Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been part of the ks community since around 1998. It has had its low and highs. The lowest point was in 2000 when someone was banned from the site and given a restraining order because he was cyber stalking women. I've learned a lot on these forums and have met a lot of cool people and I've tried to give back by supporting the forums and posting actively when I can help. I've tried to defend everyone unjustly attacked and have devoted more time to feeding questions by private e-mail than probably all of my posts combined. In the past week it has become obvious that I am in a minority. With every new generation of keepers, the situations become more absurd and it isn't possible to post one's opinions without one's name being dragged down across the internet. What people are saying about you ks members is not only undeserved but pathetic and you stay silent- I don't understand that. I'm going the way of private lists and forums where so many of the herpers I respect and admire have gone. Sometimes we realize that we have been following the wrong directions and for me this is one of those times. It is a big change for me because ks is a huge part of my life, both business and personal, but that will remain only business from now on. Best wishes,
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Marcia Pimentel
Tango River Reptiles
GiantFeeders

I know you probably have some ill feelings towards me. BUT....

Understand it's just the internet. We are all behind comouters and feel like we can say anything. If I saw you in real life, boy, I would be more than happy just to talk to you. I meant that post with the utmost joculary. Don't forget you and a few others on here are who we all turn to for help. I know that you could probably care less sometimes, BUT you do it anyway. I really don't know what you meant by that post, but please do inform me. If there is anything I can do just let me know. You can contact me via e-mail also.

joel (at)four1seven.com

thanks.

Joel

Marcia, I agree with you 100% These forums were much stronger and stimulating prior to 2000....now, it is just seems like a lot of moaning and groaning, people going on the defensive, people acting immature, and on and on....these same people prove my point over and over why 99% of the people wishing to get a burm probably shouldn't. The art of debate and professional dialogue seems to be sorely lacking in some forums and very good in others....but, as many of these types of forums go, they go in cycles and I am sure they will turn around for the better (I have seen much worse!).

I, too, will probably see a diminished participation on these forums due to my professional herp career and also a PhD program that is very demanding of my time (and trying to find time to put my family first and still stay on top of taking care of my "home" herps and breeding projects). I do enjoy giving advice to well intentioned folks who show respect and will continue to do so (and there are many good people on these forums so I don't want to paint too bleak of a picture here). Good luck to you (btw....I want to talk to you sometime about the rabbits you sell).

Rob Carmichael, Director/Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation (IL)

Oh Marcia,... I just read this thread. I saw it yesterday but just assumed that you were asking directions to some place and that someone had answered you.

I really wish you would reconsider leaving here. For the most part Rob already has. Bonnie hardly ever posts here any more. You are one of the last of the pillars that really holds this place up and one of the main reasons I come here. If you left it would get so boring here that I would likely have to follow suit and leave too. So I guess my motivation in wanting you to stay is somewhat selfish too. In any event, I just hope that you can find it in you to shrug off the people that annoy you and simply figure out a way to ignore them.

I for one would really like to see you change your mind and stay.

>>I've been part of the ks community since around 1998. It has had its low and highs. The lowest point was in 2000 when someone was banned from the site and given a restraining order because he was cyber stalking women. I've learned a lot on these forums and have met a lot of cool people and I've tried to give back by supporting the forums and posting actively when I can help. I've tried to defend everyone unjustly attacked and have devoted more time to feeding questions by private e-mail than probably all of my posts combined. In the past week it has become obvious that I am in a minority. With every new generation of keepers, the situations become more absurd and it isn't possible to post one's opinions without one's name being dragged down across the internet. What people are saying about you ks members is not only undeserved but pathetic and you stay silent- I don't understand that. I'm going the way of private lists and forums where so many of the herpers I respect and admire have gone. Sometimes we realize that we have been following the wrong directions and for me this is one of those times. It is a big change for me because ks is a huge part of my life, both business and personal, but that will remain only business from now on. Best wishes,
>>-----
>>Marcia Pimentel
>>Tango River Reptiles
>>GiantFeeders
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If 50% of one's enemies are still breathing,... it just means you're doing a half-assed job.