Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello All, it's been a while since I spent more than a few passing moments on the forum and even longer since I posted (I actually had to re-confirm my account, that tells you how long!) My 350mh compaq finally bit the dust, finally picked up a new one, LOL. This once easy going forum (usually) seems to be a bit on edge since I started reading through some of the previous threads. I'm sad to see this. I don't mean to bring up any bad blood with this post, just trying to figure out what's going on. Anyhow, I just wanted to say HI to everyone and hopefully I'll be able to spend a bit more time here again and maybe bring a bit of cheer here Take care all, Scott.

P.S. My burm 'muffin' is doing great, closing in on 9' now and healthy. I'll try to get some pics posted soon and let you see how she's doing. Take care.

It seems that certain people just seem to be attracted to other individuals and must post instigating comments and try to stir up controversary. I try to stay out of it most of the time but occassionally I must get involved if I feel the topic is worthy or is demeaning to the hobby. It is unfortunate that everyone can not just get along but I guess it is just human nature to create conflict. Most of the people here are good people and are extremely helpfull. Anyway, welcome back and looking forward to seeing your pics. Todd

"Muffin?" O man that's gotta be the cutest snake name ever. I never thought anyone would top "Mittens." Excellent!

--jr

Welcome back Scott. Long time no see. I hope you have been well. I have been fantastic and the breeding has been exceedingly successful this year.

As for anything else, I guess you can say my fanbase isn't always a positive one and some things are very difficult to ignore or resist. Other than that everything has been great lately and there hasn't been a dull moment for a loooonng time.

Get some pictures of Muffin up soon. Last time you posted about her she was about 6 feet, right? She's been growin like a weed.

>>Hello All, it's been a while since I spent more than a few passing moments on the forum and even longer since I posted (I actually had to re-confirm my account, that tells you how long!) My 350mh compaq finally bit the dust, finally picked up a new one, LOL. This once easy going forum (usually) seems to be a bit on edge since I started reading through some of the previous threads. I'm sad to see this. I don't mean to bring up any bad blood with this post, just trying to figure out what's going on. Anyhow, I just wanted to say HI to everyone and hopefully I'll be able to spend a bit more time here again and maybe bring a bit of cheer here Take care all, Scott.
>>
>> P.S. My burm 'muffin' is doing great, closing in on 9' now and healthy. I'll try to get some pics posted soon and let you see how she's doing. Take care.
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Believe in yourself and your abilities and you can accomplish anything.

Like any herp community (whether it is on the hobbyist or professional level), you will have strong opinions on certain subjects. I have many close colleagues in the herpetological field and we have friendly arguments all of the time...but we always maintain a sense of humor about it and always show professional respect towards each other. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with disagreements as long as they are done respectfully and professionally. These forums are filled with young kids who make their immaturity very evident in the way they communicate their feelings. We all lose it every now and then (myself included) and sometimes we end up venting rather than biting our lips and moving on...that is human nature. Much of the petty stuff that takes place, and that doesn't just pertain to the burm forum, should be taken elsewhere. But, when someone is attacked unnecessarily, particularly if that person has a proven track record of experience, you open yourself up to some pretty heated "debates" and justified hostile feelings. In this day and age when many folks' true identifies are hidden in "computer land" it is only natural that folks take solice in these imaginary worlds. I personally miss the days when we just had phones, addressed people by their first names, or talked to people face to face!...those were indeed the days when my herp world was filled with a joy that I would love to find again (not that I am complaining about being in the herp field on a professional level).....yuck, I'm getting sentimental.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation (IL)