just a little rant

I can understand both sides. When you're new to something like reptiles trying to understand the particulars of that alone can be challenging, and though ball pythons may be easier to care for as far as herps go (and it is relatively easy to get basic information) it can be hard for people to get used to having a pet that has thermoregulation needs, eats whole rats, lacks a need for attention.... all very different from more "common" pets. Coming onto a forum and asking simple questions gives reassurance and you know you're getting opinions from a community that more than likely has a number of people with experience. Getting involved in the forums, even with simple questions, also usually opens up information that you wouldn't normally see on a caresheet.

However, I also relate to the frustration of keepers when you see a single post saying "can sum1 tell me y my snake won't eat????" and whatever advice is given (from whatever info you can manage to get from the poster) is completely ignored. While I will applaud anyone doing research on their pets, if they only want an easy answer (where they can still keep their adult in a 10 gallon tank with a heat lamp and hot rock) it can get very very disheartening to try and help at all. Searching for answers shows some actual care in finding the information, and interest in the well being of the animal.

People will answer newbie posts the way they like. There are enough helpful members on here that even individuals who don't care about the correct information will get it. I don't use the "google" answer myself because if I really think that way about something, I'll just move on to the next thread ;)

It is annoying to see people just say "do a google search" How is the OP supposed to know what's right and wrong? I mean I JUST learned that BP's don't need to have a night time Temp except for when breeding. Almost EVERY caresheet says it though. It comes down to most people wanting to do the best they can for there pets. I've been around reptiles in the family for 10 years, helped take care of them for about 6, and owned mine for almost a year. I never had a problem with a RI until i got my pastel from a show and when it happened I freaked out.

Yes, I see both sides, but there is a canned reply for vetrans. BUT like it's been said, everyone was new once. i mean hell, i still learn every day... so do a lot of other people.

I tend to not say 'do your research' but rather try to articulate that specifics are a good thing.

As in the more information regarding an issue the easier it is to troubleshoot, and I think it helps newer keepers develop their herper brain (to think like a herper).

Also it gets them engaged and keeps them active in finding a solution. Regurging all the info has limited application if an individual cannot apply it specifically to their situation.

That requires discussion.

And that discussion excites people, stirs their passion for snakes, gets them involved, forms friendships, and makes 'this' a rewarding personal experience (rewarding for the helpers too!).

Great post Luke.

Bruce

Great post OP. If they are so elite that they take time out of their day to tell somebody to go do a search, they obviously have nothing better to do so they should've just answered anyway.

To the people that do this, please go join all the other reptile forums that welcome that type of attitude. There are plenty of them.

And google searching snake care usually results in us undoing a lot of misinformation.

People have been proven to attach strongly to the initial information they receive.

If I tell them to research I tend to also provide parameters... On this site, with keywords XYZ, special attention to specific posters that I consider experts with certain species, etc.