Ooh, a fun fill-in-type post!

1) What made you want that get that very first Ball Python?
It was a complete accident. I was into keeping amphibians (frogs and a few salamanders.) I went to our local petco and there was this cool chick there with tattoos. My man is into tats too and we three talked about tats and the conversation turned when she saw we were looking at reptiles. She said "how would you like a p*ssy little snake?" Turns out, they had a nippy BP in the back that had been returned twice for being nippy, and they just wanted to get rid of it.
I went home, researched a bunch and in a few days we went back and brought The B*tch home. She stayed true to her name and was always nippy. She ended up escaping her tank and freezing in onr basement sadly. It was the only time I have seen my boyfriend of 4 years, actually cry.
This was all in '03. I had gotten Goblin my adult male BP, that september. Got Ashes from another petco for a measly $20 that year too... and got Bela the next May from Alex Hue (shes a cbb '03.) Adopted the other 2 last March frrom an idiot keeper.
OK, now that the novella is over, lets move on...

2) What was your first exposure to this fascinating creature and how long did you wait before actually getting one?
The first time I ever saw a BP was back in gradeschool; they had a travelling reptile exhibit come to our class, and we could touch and see the reptiles. That had to be over 10 years before I got mine!

3) If you had to go back and redo that first experience, what's your best advice to avoid some of the pitfalls or challenges you faced?
Start with a tamer specimen. I was so amazed at the difference between my first BP and laid-back Goblin!

4) What's your take on the impact of the internet on this hobby/business?
I think it's great. You can get stuff frrom people all around the country (or even the world) instead of being restricted to the crappy neighborhood pet store. Or if you have a cool local store, they can more easily order you the stuff you want!!