Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I went to the Repticon show in Pensacola. There was good numbers of people there. What wasnt there was any representation of USARK, or any other organization that has to do with the python ban. Not one sign,not one brochure, nothing. There were hundreds or maybe more that came and went and they still have no idea about the python ban.
I went to the Mobile Alabama show a few weeks ago, same thing.....nothing. There are tons of people going to the shows that dont live on the forums, that still have no idea whats going on with the snake ban. It seems at least the people putting on these shows, that make their living from shows, would at least hand out info. I think we are letting the boat leave us.
I have been out of work for quiet some time, so I havent had the money to help with the cause,but I do email about every politician involved on a weekly basis. And send as many letters as I can.
We need all these weekend reptile lovers involved in this fight. But they are walking away clueless in droves. THIS IS NOT GOOD. It needs to be addressed. We are letting tens of thousands of people that would join us in this fight.walk away.......................James Hysell

I heard the same thing about another show in Columbia (maybe). They hadn't mentioned if USARK was there or not, but they said no one seemed to know about the possible ban. My friend was selling retics, customers and potential customers had no idea and didn't seem to care. Mike

USARK was definitely at the show in Columbia. Your friend was right though, we worked the show and had some retics on our table and probably 90 percent of the retic owners we talked to had no idea there was any hint of a ban or worse, thought it was the one that was defeated back in '08. So, we educated as many as we could and sent them over to the USARK table. The reality is though is that alot of people were just like, "yea, that sucks" but weren't really that upset about it, or even motivated to do anything about it.

I think that the only people these bans affect are the followers and die hard lovers of these animals. The people who put their blood sweat and tears into them. The typical customer that doesnt seem to care just thinks they are "cool" and figures if they are banned they will just pick a deffernt kind of pet reptile. Most arent concerned because it affects them very little.
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This is courage.. to bear unflinching what heaven sends. -unknown

1.0 Basset Hound (Capone)
1.1 cats (San Quinton and Gracie)

I've just read your post. I looked for the table but must have missed it. I was hoping to run into Andrew there as I know he's been literally traveling ALL over the U.S. on various state and federal problems....
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Tom Crutchfield
www.tomcrutchfield.com

I went up to the Colombia Reptile Show and there was an auction to benefit USARK but I didnt see a table. Keep in mind I was not a vendor but just ran up with Patty for a long weekend. I did hear an auction mentioned on the intercom several times however...thanks
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Tom Crutchfield
www.tomcrutchfield.com

Yea, the table was kind of hidden. Honestly, I didn't like the layout of the show this year at all. It was just before the venomous section, and I believe it was next to some crested geckos. But honestly, the line of tables it was in had a lot of small time mom and pop breeders. Nothing wrong with that of course, just not something people are going to gravitate to. I would have much rather seen them right up front so they're seen as soon as you walk in.

Mom and Pop.......that explains why shows are the way they are for us at times.......and I thought I was just too cheap....

LOL..........
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Ha! The columbia show (just in my humble experience) is just so full of people who's self worth is determined by the size of their snakes, that I feel like people overlook the smaller vendors there (like ourselves). I don't know if you were there, but they had to tell people not to walk around with their snakes around their necks about every 10 minutes. My favorite was seeing the guy with the giant blood python around his neck, walking next to a kid holding a pet rabbit. THAT could've ended poorly. But of course, both parties were completely oblivious.

USARK does not have to have a table at a show to be represented. How many USARK members had tables at the shows. I have had USARK petitions, member sign-up forms and USARK materials on my table at shows before. If you are going to be vending at a show, give ANDREW a call, or shoot him an e-mail and ask him for some info to put on your table. The organization cannot make oit to every show, so that is where the members have to step up and lend a hand whenever possible.
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Tim and Monica Bailey
Bailey & Bailey Reptiles

I understand they cant make small shows. But it is easy to contact the promoters and have materials handed out. Which would be probably the cheapest thing to do to contact the greatest number of people that may help. James Hysell

Maybe my message came across as USARK bashing, which is not what was intended. Also there are other orgs. accepting money also that should be trying to gather the troops. But what I was saying is more troops=more donations for all interested parties.

8 out of 10 times I am talking to another reptile owner, they have not heard of the python ban. It just seems to me that reptile shows,especially the small ones need to be tapped.

I just thought that as far into the fight as we were,you would see a stronger presence of orgs., That were fighting the ban. Being on the websites is cool, but everyone that gets on these sites already knows about the ban. There are a lot more reptile owners off the forums than on I believe.

I think USARK for a new org. and limited funding is doing an excellent job. I just thought the show promoters would support them more. James Hysell