Now that's what I like to see, Jason. I'm glad we can communicate in some semblance of civility. I'm also glad to see that you can finally react and respond on a more level headed plane. First off, I would like to clarify my position. It has nothing to do with the past history regarding Bill Cagle, IBD, bad dealings and the like. It has to do with his last couple of statements. To me, his past is his past. I was not involved. However, he has no right to make the blanket statements that we were all idiots. I stand behind my statement. He is a pompous @ss.
As for putting myself in his place. First off, I am merely a private collector. Not a dealer or breeder. However, if I were to place myself in his shoes, I would say this: My reputation and my professionalism would be of utmost priority for me. IMO, at least 75% of a dealers customer base is in fact based on word of mouth. If I had to defend myself, I would do it tactfully yet effectively. Alot of judgemental people base their opinions on what they read or hear. I would not want the way I portray myself on a forum to misrepresent me as a businessman. You and I both know that people take notice of that.
As a person, not a dealer, I say that I could care less of what people think of me. Were I to have to defend myself publically, I would react differently. To be honest, my anger would most likely get the better of me. I would be on the attack, and I would not back down. Regardless. I too am man enough to admit when I am wrong. Though I still will not back down.
But we are not talking of Bill as a person, rather a dealer. And he should conduct himself as such. His recent posts are not conducive to that of a reputable dealer. I see your point well and it is valid. I too would probably grow tired of being bumrushed by a group of people for several months at a time. I too would become frazzled and may snap occasionally. However, as a businessman, that can not be justified. Nor tolerated. IMO, that raises questions of his integrity as a dealer. Keep in mind I am not currently attacking his integrity as a dealer. I think that if I see a dealer on a forum calling everyone in the herping world an "idiot", that in itself would make me shy away from any dealings because I could not be certain that he would treat me professionally.
Myself, I don't agree with the bandwagon mentality. I myself have been on a bandwagon before. In that case, I was directly involved and it was concerning a very BAD DEALER. Anyways, I agree with you. Each side has the right to be represented fairly. Yes Jason, I even think Bill does. But the fact still remains. The bandwagon still rolls on. Sad but true.
Anyways, I've enjoyed debating with you. Right on. You bring good and bad points to the table. You probably will, but feel free to respond. I can dish it and I can take it!!! *LOL*
By the way, before I forget. Good luck with the whole family and business thing you got going on. spam_ <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='
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