Wow, what a thread, haha.

I am totally enamored by monitors, but have never had the resources available to me to keep them properly. Your monitor is very handsome, and your prospective setup sounds great.

I can see both sides certainly, and I think there's a time for gentle criticism, and a time for bluntness. I think brutal honesty, and I mean BRUTAL, should be implemented in all cases of consideration of purchasing an animal. A huge majority of people buying monitors simply won't be able to keep them properly--they won't have to dedication, resources, or even information to do it right. I think approaching these buyers abrasively will force them think twice about making a purchase they are more than likely unprepared to properly deal with. Talking softly in this case will only encourage them to jump into something too deep for them to handle.

Also, as for the tameness argument--being abrasive here seems also like the appropriate response. While there are certainly exceptions to every rule, it is MUCH better to be safe than sorry with such dangerous animals. Promoting the tame-ability of monitor lizards will only lead to unnecessary injury. What bad could highlighting the aggressiveness of monitors bring? It seems to me very little in comparison. In fact, I think it could only lead to a healthy respect that is well deserved.

On the other hand, if a purchase it made, and the owner seems to have all the necessary intent, dedication, and resources to keeping their animals happy, perhaps some softer guidance is warranted. I think the problem is discerning when that is the case. While Daniel's comments might have brought offense (though personally I can't tell why they would have, especially after his follow-up comments), they were clearly coming from the good place of wanting to see an animal lead a happy, healthy life. With it being so difficult to discern the responsible keepers from the irresponsible ones, and with so many people trying to keep monitors, I think abrasiveness seems like a reasonable default; I would rather see a few uncomfortable and/or offended monitor keepers than I would a bunch of sick animals--that is, given that with abrasiveness comes solid information, as was presented in Daniel's comment.

I certainly think you should encourage Legit to apologize for his harsh words though. As a 15 year old, I can't see how it's his place to tell an experienced keeper he knows nothing. His post was by far the most offensive made in this thread, and in keeping with the professionalism we all like to see on this forum, he shouldn't be coddled here. It it always important to remember that posting something on the internet brings permanence. Without being too dramatic, those words will be attached to his name forever. Before posting anything, we should all take some serious time to consider and choose our words carefully. For that advise, I'd have to say age is inconsequential. As soon as he decides to post on a message board, he should be encouraged to be professional and thoughtful, as we should all be.

Anywho, all of this is just my take on things. I wish you the best with your beautiful animal, and I'm sure she will be happy in your hands. Congratulations on the addition!

Cheers,
-Matt