Reptile & Amphibian Forums

You saw exactly what I was trying to get to... All too much these days, I see the forums erupt into problems over husbandry issues of their animals that, in all reality, have very few hard, fast facts and are mostly opinion based on what works for individuals. I always thought these forums should be both used for sharing of information and knowledgable discussions on the animals we all love and respect. Without discussion, new ideas and concepts are never put forth..and many people who could benefit from the knowledge never recieve it. I realize some of these topics are volatile as people's opinions and ideas are shot down, but that doesn't make them any less worth discussing.. and probably more so really. Personally, I think we all need to be mature enough about questioning of our opinions to asnwer them in an intelligent, non-combative form. Anything else simply defeats the purpose of discussion.

More and more, I see people bashing others, sometimes newbies, sometimes not, for their opinions. I had first hand experience with that back in May when I first came to this forum and asked a question, only to be answered with sarcasm and disdain. But, unlike some people, I can handle that problem well enough.

I, personally, do not condone the feeding of wierd stuff like grapes, veggies, and other non-essential foods to a species that is supposed to be a total preditor. Its like someone trying to feed a cat on a vegetarian diet. It can't be done. Cat's suffer macular degeneration on a full vegetarian diet. Hence, in some way, feeding non-animal based foods could be damaging to our monitors in the long run with no short term problems popping up. I was merely trying to start a discussion topic with this whole thing, for opinions to be posted, not blasted.

Most welcome Lucien. Unfortunately, posting to a forum is a blind item. This one in particular runs a very wide gamut. From 12 year old kids with a v.exanthematicus in a 10 gallon tank, to varanid researchers and breeders. Although I'm left with the impression that I'm not telling you anything you didn't already know...
Glad to hear that you have thick skin - and don't give the huff and bluster much account. I find it unfortunate that often times the only posts that get a lot of mileage, are the ones that can be doused in gasoline and lit up like a Roman candle. So in that regard, your post got some attention and responses - assumably, just not the type you were looking for. Admittedly, not all of the responses had phasers set to "kill".

To illustrate; check out my first post to the boards following several years hiatus: Introductory_post
Funny huh? Not a single response until I asked a stupid question - and again, in fairness, the responses were not hostile.

Best of luck with your animals.

It is rather amazing that the only questions that really get any responses sometimes are the ones people can blast you for.. or those showing pictures.. But, I do have to admit, this forum does give a lot of good info.. its just sometimes the manner of its delivery could be better. I've been around reptiles and amphibeans most of my life. Since I was old enough to go out and catch garter snakes. I really got into them though about 6 years ago when I rescued a baby painted turtle who'd somehow gotten into a parking lot of a grocery store. I kept him for the summer and released him towards the beginning of fall. Since then I've had Ball Pythons, A corn snake or two..an African Rock Python who ended up needing a new home as I moved and couldn't take her with me.. and now on to my Savannah Monitor, who's quickly winning me over to the larger lizard side of things. I like the personality and intelligence of this animal immensely along with its insistance that its going to bite me when I put my hand in for cleaning. Given that I had more room, I'd probably work my way into other monitor species as well, but at the moment I only have room for one. Maybe someday...

What myself and a few others post on here is not about words, but about what has worked (applied husbandry). You come on here wanting to start a discussion but have no applied theories to start a discussion with but only non-applied theories that lead to misunderstanding and show obvious amounts of ignorance.

Do you really think I do what I do with my monitors because FR or fill in the blank said so? I think not. I started off with information that seemed to be good and improved on it for my own circumstances.

Are your motives truly how you represent them? Or are they really just to start arguments?

You see, newbies are here to learn and to post results of what they have learned. When they have empirical evidence of what they have learned (evidence that their practices proved successful with their charges)then they post those results or give advice. You do not have that yet.

There is nothing at all wrong with newbies posting anything they want or asking as many questions as they want. No one goes off on anybody for that, it is when people act like they know something they do not that people "go off" on them.

Catch My Drift?
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Varanus Creations

No, my motive was simply to start a discussion.. not arguements.. I don't like arguements on the forums....Its not what they're here for... I've never been a proponent of debates which bash anyone and everyone's ideas... I'm not some 13 yr old kid either who's going to bridle everytime someone disagrees with me because I think I know it all.. I don't.. and will willingly admit that.. Heck, I know alot less than many people out there and I'm the first to admit it. I believe, in the pleasure of being a new Monitor owner, I simply want to hear opinions on what other people think of certain ideas held about these animals.. I do want the facts and the ideas from other owners.. the benefit of people's experience in things that I've yet encountered. Or I wouldn't bother even being here... I don't just post to start trouble. That isn't what I'm looking for and I believe the post I made was taken too much out of context but you all are entitled to your opinions and I respect that.