I've noticed a lot of new members here at BPNet and other forums I'm part of becoming very defensive and upset when they post pictures and advice is given about areas that could be tweaked here or there. This thread however is NOT directed at any one person.

Please understand that the experienced snake keepers aren't putting you down, calling you a bad owner or in any way trying to make you look dumb. Everyone is trying, in our own ways, to help you have a wonderful experience as a new owner and to help you have a very healthy, well kept snake. Sometimes this might come across as pushy or abrupt but it's not intended that way. Part of keeping exotics is to keep an open mind and be willing to consider others advice. You should always of course understand the why of that advice, verify that it makes sense and the person giving the advice actually has a clue about what they posted on (compare it to others posts, ask outright how they know this, that type of thing).

To our experienced members, I know it's frustrating sometimes saying the same thing over and over again. I know you sometimes wonder if they are listening but please remember, if you don't present information in a way someone can "hear" it...then you guarantee no one is listening. Please do try to remember the kindness and guidance offered you as a new keeper and pay it forward. There are enough experienced folks on most any forum that no one person has to respond to every post and get burned out in the process and short with their words.

To the new members, please remember that the members here with experience and larger collections are taking a lot of their precious time each day to reach out and try to pass on that help to you. They aren't doing this believe me because they have nothing better to do but rather because they have a passion for these snakes and want to see each and every snake thrive. It never hurts to listen, it never hurts to say thanks or give feedback that a husbandry trick worked for your snake.

Let's all remember that no one person holds all the answers, that an online community with it's variety of experiences and levels of knowledge benefits us all. In the end, the snakes we love and care for will always reap the most benefit from this and that's what it's all about folks!