What will happen when everyone realizes...

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Originally Posted by elevatethis

I think we need to see more of that

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I don't. Things are better under the radar. There's a lot of people out there that would be happier if no one kept snakes at all. The last thing we need is to be flaunting high end morphs in the face of the people that want to take it all away ... it will only fuel their fires.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it! .... The ball python market is kicking but!!

-adam

Never thought of it that way...but thats just sad that people are THAT close-minded. I'm an idealist, what can i say!

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

I don't. Things are better under the radar. There's a lot of people out there that would be happier if no one kept snakes at all.

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I agree about the ignorant people, but I don't agree about keeping it under the radar. There is nothing productive about keeping people uneducated and perpetuating ignorance. Most of the time when I hear about a snake in the news is when one escapes or eats a cat, etc. Inevitably, the reporter will make some lame comment about how that 12' burm "can eat a small child". When was the last time you heard someone say the same thing about a labrador retriever?

Anyway, I think exposure to more pet-friendly snake species like a Ball will start to turn the bias around and you may see snake ownership more socially acceptable. This will help the industry as a whole (reptiles, not just balls), but more importantly it will help the quality of care for all reptiles.

I know, I'd be more frightend of a big dog with a bad attitude than a big snake with a bad attitude, the dog could kill me, the snake would probably bite me...once :D

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Originally Posted by xdeus

This will help the industry as a whole (reptiles, not just balls),

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I think there are a lot of ways that individuals can help the industry as a whole without making the general public (and the government) aware of the kind of money that is being moved around in the ball python world. Nothing good can come from putting ball pythons morphs (and the sums of money that they are selling for) in the public eye.

Make no mistake, the medias interest in ball python morphs will be the price tags ... and flaunting $30,000 morphs on the evening news isn't going to make people accepting ... it's going to make them jealous and bitter. We have enough "haters" among us already ... we don't need our neighbors joining the ranks.

-adam

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

Make no mistake, the medias interest in ball python morphs will be the price tags ... and flaunting $30,000 morphs on the evening news isn't going to make people accepting ... it's going to make them jealous and bitter. We have enough "haters" among us already ... we don't need our neighbors joining the ranks.

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I wonder. There are plenty of high-cost animals in the mainstream such as horses, birds, and fish. Obviously most people don't associate the casual bird or fish owner with owning an expsensive animal, so why would you think that would happen with Balls? If anything people might stop and say "Wow, I didn't realize a snake could be so valuable. Maybe I'll look into it more..." and the process of education and interest has begun. Of course you will have your percentage of the population feel envy and greed, but I think the industry as a whole would benefit in the long run. Actually, I believe it has started already. Reptiles as a whole seem to have surged in popularity in the last few years. Time will tell if it is a trend or just a passing fad, but I like to think much of it has to do with education and the diverisity of animals such as Balls that have piqued peoples interest.

yea theres allready a big market for snakes in the us! i went to texas expo last weekend and thay pack the place with 2000 people and its a small place!
my buddys sold 6k in hots! and yea there where people buyin them 1k-5k balls!

my self is getting into breeding boa's.... and mabie later in life breed the balls! but right now live birth seem the way to go!

not only that but i allready have my 7.5ft 22lb female boa that will be breed with a hypo male!

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

Make no mistake, the medias interest in ball python morphs will be the price tags ... and flaunting $30,000 morphs on the evening news isn't going to make people accepting ... it's going to make them jealous and bitter. We have enough "haters" among us already ... we don't need our neighbors joining the ranks.

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And what is to say that people watching won't say "Those animals are cool. Maybe I could get one and give it a go. That would be a neat hobby." ???

I would deal with a few more "haters" and "posers" in order to get some more decent people in this hobby. It would all equal out in the end.....like many have said, the 'haters' and 'posers' will fade eventually anyway.

All I know is a some people watching the news have no reason to get jealous or bitter because of a snakes price.....all they can do is want one.

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Originally Posted by daniel1983

And what is to say that people watching won't say "Those animals are cool. Maybe I could get one and give it a go. That would be a neat hobby." ???

I would deal with a few more "haters" and "posers" in order to get some more decent people in this hobby. It would all equal out in the end.....like many have said, the 'haters' and 'posers' will fade eventually anyway.

All I know is a some people watching the news have no reason to get jealous or bitter because of a snakes price.....all they can do is want one.

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You're missing the bigger picture ... IRS audits, FTC regulations, neighbors finding out about 1000's of ball pythons in the basement of the house next store, health departments, zoning boards ... even if a breeder is completey operating within the bounds of the law, government organizations and general prejudice can make turn the hobby into a nightmare for everyone ... for what? So a few extra clueless people can jump on the bandwagon because all they see is $$$ on TV?

I just don't see what the problem is with the ball python world the way it exists now? .... There is plenty of sales so that everyone can profit. I think more people will come in time ... once morphs start hitting the pet stores ... not need to muddy the waters before then.

-adam

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Originally Posted by xdeus

I wonder. There are plenty of high-cost animals in the mainstream such as horses, birds, and fish. Obviously most people don't associate the casual bird or fish owner with owning an expsensive animal, so why would you think that would happen with Balls?

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Because a general prejudice exists in our society against reptiles.

You don't see legislation popping up against horses, birds, or fish do you? ... But the politicians pick on reptile owners because they know that the majority of their constituents have a fear/prejudice against snakes.

Also, you don't see the horse, bird, fish people on TV talking about how expensive their animals sell for ... they are smart ... everyone knows, but no one is overtly public about it.

I have no problem with promoting reptiles and morphs, but I don't feel that it can be done without some TV producer trying to capitalize on the price tags for rating and I think that leads to trouble.

-adam