Vent

[Samuel]

I am pissed. I like using forums. I like posting and reading. Latly these forums have turned into more a grouping of people who are willing to jump down someones throat at a moments notice for anything.

The appeal of even staying here and participating was that it is a group of people who enjoy the same things passing information along, and chatting. If all the members are going to do is wait for the next newbie to come in here and post something that is incorrect just to chop them down and tell them how horrible of a person they are, count me out.

I seriously think you guys all need to chill. The point of this place is not to show off how much knowledge we have by telling others they know less, but for us all to grow together, learning from each other and being their to support those that need it.

[Inknsteel]

Out of curiosity, do you have any specific examples to share? I lurk around here mostly, and contribute when I feel I can add to the topic of conversation. From what I see, 99.9% of the members of this site (myself included) try to offer an educational response to questions that may be "Newb" or beginner questions. I don't see the kind of personal attacks that you are referring to. Maybe I'm just not reading the threads you're talking about...

[Bruce Whitehead]

Not sure we`ve been reading the same threads... I belong to alot of forums, and this is the ONLY one that I would be willing to send my young family members too, and is the only one that I would say is moderated to a level where I do not feel like I will ge blindsided for saying something.

Do you spend much time on other forums, or is this the only one?

Just asking as I have noticed that people can get sensitive and the joy of online is the lack of face-to-face, which leaves words and tone open to interpretation.

Not invalidating what you typed, as I am sure if you feel attacked then it is genuinely what you feel has happened.

Bruce

[Samuel]

Out of curiosity, do you have any specific examples to share? I lurk around here mostly, and contribute when I feel I can add to the topic of conversation. From what I see, 99.9% of the members of this site (myself included) try to offer an educational response to questions that may be "Newb" or beginner questions. I don't see the kind of personal attacks that you are referring to. Maybe I'm just not reading the threads you're talking about...

I will include the thread in the last couple of days. Some of them have been deleted because it escalated so quickly. (or I would assume that is the reason)

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=73630

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=73675

Both of these threads were just someone sharing info and experiences, and people took it to an entirely different level.

Also, there was a post made yesterday about a video of a Rabbit defending it's area/babies/self from a snake, and the result was something that some considered funny, irony or whathave you, and that was taken down.

I just feel that people are a little too sensitive lately. Is it the time of year? People stressed out?

[littleindiangirl]

I'm not sure how those threads pertains to newbies asking for help? People have a right to voice their opinion, they are not all going to agree or be super nice...

If all the members are going to do is wait for the next newbie to come in here and post something that is incorrect just to chop them down and tell them how horrible of a person they are, count me out.

[Samuel]

Not sure we`ve been reading the same threads... I belong to alot of forums, and this is the ONLY one that I would be willing to send my young family members too, and is the only one that I would say is moderated to a level where I do not feel like I will ge blindsided for saying something.

Do you spend much time on other forums, or is this the only one?

Just asking as I have noticed that people can get sensitive and the joy of online is the lack of face-to-face, which leaves words and tone open to interpretation.

Not invalidating what you typed, as I am sure if you feel attacked then it is genuinely what you feel has happened.

Bruce

No, I have not been nor do I feel personally attacked, but the stupid things I have been seeing around here taken way too seriously and way out of context and the willingness to have those things used to beat the poster with ... just disturbs me.

And yes, I am VERY involved with other forums. I actually started my own gaming clan, and have moderated forums for quite some time. I know how things work, but .. I dunno .. it's just sux.

[ADEE]

honestly... ive been here a year, posted ALOT.. I have yet to have a run in with members. I think there is a wealth of knowledge here and if your new to the hobby or dont know how to properly care for your animal and ask for help you need to expect people to tell you how it is and how to fix it. Its up to you to remain open minded and accept what people are suggesting, many of these people have been keeping snakes,herps, exc for a couple decades! even if things come across as rude many of these people are looking out for the animals well being because the people who are here have a passion for the animals in their care... take it as being rude, defensive, or otherwise.

When it comes down to it (and this will sound rude) if you dont like it there are dozens of other forums out there you can join. I would much rather be here with these wonderful knowledgable people though to be quite honest. Im not sure which thread your refering to im just saying this isnt the first time this topic has come up.

[Samuel]

I'm not sure how those threads pertains to newbies asking for help? People have a right to voice their opinion, they are not all going to agree or be super nice...

You name it ..

Temps
Hides
Enclosure

The point is there are a lot of people that come here thinking they have it all figured out .. and they don't, and the community collectively attacks them for thinking they do. I have seen it done, and I don't like it. If I were to have puchased my first BP with, lets say, only Petco's caresheet as a guide, and then I came here to show off my new pet and I got the reaction and treatment that some here have given .. I would not come back.

[Samuel]

honestly... ive been here a year, posted ALOT.. I have yet to have a run in with members. I think there is a wealth of knowledge here and if your new to the hobby or dont know how to properly care for your animal and ask for help you need to expect people to tell you how it is and how to fix it. Its up to you to remain open minded and accept what people are suggesting, many of these people have been keeping snakes,herps, exc for a couple decades! even if things come across as rude many of these people are looking out for the animals well being because the people who are here have a passion for the animals in their care... take it as being rude, defensive, or otherwise.

When it comes down to it (and this will sound rude) if you dont like it there are dozens of other forums out there you can join. I would much rather be here with these wonderful knowledgable people though to be quite honest. Im not sure which thread your refering to im just saying this isnt the first time this topic has come up.

I understnad and appreciate that. I know what you aare saying, but lately it's like the collective reaction is

"ZOMG, SAVE THE SNAKE!" and proceed to forcefully take over the situation instead of making suggestions or being helpful. I understand the mindset, but .. come on, there has to be a better way of going about it then telling the person posting "you're doing it wrong"

[littleindiangirl]

You name it ..

Temps
Hides
Enclosure

The point is there are a lot of people that come here thinking they have it all figured out .. and they don't, and the community collectively attacks them for thinking they do. I have seen it done, and I don't like it. If I were to have puchased my first BP with, lets say, only Petco's caresheet as a guide, and then I came here to show off my new pet and I got the reaction and treatment that some here have given .. I would not come back.

I suppose it's open for interpretation.

I see these people as helpful, and I can honestly say for as many threads I have read, and even less threads I have posted, there are VERY few posts attacking a person for a simple mistake.

They may question motives, they may not be all happy and kindergarten pg, but they hardly ever come right out and attack someone.


A lot of people here made mistakes when they got their snake. More than often, they are seeing a repeat of what they did, and are trying to help the new person make the best decisions.

What would you rather they say instead of "your doing it wrong"

Chances are, if it's dangerous for the snake, it's wrong.

There are suggestions being made, but for the sake of making it stick in their heads, why not just say "Do this, or that... ditch this."