Ben Siegel Reptiles, wow what is going on?

I don't think it is fair to speculate on his judgments based on his condition and the events that are occurring in his life right now.
To comment and judge on what he may be doing or saying when you are not in his shoes, not going through a divorce, extreme changes in your life business, upheaval of all employees, etc., is simply silly and unfair.

Maybe we should offer support in such a time...

I'm not his best friend or anything like that but I know better than to judge and come to my own conclusions when I know nothing of a situation and haven't been in his shoes myself.

For those who are curious about the Jerry story Ben posted about it on Fauana a little over a month ago. . .

http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...d.php?t=354836 link so you don't have to search.

This is all very unfortunate! Hopefully everything will be resolved soon, so all those animals won't suffer!

What animals are suffering?

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Originally Posted by SugarFox03

Why would he tell you over the phone anything different that what's being posted on FB? He doesn't know you from Adam, so he's going to keep up with the "I've been robbed" story.

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Re quoting myself -

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I just called Ben via the number listed for the shop - confirmed all on their facebook page is real and accurate, and is not continued hacking attempts. He is going through a divorce, walked into the shop this morning to find a restraining order placed on him, and lots of animals missing. He stated will be putting up an itemized list of animals tomorrow with hopes of tracking down the people who did this. He asked everyone to keep an eye out for any of the animals known to be his, being sold by somebody else - especially once the itemized lists get posted.

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He never told me he was robbed, he said his animals are not where they should be, and informed me he was making an itemizes list - and to keep an eye open for any of these animals being sold. Just called to see if the FB comments were a hacking (he said they were not), and if what was going on with divorce and missing animals was true (he said they were gone, he did not specify if he did or did not know who did it). As already stated, I agree it sounds like relationship drama, and I never said I knew what happened, only what Ben himself told me on the phone ;)

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Originally Posted by wendhend

This is all very unfortunate! Hopefully everything will be resolved soon, so all those animals won't suffer!

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I believe Melody when she says the animals are in a secure location and being cared for. :) I think that right now it's the people involved who will need some TLC.

Geez! I understand everyone here is a reptile lover, but at this point we should all be wishing the best for Ben and all he is going through and will continue to go through for quite some time. Concerns about the animals is further down the list for me. Ben, You've been through a lot these past couple of months and I wish you well.

Melody, thank you for letting us know what's going on. As soon as I saw the post about missing animals, I was going to share it, but something held me back. I'm glad to know that the animals are in a safe location and being cared for. Medusa and Satan (I believe that's the name of his evil burm lol) are my favorites and it would sadden me to know end to think something happened to them or any of their animals (yes I said their animals as I know the business was a partnership) during all of this.

I don't know how long the marriage has had difficulties but I do know from experience that marital issues can cause people to change and have mental issues as I've been through it myself. I honestly do not care what caused the issues, but I do hope both of them remain strong through it. Regardless if Ben is having a breakdown or not, he does need someone to talk to, whether it be a counselor, a therapist, or a really good friend that can be a positive perspective. It would honestly be a good idea if both have some positive outlet while going through divorce. It can be horrible....not just financially, but mentally and emotionally as well. It took me years to get my head right after being left by someone who I had made my world and then have it shattered. Although Ben may be showing signs of breaking, he seems like a good guy and with a good head on his shoulders. He'll be able to pick up the pieces and move on, it just may take him a while. Sometimes it does. Until then, he'll need support and help from others and I truly hope he gets it. If Stacey is feeling the same, I wish her the same as well.

I do hope they don't squabble and fight too much over the animals and the business. Regardless of how it turns out in the end, it will do absolutely no good for either of them or the animals if the business gets run through the ringer, so to speak. I also do hope that some animals that he's attached to where left for him. It could be therapeutic for him to have them on hand and give him something to occupy his mind with. I'm going to assume both are hurting for whatever reasons and seeking revenge or doing something to hurt the other is not going to be productive at all.

In closing, I wish them both the best. I have bought animals from Ben Siegel Reptiles and have been more than happy with my purchases. I have recommended BSR to many people because of my own animals. If I was inclined to buy another animal, I honestly would have no problem in getting another from BSR in the near future or anytime. I think it would do both of them good to see the business continue to do well despite their own problems with each other. I hope it gets settled peacefully.

My apologies for rambling. I will have Ben and Stacey in my thoughts as well as the business. They've been a pleasure to work with and see through snakebytes and hope it continues. :)

Satan belongs to BHB, if I'm not mistaken. ;)

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Originally Posted by SugarFox03

Satan belongs to BHB, if I'm not mistaken. ;)

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Hehe, so does Snakebytes. I think there was some mistaken ID :P

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Originally Posted by SugarFox03

Satan belongs to BHB, if I'm not mistaken. ;)

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The nickname? That's Kevin McCurley's Nick. Satan-Evil Morph God. Aka NERD.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

Bah

You're right. Sometimes I get the two confused. I've never bought anything from BHB but I have purchased a few animals from BSR this year :D

I also watch snakebytes almost weekly. It must be because BHB and BSR are three letter acronyms and I get them confused. I'm dyslexic too.

Sorry!!!!!!

I still meant everything I said, regardless of getting the business names confused.

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Originally Posted by rabernet

The nickname? That's Kevin McCurley's Nick. Satan-Evil Morph God. Aka NERD.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

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I think he meant Satan the Burmese python, which melody confirmed was not one of bens snakes, but bhb. :)

I wish only the best for Ben and the troubles going on in his life at this time. I'm sure things are hard for him, his wife, and his employees.

To me, that doesn't validate anyone saying that any of the persons' involved are crazy. We are all human and all go through rough times.. unfortunately for them they live in a situation where their personal lives are more publicly shared than they may desire.

Nonetheless no one should be chastising his business. BSR does good work, I have a strong and healthy gonyo from Ben and it has always been a pleasure working with him. Taking this situation and comparing it to his business is not valid.

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Originally Posted by blackcrystal22

I wish only the best for Ben and the troubles going on in his life at this time. I'm sure things are hard for him, his wife, and his employees.

To me, that doesn't validate anyone saying that any of the persons' involved are crazy. We are all human and all go through rough times.. unfortunately for them they live in a situation where their personal lives are more publicly shared than they may desire.

Nonetheless no one should be chastising his business. BSR does good work, I have a strong and healthy gonyo from Ben and it has always been a pleasure working with him. Taking this situation and comparing it to his business is not valid.

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I mostly agree with you, but Ben posted this stuff all over Facebook so the public sharing is all on him.

I'm glad this thread has clarified hopefully much of where all this ensuing stuff on Facebook, etc, is originating from. Thanks Melody for stepping forward with what you can say. I've just heard about all of this in the last few hours and was very confused before.

I'd like to say a few things that may have already been said, but should be reiterated.

Let's note that going through a psychotic break, depression, or nervous breakdown, or all of them (which are not the same things, but can sometimes all occur at once on occasion), does not make one mentally ill for life. Ben, whatever he is going through, may likely be just temporary. Many people suffer from one/all of the above, and come out of it just as fine as before. Mental illness, or the aforementioned aren't logical, lucid decisions to act erratically. They aren't a choice.They just happen, due to a multitude of variables and factors that come into play, and anyone can be at risk.

I've been in some pretty bad situations mentally and feel for Ben on a deep level of empathy if this all is accurate, which it seemingly would explain a lot, and doesn't seem like a far cry from the truth if it for some plausible reason isn't. (Though I'm not calling anyone a liar, I'd just like to be clear that none of this is conclusive, undeterred, or set in stone evidence. So, I'd like to leave room for other explanations that MAY even vaguely be POSSIBLE).

Although I don't personally know Ben, or anyone involved, I truly hope Ben, Stacy, Melody, the animals, and everyone involved are not marred by any of the preceding events. Ben, being the main issue of this all, hopefully can get help if needed, and move on with his life and business to be productive and happy. We indeed all need to show our support for Ben and whatever the problems are, or that may arise from this. He is well known and liked throughout the community, and I think just a few kind words of support for "whatever he is going through recently" from a lot of us, could go a long way in his mental state, be it ill or just plain stressed due to all of this that has ensued from the previous issues. Though he likely would need professional help, hearing from all of his friends, family, fans, employees, business associates, and just downright general supporters from the community, can't hurt. Don't point the finger, call him mentally unstable, then say you support him. Just be there by saying "Hey Ben, I understand you're going through a lot right now with everything going on. Just want you to know I'm there for you, along with many others from the community. --Your pal, so and so." or something to the effect, basically.

Thanks.

I'm about to commit blasphemy. Wait for it...
I have no idea who Ben Siegel is. I'm a one snake kind of woman, I'm out of the loop when it comes to the big shots.

But I do love me some Facebook drama, it's a guilty pleasure. So I read everything there and here. From what I gather, he's a serpent God...who 1) Fired all of his employees (via FB nonetheless, according to Melody up there). And yet, people are BEGGING to fill those positions?
2) He is claiming a $250,000 "loss", but he knows where the animals are. Yet, he puts out a FB APB on them? And people are still "hoping you find the animals!"

I'm sorry for anyone who has drama, but there are always two (or more) sides to a story.


He's just a Guy. DON'T drink the Kool-Aid, kids! Just pour it out.

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Originally Posted by BrandiR

I'm about to commit blasphemy. Wait for it...
I have no idea who Ben Siegel is. I'm a one snake kind of woman, I'm out of the loop when it comes to the big shots.

But I do love me some Facebook drama, it's a guilty pleasure. So I read everything there and here. From what I gather, he's a serpent God...who 1) Fired all of his employees (via FB nonetheless, according to Melody up there). And yet, people are BEGGING to fill those positions?
2) He is claiming a $250,000 "loss", but he knows where the animals are. Yet, he puts out a FB APB on them? And people are still "hoping you find the animals!"

I'm sorry for anyone who has drama, but there are always two (or more) sides to a story.


He's just a Guy. DON'T drink the Kool-Aid, kids! Just pour it out.

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He's just a guy. That doesn't mean he did any of this maliciously. If what melody says is true, he is going through a mental meltdown. You may not think that is serious, or real, but having been there when a relative cracked I can say with utmost certainty it is serious. We're giving him the benefit of the doubt that he is in fact going through this, and not just being a dbag, because of his long standing, and high standing, reputation.

I will not be one who throws him under a bus until it comes to light he was acting fully aware and not under the effects of a breakdown.

He's just a guy. DON'T drink the hate-vodka. Just pour it out and grab some understanding ale.

If it turns out he was being malicious, by all means, go nuts.

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Originally Posted by RoseyReps

He's just a guy. That doesn't mean he did any of this maliciously. If what melody says is true, he is going through a mental meltdown. You may not think that is serious, or real, but having been there when a relative cracked I can say with utmost certainty it is serious. We're giving him the benefit of the doubt that he is in fact going through this, and not just being a dbag, because of his long standing, and high standing, reputation.

I will not be one who throws him under a bus until it comes to light he was acting fully aware and not under the effects of a breakdown.

He's just a guy. DON'T drink the hate-vodka. Just pour it out and grab some understanding ale.

If it turns out he was being malicious, by all means, go nuts.

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Woah! I wasn't in any way implying that he's being malicious! My point is that from an outsider's perspective (and I made clear that I'm an "outsider"), he has what looks like a cult following.

Saying, "he's just a Guy," was my way of saying that no one should make assumptions either way, in his favor or against him, based on his name.

I am sympathetic to peoples' issues, mental or physical. I didn't bring it up because it's alleged, not because I don't care.

The Kool-Aid thing, well that's just how I am. I don't really have an explanation for that.

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Originally Posted by RoseyReps

He's just a guy. DON'T drink the hate-vodka. Just pour it out and grab some understanding ale.

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Good advice!

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Originally Posted by BrandiR

Woah! I wasn't in any way implying that he's being malicious! My point is that from an outsider's perspective (and I made clear that I'm an "outsider"), he has what looks like a cult following.

Saying, "he's just a Guy," was my way of saying that no one should make assumptions either way, in his favor or against him, based on his name.

I am sympathetic to peoples' issues, mental or physical. I didn't bring it up because it's alleged, not because I don't care.

The Kool-Aid thing, well that's just how I am. I don't really have an explanation for that.

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I can see how it would appear to be a cult following to a one snake lady, but that is not the case for most of us here. :)

He is a well known and well respected member of the community. His story is getting more attention because he is so well known, but any other respected member of the community would receive the benefit of the doubt as well (at least, I would hope so).

He is not being given a pass because he is "famous" here, it's just because he's done right by a lot of people.

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Originally Posted by meowmeowkazoo

I can see how it would appear to be a cult following to a one snake lady, but that is not the case for most of us here. :)

He is a well known and well respected member of the community. His story is getting more attention because he is so well known, but any other respected member of the community would receive the benefit of the doubt as well (at least, I would hope so).

He is not being given a pass because he is "famous" here, it's just because he's done right by a lot of people.

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I completely understand, thank you for the explanation.

But what about all the people who lost their jobs? Aren't they worthy of respect? And maybe they didn't even really lose them. There is some speculation on the FB threads that they weren't really fired.

And what about the people questioning whether they will get animals they've paid for, who are being met with, "Lay off, you'll get them eventually!"

I'm sympathetic...to EVERYONE involved. I guess that's what I'm saying.

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Originally Posted by BrandiR

I completely understand, thank you for the explanation.

But what about all the people who lost their jobs? Aren't they worthy of respect? And maybe they didn't even really lose them. There is some speculation on the FB threads that they weren't really fired.

And what about the people questioning whether they will get animals they've paid for, who are being met with, "Lay off, you'll get them eventually!"

I'm sympathetic...to EVERYONE involved. I guess that's what I'm saying.

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I wonder some of those things too. As far as we know they did lose their jobs (according to the one employee who has posted here). I think it is very likely that people will get the animals they have paid for, but there will unquestionably be a delay.

This isn't how I would have handled things in Ben's shoes, but he's been under a lot of pressure. He had a customer die during a roach-eating contest earlier this year, and another customer take advantage of him by paying $100 for an animal worth $1000, and then never paying the rest.

And as others have mentioned, relationships can affect you deeply.

My personal opinion is that Ben is having a bit of a meltdown. He might change his mind about firing people at a later time, and he might not. I believe he will follow through with any purchases that have been made, but I personally would not purchase from him until all of this has calmed down. There's no telling how long the delay will be for those that have already paid for their animals.

I would like to extend my regrets and sympathies to the employees and other victims of what appears to be a very messy divorce situation. I hope that you guys get your job situation sorted out soon. :(

Understood Brandi, just wanted to clarify the reasoning behind the support. People tend to give "big guys" more leeway and not jump to a side because of reputation. Once someone has the reputation of good guy, people WANT to believe them. They trust them, and the last thing anyone wants is to feel as if their trust was wrongly placed. That would be the cult like following you speak of.

The majority of people will admit once there is evidence one way or the other. There will always be those few, who will hold on to their cup of koolaid no matter how many tests come up positive for poison. It comes with the "fame", die hard fans etc.

I wasn't sure if you were not mentioning the possible breakdown because it was alleged, that you missed it, or that you didn't buy it. I apologize for jumping the gun on that. No matter how many times it happens, I never learn from the mistakes of assumptions. Hard headed I guess :P

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Originally Posted by BrandiR

I completely understand, thank you for the explanation.

But what about all the people who lost their jobs? Aren't they worthy of respect? And maybe they didn't even really lose them. There is some speculation on the FB threads that they weren't really fired.

And what about the people questioning whether they will get animals they've paid for, who are being met with, "Lay off, you'll get them eventually!"

I'm sympathetic...to EVERYONE involved. I guess that's what I'm saying.

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I'm slow and on my phone...y'all post too fast! Anyways...

Being sympathetic to everyone involved isn't easy. People want someone to blame. But sometimes, there isn't someone to blame. (Not saying ben didnt screw up, but if it comes to light he did in fact suffer and mental breakdown...well) do we blame stacey for leaving like she did? Ben for not getting help when he needed it?

Melody stated that the paid for animals will be shipped, possibly as soon as next week. The employees who lost their jobs might very well have them back soon. But maybe not, and that does suck. All of this blame game is a moot point until Ben admits to a breakdown. If he denys it, well there's a whole other thread on who is to blame for the crappy HR and CS.

I feel bad for everyone in this mess...the employees, the buyers, ben and Stacey. I just dislike people jumping on the blame wagon before evidence or facts are clear.

this thread proves just how much ppl really have nothing better to do with their time

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2

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Originally Posted by RoseyReps

I'm slow and on my phone...y'all post too fast! Anyways...

Being sympathetic to everyone involved isn't easy. People want someone to blame. But sometimes, there isn't someone to blame. (Not saying ben didnt screw up, but if it comes to light he did in fact suffer and mental breakdown...well) do we blame stacey for leaving like she did? Ben for not getting help when he needed it?

Melody stated that the paid for animals will be shipped, possibly as soon as next week. The employees who lost their jobs might very well have them back soon. But maybe not, and that does suck. All of this blame game is a moot point until Ben admits to a breakdown. If he denys it, well there's a whole other thread on who is to blame for the crappy HR and CS.

I feel bad for everyone in this mess...the employees, the buyers, ben and Stacey. I just dislike people jumping on the blame wagon before evidence or facts are clear.

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QFE

Melody (I consider her a friend...not to mention a very helpful animal/reptile lady) did lose her job...I don't want to say anymore than that...but I hope for everyone involved that this gets off the airwaves and dealt with privately and professionally. All I can ask is to think of everyone involved Ben, ex(?) wife, and all the employees caught in the middle who are now jobless in this already incredibly hard economic time.

I did state I hope everyone involved comes out of this unmarred. I'm not a cult follower, I'm just an empathetic human being, who having been through my own mental breakdowns, mental illness, and other tribulations has maybe more empathy for Ben than some might. Take the name Ben, replace it with Joe Schmoe, and you would no less have what I would inevitably say about anyone being said to be suffering mental issues that I don't personally know. As a community we should all want and try to preserve this passion, and the good people involved.

As for the issues regarding his business, liability, etc.- If Ben is in fact suffering a mental instability, he can't be held liable for much of, if any of this, until specified he is not delusional. And saying that if he suggests he isn't unstable he will get flack, is a bit off to me. Most anyone if suffering from such a mental breakdown that they experience psychosis, paranoid or other types of delusions, etc, often do not recognize they are actually experiencing said issue. Their actions or words are not always reliable either, as often someone with such an issue is not necessarily outspoken about what's actually going on in their head, just as we wouldn't feel the need to discuss our inner dialogue that we have with ourselves either.

Right now all we can and are doing is speculating. That being said, we have to leave room to many, many possibilities.

I've been through a fairly catastrophic mental breakdown before, and believe me, this is 'normal'. I can't say that I approve of his actions, but I definitely understand why he's acting the way he is. Sometimes, after a certain amount of pain and stress, you just lose all ability to make sound judgements and strike out at those close to you. I feel bad for everyone involved, and hope that this will be straightened out as soon as possible.

We can't judge rational normal actions based on our own perception of a norm. His last post was pretty odd, from like 15 minutes ago. He may not think he's Darth Vader, on a mission to save Subway from the evil spell of the moonflower,....but he's seemingly not right to say the least.

Well, just saw the admission of Bipolar I, this clears up a lot of things in all honestly. I mean that in no offense. Just mean he's ill, has likely always been ill, and will always be ill if this is the fact. Though he may see erratic to some, he's actually having not too odd of behavior if you consider he IS in fact Bipolar, as he has now stated himself. With medication people can lead a more normal life, but will always be ill essentially. This actually relieves me deeply to see this revealed. Verily, I wish Ben luck in is life, and commend him for coming forward with this admission, because it is NOT easy to do, especially with the stigma mental illness carries in society, and while having your name big in an industry to boot. Cheers Ben. =]

I'm willing to bet 100s of people gossiping about this publicly isn't helping the guy out.

That said, it became a somewhat public issue the second it was poured out on a Facebook page that the general public has access to.

Stay tuned and watch what happens. Let's keep the commentary on what we perceive to be someone's mental condition out of our wild, uninhibited forum string.

Would you sit down at a table next to Ben and have this kind of conversation knowing that he can hear you? Chill out people. Go get a People magazine or something. I don't think 'reptile celebrities' deserve this kind of treatment via our commentary. It's simply not our business and it's, in my opinion, extremely rude.

I've just been sitting back and watching in freaking awe.

If this is a cause of his Bipolar I then I do believe that it is probably in his best interest to stay off the internet and go get some help, as the internet probably isn't helping right now. Someone else should be in charge of doing damage control.

I have no idea what else to say.

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Originally Posted by MrLang

I'm willing to bet 100s of people gossiping about this publicly isn't helping the guy out.

That said, it became a somewhat public issue the second it was poured out on a Facebook page that the general public has access to.

Stay tuned and watch what happens. Let's keep the commentary on what we perceive to be someone's mental condition out of our wild, uninhibited forum string.

Would you sit down at a table next to Ben and have this kind of conversation knowing that he can hear you? Chill out people. Go get a People magazine or something. I don't think 'reptile celebrities' deserve this kind of treatment via our commentary. It's simply not our business and it's, in my opinion, extremely rude.

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No, you're right, I wouldn't have this conversation at a nearby table where Ben could hear me.....I'd walk up to the man, shake his hand, explain myself while talking to him like a the damn human being he is......just like I did in my personal message to him. People shouldn't be embarrassed, scared, or defensive of mental illness. If I heard he or anyone had cancer, or some other ailment, I'd offer my condolences and offer my empathy regardless of said illness or person aforementioned.

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Originally Posted by visceralrepulsion

No, you're right, I wouldn't have this conversation at a nearby table where Ben could hear me.....I'd walk up to the man, shake his hand, explain myself while talking to him like a the damn human being he is......just like I did in my personal message to him. People shouldn't be embarrassed, scared, or defensive of mental illness. If I heard he or anyone had cancer, or some other ailment, I'd offer my condolences and offer my empathy regardless of said illness or person aforementioned.

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With all due respect, I would find this to be quite rude. I have a relative that is mentally ill and I know for a fact that if you, as a complete stranger, came up to her and started trying to be polite in discussing her mental condition as you perceive it from a tidbit of third party information and speculation, she would literally spit in your face. The mental illness wouldn't be contributing to that action either, and she isn't inherently a bad person. Like my post suggests, I think as strangers we should mind our own business.

Again, you're totally entitled to doing your own thing, just offering a different perspective.

As an actual person with a few mental illnesses, I would not spit in your face. I would be somewhat confused if you walked up to me and offered your condolences out of nowhere, but if I was experiencing a breakdown, I would appreciate your sympathy.

With that out of the way, Ben Siegal made this a public matter by posting alarming things repeatedly on his Facebook pages. So yeah, I think we are justified in speculating here.

I am 26, and I take five medications every day to handle my mental illnesses. I see a psychiatrist regularly, but sometimes I still lose control of my thoughts and emotions, and to some extent, my actions. I am lucky to have a supportive husband, family, and friends. I am however, painfully aware of how difficult my mental illness can be for the ones I love.

If I had a huge breakdown in public, I would be surprised if nobody talked about it. I would be grateful to see people giving me the benefit of the doubt, as they are here for Ben.

Generally people are being respectful in this thread. They are concerned for Ben, and because we have no real way of getting the truth right now, we are speculating. It's because Ben is so well-known, and because he broke down in public. This isn't some gossip that a close friend started and we are all eagerly jumping on, this is a completely public matter that has hundreds of people confused and concerned. It's natural to want to talk about this and try to better understand what is happening.

Ben is a good person. He's done more for the reptile hobby than most ever will in their entire lives. He's a human being and as such, he deserves a little respect.

Saying how people expressing concern for him are somehow "drinking the Koolaid" and how you're enjoying it as Facebook drama is being a big ole jerk in my not-so-polite opinion. Ben has helped out thousands of people over many years, he's ALWAYS been there when I had questions, he's ALWAYS put himself out there to assist anyone, right down to a "noob" buying a $10 gecko.

THAT'S why people are concerned and willing to help or wanting to know that he's okay, that his animals are being cared for. Not because we're a "cult" and not because of some love of internet drama.

I'm really sorry that Melody lost her job, but if she worked for me and started posting how I was "mental" and had a "breakdown" and basically said I was lying and crazy and all that... I severely doubt I'd have her working for me. Even if he IS having a mental break(especially if it's a bi-polar episode), there's better ways to state things than coming online to say "Ben's crazy".

That said, I do hope that things work out for ALL the employees(including Melody who I sincerely believe IS trying to make things smoother and explain for Ben AND the store AND the animals' benefit) and for all the customers who have paid for animals, for Ben AND Stacy.

It has become obvious that this is a very private affair that is being aired in public. Divorce, mental illness and the public airing of dirty laundry is a very sad affair. I hope that they can take their differences off-line and settle them in private where it should be handled.

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

Ben is a good person. He's done more for the reptile hobby than most ever will in their entire lives. He's a human being and as such, he deserves a little respect.

Saying how people expressing concern for him are somehow "drinking the Koolaid" and how you're enjoying it as Facebook drama is being a big ole jerk in my not-so-polite opinion. Ben has helped out thousands of people over many years, he's ALWAYS been there when I had questions, he's ALWAYS put himself out there to assist anyone, right down to a "noob" buying a $10 gecko.

THAT'S why people are concerned and willing to help or wanting to know that he's okay, that his animals are being cared for. Not because we're a "cult" and not because of some love of internet drama.

I'm really sorry that Melody lost her job, but if she worked for me and started posting how I was "mental" and had a "breakdown" and basically said I was lying and crazy and all that... I severely doubt I'd have her working for me. Even if he IS having a mental break(especially if it's a bi-polar episode), there's better ways to state things than coming online to say "Ben's crazy".

That said, I do hope that things work out for ALL the employees(including Melody who I sincerely believe IS trying to make things smoother and explain for Ben AND the store AND the animals' benefit) and for all the customers who have paid for animals, for Ben AND Stacy.

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If you read further, then you saw that I explained what I meant.
If you can read it again and not pick up that I meant no disrespect to anyone, then I concede. I'm a big ole jerk. At least to some.

I read your posts. I still think your initial post comes off as a jerk. Coming to a thread full of people who do know Ben, at least from dealing with him, or in person... and in essence saying "haha, you guys are a cult, I love drama" is at least insensitive, at worst baiting and trollish.

I have a dear friend with bi-polar, and if Ben is bi-polar, then believing that he shouldn't be posting shows you don't "get" how bi-polar works. Most mental breaks don't allow the person to 'think' "Gee, this might look crazy".

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

I read your posts. I still think your initial post comes off as a jerk. Coming to a thread full of people who do know Ben, at least from dealing with him, or in person... and in essence saying "haha, you guys are a cult, I love drama" is at least insensitive, at worst baiting and trollish.

I have a dear friend with bi-polar, and if Ben is bi-polar, then believing that he shouldn't be posting shows you don't "get" how bi-polar works. Most mental breaks don't allow the person to 'think' "Gee, this might look crazy".

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I apologize for sounding jerk-like and insensitive, sincerely. I wasn't trying to be offensive, I really am new to the reptile world. And the "following" did strike me as odd, as do a lot of things I don't understand. It was explained to me, and I thanked the poster for the explanation.

As for not understanding Bipolar Disorder, nope I sure don't. That doesn't make me a jerk, it makes me not-a-psychologist-or-person-with-experience. I specifically did not mention the mental illness because it was put out there by someone else, not by Ben. If I had a condition, mental or physical, I would feel like it was MY place to disclose it as I see fit and to whom I see fit.

Again, I am sincerely sorry if you were personally offended by anything I wrote. I'm an honest person and people don't always agree with my views, but I pepper everything with my own brand of humor and I try to keep things light.

It looks like his auctions were up today. Seems to be getting back to normal.

One previous employee at this time, has gone back to working for BSR, and that is Tom Bailey. Tom is a great person, and I wish him well. I know he will be an immense help to Ben with keeping auctions going, and things flowing smoothly with the company.

I have decided to part ways completely, even though I was asked to come back. I just think it's better to move on. No hard feelings at all, and I wish them all the very best.

Why would someone have to be bi-polar to freak out when such terrible things are happening in your life? I honestly think its a pretty crappy thing to throw that out there. Maybe I missed it when Ben made a press release out it but if he did not then why on earth are you assuming this? If he is or isn't it is completely disrespectful to discuss. It is not anyone's business to speculate about a person's mental state or well being. Obviously a lot of us care about what is going on but very few of us know the man.

Ben, if you are reading this then you know you are loved and respected. You have an entire exotic animal loving community supporting you. That's pretty amazing! Some people go through hard times completely alone. We got you!

Good luck
Luke

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Originally Posted by cecilbturtle

Why would someone have to be bi-polar to freak out when such terrible things are happening in your life? I honestly think its a pretty crappy thing to throw that out there. Maybe I missed it when Ben made a press release out it but if he did not then why on earth are you assuming this? If he is or isn't it is completely disrespectful to discuss. It is not anyone's business to speculate about a person's mental state or well being. Obviously a lot of us care about what is going on but very few of us know the man.

Ben, if you are reading this then you know you are loved and respected. You have an entire exotic animal loving community supporting you. That's pretty amazing! Some people go through hard times completely alone. We got you!

Good luck
Luke

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Ben put it out in public on Facebook that he was bipolar and taking meds but all of this made him go off. Just letting you know, not saying anything one way or the other.

Wow. That's a lot of money's worth of animals, I hope they get returned asap!!!

I've been watching Ben Seigal's website for a while, hoping to purchase a male mojave or albino or a different ball python morph, but now I'm confused. I guess I'm going to have to wait a while..

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Originally Posted by RoseyReps

Ben put it out in public on Facebook that he was bipolar and taking meds but all of this made him go off. Just letting you know, not saying anything one way or the other.

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Ah gothcya... see what happens when you don't read 10+ pages of in a thread? Boy is my face red. :oops:

Still, I don't think many people without the disorder would have reacted much better.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ToriTheBallPython

Wow. That's a lot of money's worth of animals, I hope they get returned asap!!!

I've been watching Ben Seigal's website for a while, hoping to purchase a male mojave or albino or a different ball python morph, but now I'm confused. I guess I'm going to have to wait a while..

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You should actually read the thread.

I have just been sitting back and watching everything unfold and not passing judgement but something that sits wrong with me is on one of his auctions tonight (spider ball) a no name, no profile picture no info nothing bid on the auction to drive the price over Ben's retail price and then claimed to "just be trying to help him out". It will be interesting to see how everything settles. I guess as long as the animals involved in this whole mess are well cared for that is all that matters in the end.