post, but with the foolishness that goes on in these forums A LOT of the time, they just have better things to do than get dragged into some immature childishness. Good on them too, most of them have a decent reputation to uphold and arguing about some moot point with a 14 year old (just the number that popped into my head, nothing against you young'uns) isn't going to benefit them in any way. My bet is they are on here more than you think, and just don't post as often.

BWSmith · 02-01-05, 02:17 PM

I find it easier just to write "canned" replies to the common questions so I can just copy and paste.

How many times do we have to answer:
What is a good first snake?
My Ball Python won't eat?
How do I get rid of Mites?
Help, my snake is striking.
Is feeding live ok?
How do I switch to Frozen?
What does 0.1 or 1.0 mean?
How can I tell if my snake is a boy or girl?
What temp should I give my boa?

The list goes on. Much easier to type it once than once a week.

clint545 · 02-01-05, 02:23 PM

It's just fustrating when alot of the answers can be found in any basic caresheet out there. And the fact that they are asked after the herps has been purchased rather than before.

02-01-05, 02:50 PM

If you are a "veteran", which I consider myself at 20 + years of keeping, chances are you are pretty busy. For instance, my typical day would consist of getting up early to make breakfast and lunches for the children and wife (as I am a chef by trade). Get the kids off to school and daycare and head to work. When I get home there is dinner to make, or dishes to do, or both. Play with the kids, check their homework, help clean the house, and spend some time with my wife. Then, and only then, work the reptile room. Feeding and cage maintence take a minimum of 2 hours a day/evening. Now that I'm incubating eggs the future will consist of more time with the collection. And this is in the winter, when I'm not working my gardens. Nor does it account for time with extended family, friends, or the day to day activities (shopping, doctors visits, etc.,) that we all have.

My point here is not to "piss and moan" about not having the time to help. I enjoy my life very much. But I remember being in this hobby when I was 12, 13, 14,...., or when I was in school. Even with a part time job I still had so much more time to give. Same goes for my life before children and a house.

I suspect many, if not most, veteran keepers share a similar lifestyle. So when you have the time to be here it can be a luxury. And while here trying to give advice to those who for whatever reason choose not to accept (or even listen to) it, is frustrating. But, then to watch the thread (well meaning, at least in the beginning) descend into a "flame war", is annoying at best. Not to mention a waste of your time.

I'm certainly not an authority on any species of reptile or amphibian, though I have much experience. And I don't give alot of advice (only 50+/- posts in 2&1/2 years here). But I used to see more verterans here, some I know and respect, some I don't. My suspecsion (sp?) is that they are getting a bit tired of the flame wars. Captive husbandry of herps can be done in several different methods for the same species. So to put out there that you maintain an animal in a different method and then to be persecuted for it is ..... again frustrating.

I speak only for myself. I do not pretend to know what others are thinking. But after what I've seen happen around here lately I'd put money on a bet that I'm not the only one who thinks this way.

Thanks for your time,
Jason

marisa · 02-01-05, 02:55 PM

I like your post Jason...I'd like to address one thing for everyone though.

"But after what I've seen happen around here lately I'd put money on a bet that I'm not the only one who thinks this way."

This forum is so far behind in the amount of flame wars and bad comments when you compare to other reptile forums, that it's silly! We are very lucky to have a bare minimum of what the other large forums have!!!

While there is still some flaming and flame wars, I can put up with that if it means I don't have to put up with people of other forums do on a constant basis.

Again, good posts everyone.

Marisa