Suggestion about using scientific names

[Roman]

I would like to make a suggestion to use the scientific name of an animal at least once in any thread.

In my opinion it is perfectly all right to use abbreviations, nicknames etc. but it might become difficult to find a thread by using the search function. If you try to find something about ball pythons you might have to search for “ball python”, “ball(s)”, “BP” and so on. Of course there is the subforum about them, but there are also a lot of threads around in other forums.

If you would use the scientific name (e.g. “Python regius”, “Lampropeltis getula californiae”, “Pantherophis guttatus” etc) at least once in each thread it would be much easier to find this particular thread. It would be an additional bonus for us “foreigners” (=not native English speaking users) because it would be clear about what we are talking in this thread. I know a lot of scientific names of reptiles, but local names or abbreviations are another matter. But that’s only a positive side effect, the main advantage in my opinion would be the easier usage of the search function.

So what do you think?

Roman

[mykee]

I'm not in.
Too much to remember.
Good luck though....

[Lankyrob]

Arent the forum sections named by the latin name anyway? So all you have to do is look at which section the threead is in.............

[Terranaut]

Yup I agree. Why ???

[Chu'Wuti]

Interesting responses so far. I'd be perfectly happy to do this. I'm on another herp forum where we all include the scientific names, numbers, and sexes of all our animals under our signatures, and using scientific names is very common in posts. However, I'm near a state university and we have quite a few academic types, so those factors influence our behavior (adversely, some might say!)

Further, our extensive signatures might present a problem for anyone trying to search by scientific names, as my Python regius would show up even if I was posting info/questions about Lampropeltis triangulum hondurensis or something else I own or am familiar with.

Roman, as you're getting some resistance to your suggestion (sorry, some of us on this side of the Big Pond can be pretty stubborn!), it might be easier for you and possibly even others feeling the same frustration if you generate a list or chart of scientific names with common names and common abbreviations side-by-side as you see them used in the forum. You obviously already know Python regius = ball python = balls = BP. If you do a good list, it might be possible to make it a sticky somewhere for other people from various countries to access and learn how to find what they're seeking.

Whether you decide to do this or not, good luck finding things on the forum. If you ever need help finding something in particular, you're welcome to PM me and request help with common names. I don't know all of them--in fact, I just tonight learned that a "red ackie" is a type of monitor lizard--but I know many of them, and some of the guys on here (Mykee!!) know even more, I'm very sure!

Also, very good friends of mine (parents of my son's GF) are German, and I'm sure they could help with any translation, though I note that your English is very good!

[stephanbakir]

I love scientific names, although some of them annoy the crap out of me... My dyslexia makes names like "Agkistrodon contortrix" a royal pain to spell without ripping my hair out...
That being said it is generally more accurate, and helps us understand exactly what you want. Also, some species share common names and in these cases, scientific names would be a fantastic alternative.

I say, add the scientific name to your post, those who don't care don't need to read it and for the rest of us, it will subtly remind us that species X has scientific name Y

[DeadlyDesires]

i wouldn't mind doing this.. i think it would be cool actually lol.. i love scientific names.. impossible to pronounce lol but still think they are cool..

[medicinhed]

I think this is a great way for some of you to continue showing off your "expert status" with snakes. You know, despite having no educational credentials to show for it.

"Hey guys! What do you think of my new Animalia Chordata Vertebrata Reptilia Squamata Serpentes Boidae Boinae Boa Boa Constrictor imperator?"

Another way for some members to berate, belittle, mock, and keyboard assault another member for perceived failures in husbandry, behavior, spelling and grammar. Let's include taxonomy to the mix.

Another way to make some feel good at some strangers expense. Another way to justify bad behavior from forum bullies.

Let's complicate this even further by insisting on scholarly treatise vetted by experts in the field. You don't do this, you can't post. Let's see your degrees everyone.

Browse the forums Roman. Your English is more than adequate to recognize bad behavior and bullying. Don't think this is a safe place, just because we all like snakes.

[KORBIN5895]

Originally Posted by medicinhed

I think this is a great way for some of you to continue showing off your "expert status" with snakes. You know, despite having no educational credentials to show for it.

"Hey guys! What do you think of my new Animalia Chordata Vertebrata Reptilia Squamata Serpentes Boidae Boinae Boa Boa Constrictor imperator?"

Another way for some members to berate, belittle, mock, and keyboard assault another member for perceived failures in husbandry, behavior, spelling and grammar. Let's include taxonomy to the mix.

Another way to make some feel good at some strangers expense. Another way to justify bad behavior from forum bullies.

Let's complicate this even further by insisting on scholarly treatise vetted by experts in the field. You don't do this, you can't post. Let's see your degrees everyone.

Browse the forums Roman. Your English is more than adequate to recognize bad behavior and bullying. Don't think this is a safe place, just because we all like snakes.

Awww!!!!! Is poor muffin a little angry Do you need a diaper change?

Seriously grow up and stop whining or we will continue to pity you for being a drama queen. Those that answered in favor were actually very nice people.

@ Roman

You're way smarter than me my friend. I think it may be a great idea if some of us slower ones knew the names.

[medicinhed]

Originally Posted by KORBIN5895

Awww!!!!! Is poor muffin a little angry Do you need a diaper change?

Seriously grow up and stop whining or we will continue to pity you for being a drama queen. Those that answered in favor were actually very nice people.

I was waiting for you to chime in.

No drama here till you showed up. Clearly you took this personally.

How about you learn some maturity and learn to speak to people in a decent manner. How about you cease the personal attacks?

Reread the above. Decent comment from a decent community member?

[KORBIN5895]

Originally Posted by medicinhed

I was waiting for you to chime in.

No drama here till you showed up. Clearly you took this personally.

How about you learn some maturity and learn to speak to people in a decent manner. How about you cease the personal attacks?

Reread the above. Decent comment from a decent community member?

Actually it is a decent comment. You're the one ****ing on the forum. If you don't like it here go away. We don't need people like you crying in all of the threads and quite frankly I'm tired of all the noob*** bull****.

If you guys don't like being wrong then Start reading more and commenting less. This place isn't here for you guys to give bad info or unfounded information. It is here for solid information to be passed to other keepers. That's what mykee, Aaron, Jay, Greg and any other hard nose member you don't like does here. They pass on solid information to make our hobby better.

If you guys want to hold on to your foolish ideas the I have a forum just for you. Feel free to pm me.

[infernalis]

Originally Posted by medicinhed

I think this is a great way for some of you to continue showing off your "expert status" with snakes. You know, despite having no educational credentials to show for it.

This is the second time you have said this.

Let's see your doctorate.

[medicinhed]

Originally Posted by infernalis

This is the second time you have said this.

Let's see your doctorate.

I've never stated that I have a doctorate. I am stating that many of you speak as if you were herpetology professors. Act as if you are the end all be all authority on the subject. Especially when you berate other members.

If you state that you are expert, then what are you people basing it on?

Post numbers?

Are you condoning this personal attack? This is your website after all.

I have a Juris Doctor specializing in International Trade Law. I am not a reptile expert, have no degree stating thus, and I have never claimed to be anything but an enthusiast. I have also not berated anyone. I have not called anyone names. I have not launched any personal attacks.

I make an open complaint regarding the attitudes from some of your members and then you question my statement. Condone a personal attack, and thereby sanctioning it.

That's my doctorate. That's my beef. Your turn...

[lady_bug87]

Originally Posted by medicinhed

I've never stated that I have a doctorate. I am stating that many of you speak as if you were herpetology professors. Act as if you are the end all be all authority on the subject. Especially when you berate other members.

If you state that you are expert, then what are you people basing it on?

Post numbers?

Are you condoning this personal attack? This is your website after all.

I have a Juris Doctor specializing in International Trade Law. I am not a reptile expert, have no degree stating thus, and I have never claimed to be anything but an enthusiast. I have also not berated anyone. I have not called anyone names. I have not launched any personal attacks.

I make an open complaint regarding the attitudes from some of your members and then you question my statement. Condone a personal attack, and thereby sanctioning it.

That's my doctorate. That's my beef. Your turn...

So... you're a lawyer? Kind of? And this is how you argue your case?

[medicinhed]

Originally Posted by infernalis

This is the second time you have said this.

Let's see your doctorate.

I can fax you my degrees if you wish.

Not one will say Biology, or MA in Herpetology or PhD in Taxonomy.