What does everyone think? Have we already lost the war on public relations with regards to this hobby/industry?

I ask this because it seems we are seeing an increasing, if not never ending surge of biased, one sided sensationalism from the news media, and television programs. First it was MonsterQuest on the History channel, then it was "Python Wars" on NatGeo, and now I have received word that Animal Planet will be airing TWO programs, one called "Killer Aliens" and the other "Fatal Attractions of Exotic pet ownership" back to back. It seems that every major TV network is against us now. Quite frankly I am getting weary of seeing/hearing all of this crap. So far I have not seen any press releases or other official statements made by PIJAC, USARK, etc countering what is being put out their by these major TV networks. Are they just going to hide their heads in the sand about this?

USARK, PIJAC, NatPet, and all of the other groups may be working behind the scenes to fight legislation (and don't get me wrong, I commend them for all of the hard work they have done thus far), but I have to ask how much attention is really being paid to PR? That seems to be a battle we have already lost if things have progressed to the point of federal legislation being proposed and when these types of programs are appearing out of the woodwork and are now running rampant like a plague of locusts, IMO.

I apologize if I seem angry and frustrated here, but quite frankly I am, and I have had enough of these programs already. When is enough enough? IMO, the sensationalism is getting out of control. These programs are inevitably spreading out alot of lies and damaging misinformation since they are major TV networks watched by many people who are unfortunately going to buy into it all. I have already had some non-herp people ask me if I had seen the show and how they will be spreading north to NYC. I'm not sure how much of this topic will be addressed at the summit in Tinley, but what should we be doing to better counter all of the media garbage being spewed out there? As I mentioned before, I haven't seen any press releases/statements made by USARK or PIJAC on this to counter it. I am not sure how effective posting about these programs on here or other reptile boards is, since I am probably preaching to the choir there. And I am not sure how effective contacting these networks really would be, since, like I said before, seem to have predetermined stances against us as well. I am open to any discussions on this topic.

[ Show Entire Thread ]