A couple people in here have inspired this post. I am in here and the classifieds multiple times daily, and I need to post more often (or not). I have been building and amazing collection of boas (of course they're amazing, they're mine) over the last few years. Someday I will produce quality snakes. Someday I will have a strong name in this industry. That day will not come within my first few litters. Attempting to make a name for myself will not do it. Producing a boa with pink eyes, and anery tail, and legs will not do it. Years of producing quality animals will. Years of building relationships with breeders, hobbyists, and newcomers will. Years of being a good person in an industry sometimes plagued with bad ethics will. One thing is certain. Respect must be earned. It cannot be demanded. The people here and at shows will give you your name. Don't try to give yourself one. Sit back, enjoy the ride, and breed stunning animals. The good reputation will follow. I'll be attending Daytona for the second time this year (driving from Indiana again). I'll see amazing animals. I'll buy a few. I'll bring them home, get them big and healthy, and hopefully sometime soon, I'll be headed to Daytona to sell some animals. My first time, some people will wonder who the hell I am. They'll all know by the time the weekend is over. So to the new guys, keep producing amazing snakes. But don't try to become Jeff Ronne, Rich Ihle, or Ralph Davis (silly ball python breeders) overnight. I need sleep now and I hope this made sense to someone. If anyone bothers to read this, here is a little lady I'm proud to have looking over my shoulder.
Phil Goss
