Thought I'd better introduce myself as things seem to be a bit shaky .

[Running Elk]

Since you brought it up...

This is coming from a recent post of yours, the tone of which really got under my skin. I can't speak for everyone, but I'm going to go out on a limb here based on what I observed. I saw this post and wanted to reflect a bit.

It's not that you come off as pretending to be an 'expert'. It's acting morally superior because you don't agree with some of the practices other people use. It's okay to disagree, but when you come in, guns blazing, calling people out for being 'morally inferior' because they don't do things the same way as you, you're only going to make enemies, even from people who do agree with you. Talking of "lowering yourself" to practices that you know many people use, and then chalking it up to cultural inadequacy is a very strong notion that is going to GREATLY upset a lot of people.

For example, I feed frozen as much as I can to any of my snakes who will take frozen, which is currently all of them. Some of my newer snakes have come to me eating live, and I have to work them over to frozen -- usually starting with live (if I really have to), then pre-killed (from a spinal dislocation, which seems to be the fastest method -- I think thumping and gassing are less ethical methods), and then to frozen. I raise show mice and have had most types of rodents available in the pet trade at some point or another -- so I value rodents as animals. I do think feeding frozen is a better option in many ways, personally. Had your 'debate' on the issue been simply that -- a constructive debate, asking people politely why they choose to feed live in order to come up with answers/feedback to your questions concerning cultural differences that DO exist, I might have sided with you, seeing as I feed frozen at all costs and have worked painstakingly to convert all of my snakes to frozen. But when you come in accusing people of being lesser than you, and being somehow morally inept, I can't side with you on account of the rudeness and arrogance.

You're entitled to your own opinions, but use some tact. Humble your voice. That's how you get respect.

A lot of the people in this forum are American. Our animal ethics are culturally different than European animal ethics. It's just a different culture, for better or for worse. A lot of reptile people are conservative, perhaps partially because the AR movement here is associated with being far-left (somehow -- some of us lefties still keep animals and understand the different between animal welfare and animal rights. Any good keeper cares about the welfare of their animals -- most/all of the people on this forum have a deep love and respect for snakes that brings us together so that we can learn, teach, and share our passion). This is going to make the reception of judgmental-sounding AResque rhetoric even more negative. We're (Americans) fighting a loosing battle against policies that want to essentially outlaw any pet except cats and dogs, pretty much. Opening a very condescendingly worded thread about 'morally inferior' animal welfare practices is going to irritate a red-hot rash that already exists -- not a good idea. Save your judgmental anti-live feeding rant for the Irish forum. People (Americans) are sensitive to that kind of lingo, because here the same people that spout that rhetoric also support things like the Lacey Act. With the mass banning of reptiles being a constant threat, coming on here with AR rhetoric is going to cause tension -- as the reptile community is currently the most at risk from proposed ignorant AR policies.

I am autistic as well. I understand how difficult it is to communicate with other people in a way that's not rude or awkward. I understand that you probably don't think you're being rude, but you are. Tact is something I've had to learn and still struggle with, so I get it -- I honestly do. But if you want to feel welcome, ask questions that aren't loaded, get to know people, and respect that husbandry practices differ slightly among different cultures and different keepers. You don't have to like the practices that everyone here uses, but understand that we all have the utmost interest in our animals' welfare and success, even if our methods vary from person to person. This should be a place to share our passion and expertise/experience, as well as a safe place to ask questions and not feel judged.

If you're seriously inquiring as to the hostile/cold reception you perceive getting from members here, I hope that this post helps you.