BHB On Discovery

[MasonC2K]

I didn't see a thread about this when I searched. So if there is one let know. If not, what do you guys think?

In case you didn't know, he's getting a show on Discovery. Some folks are badmouthing him hard on FB as a "sellout" but I know Brian is truly passionate and would be a good thing for that channel to have. Especially with the newleadership promising more science base content.

So good for him. I think he deserves it and would rep us well.

[Polyangler]

So here's my take...

I don't disagree that Brian is passionate about reptiles, but what I take away from Snake Bytes is he's more passionate about how reptiles make him ca$h. The things I predict happening once the show airs are: The BP market if not reptiles as a whole will initially boom. There will be a lot of animal welfare push back from all the people who were unaware of how this industry works. Because to the general public, keeping thousands of snakes in small plastic tubs in a shelf to be bred for profit raises a massive ethical debate. And last but not least, there will be an explosion of breeders trying to cash in on some scaled gold.

I just had a similar thing happen this year. My handle Polyangler is my from my main hobby of kayak fishing. This is something i got into 16 years ago. I'm sponsored by five companies, and am the Safety Coordinator for Heroes on the Water NWest Chapter. We're a nonprofit dedicated to rehabilitating disabled vets and public servants through kayak angling. I bring this up because of the show Pacific Warriors. The drama that was forced kinda made everyone in the sport look like jackasses. I'm loosely connected to those guys and can tell you that was in no way an accurate portrayal. The sport can be inherently dangerous. In fact, May 15th marks the anniversary of a close friend drowning as we paddled through the surf to halibut fish. It's not a place for just anyone, but thanks to the new found popularity, I end up playing Coast Guard almost every fishing trip because someone gets in over their head trying to follow me 5-7 miles offshore.

So in a nutshell, I don't think this show will do anything positive for the hobby over the long haul.



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[wolfy-hound]

I doubt the problem will be Brian, but in how the end product turns out when it airs.

Check out the "Skunk Whisperer" and you'll see a show presented as a nice guy who has a varmit removal business. Basically he goes to people's houses and wrassles racoons and skunks and snakes at great danger to his own life, saving the poor helpless homeowners. He's got several people working for him, including one who is the typical redneck bumbling idiot, who constantly gets in over his head for laughs.

The reality is that show is completely opposite of what the man thought it would be. His business usually consists of him working with homeowners to keep wildlife out of homes, but still in their own environment. The bumbling idiot is paid by the network to do stupid stuff that will look great on camera(ahem, Chewy).

The poor star of the show was appalled and appealed to the network to change the program as that's not what he filmed, and quit allowing film crews. He's still trying to recover his image.

Anything to do with breeding animals will end up with the AR extremists coming out in force, all the snake haters pushing for making more species illegal, as well as the second BP boom in breeding which will have a ton of ill-educated folks jumping in to make a fortune.

I have great doubts that the program will be anything good. But I don't feel that way because it's Brian. Just from the history of reality TV.

[Yodawagon]

I think he started as a reptile keeper, but became a business man instead. I still watch his videos sometimes because of the snakes I get to see.

[PitOnTheProwl]

Donated much time here in SA taking out wounded warriors myself.

I see all the drama on FaceBook and that's where it needs to stay.
This forum isn't the place to sling poo.

That being said.
I personally think what Brian is doing can be a good thing for the hobby.
We need more positive light on our hobby.

I do find it interesting how many people can throw a stone though.

[Polyangler]

I definitely didn't mean Brian will be the damning factor. It will no doubt be the editing and dramatic selling point the general population of sheepple seem to qualify as good television. I don't feel like Brian's tendency to talk profit and money will do any favors for the overall image either. Even his video on "ethics" reverted to breeding for money when he talked about his $45k scaleless head. There's a trending theme of Discovery Chanel reality shows being based on profit. I'm certain this will be no different, and the animal rightists will have a field day in the end.

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[Polyangler]

Donated much time here in SA taking out wounded warriors myself.

I see all the drama on FaceBook and that's where it needs to stay.
This forum isn't the place to sling poo.

That being said.
I personally think what Brian is doing can be a good thing for the hobby.
We need more positive light on our hobby.

I do find it interesting how many people can throw a stone though.

You involved with HOW as well? Regardless thanks for what you're doing! I could type a book on the good I've seen come from the program in my 5 years of involvement!

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[Stewart_Reptiles]

I think he started as a reptile keeper, but became a business man instead. I still watch his videos sometimes because of the snakes I get to see.

And? You make it sound like a bad thing as if you are running a business you are no longer passionate?

I know a few breeder friends who are making a living at this, and let me tell you only the people who not only are PASSIONATE and have a business mind are successful at this and the is nothing wrong with it quite the contrary.

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[Galaxygirl]

I don't know why Brian gets all the hate, I really like his videos and he comes off as really passionate in them. I don't really see the problem with turning your passion into a business. I hope the show will do some good in educating the public about these reptiles.

[Polyangler]

And? You make it sound like a bad thing as if you are running a business you are no longer passionate?

I know a few breeder friends who are making a living at this, and let me tell you only the people who not only are PASSIONATE and have a business mind are successful at this and the is nothing wrong with it quite the contrary.

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I feel the same way as POP. It's not to say you can't be passionate and get paid. I wish I could make a living fishing from kayaks! The feel from his videos is he's more passionate about money, and he loves his reptiles because they bring him money. This perception somewhat discredits his passion for the animals themselves. If he portrayed more love for the animals with money being a fortune byproduct of his passion, it would have a different impact. I don't know Brian, and this may truly be the way he feels, but its certainly not the message I receive when I watch his videos.

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