Hmmm. I can just about identify with everything that has been posted thus far. Yes, there are always going to be newbies asking simple questions (i.e. those that can be answered by searching). Yes, there are always going to be folks around to answer those questions (which is great, since we all need some support sometimes), and there are always going to be those who are irritated/bemused/distracted by a rash of newbie-based questions.

My main frustration lies not in the same questions being asked over and over, but in a new keeper asking ALL the basic questions, rapid-fire, when it's obvious that they've done next to no research on their own. Part of being a responsible reptile keeper is having the ability and motivation to RESEARCH & REASON!!! Yes, for a large percentage of keepers, reptiles are just pets. That does not, however, negate the fact that in a larger perspective, these animals are part pet & part science project so to speak. And as a result, they are going to require keeper education outside of the standard realm of "give it food & water and some attention from time to time." Reptiles do not have the same set of requirements as a dog or cat, and herpetoculturists have the responsibility of self-education for the sake of proper maintenance, regardless of experience level.

If we're not willing to learn how to read our animals and be tuned into them, we're never going to learn how to grow as keepers & identify the subtleties that define when something with our beloved herps is out of whack vs. status quo. Being able to do so requires discernment...i.e. reading books, websites, magazines, caresheets & developing an idea for what is "standard" and what is of concern when it comes to herp behavior/care.

The brand-new keepers who constantly show *no* desire to learn on their own & want to be spoon-fed EVERYTHING are what bother me, moreso than a new keeper asking questions as a point of comparison, for example "I read this, but my snake is doing THIS, what do you guys/gals think?" instead of "Tell me everything I need to know to set up a cage for my BP/What do I do if my snake has mites tell me everything to do/I am going to breed lots of ball pythons will you guys buy them and hey, how do I make Pastels?"

Instead of getting irritated when someone has a genuine question to ask, view it as a challenge to refine your OWN skills even more! Rise to the occasion & give the best advice you possibly can. Look at it from the perspective of "how would I answer this question, and is my answer the best advice I could possibly give in consideration of the well-being of this keeper & animal?" We should ALL strive to meet this challenge, as building on the basics and consistently refining them is what will give us even more ground to grow as keepers & breeders. By the same token, it IS okay to offer gentle prodding to those who sincerely need to do their own homework for the sake of growing as a keeper. Instead of having a "hey you suck, look up a caresheet" mentality, view such questions as an opportunity to present challenges to new & budding keepers. Be friendly, but quiz them on their research & turn it into a chance to learn & appreciate these animals even more. Get creative!

$.02 (and then some...)

K~