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Bad Guy JIM TALIAFERRO IS A THIEF, DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN 3 YOUR KIDS!!!

Count me in for a donation.
Yes, my kids did watch r-rated movies, which led to a lot of open family discussions about violence, drugs, sex, and swearing. They were also never afraid of the dark, since any and all unknowns were up for discussion. There are far more parents who would disapprove of their kids handling salmonella-ridden reptiles. Mine are older now, but if anyone ripped them off you can bet I'd be out for blood. I've only been scammed once, and it would've been easily prevented if I had taken the time to check the BOI (totally my fault). I see nothing here except a dad protecting his kids from a proven bad guy, which he will probably do until the day he dies. Good for him!

Noelle Richter
 
Chris Kennard said:
I'm sure that alot of kids would have done backflips had their fathers given them a gun to play with as well. Maybe he should let them drive his car as well. What the heck, give the child his credit card. At least now people will know how to scam fauna's users into sending them free stuff. Hey, my kid got scammed! Had nothing to do with my judgement! Mo' money, mo' money, mo' money!
Click to expand...

You have it all wrong! I spoke with Doug last night on the phone about my offer and though I am more than happy to trade some of my animals for the animal his kids want or send one of my animals as a gift to the kids, Doug declined. From our conversation I can tell you he is a stand up guy and a stand up father and that last thing on his mind is to get "Mo' money, mo' money, mo' money!" So lets not jump the gun here and make statements that he is using his kids as weapons for personal gain, because that is far from the truth.

I support Doug in that he lets his children make choices about what they are passionate about and supports them and encourages them.
 
Proud of ya' Tarzan...

chevyjam2001 said:
All of my kids have guns and bows, have since around age 5, so whats your point? He obviously made the trade to further his children's interest. There was also an additional purchase made to go with the snake that never came. So yeah in my opinion his kids were taken advantage of as well.
Click to expand...

That's great that your kids had guns at five years old, lol. Did they play with them or carry them around at five years old? I'm glad your five year old kids didn't get scammed when they went to buy their weapons from the gunshop. Furthering his children's interest is great. Exploiting them here isn't. Jmho.
 
Melodramatics

rcarichter said:
Count me in for a donation.
Yes, my kids did watch r-rated movies, which led to a lot of open family discussions about violence, drugs, sex, and swearing. They were also never afraid of the dark, since any and all unknowns were up for discussion. There are far more parents who would disapprove of their kids handling salmonella-ridden reptiles. Mine are older now, but if anyone ripped them off you can bet I'd be out for blood. I've only been scammed once, and it would've been easily prevented if I had taken the time to check the BOI (totally my fault). I see nothing here except a dad protecting his kids from a proven bad guy, which he will probably do until the day he dies. Good for him!

Noelle Richter
Click to expand...

You make it sound like this "proven bad guy" is stalking his kids. His kids aren't even old enough to sign a legally binding contract that would hold up in any court. Dad got taken advantage of, not the kids. "Afraid of the dark"...huh-whu?
 
Chris Kennard said:
You make it sound like this "proven bad guy" is stalking his kids. His kids aren't even old enough to sign a legally binding contract that would hold up in any court. Dad got taken advantage of, not the kids. "Afraid of the dark"...huh-whu?
Click to expand...

Yeah, the dark thing was corny--just saying my kids (as are Doug's, I'm sure) are well adjusted to life's ups & downs, but I'd go a whole lot more crazy on their behalf than on mine. No, I don't think Jeff is scamming kids. I think (and previous thread seem to back it up) that Jeff is scamming anyone and everyone with a bank account. The fact that this snake was meant for the kids is irrelevant as far as Jeff being a bad guy, but all the more relevant for most of us who are a little angry with him. People do not like to see kids upset by trash like this, whether they have any legal right to the money or not.

Noelle
 
Not trying to start anything, but I have to ask, Chris, what is your reason for playing devil's advocate on this particular case? Are we missing something? Really, I'm curious.

Noelle
 
While I do think that Jim is 100% a scammer, I understand where Chris is coming from. Dad got scammed, end of story. Don't make it seem like a sob story where the kids were scammed, when the kids don't even fully understand that types of scams that go on today.
 
I can't tell you all how much we appreciate all the support and kind words, especially Aaron and Dee Anna (Lucille is right, your both awesome!!) It's caring people like you that help restore peoples faith in the reptile community. That being said, i would hate for anyone to trade their animals or spend their hard earned money because of what Jim did to us. I would much rather Jim Tailaferro be a man, own up to his obligation, send us the female blue eyed lucy, return our animals, or pay for the snakes he received. Both Ciara and Justin have named the spider ball Jim sent us Survivor, and have been working very hard to nurse it back to health. at least now it has a good home where it will get all the love and attention it deserves. I just want to make sure everyone know what kind of person Jim really is and hopefully make sure he doesn't do this again.

To Chris and Bob, I never intended to use my "children as weapons" in this thread. I just wanted to relay the facts as they pertained to our situation. As I stated above, i'm not looking for any type of compensation, I just want people to be aware that Jim Taliaferro is a bad guy and to avoid him at all costs. He's currently still posting the same animal he promised to send to my kids right now under the name Brian Moran and using his girlfriends e-mail to cover his tracks. You can imagine how heart wrenching it must have been after days of waiting to a 10 and 14 year old to open a box expecting to see a blue eyed leucistic and finding a sucked up, skinny, dehydrated, half frozen spider ball python. They were devastated, as was i because I had to see their faces, and experience their disappointment when we opened the box. God bless both of them, they took the animal we did receive and promptly took action to get it warmed up and give it a kind loving home. Imagine trying to answer questions like, why would he do this? and why can't we do anything about this? and then, dad we're so sorry you traded your snakes for us. They know that there are bad people out there, but because of the caring and support of the people here, they know that there are good people to. I have allowed them to both read this thread to show them that there are more good people than bad. The fact that people are willing to start a fund on their behalf is payment enough, a little good can go a long way in this world. It just shows them that there are very good people (angels on earth), who are willing to help and support people they have never met never or talked to, and for that we cannot thank everyone enough.
 
It took me awhile to figure out how to do this but here are the texts between Jim and myself along with the time stamps. (sorry its backwards, but that's how it downloaded.)

Sent on 11/10/2011 20:56:25 to Jim Taliaferro

Jim, you sent me the wrong snake. I received a spider ball not a leucistic. What do you intend to do to correct this?

-----

Sent on 11/10/2011 20:25:08 to Jim Taliaferro

Please let me know what you intend to do to correct this as this is not what we had agreed to and how you want this animal returned to you if it survives.

-----

Sent on 11/10/2011 20:16:27 to Jim Taliaferro

I have it in my incubator warming up.

-----

Sent on 11/10/2011 20:15:04 to Jim Taliaferro

I received what looks to be a spider ball, not a blue eyed Lucy

It's alive but half frozen



-----

Sent on 11/10/2011 19:55:33 to Jim Taliaferro

Thank you, I confirmed the package is at the house. On my way home
now to check the status of the animal. I'll let u know as soon as I get home.

-----

Received on 11/10/2011 19:41:32 from Jim Taliaferro

Tracking number is 1z5960av0201950455

-----

Sent on 11/10/2011 19:36:54 to Jim Taliaferro

I'm sending my neighbor over now to check, at my sons schools performance right now. Could u call
UPS and get the tracking #, they should give it to u over the phone because you were the original shipper. When I called
them at 3pm an gave them my home address, they said there were no scheduled deliveries set for my residence. If I had # I could verify from
here

-----

Received on 11/10/2011 19:28:54 from Jim Taliaferro

Not where I'm at I looked on my phone for your address that was all they needed. That's how I new it was shipped to a residential address

-----

Sent on 11/10/2011 19:26:18 to Jim Taliaferro

Do you have the tracking #, I called them and they didn't have anything scheduled for my address.

-----

Received on 11/10/2011 19:25:09 from Jim Taliaferro

Ups and yes I was earlier today that's when they confirmed delivery

-----

Sent on 11/10/2011 19:15:11 to Jim Taliaferro

And get the tracking information

-----

Sent on 11/10/2011 19:14:09 to Jim Taliaferro

Who was the snake shipped thru? Were you able to reach them?

-----

Sent on 11/10/2011 17:43:15 to Jim Taliaferro

Any luck?

-----

Sent on 11/10/2011 16:43:29 to Jim Taliaferro

Jim, all I'm looking for
Is the tracking info. Imagine you sending me your animal, knowing I received it and me telling you I would text you the tracking information for your new snakes when I got home and not hearing from me? I've tried calling and texting with no reply. Imagine if things were reversed, what would be going thru your head? All I'm looking for is some resolution. Again, accidents happen, life happens, I understand. If you call the shipping company, give them your
name and address, along with the day they were shipped they can give you the tracking #. The number to FedEx is 1 (800) 463-3339 and UPS is 1 (800) 742-5877. If
You can get me the tracking # I'll call them to get the issue resolved

-----

Received on 11/10/2011 16:31:02 from Jim Taliaferro

Buddy aka

-----

Received on 11/10/2011 16:27:01 from Jim Taliaferro

Obviously your body told u I was working........ I'm not home all I did was call them earlier to check status

-----

Sent on 11/10/2011 16:21:23 to Jim Taliaferro

On 11-7-2011 @ 12:49 I texted you my shipping address. Here is a copy of that text.

( Hey Jim, just picked up the materials to make the box to ship your animals. If you could please send me your home address, best contact # and the name of the closest airport so I can book the shipment via delta I would greatly appreciate it. My contact information is:
Doug Montgomery
136 Little Gabriel River Dr.
Liberty Hill, TX. 78642
512-587-0282.

Thanks, I'll talk to you soon )

My correct address is:
136 Little Gabriel River Dr.
Liberty hill, TX 78642

If you could provide me with the tracking information I could get cleared up.

-----

Received on 11/10/2011 16:13:17 from Jim Taliaferro

Again package was delivered 1156 to the residential address u gave me. I have the address u gave on txt n the confirmation of delivery to that address per ups.

-----

Sent on 11/10/2011 16:10:47 to Jim Taliaferro

We sure will

-----

Received on 11/10/2011 16:06:52 from Jim Taliaferro

I'm working and because I can't reply right away. Uve threatened me multiple times stop Txting me and having your friends call n Txting also. We will talk through the police.

-----

Sent on 11/10/2011 16:00:18 to Jim Taliaferro

Again I am willing take any action necessary to recover my animals. I look forward to your prompt reply.

-----

Sent on 11/10/2011 15:53:05 to Jim Taliaferro

Maybe you could provide the police department the tracking information so they can forward it to me when they call me back.

-----

Sent on 11/10/2011 15:48:06 to Jim Taliaferro

I've contacted both UPS and FedEx and neither have any record of shipment. I also contacted Dryden and am awaiting a call back to resolve. You have provided me with zero tracking information for the animal you supposedly sent, and I've given you ample opportunity to forward the tracking # and you've refused.

-----

Sent on 11/10/2011 15:01:45 to Jim Taliaferro

I've called u and texted you several times with no response, you stated on the 8th you were on your way home and would text me a tracking #. I've heard nothing until now. Yes, I do have friends in Michigan, and yes a did speak to the police
Department, not Dryden because they didn't answer, but to the # I was forwarded to. I don't think I'm being out of line asking for the tracking information on the animal you said you sent. I provided you with all the information you needed to pick up the animals I sent you, all I asked for was the same courtesy. I've called
FedEx several times and they don't show anything shipping to my address. I was also home all day yesterday and fed ex never showed. If you did ship I never received it. How was the animal shipped? What was the tracking #? I would like to make sure it wasn't delivered to the wrong address. Again I would like get this resolved amicably, I know you have allot going on, but if you could please text me
The tracking # I would
Appreciate it.

-----

Sent on 11/10/2011 14:46:00 to Jim Taliaferro

How was it send and what was the tracking #

-----

Received on 11/10/2011 14:38:22 from Jim Taliaferro

Also u have not spoke with dryden police department I spoke with the chief who's been working all day by himself n said u have not called in regards to our exchange of snakes. I don't understand what your issue or concerns are. But u having other people call me n txt me and the info u know about me without u asking is very strange n odd.

-----

Received on 11/10/2011 14:26:27 from Jim Taliaferro

I got the proof of our transactions and it shows my animal was delivered and received at 11:56am, and just so u know u sent me 2 snakes valued at $775 and my snake u did receive at a value of $1000 I have also talked to dryden police not understanding your issue.

-----

Sent on 11/10/2011 11:15:49 to Jim Taliaferro

Jim,

I've tried several times to contact you regarding our transaction, but it seems
obvious your avoiding me. At this point you have one of 3 options.
1. You can PayPal me $750.00 for the animals you received to [email protected]
2. You can ship me the blue eye leucistic ball
Python overnight mail via FedEx, and provide me with a valid tracking #, I can also arrange pick up.
3. You can return the female albino and male possible het eastern diamondbacks I sent, you signed for and took possession of on 11-8-11. (I can also arrange Pick up providing you can repay $85.00 for the shipping and $15.00 for me to send someone to pick them up.)

I know your at work right now, so there is no reason you cannot call me or reply to my text's (you had no problem texting a friend of mine when you missed his call). I have contacted and Spoken with the Dryden county Police Department (810) 796-2271 regarding
this issue and if not fully resolved within the next 24 hours, will be filing charges. I owned one of the largest legal collection agencies (Resse, Montgomery, Weinstein and Associates ) in Southern California. I know the laws and am willing take any action necessary to recover my animals. If your interested in completing our transaction, feel free to contact me, I would like nothing more than to resolve things amicably. I understand thin come up and you have a lot on your plate right now, believe me
I understand. You just need to contact me and let me know your intentions. I can be reached via cell phone 512-587-0282. I look forward to your prompt reply.

-----

Sent on 11/10/2011 06:46:38 to Jim Taliaferro

You said u sent the Lucy BP on the 8th @ 6pm. How was it sent? Was it sent via FedEx or UPS? What is the tracking #, so I can track the package? I'm concerned it could be lost in transit. Please contact me and let me know what's going on.

-----

Sent on 11/09/2011 22:25:34 to Jim Taliaferro

Anyone there?

-----

Sent on 11/09/2011 16:30:08 to Jim Taliaferro

Hey Jim, I'm a little concerned, I haven't been able to reach you at all today. i called FedEx and they have nothing showing that anything was shipped to my address in their system. I stayed home from work today expecting this shipment, and have yet to receive it. Please contact me and let me know how the female blue eye Lucy was sent, along with the tracking #. This snake is going to my kids, and they are very excited about receiving it ( my daughter actually used her babysitting $$ to prepay the shipping on the EDB's you received last night). Again, I know you have allot going on, and have allot to deal with, but I did ship to you in good faith and expected you to do the same. Please contact me and let me know whats going on. I can be reached at 512-587-0282 or by email at [email protected].

Thanks

-----

Sent on 11/09/2011 13:38:35 to Jim Taliaferro

Hey Jim, I know your busy and have a lot going on with your Trailer, but If you could please e-mail me the tracking # I would appreciate it. I called FedEx and they aren't showing anything in their system today for delivery. I just want to make sure the BP arrives safely.

Thanks

-----

Sent on 11/09/2011 09:02:58 to Jim Taliaferro

Hey Jim, did u ship FedEx or UPS?

-----

Sent on 11/09/2011 07:31:22 to Jim Taliaferro

Did everything arrive safely, what did you think?

-----

Sent on 11/08/2011 23:04:38 to Jim Taliaferro

How do they look

-----

Sent on 11/08/2011 20:50:18 to Jim Taliaferro

Let me know what u think when you see them

-----

Sent on 11/08/2011 20:49:57 to Jim Taliaferro

Sounds good

-----

Received on 11/08/2011 20:49:21 from Jim Taliaferro

havent opened the box yet but excited to. Won't b home for another hr. Sent yours out at 6:00 txt ya the tracking number as soon as I get home.

-----

Sent on 11/08/2011 20:40:49 to Jim Taliaferro

Just wanted to touch base and make sure everything arrived safely.

-----

Received on 11/08/2011 11:53:51 from Jim Taliaferro

Sounds good

-----

Sent on 11/08/2011 08:56:45 to Jim Taliaferro

Their on their way, should be there at 7:48pm. Call me when you receive them, so I'll know they arrived safe and sound.

-----

Sent on 11/07/2011 22:19:49 to Jim Taliaferro

Hey Jim, the airbill tracking # is 006-4378-5770. They depart Austin on flt 1868 @ 10:52, arrive
In Atlanta @ 5:55. Then depart Atlanta @ 5218 and arrive in Flint @ 7:48pm. I've gone ahead and pre-paid the shipping, so you can pick up in baggage. The # for delta to track the shipment is 1 (800) 352-2746. I'll text you tomorrow once I drop them off. Hope everything works out with the truck and trailer, keep me
posted.

-----

Received on 11/07/2011 21:46:14 from Jim Taliaferro

Thank u for your concern. Just had the brakes worked on over the weekend n u c how well that worked out for me :(

-----

Received on 11/07/2011 21:37:31 from Jim Taliaferro

As ok as it can get at least known got hurt. That's all that matters. Trailer brake locked up on one side

-----

Sent on 11/07/2011 21:33:11 to Jim Taliaferro

I am so sorry, is everyone ok?

-----

Received on 11/07/2011 21:28:04 from Jim Taliaferro

I'm Sry I've been very busy taking care of a accident with my trailer. I am shipping out tomorrow for u. I'll call first thing in the am. With tracking number.

3728 tag alder ridge
Dryden mi. 48428

248-978-5394

Nearest airport is
Flint airport, flint mi.


Not a good day for me



-----

Sent on 11/07/2011 20:58:00 to Jim Taliaferro

I've tried reaching you today regarding shipping, is everything ok? Give me a call when you get a chance. I would like to ship tomorrow if possible, but would need to book the flight tonight. Thanks

-----

Sent on 11/07/2011 12:49:33 to Jim Taliaferro

Hey Jim, just picked up the materials to make the box to ship your animals. If you could please send me your home address, best contact # and the name of the closest airport so I can book the shipment via delta I would greatly appreciate it. My contact information is:
Doug Montgomery
136 Little Gabriel River Dr.
Liberty Hill, TX. 78642
512-587-0282.

Thanks, I'll talk to you soon

-----

Sent on 11/06/2011 20:49:03 to Jim Taliaferro

Cool

-----

Received on 11/06/2011 20:48:23 from Jim Taliaferro

Call u back in a few

-----

Received on 11/06/2011 20:32:58 from Jim Taliaferro

How much is the surgery for mine?

-----

Sent on 11/06/2011 20:27:52 to Jim Taliaferro

A few, mostly traded. Got an adult female gila, a reduced pattern gila, a lemon blast male ball and a spider ball. It was a good show all in all. Also had a few calls on my Venomoid atrox, so I think I'll have them sold this week as well.

-----

Received on 11/06/2011 20:06:45 from Jim Taliaferro

Did u sell a lot?

-----

Received on 11/06/2011 16:38:27 from Jim Taliaferro

Sry I'm at fundraiser, but I want whatever program that is... not gonna lie kinda through me for a loop

-----

Received on 11/06/2011 16:24:36 from Jim Taliaferro

Have we talked b4, how did u know my name in the txt u sent me? Kinda stumped lol

-----

Received on 11/06/2011 15:34:25 from Jim Taliaferro

The Gaboon is awesome! Love the patern on them. And exanthics r cool in any reptile... how much are the gaboons going for?

-----

Sent on 11/06/2011 15:27:54 to Jim Taliaferro

Paradox EDB, produced this year(from the same
Clutch as your female). Just sent pics to herp nation magazine for their paradox article.

Melanistic atrox

And gilas



-----

Sent on 11/06/2011 15:24:31 to Jim Taliaferro

Xanthic atrox



-----

Sent on 11/06/2011 15:11:26 to Jim Taliaferro

And a lone white speckled



-----

Sent on 11/06/2011 15:10:15 to Jim Taliaferro

I also have a pairof gaboons



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Sent on 11/06/2011 15:07:21 to Jim Taliaferro

I've got mostly hot's, atrox that are het for multiple morphs, albino eastern's, Gila's and beaded's. Them for the kids I have some hypo Hogg island boa's. I'll shoot over a few pics

-----

Received on 11/06/2011 14:45:21 from Jim Taliaferro

Are u just into rattles or u got others as well

-----

Received on 11/06/2011 14:41:45 from Jim Taliaferro

Thank u very much those were the 2 we liked the most. Your son will enjoy her. Deff. A cool hobby for him to mix n match

-----

Sent on 11/06/2011 14:38:36 to Jim Taliaferro

Here is a pic of the female.



-----

Sent on 11/06/2011 14:38:06 to Jim Taliaferro

Hey Jim,

Here is a pic of the poss het male, I've pulled both him and the nicest albino female off the table and set them aside for you. I'll get with you tomorrow to arrange shipping. My son is so excited you he's over picking out a male as we speak. You'll love these eastern's as well, I picked you a great pair. Pic of the female to follow.








-----

Sent on 11/06/2011 13:58:33 to Jim Taliaferro

Alb female



-----

Sent on 11/06/2011 13:58:09 to Jim Taliaferro

Alb female



-----

Sent on 11/06/2011 13:57:33 to Jim Taliaferro

Poss het male



-----

Sent on 11/06/2011 13:57:08 to Jim Taliaferro

Possible het male



-----

Sent on 11/06/2011 13:56:38 to Jim Taliaferro

Poss het male



-----

Received on 11/06/2011 12:14:20 from Jim Taliaferro

Mojo x lessor but never got a call from u. I have someone else who wants to trade. I guess let me know so I can figure out what I want

-----

Sent on 11/06/2011 11:59:29 to Jim Taliaferro

Hey Jim

I may be interested but wanted to know what was bred together to produce the blue eyed Lucy.

-----

Received on 11/05/2011 01:45:33 from Jim Taliaferro

Sounds good

-----

Sent on 11/05/2011 01:39:50 to Jim Taliaferro

She looks great, I'll call you tomorrow to discuss. Here is pic of one of the females I have available.



-----

Sent on 11/05/2011 01:26:15 to Jim Taliaferro

Possibly, could you send me some pic's of the animal you have available.

-----

Received on 11/04/2011 23:33:33 from Jim Taliaferro

Interested in trading a blue eyed Lucy ball python female for albino eastern d?

-----
 
That address he gave you is Joels House Cleaning. I would call them and ask how they know Jim or if they have and address for him. I believe it's also a gunsmith shop.

(810) 796-4100


As for scamming the kids, I think in those messages it's evident that Jim knew he was going to screw a child over.
 
As for scamming the kids, I think in those messages it's evident that Jim knew he was going to screw a child over.


Received on 11/06/2011 14:41:45 from Jim Taliaferro

Thank u very much those were the 2 we liked the most. Your son will enjoy her. Deff. A cool hobby for him to mix n match -----

Sent on 11/06/2011 14:38:36 to Jim Taliaferro

Here is a pic of the female.



-----

Sent on 11/06/2011 14:38:06 to Jim Taliaferro

Hey Jim,

Here is a pic of the poss het male, I've pulled both him and the nicest albino female off the table and set them aside for you. I'll get with you tomorrow to arrange shipping. My son is so excited you he's over picking out a male as we speak. You'll love these eastern's as well, I picked you a great pair. Pic of the female to follow.
Click to expand...
 
rcarichter said:
Not trying to start anything, but I have to ask, Chris, what is your reason for playing devil's advocate on this particular case? Are we missing something? Really, I'm curious.

Noelle
Click to expand...

Stating my honest opinion does not make me the "devil's advocate". Knowing that these things happen way too often in this industry, I feel that the OP recklessly exposed those minors to a hard lesson that could have been avoided. Did he do it intentionally? Absolutely not! Will he learn a lesson from this? The message being promoted here leads me to believe not. People here are coddling this mess like the guy went after kids that should have and could have been protected from ANY exposure to that deal and the scammer. Others here bragging about their five year old having weapons ect., and noone sees anything wrong with this thread. I am not the devil's advocate. If the devil was reading this, he'd be smiling and telling me to shut my mouth.
 
dmontgo1 said:
I can't tell you all how much we appreciate all the support and kind words, especially Aaron and Dee Anna (Lucille is right, your both awesome!!) It's caring people like you that help restore peoples faith in the reptile community. That being said, i would hate for anyone to trade their animals or spend their hard earned money because of what Jim did to us. I would much rather Jim Tailaferro be a man, own up to his obligation, send us the female blue eyed lucy, return our animals, or pay for the snakes he received. Both Ciara and Justin have named the spider ball Jim sent us Survivor, and have been working very hard to nurse it back to health. at least now it has a good home where it will get all the love and attention it deserves. I just want to make sure everyone know what kind of person Jim really is and hopefully make sure he doesn't do this again.

To Chris and Bob, I never intended to use my "children as weapons" in this thread. I just wanted to relay the facts as they pertained to our situation. As I stated above, i'm not looking for any type of compensation, I just want people to be aware that Jim Taliaferro is a bad guy and to avoid him at all costs. He's currently still posting the same animal he promised to send to my kids right now under the name Brian Moran and using his girlfriends e-mail to cover his tracks. You can imagine how heart wrenching it must have been after days of waiting to a 10 and 14 year old to open a box expecting to see a blue eyed leucistic and finding a sucked up, skinny, dehydrated, half frozen spider ball python. They were devastated, as was i because I had to see their faces, and experience their disappointment when we opened the box. God bless both of them, they took the animal we did receive and promptly took action to get it warmed up and give it a kind loving home. Imagine trying to answer questions like, why would he do this? and why can't we do anything about this? and then, dad we're so sorry you traded your snakes for us. They know that there are bad people out there, but because of the caring and support of the people here, they know that there are good people to. I have allowed them to both read this thread to show them that there are more good people than bad. The fact that people are willing to start a fund on their behalf is payment enough, a little good can go a long way in this world. It just shows them that there are very good people (angels on earth), who are willing to help and support people they have never met never or talked to, and for that we cannot thank everyone enough.
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Promised to send to your kids? That's the problem here. They are minors and the deal was yours. Not saying you are a bad guy, but I think your decision making here was misguided and your kids were disappointed. You should not even mention the kids to strangers on the computer. Best of luck in the future.
 
Chris Kennard said:
I agree that getting children involved in the hobby is a good thing. "Children" should not be exposed to, or involved in, the business end of the herp industry. What you call "most people", I call a handfull. Too many preditors out there.
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Chris, I really don't understand your logic here. While I can agree that a child's involvement, depending on age should be to an extent limited (I can't see a five year old having the judgement to choose wisely on how to "invest" a few thousand dollars on their own) , I have always found that letting a child start young and learn as they go...given proper parental guidance...is the best way to raise an educated, responsible adult. Really, if you get deep enough into ANY "industry", whether it be herps, horses, guns, cars, antiques...you are going to find just as many "preditors" (sic) that are willing to take advantage of anyone, child or adult. Does this mean that we should completely shelter our children from all of this, and then assume that the day they turn 18, they will just "know" how to deal with these kinds of unscrupulous people? Or just say to ourselves, "Oh well, he's an adult now...tough luck!" Not hardly. If we give our kids the chance to participate and learn from an early age, we are giving them the tools to function much more responsibly and wisely as an adult.

That said...this guy was fully aware that he was messing with a kid as well as an adult. He KNEW. I believe that makes the child's inclusion in this thread more than acceptable, IMHO.
 
Oh, and for the record - both of my kids were "allowed" to use guns as children as well. They were taught gun safety and responsibilty from an early age, and were allowed to shoot weapons that they were safely able to handle. My son received his first "very own" Benelli at the age of 12, and was able to safely handle it to go out hunting, though he was still required to be "subjected to" time spent handling and shooting the gun at home first.

I suppose, by your logic Chris, that was irresponsible of me, and it would have been a better idea to keep the guns locked up, toss him one on his 18th birthday, and say, "hey boy, let's go shoot us some food"?
 
Yup, I think the kid should be able to post here too. After all, he was screwed just as bad as his dad...and children are the future of this hobby. My own children would give up completely if this had happened to them. I so hope that this one does NOT give up. It may be faster to just buy the morph you want, buuut I am just buying the "ingredients" to make the ones I want

Let me know if we ARE going ahead with the donations, and I will mail mine out saturday.
 
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