Feeling discouraged.

When I first started coming on this site everybody seemed to be so helpful. Now as time has gone by I feel like the little guys'gals like myself are being left by the wayside. I don't have any fancy snakes but I still love them just as much as I would if they were spyders or pieds. I am a breeding for the first time and I am full of questions and anxieties over this. I have recently posted several topics without getting any response so my questions remain unanswered. I once believed that this site was the most informative and helpful on the web. My beliefes or beginning to waiver. I have noticed a certain click on this site and am wondering how this could be. Shouldn't this site be more about the pros helping the newbies. I have raised some of my snakes for over 4 yrs without any complications but now have rescued a little one and she has some problems I need help with, I'm feeling like nobody cares because she doesn't have fancy genetics. "Oh, it's just another normal, not worth anything anyway".

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Originally Posted by Reesy

I'm feeling like nobody cares because she doesn't have fancy genetics. "Oh, it's just another normal, not worth anything anyway".

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I can absolutely assure you that this is not the case. This site is all about the normals and the new keepers who need help the most. I, for one, get a great deal of personal fulfillment by helping out, and I'm quite sure I"m not the only one. However, occasionally threads DO slip through the cracks. Maybe the people that would normally answer weren't around or able to reply when it was posted, and it slipped far enough beneath new threads that they didn't see it. The holidays are upon us and a lot of us are extra busy and not online nearly as much as we usually are. If a post doesn't get the attention you need it to within a day or so, go ahead and bump it back up. That's usually all it takes.

There are things we can't control. We can't control other people's personal perceptions of the world around them. If someone comes here looking for rudeness, they're sure to find it, for instance. Even though 97% of the content is not rude at all. We can't control groups of people who have built a history together and keep them from posting in like manners so that they don't appear "clickish".

The staff here (and a LOT of the membership community) works extremely hard to keep the site friendly and open to everyone who needs it. But when hundreds upon hundreds of people use it every single day, there's only so much we can do. We can't customize the overall atmosphere to meet every single individual expectation. Threads will occasionally slip by unanswered. Folks do sometimes get a little impatient, snappy, or downright rude. Groups of people form friendships and respond to that friendship and history when they participate together.

There are other sites out there that you might look into. I don't know...maybe something smaller would be a better fit? A lot of members participate in multiple sites because every site is unique and each one meets a different need. But it's my hope that you'll stick around through the inevitable bumps in the road...because things almost always smooth right back out again. :)

This is what it is like on most message boards.
I hate to admit it but there are some people that only want to benefit and not contribute.
Then there are those that just have "smart" answers that are of no benefit to anyone.
I try to help when I can but I have only been into snakes for a couple of months and have many questions too.
I am just use to how people can be because I have had several boards that I either monitored or membered on for Bully breeds and there are a lot of people that talk a good game just to say they are a member and they want to "help" but then do nothing.

In short, I feel your pain.
Web searches seem to be my best help lately.

ps, there are 2 other reptile boards i joined, and this one is by far the most informative and active.

Sometimes people don't respond when they know the answers are on the "stickies" or the caresheets. It gets a little monotonous to answer the same questions over and over.

I've never felt like anybody look down on normals over here. I just finally got my very own normal this year and I was so excited about it - but, he is having problems. He was hatched on 7/31 and right now is still only 69 grams. I'm afraid he won't make it, so I'm not getting too attached to him. It's going to rip my heart open if he doesn't make it as it is.

Normals are what usually gets people started in the hobby. It's a very important part of this community. Also, every big breeder have their big normal girls that are an integral part of their breeding programs. And the adventurous breeders have their normal dinkers that they love to breed out to see if they can produce a brand new morph.

So yeah, we love normals.

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Originally Posted by anatess

Sometimes people don't respond when they know the answers are on the "stickies" or the caresheets. It gets a little monotonous to answer the same questions over and over.

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I understand that (more than most), we get the same questions over and over on Texas Kayak Fisherman. Sometimes several times in the same hour BUT this is when/where we guide people with their interests.;)

I tend to pick and choose what I say because I can piss everyone off really quick when I type what I really feel:O:D

If you had questions about crested geckos, you would have at least gotten a response from me. Not all of us have kept ball pythons for 10 years and have a collection of dozens upon dozens of snakes.

Also keep in mind, not everyone here is capable of answering all your questions. Some of your posts are best answered by 'take her to the vet'. I don't know if there are ANY active members here who are vets. Getting a sickly, underweight, underfed, dehydrated ball python (regardless of whether it is a normal or super duper candycane laser explosion pikachu) isn't formulaic. Diagnosing any secondary problems/illnesses caused by dehydration, starvation, and cold is also difficult at times.

Sometimes most people here just don't know a good answer to your questions. Don't let THAT make you feel like you're being ignored.

Yup, six weeks is a long enough time to have run the entire gamut of this site.

Uh huh.

You may, perhaps, just possibly, want to give it a few more days before you decide that your initial impression was erroneous.

I haven't seen any of your threads asking questions. It's entirely possible that I am not the only one. Don't be afraid to bump a question a time or two but, if you don't get an answer after asking a time or two, it may be that no one who has read your query has an answer.

If you stick around you'll see that there is a lot of help available here.

I will also echo that normals are just as beloved as the mutations here. Some of my favorites in my collection are my big normal girls that I lovingly raised from wee babies to the big lovely girls they are today.

A ball python is a ball python is a ball python - they just have different paint jobs.

Big Gunns has the solution for all your troubles. After every post make sure you say. "I'm Big Gunns biggest fan".:D This works every time.

Don't worry...people know you've been neglected. They'll help you now.:gj:

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Originally Posted by Reesy

When I first started coming on this site everybody seemed to be so helpful. Now as time has gone by I feel like the little guys'gals like myself are being left by the wayside. I don't have any fancy snakes but I still love them just as much as I would if they were spyders or pieds. I am a breeding for the first time and I am full of questions and anxieties over this. I have recently posted several topics without getting any response so my questions remain unanswered. I once believed that this site was the most informative and helpful on the web. My beliefes or beginning to waiver. I have noticed a certain click on this site and am wondering how this could be. Shouldn't this site be more about the pros helping the newbies. I have raised some of my snakes for over 4 yrs without any complications but now have rescued a little one and she has some problems I need help with, I'm feeling like nobody cares because she doesn't have fancy genetics. "Oh, it's just another normal, not worth anything anyway".

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THIS SITE IS EXTREMELY ACTIVE. I have been on several Bearded dragon and aquarium boards and I understand your frustration but this is an awesome site but I personally tried to help you with your beardie questions and felt that I was very assertive. On the other hand using google or the search bar to get research yourself and then bounce your educated guesses off the forums.

I LOVE normals. Best thing to have for any breeding plans to prove out new genetics co dom, dom or recessive.


If i had room id accept few more normals.

There are some normals that have more of a wow factor than any morph, I do remember some of the ones rabernet (think it was him) posted, they have quite the wow factor.

I don't know what your talking about, I just looked at all of your started posts, all of them besides 2 of them have multiple replies. What do you feel is not being answered?

troll?

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Originally Posted by OhhWatALoser

There are some normals that have more of a wow factor than any morph, I do remember some of the ones rabernet (think it was him) posted, they have quite the wow factor.

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Rabernet is a she. :P

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Originally Posted by LOSTCOAST_BALLZ

troll?

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Reesy isn't a troll. Just because someone is feeling a little sensitive and expresses it in public doesn't make them a troll. :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by OhhWatALoser

I do remember some of the ones rabernet (think it was him) posted

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That Rabernet is a great guy!! :rofl::D:rofl:

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Originally Posted by JLC

Reesy isn't a troll. Just because someone is feeling a little sensitive and expresses it in public doesn't make them a troll. :rolleyes:

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Kinda makes him a whiner tho doesnt it?

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Originally Posted by Powerspythons

Kinda makes him a whiner tho doesnt it?

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Are you in the habit of walking up to a stranger in a public place and going, "Geez, you're kinda ugly, aren't you?" :colbert:

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Originally Posted by JLC

Are you in the habit of walking up to a stranger in a public place and going, "Geez, you're kinda ugly, aren't you?" :colbert:

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Actually just a bad attempt at humor, I guess..my bad..:(

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Originally Posted by Powerspythons

Actually just a bad attempt at humor, I guess..my bad..:(

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When it's at the expense of making fun of someone else, a human being on the other side of that screen name, it's no longer humor. :(

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Originally Posted by OhhWatALoser

There are some normals that have more of a wow factor than any morph, I do remember some of the ones rabernet (think it was him) posted, they have quite the wow factor.

I don't know what your talking about, I just looked at all of your started posts, all of them besides 2 of them have multiple replies. What do you feel is not being answered?

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:O What???? How long have we known each other? :tears:

Robin - Steel Magnolia - HIM??????

:8:

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Originally Posted by Powerspythons

Kinda makes him a whiner tho doesnt it?

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Thank you, you have a way of making all the "Newbies" feel the love.

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Originally Posted by JLC

Are you in the habit of walking up to a stranger in a public place and going, "Geez, you're kinda ugly, aren't you?" :colbert:

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I am, but only when they "act" it :taz::cool:

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Originally Posted by JLC

Rabernet is a she. :P

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Even I knew that, but just because I like to look at all the photos people post:O:O:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

I think traffic can be a little slow around the holidays so don't worry if it takes a little time to get a response.

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Originally Posted by rabernet

:O What???? How long have we known each other? :tears:

Robin - Steel Magnolia - HIM??????

:8:

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.....Fail on my part

Well you screen name isn't gender specific, and looking at your sig....yea I feel kinda stupid now, well I know now lol. *googles Steel Magnolia* hey I was a year old when that movie came out, can't blame me for not knowing what it was.

you can call me a she to make up for it. sorry :(

OK Ya'll, I get the point. This was my first time with rescue animals. Knowing they weren't in top condition just had me nervous and anxious. I sincerely apologize if I stepped on anybodies toes. I have posted a few more times and to all the people out there that responded, thank you. I just posted some more about the little ball python, she seems to be a little better after a good meal, some humidity and a good shed. Thanks again.

I'm pretty much in agreement with everyone who's posted. Holidays, people seem like they are doing their best to worry about their collections right now as well! Winter is a little more stressful for me and sometimes it's hard to be helpful.

As well as some problems CAN'T be solved via the internet! Google cannot vaccinate your dog, cat or child against diseases!! It is only useful for figuring out whether your snake's little hissy sound might not be an RI and even then, you really should take the animal to a QUALIFIED professional! Even breeders here have veterinary offices they take their animals to. Plus, even a vet cannot diagnose anything over the phone, no matter how much they would like to help, people sue them over that sort of thing if i goes wrong!! I've worked at a vet for years and had to tell countless people asking me "What is wrong with my pet?" to take them to the vet and ask. It's expensive, but if your animal is really sick a good vet will do their best to save them or if things have gone too far, gently euthenize a too-sick pet.
Books, also are a great resource! I have about ten-twenty books on BPs, corns and other herps i don't even own! I got them all for under $5 at used bookstores! If you leave your name and phone, some places will call you when a used herp book come in. That and my parents usually buy me giftcards to Borders.... they know I will always be able to spend it!

Having pets is a lot of work, just like anything worth doing! Have many resources available to you. When BP.net is slow, you can try reading a book that might have the info you are looking for. I also recommend that people do networking locally. See if any of the local petstores have good, kowledgable staff, or if there are any people in the area with python experience! Craigslist is sometimes good for connecting with locals, though obviously be careful sharing personal information with anyone, whether via the net or at a store.

There's nothing wrong with normals. I love my normal pets, though keep in mind that there are LOTS of snakes looking for homes right now and be sure that you can afford to keep every baby you produce! Even high-end morphs aren't necessarily selling well right now, and you have to plan on keeping what you produce. OR plan ahead and line up homes ahead of time! Then if you have extra on the waiting list, you'll be sure every snake has a home and maybe you'll be able to have other people to talk snakes with while you get ready for the next season.

We want you and your snakes to be healthy and happy! If waiting to breed is the better choice, it is a hard choice for sure, but do it for your awesome pets! You want to know exactly what you are doing and be prepared for anything, good or bad!

LASTLY: Glad to hear she's doing better! It's always scary when your babies are sick/not feeling well!

Glad to hear your snake is doing better, and for the record, I dont really think you were being a whiner..I was just having a bad day and it was just some poorly placed bad humor, so I apologize if it came across as mean..

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Originally Posted by OhhWatALoser

.....Fail on my part

Well you screen name isn't gender specific, and looking at your sig....yea I feel kinda stupid now, well I know now lol. *googles Steel Magnolia* hey I was a year old when that movie came out, can't blame me for not knowing what it was.

you can call me a she to make up for it. sorry :(

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It's ok! I just had to razz you a bit!

The simple truth of the matter is, this place is big enough and busy enough that a new post can be buried under three pages of other new posts in a single afternoon.

Plenty of times I've come here late in the day after not being on since this previous night, and found 4 pages of new posts to look through. Not everyone will take that time however.

Gale

It's simple:

You have a question ask it.....NOW don't expect 18 pages on your topic to help you when you have easily done a search to get the same answer.

People here are actually nice, even I am a nice guy compared to the other forums I'm on. We have a sticky and if the new person doesn't read it or do a search for the topic you have a thread of 3 pages that says SEARCH on every line.

As for your objective of getting most, if not all of your post responded to, you have succeed. I mean you could have just bumped it, instead of making a whole nother thread.