hobby and handling

Nicki · 06-04-04, 02:29 PM

Well, as to the hobbyist question, the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a hobby as "a pursuit outside one's regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation".

This means that if your regular occupation is breeding reptiles, you are technically not a hobbyist. That doesn't mean that you do not find joy and relaxation in your work. But to be precise, it doesn't fit the actual definition of hobby anymore.

Besides that, I'll add my opinion in on the original question. The animals I intend to breed are not old enough yet, and my older animals do not have mates. So, I've not gone further into my hobby than keeping animals so far.

As a buyer, I will say that I always would prefer to buy animals from someone nearby. I like to see the animal before purchasing it. However, I do want some animals that are rare, and won't get them locally, at least not for a long time, and I'm hoping to have them long before that! So, I will save my money, knowing that I've got to pay shipping too. And if I go to my chosen breeder, and they say upfront that they will be charging handling as well, that's fine. I'll add it to my price. If it's a surprise, I'd still likely buy the animals, but probably not go back to that breeder next time.

Just my two cents.
Thanks,
Nicole

Jeff_Favelle · 06-04-04, 05:55 PM

Handling, feeding, watching, observing, and taking pictures of reptiles is NOT my occupation. Breeding and selling them is. So I AM a hobbyist. Like I said before, that's like telling a commercial fisherman that he cannot fly-fish for steelhead or trout as a hobby because he trolls for salmon 5 days a week.

Speaking of trolls...............

Oliverian · 06-04-04, 06:03 PM

Hmmm... must have missed something. Time to go back and read!

-TammyR

VooDooMafia · 06-04-04, 06:07 PM

IMO just cause you make $$ off your Hobby doesn't mean you are not a hobbiest anymore. I think if there were more hobbies that ppl could make pay for themselves then more ppl would have hobbies.

Also how many breeders do you know that dont take most of there profits and put that into new breeds/blood lines and other reptile related items?

Jeff_Favelle · 06-04-04, 06:18 PM

EXACTLY VooDoo! Excellent post!

marisa · 06-04-04, 06:52 PM

A lot of people have had hobbies, then their work became so popular that hobby BECAME their job. Like guys who tinker with car customization for 15 years, then people start noticing their stuff is top notch and wham, its a job.

Marisa

mykee · 06-04-04, 08:33 PM

Jeff, that was one of the most beautiful segues I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Nice work.

Nicki · 06-09-04, 09:21 AM

BTW, sorry, that was meant to be added onto the post Jeff started about adding handling charges to the price of reptiles! Oops!

dave68 · 06-09-04, 09:55 AM

To add to it all, if everyone could have a job/hobby whatever you want to call it, but if people did what they truly loved a little more as a source of income the world would probably be a much better and happier place. Wouldn't have so many crankys out there, doing what they hate the most, 'working for "the man"! ' Anyways just a thought out loud.

Allison

Tim_Cranwill · 06-09-04, 10:25 AM

Nikki, What does a dictionary definition have to do with anything I feel or do? Let me find a word in Webster's to define YOU! (not meant in a mean way or to imply a rude word to define you...)

Just making a point...

Janiman · 06-09-04, 11:14 AM

I'm not trying to enflame anything here, but there are government guidelines that define hobby and business. In ontario, there is a limit on how much money a person can make from their "hobby" before it becomes a "business". I believe it is around $2000 per year. Anything over that and you are supposed to claim it on your taxes... and you are no longer a "hobbiest". That said, you can still be a hobbiest while professionally practicing your trade.

...I'm sure a professional hockey player can still play a little street-hockey just for fun!

leoncurrie · 06-09-04, 11:33 AM

I think that this hobby has turn more into a commercial thing as opposed to enjoying herps for what they are. The goal now seems to be breed and sell as much as you can, as fast as you can.

Tim_Cranwill · 06-09-04, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by leoncurrie
I think that this hobby has turn more into a commercial thing as opposed to enjoying herps for what they are. The goal now seems to be breed and sell as much as you can, as fast as you can.

For who?

I'm not saying that isn't true for <i>some</i> people but I breed, does that mean I am not a hobbyist? I hope not....

Don't get stuck defining life by a book... there's a whole lot of grey between the black and white ends of the spectrum.

leoncurrie · 06-09-04, 11:43 AM

Sorry Tim, I should have said the majority of people.

leoncurrie · 06-09-04, 11:49 AM

I really think Niki has a good point though regardless