Same Questions Over and Over

I wonder if people even read the forum posts before asking questions. i see so many questions about the same darn thing. over and over and over. dont get my wrong, im happy to help, always have been. but when it seems that people dont even take the time to research before joining this site and posting away, it kinda bugs me. you would think that they would look at the next post right below theirs to find the answer.

sorry for the rant.

good day all!

easy there tiger.. you asked lots of questions about red eye tree frogs when there were lots of posts, all you had to do was look so lets not cast stones in a glass house. everyone needs help every so often and not always do we have time to sift through lots and lots of posts to find that one answer. its nice to get new input :gj: there are new members all the time and everyone always has some kind of input

agreed i did ask about tree frogs, but my questions were specific to your frogs. im not trying to be an ass here, not in the least bit. like i said, im happy to help with any question, that i know how to help.

didnt mean to sound all fired up haha.

i just was thinking how weird it was to see three posts about a stuck shed, one right after another.

sorry if it came off the wrong way, not ment for it at all

I don't mind and I think it's just human nature to want personal attention. I think a lot of the people that come to this site are genuinely concerned and worried about their snake, and probably don't have the time or patience to search through thousands of threads to find the one that fits their particular situation. I also know a lot of people that have a lot of difficulty doing even basic searches.

If it helps someone's snake out there and puts their mind at ease, then I really don't see the problem with them asking a common question. ;)

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Originally Posted by patthesnakeman

agreed i did ask about tree frogs, but my questions were specific to your frogs. im not trying to be an ass here, not in the least bit. like i said, im happy to help with any question, that i know how to help.

didnt mean to sound all fired up haha.

i just was thinking how weird it was to see three posts about a stuck shed, one right after another.

sorry if it came off the wrong way, not ment for it at all

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try to remember to keep it rated PG, no swearing... younger eyes read here ((mommy in me coming out))

i see what your saying but try to be compassionate of those people who dont know how to use the search engine, im sure there are a few of those here too. if you see a question you have seen time and time again ignore it and move on, no need to post a rant about it. im sure every seasoned herp owner (or anyone experienced in anything) has heard the same question lots of times. just a thought

Different people have different ways that they learn. Some people are very good at researching on their own. We have NO idea how many people come here and use the Search function and find the answers they need...because we never hear from them. They found what they wanted and went on their way.

Personally...I'd rather they ask their questions so we can get to know them and bring them in as a part of our wonderful community.

Some people are easily overwhelmed at the amount of info they'd have to wade through to find an answer to a specific question...and how much more confusing if their questions are of a more general nature? Some people are not experienced at navigating forums like this. Some don't know what kind of search criteria to use to get the best results. And some people just like to talk....and therefore are more likely to ask their questions "out loud" rather than sit quietly and wade through someone else's questions.

We're all different and we do our best to cater to all those different needs. Yes...this does mean we answer the same questions over and over again. It's part of what BP.net is all about. And there's nothing wrong with simply linking to a recent thread with the same discussion if you think the info the person is looking for is already there. But please...please....try not to make people feel bad simply because the way they learn and absorb information is different than you'd like it to be.

(claps) well put xdeus & Judy

Ya know..i've thought about this before to try to understand the logic and the reason I don't get mad and respond with "duh...search!" is because I absolutely hate forums that are FORUMS to ask questions and get answers. That's the whole purpose of a forum, correct?

Sometimes it is easier to simply have a thread that you can relate to. yes, you can easily find answers by searching, but a lot of the time it's easier to post up and get some feedback regarding your specific situation.

Now, the reason we have a lot of newbies coming in and beginning their first thread with "sorry if this sounds stupid" or "sorry i'm a complete newb" or something like that is because they've experienced that crap ass answer on another forum.."there's a search feature..use it". I hate getting that answer, therefore, I won't ever say it. People know it's there...but people would rather have a response to their questions.

but i feel as if the purpose of the forum is sort of lost when that happens. the point of forums is to hold information, and make it accesable.

sorry i didnt think i cussed

I asked about a stuck shed without searching because I was panicing. It sounded like she couldn't breath and she was holding her head up with her mouth open, but as soon as I got the skin off, she was fine and I was so happy.

Maybe these people are seriously worried and don't want to waste time searching. Why take any longer than nessesary when your pet is in trouble?

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Originally Posted by JLC

Different people have different ways that they learn. Some people are very good at researching on their own. We have NO idea how many people come here and use the Search function and find the answers they need...because we never hear from them. They found what they wanted and went on their way.

Personally...I'd rather they ask their questions so we can get to know them and bring them in as a part of our wonderful community.

Some people are easily overwhelmed at the amount of info they'd have to wade through to find an answer to a specific question...and how much more confusing if their questions are of a more general nature? Some people are not experienced at navigating forums like this. Some don't know what kind of search criteria to use to get the best results. And some people just like to talk....and therefore are more likely to ask their questions "out loud" rather than sit quietly and wade through someone else's questions.

We're all different and we do our best to cater to all those different needs. Yes...this does mean we answer the same questions over and over again. It's part of what BP.net is all about. And there's nothing wrong with simply linking to a recent thread with the same discussion if you think the info the person is looking for is already there. But please...please....try not to make people feel bad simply because the way they learn and absorb information is different than you'd like it to be.

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no totally agreed. im not trying make people feel bad, im trying to let people know that the answers are out there, they just have to put forth an effort.

i hope that i didnt discourage anyone, totally didnt mean to.

im not trying to make people feel bad for posting questions at all.

the point of a forum isnt to repeat or not repeat.. its for discussion, thats why there are specific forums for specific things (husbandry, for husbandry) why else would those forums exist. Why would people bother posting threads asking what everyones spider/piebald/pewter look like when there is a perfectly good google to look through for images, why, because they want the feedback from the members here. They want information on their specific situation. its not something to get frustrated about. havnt you ever had a question at any time and come out and asked? everyones situation is as different as the people asking questions.. try to respect that a little, everyone learns their own way.

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Originally Posted by Elvyra's Keeper

I asked about a stuck shed without searching because I was panicing. It sounded like she couldn't breath and she was holding her head up with her mouth open, but as soon as I got the skin off, she was fine and I was so happy.

Maybe these people are seriously worried and don't want to waste time searching. Why take any longer than nessesary when your pet is in trouble?

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Amanda, dont get discouraged you did the right thing.. the thing that felt right to you for your animal, i see no harm in that.

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Originally Posted by patthesnakeman

but i feel as if the purpose of the forum is sort of lost when that happens. the point of forums is to hold information, and make it accesable.

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It IS accessable! And people DO search and find the answers they want that way. Look at the number of members we have! We have thousands of registered members who have never posted anything. Why? Because they register in order to make use of all our wonderful features and information. But they don't actually ask any questions. So it feels like we don't even know they are there.

By comparison...we get a fraction of that number that seem to ask questions without bothering to look for the answer first themselves. And by them doing so...it keeps our forums active and the information constantly fresh.

EVERY member we have is valuable in some way or another!

i just posted saying that i wasnt trying to be disrespectful or rude at all. i was mearly stating an opinion/fact (dont know which it is). if someone does read this and gets mad, sad, discouraged, not my intentions.

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Originally Posted by patthesnakeman

i just posted saying that i wasnt trying to be disrespectful or rude at all. i was mearly stating an opinion/fact (dont know which it is). if someone does read this and gets mad, sad, discouraged, not my intentions.

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Understood, and that's perfectly fine. There's nothing wrong with getting frustrated over the same questions, but I'd suggest that you just pass those threads over if it does make you feel that way.

I feel the same way Pat. It does get mundane to have a new person hop on and say OMG, not eating! or, !!!!STUCK SHED HELP NOW PLEASE!!!!.

I am of the mind, that if a person has done their homework before getting the animal, they should have some idea what's going on and should be able to look up the information more efficiently than writing it all out, posting, and waiting for several responses that may or may not take longer than it would have to just google.

There's nothing wrong with asking for help, but to completely ignore the layout of the forum that is almost always gar-un-teed to have the same topic on the same page? Get's tiring.

:weirdfacethen my suggestion would be to try and be a little more sensative to the other members feelings, think before you post.. or at least think about how thigns can come across because as a member who did post those silly "my snake is not eating, stuck shed, exc" at one point i can see where other posters would be offended. shoot had i not posted my concerns i would still have two ball pythons living together in one enclosure, shoot even more recent my beardeds were living together and the BREEDER said it would be fine! Lots of websites also listed the same.. not every book you read, every website you clik on is going to give you correct information. its not just about doing your research because not everything you read is spot on up to date info.. boy am i glad i asked my questions when i did.

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Originally Posted by AshleyB

:weirdfacethen my suggestion would be to try and be a little more sensative to the other members feelings, think before you post.. or at least think about how thigns can come across because as a member who did post those silly "my snake is not eating, stuck shed, exc" at one point i can see where other posters would be offended. shoot had i not posted my concerns i would still have two ball pythons living together in one enclosure, not every book you read, every website you clik on is going to give you correct information. its not just about doing your research because not everything you read is spot on up to date info.. boy am i glad i asked my questions when i did.

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i think your taking this a little our of proportion. i dont see how i was insensitive by saying any of that.

well, Amanda on page one even listed why her post (a repeat post) was validated to her.. so it wasnt only me who took it "the wrong way" and i do think it was insensative but everyone is entitled to their feelings

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Originally Posted by AshleyB

:weirdfacethen my suggestion would be to try and be a little more sensative to the other members feelings, think before you post.. or at least think about how thigns can come across because as a member who did post those silly "my snake is not eating, stuck shed, exc"

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Coming down a little harsh there? I dont know how that was even offensive really... :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Elvyra's Keeper

Maybe these people are seriously worried and don't want to waste time searching. Why take any longer than nessesary when your pet is in trouble?

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my point! maybe researching before the problem arose, it would have been answered. im not trying to put you down amanda, not at all. sorry if you and ashley thought that i was targeting you two.

The forum seems to go through trends...and right now seems to be one of new members not using the search feature before they inquire about a particular question.

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Originally Posted by littleindiangirl

Coming down a little harsh there? I dont know how that was even offensive really... :rolleyes:

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No, Connie I think there is a way to put things that is more sensative. It couldve been addressed differently... or not at all even. Yes there are repeat posts, thats fine. But honestly.. if it bothers you so much skip over them. Its as simple as that. :gj: If you want to help then great, if not move onto something thats more appealing to you. Sorry if members think im coming down harsh but at the same time ithink everyone is entitled to their opinion.

I don't feel discouraged, if I want help, I'm going to ask. Some people might get annoyed, but someone will help.

I completely understand being annoyed though, with some one who is experienced with snakes, those somple questions may seam like "duh".

Holy shnizzle batman. 25 posts in 15 minutes. Everyone made a valid point, and Pat didn't mean anything by the post. Let's just take a breath and do some shots. :)

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Originally Posted by JBallPython

The forum seems to go through trends...and right now seems to be one of new members not using the search feature before they inquire about a particular question.

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In all honesty, I view the **urgent** threads as being slightly selfish and "gimmie gimmie", without trying to do a little footwork beforehand. I do try to avoid them most of the time, unless it's been a while since the topic has come up, or it's a different spin on an known problem.

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Originally Posted by AshleyB

but at the same time ithink everyone is entitled to their opinion.

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isnt that what i was doing?

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Originally Posted by PythonWallace

Holy shnizzle batman. 25 posts in 15 minutes. Everyone made a valid point, and Pat didn't mean anything by the post. Let's just take a breath and do some shots. :)

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YEAH!!! im with you brotha

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Originally Posted by AshleyB

No, Connie I think there is a way to put things that is more sensative. It couldve been addressed differently... or not at all even.

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Well, I guess I just don't see what was so aggressive about his posts...

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Originally Posted by patthesnakeman

my point! maybe researching before the problem arose, it would have been answered. im not trying to put you down amanda, not at all. sorry if you and ashley thought that i was targeting you two.

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that may have been an unforseen problem, i doubt she woke up and said my snake is going to have a stuck shed and im not going to read about it today just because i want to annoy the members on the forum i use, not everyone has problems with stuck sheds. None of my snakes have ever had that particular problem but there are "common" issues i have had concerns about and while im sure its annoying to read about them, as ive said before there is an option to ignore them all together. Pat, I dont think your targeting me but I did feel that this was a bit harsh. At this point I feel this thread is getting a bit out of context, I agree there is frustration but at the same time i respect those owners with issues to try to find an answer, its better than doing nothing. Even if it is repeatative.

wow.....look what i started.

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Originally Posted by AshleyB

I think there is a way to put things that is more sensative. It couldve been addressed differently... or not at all even. Yes there are repeat posts, thats fine. But honestly.. if it bothers you so much skip over them. Its as simple as that. :gj: If you want to help then great, if not move onto something thats more appealing to you. Sorry if members think im coming down harsh but at the same time ithink everyone is entitled to their opinion.

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When I come to the forum on any given day I just hit "New Posts"...all of these repeat questions and posts DO still show up...do I read all of them...no....but they are still there... hopefully members start putting the search feature and tag systems to better use...that IS why they are there.

I don't think you're being harsh...but I think someone needs to pass off the soap box... BTW...this website is for 13+ if they can't handle the word "ass" they will be in for a big suprise in the real world.

Lets let the moderators handle how we should and should not behave.

Sorry for not being sensitive.:)

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Originally Posted by JBallPython

When I come to the forum on any given day I just hit "New Posts"...all of these repeat questions and posts DO still show up...do I read all of them...no....but they are still there... hopefully members start putting the search feature and tag systems to better use...that IS why they are there.

I don't think you're being harsh...but I think someone needs to pass off the soap box... BTW...this website is for 13+ if they can't handle the word "ass" they will be in for a big suprise in the real world.

Lets let the moderators handle how we should and should not behave.

Sorry for not being sensitive.:)

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hahahahahaa

Again, forums are great for getting information and discussion, but you have to admit, if 15 people in the same room asked you 15 times in a row if you need your gall bladder (no you dont), it does start to grain on ya...

ok, ok jason you got me.. poor spelling.:gj:

It is listed in the rules there is no tollerance for using any swear words, no matter what it is. A rude awakening for the real world? They are 13, thankfully the real world is quite a few years away... I will leave that one alone. I agree, the search engine is a wonderful tool and should be used more often.

this forum blocks out swear words with the little :cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r: icon.

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Originally Posted by littleindiangirl

this forum blocks out swear words with the little :cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r: icon.

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My point exactly!

[QUOTE=patthesnakeman;670056]my point! maybe researching before the problem arose, it would have been answered.QUOTE]

I knew steps to remove it, but I didn't see anything about her having trouble breathing from it. It was really scary and I paniced.

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Originally Posted by Elvyra's Keeper

I knew steps to remove it, but I didn't see anything about her having trouble breathing from it. It was really scary and I paniced.

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Amanda, like i said i apologize if i make you feel bad for posting about your snakes health. i was mearly stating

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Originally Posted by patthesnakeman

Amanda, like i said i apologize if i make you feel bad for posting about your snakes health. i was mearly stating

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I fully understand. I don't feel bad at all. I'm merely representing the other side. I'm explaining the compulsive behavior of posting a new thread.

seriously yall, i didnt expect 40 responses and 200+ views in 30 mins about this.

People should not forget that when a REAL emergency with a pet occurs an internet forum should not be the first place that you visit. I could understand coming here to see if anyone in your area has a qualified herp vet....

Something as simple as coming here for advice on an animal not feeding is understandable, but it is NOT necessarily an emergency, and such topics that are not necessarily emergencies should not be titled as such.

That is one of the problems with the repeat advice threads...I do read them if they are titled as an emergency...but then the contents are something that don't warrant immediate feedback...and just purely want advice which could've been searched for.

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Originally Posted by JBallPython

People should not forget that when a REAL emergency with a pet occurs an internet forum should not be the first place that you visit. I could understand coming here to see if anyone in your area has a qualified herp vet....

Something as simple as coming here for advice on an animal not feeding is understandable, but it is NOT necessarily an emergency, and such topics that are not necessarily emergencies should not be titled as such.

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well put Jason, good point

Here is the thing I belong to several forum and yes I do answer the same questions over and over again, most common ones being about feeding issue, yet I am still doing it.

Now if you don’t want to answer the questions over and over again you don’t have to, and if you do keep in mind that because you have answered the same type of questions 100+ times (I know I have) for most people that ask a question this will be the first time they will read your answer.

This thread boils down to the very reason that BP.net is my fav. forum, and there are many out there.

I CRINGE, when I ask a question on another forum, or when someone new asks a question and are told to use the search function.

It seriously makes me cringe, I think its rude.

I don't think I have ever seen someone say that on here, everyone is always willing to help. All experience levels are always willing to help.

One of the problems I see with only utilizing the search function is that in this Hobby, things are ever changing. You may search for something and find an answer that is outdated. I feel its always better to ask questions.


There are many different reasons people don't use the search funtion, they don't know about it, they don't know how to use it, or they are like me and sometimes flat out forget its there. Or they would like a specific answer pertaining to their specific problem, even if it is a commonly answered question.
With all that being said, this is by far the most helpful forum I have ever been on. Everyone is kind, and we don't have hardly half the problems of other forums.
The big guys on here, they aren't always so concerned with what they are proving out to stop and answer a few simple questions, even if they have answered them a 1000 times.:D

Remember that sometimes people DON'T know what to search for.
Most people started out here asking the SAME questions as what you see here today. You don't remember being new?
Did anyone who is currantly objecting to "Repeated" postings ever post to a forum and ask "Can I keep my snake in a tank?" or "How can I get the humidty higher?". No? Not ever anywhere? Did you ask someone at a petstore?
Posting a topic that says "I find you annoying for posting a question because I've answered it before" is kind of offensive, whether you meant to offend people or not. New people come on and are a little concerned, and might not know a herp vet and don't know if they even need a vet for the pet. They ask.
In the perfect world, every single person would research completely and know every single factoid in existance PRIOR to buying the pet. It's not going to happen. Most pet owners have gotten an animal at some point without knowing everything about the pet prior. Sometimes it's just that they were told the wrong thing by whoever sold them the pet.
Each person that posts "Is my snake sick" is asking a first time question TO THEM. They are completely unaware that YOU have answered it over and over and over. Some of them don't know what to use as a search term. Some won't know that there IS so much information on here.
Just remember that we were all new to reptiles at some point.
Just remember that not every post you make is going to please people.
It's part of the forum. It's part of the internet. It's frustrating to say "No, you can't keep your rats in the cage with your hatchling ball python" to ten people a week, but it's way better than telling person #9 "use search" and then later finding out the hatchling was eaten alive because the person got embarressed and left without the needed information.
That's all just my own $.02. Take it, leave it, ignore it, laugh at it.

i never said that i found it annoying that the post was answered a million times. i said that it bugs when someone joins and there first posts are three lines down in the category. and i have no prblem answering the same question once a day. but four, five times a day. i will say no more, obviously im just making enemies here, as usual.

your not making enemies pat.. i respect you and have always enjoyed your responses, this particular thread just rubbed me wrong.

Don't be melodramatic. You aren't making enemies. Geez. It's a topic post. You didn't stab anyone's kitten.
For myself, I wanted to point out that we were all that person once. And what did you think people would think when you posted it? Re-read it. It says basically that you are annoyed to have to read the same question. That's true, but you just should maybe have worded it slightly different.
Maybe try to say "Hey guys! Remember to Search for all the great information here! It might save you time when you are concerned for your pet!"
Honestly if someone searched(assuming they knew what term to use and how to use search) they would have the Important Info faster. There's a lot of reasons why they don't use it, all explained here.
It's a good thread, especially since I never thought of how many people DO come here, and never post the question because THEY used search! (Thanks JLC) Lots of lurkers making use of the forums exactly how you mean they should be used.
BTW: On the seahorse sites its "Why is my seahorse floating on top of the water?" LOL.