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...to all the breeders (both large and small) at the daytona show that didn't think twice about speaking directly to me when I walked up to their tables to check out what they had. It got very annoying early on saturday that I would get looked over or just plain ignored when looking to see what people had for sale. I understand that in the reptile world, women are usually just the wifes that tag along to the shows, or the ones that "put up with those things". But not all women at reptile shows are that way. I had to tell one breeder to talk to *me* and not my fiance about the balls I was looking at. HIs response..."oh, I assumed he would have to sex them"..no you thick skulled idiot, I can pop, or probe them my damn self. Not to mention, they were for *my* breeding projects. I guess that is what you get when you assume things. ANYWAYS...enough of the bickering, my original intent was to thank those that saw me (and other women) as customers and not just widows wandering around aimlessly while their husbands had all the fun.

Kelly
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1.0 CB Fiancee` (Gregory)
1.1 Burmese (Gravity, Niran)
1.1 Albino Burm (Rodimus, Typhoid Mary)
5.9 Ball python(too many to list)
1.0 Green tree Python (Scotty Don't)
1.0 Amazon Tree Boa (BigE)
0.1 Hog Island (Jane)
0.1 Nic red tail (Bonita)
1.0 Mystery Boa (Mr. Lee Ho)
1.1 BCI(Pugsly, Odessa)
0.1 Ambon Retic(marilyn)
3.3 King snakes (various phases)
1.1 Blood Pythons(Taint, Dee)
2.4 Leopard Geckos
2.0 dumb-estic cats (nugget & pedro)
1.0 Pit Bull (joker)
0.1 Jack russell/chihuahua (Harley)
1.0 MinPin (Bishop)

Kelly, that's funny you brought that up! This is somewhat related! Years ago and maybe still, there was definately a "gecko clique"! You couldn't permiate that clique, unless you owned "top" animals or had a suit case full of money to purchase some! Well, that has kinda spilled over into ball pythons, though not nearly as bad! There's a percentage of people that act that way (no names please), and it's a shame! One person, I will say is not like that is Brian Barcyzk! I've known Brian from way back and I can say, he's the same guy he was when he owned 100 snakes! Anyhow, whether it's a gender thing or a clique thing, if your in it long enough, you'll pick up on it!

Exactly, and that's why I buy from Brian, he actually talks to his customers. Have bought a pair of Yellowbellies from him this year as well as a pair of Spiders. He always takes time to stop and talk with you regardless of how many other people are vying(sp?) for his attention. There were a couple others that took time to talk to me, such as Justin Kobylka, Kara from NERD, Morton Wright, Dwayne Richard, etc. They were all very welcoming.

A bunch of others though... Couldn't take time out of their day to say thank you, or even acknowledge that I was standing at their table LOOKING at them.. Guess I didn't want to see/buy that snake anyway! *Becky takes her money elsewhere*
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-Becky Brown, RVT-
1.0 Lemon Pastel Classic Jungle(NERD)
2.10 Normals
1.1 Yellowbellies(BHB)
1.0 100% Het Pied Classic Jungle
0.1 50% Poss. Het Pied
0.1 Classic Jungle
1.0 66% Poss Het Ax Genetic Granite
18 07 Hatchlings

dont you just hate when that happens... when i go to swaps i usually dont get attention either until i go pick up my pre-orders....something about carrying around 20-60 lizards and snakes tends to get you attention, after you spent your money lol ... if i get ignored i easily walk away. A good business man will always bring me back if his social skills and stock are what i expect. I tend to get the "do you own a petstore" question. I guess i dont look like a hobbyist. I started getting into geckos/snakes pretty young i was in 8th or 9th grade and the one person that always entertained me still supplies me today. I am not a big spender by anymeans but garrick at crested gecko always treats me like a VIP. Sorry for dropping names but i had to give him props for always taking time for the little guys. I've been there talking to him and hes always been polite talking to men and women of all ages even if hes extremely busy. I guess you cant talk to everyone but he sure does try.
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we're here because a hobby became an obsession

some days you're the dog, some days you're the hydrant...don't know who started this saying but it's the truth

I will echo the sentiment about Garrick.

-Jason

What`s funny to me is if they stopped to look around at Daytona they would notice probably half the people there were women. I saw many women and teenagers with reptiles they had bought at the show. I think some of them believe a woman or a younger person won`t be willing to spend a certain amount of money. You just never know who`s walking around with 5k to drop though.
something to keep in mind....

JM

I agree. I'm in 10th grade and when I go to shows, I don't really get a lot of attention by those selling animals. They just kind of blow me off thinking that I don't have money and that I'm there to just look, not buy. Little do they know that I save all year long and I have some money to drop on a few snakes. You'd think that they'd be willing to go way out of their way to show you some kindness and attention because in the end, you might purchase something from them. A customer is a customer, no matter how you slice it, so they should be willing to spend equal amounts of time with everyone.
I know I shouldn't name drop but I have to give this guy some kudos: Evan Vellios of Ideal Reptiles. I have bought about 4-5 snakes from him and I have to say that he will do whatever it takes to make you happy and completely satisfied. I plan on going to him for a very long time to come and I don't think I'll ever be disatisfied with him.

I have only been in the reptile world for about a year, and it didn't take me long to notice the cliques of think-they're-better-than-you breeders as well as their high k spenders. I've also noticed instantly how easily I've been looked over, like Kelly, because I'm a girl. I may ask the questions, but my fiance gets the answers. Maybe becuase he's older than me and maybe becuase he's a guy, but he's in this game only BECAUSE I am.

I won't drop names for the real jerks I've met, but since we're given props out, I have to name Jeff and Rich from Chesapeke Ball Pythons are EXCELLENT guys to work with. Never once looked us over knowing we were potential buyers, and love to talk snakes, no matter who you are.

And props to you Kelly, hope you had a good show, and props to all the other breeders out there willing to talk to the little people.