• Responding to email notices you receive.
    **************************************************
    In short, DON'T! Email notices are to ONLY alert you of a reply to your private message or your ad on this site. Replying to the email just wastes your time as it goes NOWHERE, and probably pisses off the person you thought you replied to when they think you just ignored them. So instead of complaining to me about your messages not being replied to from this site via email, please READ that email notice that plainly states what you need to do in order to reply to who you are trying to converse with.

  • IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ!! About the Google Adsense ads being displayed

    =====================
    Posted 08/15/2025
    =====================


    Yeah, I know. They are a pain in the butt. But they pay the bills to keep my server running. Just a fact of life, I am afraid.

    Want to get rid of them? Simple. Just become a Contributor level member or above and they will be gone. -> Please click HERE."

    Is that too much for me to ask of you to keep this site running? Well, sorry about that. I too wish I could get everything for free. But alas.....

    =====================
    Addendum: 01/10/2026
    =====================


    Google Adsense ad revenue for December, 2025 was just $30 over the cost of the lease for the server running this site. So, in effect, the money providing the incentive for me to continue running this site is coming SOLELY from the paid memberships and sponsorships here. Which honestly ain't much....

Derek Roberts AKA [email protected]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">PS Man I need to keep on top of this board.  You're all like my grandmother, if I let you think for yourself for just one minut without your meds you loose all control</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

Every now and then someone will come to the defense of a friend on this board in a fashion similar to yours, Adam. You have proven your character allready, now you are going to drag your friends down as well?
 
Adam,

Just exactly how long DO you go with no response to emails, no phone calls, no contact of any kind before you begin to suspect you've been had by someone you have never met?  In today's world, just what closet do you have to be in before you cannot make a phone call or send an email to let someone know you got their money, and you will be shipping as soon as you return from your trip?

You say that Derek is a close personal friend, and you cannot believe that anyone would go to the FBI over his being late with a shipment/reimbursement or whatever.  Well, I know my friends very well too, but if one of them pulled a stunt like this with no communication to a person from whom they had accepted money, I would worry for their reputation rather than attacking the person who had every right to feel as if they might have been ripped off!

Adam, this is not the first time you have come accross like this in a thread.  I find you arrogant and unpleasant.  That is my personal opinion.  However, you have yourself admitted that you ship when get good and ready, even after having accepted money from a "customer," but you justify that by saying you're only in it for the hobby and you're not a business.  For that I find you to irresponsible as well.  No harm though, I just won't ever buy anything from you.

Now, you're saying that we shouldn't judge people we don't know by what they have done (or not done) when it is posted here on the BOI.  Excuse me, but that is EXACTLY what the BOI is for.  It is for people to expose what they have experienced with someone, to let others beware of certain bad practices or to encourage others to share in those good experiences.  Please, tell us how that is to take place without judgments being made by us, even though we do not know the people involved personally?

What it all boils down to is this: If you're doing business through internet sales, your ONLY real asset is your reputation.  If you fail to ship on time, fail to ship properly, or fail to communicate in a timely fashion, you have no one but yourself to blame when people begin to stay away from your advertisements, regardless of what nice animals you have to offer.  That's just the way it is.

Derek seems to have done the right thing after it has all been said and done, and he should be applauded for it.  However, you now come on here and chastise all of us in a way that a) reinforces many opinions about you and your attitudes, and b) tends to drag your friend down with you.  If I were Derek, I might say "Thanks, but no thanks!"
 
I should really stop playing at all of your expense however watching ythe responces has taught me much.  I think the last post hit the nail on the head "In today's world".  In today's world we want it now, we don't wanna wait, we want it fast and easy, we want it how we want it, we don't care why it's not there, if it isn't there we're mad, we've been ripped off.  He could have emailed, called, faxed, FedExed, wired, paged or telegramed.  If somebody hasn't done what I wanted in the time frame I wanted I got ripped of.

Well, all I can say is this is a said world.  Am I a prick, rude, arragent, outspoken, blunt and just an all around pain in the back end to deal with?  YES I AM!  I'm not trying to hide that and that's why I'll speak my mind.

The reason you should all be feeling bad is because when somethign doesn't go your way you assume the worst.  You say, contact the FBI or file a report.  You don't say, maybe something's wrong is this person okay?

Walt Deptula, a great person, friend and opinionated $#&*@ and I did a deal.  This was a $1500 deal so it's not like it was no big deal.  Well, I tried to get in touch with Walt for months with no responce.  Emails and phone calls didn't work.  Even US mail was no good.  Did I assume I got taken for a ride?  Of course not, I was worried something happend to Walt and was just trying to confirm he was okay.

My point?  While you're glass is half empty mine will continue to be half full.

Good luck all,
Adam Block

PS You wouldn't do business with me?  I can live without another one line email or picky whiny customer that's more worried about the snakes getting there right now ithen being ship when weather is safe.  And in all honesty, for ever one person that wouldn't do business with me because of my personality I get ten emails from people saying they agree 100% and thank me for having the guts to say it.  It's tough to stray from the pack isn't it?
 
Derek,

You say your reputation was stained by this person jumping the gun. Could you not sieze the opportunity to put things right by sending him the animals he paid for? Instead you refunded his money, and called the whole deal off.

This may cause one to assume that the animals in question were perhaps not all 100%?  I know it's presumptuous of me to consider such a thing, and I'm quite sure that isn't the case. However, if one who isn't even interested in the product can assume like that, consider what an interested buyer might assume. You cut off your nose to spite your face.

As I've said, this isn't my situation. You will decide who you do business with. I'm sure you're a very good business person, and if you had something I was looking for at the right price, I doubt I'd hesitate to do business with you. I just wanted to get the thought out there for you to consider. If you plan on keeping in the game, these kind of considerations and criticisms should be used to your advantage, and not taken as being slagged.

-Joshua Gates
 
Adam,

I'm glad you were so willing to overlook the tardiness of Mr. Walt Deptula (whom I don't know and in no way am commenting on), but the key to that wilingness is that he is your f-r-i-e-n-d!  I have a buddy that went weeks without paying me.  So what?!?  I knew that he would eventually make things right, but that was because I KNEW HIM!  It's not the same thing as sending your hard-earned money to someone you don't know, in a world in which people get ripped off in our hobby/business every single day.

Make all the excuses you want.  I'm thrilled ten people agree with you for every one of us that thinks you're a jerk.  That just makes eleven people I don't have to purchase stuff from.  You won't miss my business much.  I'm small orders from few people all the way.

No, it doesn't bother me to stray from the pack.  It keeps me from having to have my nose stuck up someone else's rear.

<img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':('>
 
Well, thank you for telling me how it is without being a baby about it and twisting my words.  I have a lot of respect for that and you're the first to do it.

Walt was my friend and you're right that helped a lot.  If I get burned from time to time I don't mind because I'd rather think people were good then have to worry about contacting the FBI over a couple of bucks.

Today people expect, Wal-Mart prices, Sax 5th quality and the service you get when you blow a million in Vegas.  It's like all the people you see on Dateline saying they got ripped off.  It was their greed that did it to them.

DON'T DO BUSINESS WITH ANYBODY IF!!!

1)They have an AOL, Hotmail, Yahoo or other free or hard to track ISP or e-Mail.

2)You don't have their home phone and address or a mailing address you can confirm.

3)They won't give you the names of people they've done business with that are well known.

4)They won't accept a check even if they wait till it clears.

Use your brains and this board wouldn't be here.  if it sounds too good?  IT IS!

I use my full name on my site, in my ads and for my email.  I'm not trying to hide.  I'm a lot of things many of those people don't like.  Above all else I'm honest though.  You may not like anything I say, think or do but I would never rip anybody off or steal from anybody and I keep my name out there for people to know that.

We don't all have to agree here but let's be neutral if we don't know what we're talking about.

Twist away,
Adam Block
 
Ok, Adam.  That was at least three people that don't agree with you.  Let's see those 30 emails from different people where they extolled your virtues.  

It's fine if you want to believe that most people are good.  I, and many others, don't take such a naive view of the world.  

As far as Derek, the actual topic of this thread, I think you did well by trying to make things right, but I also think shipping the animals would have been better.
 
"If "ifs" and "buts" were candy and nuts, we'd all have a Merry Christmas.  I should have sent the animals.  Yeah, maybe I should have.  But I didn't.  What I did was react to something/someone who put me in the perverbial corner.  Like I said, I was probably wrong to not send him the snakes, but I am not perfect.  What I did though was made things right with him.  He will never buy from me again, and that is what I stated in my last post.  DO NOT BUY FROM SOMEONE IF YOU HAVE HAD A BAD EXPERIENCE WITH THEM.  This is how you make your point WITHOUT dragging someones name through the mud.  As for Anthony Chodan, he is 100% correct.  He bought a pair of adult Royal Diadem Ratsnakes (which came from Adam)from me a few years back.  One died en route and he wanted his money back.  It took me a long time to get him his money back.  100% my fault.  He was refunded and he will not buy from me again.  If I am not mistaken, I saw David and Tracy Barker on here about 3 years ago because someone was unhappy with them.  They seem like they are kinda shady, eh?  (sarcasm)  Anyway,  do not jump to conclusions, have patience and exercise your rights as a consumer in a smart way.  Ask for references, get phone numbers, talk to them in person, inquire about them on the BOI.  That is smart.  Do not label them as "rip-off artists" too soon or you will end up with thread like this that has lasted almost 7 weeks.  Take care all.  Derek

PS:  Anthony Chodan, please e-mail me so I can use you as a reference if you would like.  It will not be a favorable one, but I will use it anyway.  Thanks.  Derek Roberts  520-544-7730
 
Derek,

Feel free to use me as a reference. I will attest to your honesty. Thank you for being a man and admitting your mistake.

That is very rare on the board...
 
If Adam wants to exhibit behavior that identifies him as a bad businessman then that is his right to do so. He he openly admitted that he is not concerned about his reputation as a businessmen and I don't see why anybody has a problem with that. He has chosen to give other aspects of his life a higher priority.
But then we are all free to not deal with him aren't we? When a free-spirit like Adam comes along and openly confesses to not be interested in adhering to any defacto standards that the rest of us choose to keep then he has identified himself as someone with defacto expectations might think twice about.
The problem arises, when Adam doesn't communicate his different standards to potential clients beforehand so they have the opportunity to not do business with him. This is where I question Adam's ethics. I do not begrudge him that he is different. But it is not ethical to enter into any kind of agreement with someone without communicating the fact that his business style might not be what is typically expected in the hobby.  
So Adam, as much as you defend your intentions, unless you warn someone that your standards of shipment and communication regarding a transaction are different than the norm then you are essentially "stealing" from the client.  You are robbing them of the confidence that their money is well spent. You are robbing them of what should be a wonderful experience in obtaining a new living treasure. You are turning what should be one of the most enjoyable experiences of their lives into a big pain in the ass. You have pulled a switch and are providing "headache" and "worry" and maybe even "regret" instead. Do you really think that is fair? Is this the kind of person you intended to become?
 
oops! Got my threads mixed up. The above post would be better served to have been on Adam Block's thread. Sooorry!
<img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':('>
 
"He he openly admitted that he is not concerned about his reputation as a businessmen"

And where again have I said this?  What all of you have overlooked and failed to see is that my worry is for the animals.  Most people don't ship when it's 110-115 outside.  I'm willing to if I'm comfortable with the situation.  If I say I'm going to ship Tuesday and FedEx shows up at 10am I won't ship.  Do you have an issue with my concern for the safty of the animals?

As for the dry goods, I'm one of the few that will tell you first hand I'm in over my head for the time being and as a resault have stopped selling dry goods.  I'm getting the feeling you're all looking for blood as I've already admited my wrong doing and you're still dwelling on that.

As for ethics and telling people things up front.  There isn't one ad of mine out there that doesn't have A LINK to my fine print page.  If you do business with me and choose not to read it even after me telling you to I'm no longer at fault.  I am not the person to deal with if you want speed and I'll tell you that flat out in an email.

I live in the country and go into town as little as I can.  I'm not in a rush for anything in my life and don't mind waiting for things.  I'm not one of those busy people and I don't need anything now.  I choose to live life as relaxed as I can and enjoy my children and family while their all young.  I reflect that in my fine print and while I'm not telling anybody else what to do I also don't expect to be told when or what to do.

Thanks for the productive, well thought out and well spoken post,

Adam Block
 
I'll vouch for Derek. He's a good guy. His communication with his customers may not be the best, but his animals ain't bad. For me personally, that's all that matters. Take care.

Tom Burns
Upper End Exotics
 
I guess this post should have always been here.  Just wanted a good guy post to stand out rather than get lost in the shuffle.

Previous post:

"I saw an ad on Kingsnake for some hatchling corns for not much money.  This appeared to be a good deal, so I responded to it.  There was no name on the ad itself, and it was not until he responded to my inquiry, that I realized it was Derek Roberts who was offering the snakes for sale.  When I first saw his name on the email, I recalled the thread on him here at the BOI and was gun shy for a minute, but his answers to my initial questions were just right on the money.  

"I told him that I was looking to buy clutches at lower prices so as to be able to resell them at our upcoming local show, after having them for a few weeks to assure their eating and health statuss.  For this reason, I was not at all interested in non-feeders and I had no time for them.  Derek assured me that these were ALL feeders, but that if any of them did not eat for me, he would refund me the money I paid for that snake, AND I could keep the snake too!  Now, this is not a lot of money we're talking about here, but it is (as always) the principle of the matter that makes a difference.  Here is a guy that was certain of what he was selling, and was willing to take a loss rather than have a customer upset with him.

"Unfortunately, my wife was at the orthodontist with my two daughters at the same time I was talking to Derek, and I found out that I wasn't going to have the immediate cash to send him for the animals, and I know they won't last long at the price he's asking.  I just wanted everyone to know, that Derek, from my limited experience with him, is a stand up guy that backs his animals 100%.  I'm sure I'll be sending him some money on another deal someday!"

<img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>
 
Quote from Adam
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">The reason you should all be feeling bad is because when somethign doesn't go your way you assume the worst.  You say, contact the FBI or file a report.  You don't say, maybe something's wrong is this person okay?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>



gee I know I can find it somewhere.  Something I said.
yup here it is
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">also try to give him time....
there could be a logical explanation as to why he has not gotten back with you.
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>


Here is something John Said
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Out of curiosity, have you simply tried calling information and getting a phone number for him?  That might be the simplest solution to getting in touch with him.
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

Here is something Tim Said
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">A little patience and communication could very well eliminate many of the posts on this forum and go a long way in alleviating stress on both ends of a transaction.
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

So Adam it looks as though you have jumped the gun again.
If you look at the initial posts....We were again trying to help someone out.  Someone who had a question on what he should do.  And again you come on here saying that everyone wants to crucify your friend.  Samething happened to YOUR thread.  We were giving advice and you jump on their accusing everyone of accusing you of being guilty.

So Adam you might want to read.
Look at my first post in this thread.  As you can plainly see and hopefully comprehend.  I wrote to give him time.  Something might have happened.
 
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