I think there are times that all of us want a specific answer, a specific set of instructions and/or material list. In some cases that type of answer (reply) may be appropriate or neccesary, but FR made a comment in another thread recently that I feel is important to bring to everyone's attention.

While being pressed for a specific answer on caging material, FR replied, "After all, is that not what we are suppose to do. Give them reason to think, and not make all decisions for them."

He's right. There are so many things that make FR's statement true. Now, I don't want to get into rehashing that particular thread so I'll move onto my point.

When uneccesary, specific answers can cause us to rely on others too much, to where we don't think for ourselves. In most cases, personal, environmental, and other circumstances, can be a factor that would/could void someone's specific answer.

(Frank, forgive me for using as an example again here.) I've never seen FR say exactly what brand/type of bulbs he uses for basking. Heh, and yeah, it frustrated me just a tad at first. But consider this: If Frank were to say, "I use 'Hillbilly' brand, product # BR549 (Hee Haw), for basking bulbs" then most of us will run out & get the same thing. A few months later the manufacturer changes that style or stops making 'em. We're all going down on the same boat. We're all gonna be scrambling for a life vest.

Yeah, I know, that's a stretch of imagination but ya'll know I've got quite an imagination. Ha! Ha! But seriously, I hope you see the point I'm trying to make.

One more thing and I'll shut up, for a few minutes.

When I met Tom Crutchfield at the Daytona show I asked him for a bit of business advice. I was thinking about getting into a certain aspect with snakes. I mean, the man's done it for, what, 30 yrs or more, I figr'd he could give me some good input, so I ask him. What was his answer? "Whatever makes you happy." I started laughing and told him, "That's not what I wanted to hear."

He replied, "Honestly, whatever makes you happy, go for it."

He's dead right! And I admire him for not influencing me when he possibly could have. Thanks, Tom! BTW, I'm pursuing what I asked about.

Some of these ol' codgers around here know what they're doin' when they give vague answers. The Internet is a great tool, but too often its used instead of the greatest tool we have, our brains. Granted, some of us are lackin' even a flathead screwdriver we need to tighten up a few of our loose screws, but use that ol' noggin for somethin' more than a hat rack sometimes.

So, try not to get discouraged or frustrated when you get vague answers. Most of the time it will work out for your own good. Think, my man (or woman), think!

Have a great day!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

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