Level of standards

[Randy F]

First off this is not to single anyone out. I am just curious about how many people have noticed, experienced, or questioned this? Lately one individual has been receiving some feedback because his name includes "pro" even though he is just starting out. I have noticed so many times people having 3-4 snakes and already have their "business" names and all. Now don't get me wrong, I support people getting started and enjoying this hobby. I have offered my phone number and helped many people who want or need advice. I had one individual on here who really pissed me off. He called me for help a couple times a day (literally) asking for help. He needed so much help it wasn't funny. Then he would post everything I told him like he had been doing it for years. In a post he asked about a snake and what we thought. Myself and another posted what we thought it was. Someone else posted about a different snake in the picture and he said he could not believe we could not see it. Like we were idiots or something. I can't stand people who come to you for help and then turn around and act like that. Either way that individual ended up getting rid of all his snakes. I just don't understand why people can't just present themselves as who they are and earn the reputation they deserve from others. When I started out I gave away a bunch of female morphs to the people that helped me. I do understand some are really good people and make honest mistakes, but then there are idiots that just want to argue and fight with everyone because they are right. Anyone have any input on this?

 

[RoyalPythonPros]

Luckily Randy gave me a heads up in this and I want to explain a few things. I have been breeding for almost 10 years ever since I got out of the military. It started as a small hobby with only 5 snakes. I was breeding them and selling locally only. A few months ago my girlfriend started breeding rats as pets and asked why I never got into the snakes more. We decided that we should start a small business selling both snakes and rats as pets and feeders. I started to grow my collection and we came up with a name. The main reason was because all the people who have been getting BPs from me for years said if I'm going to start a business I need something that stands out. I didn't think that I would get this type of reaction. I never said or implied I was better than anyone else. But just because I'm new to this site doesn't mean I'm new to the hobby. I never needed to be on something like this because I never did business with anyone u couldn't drive to.
The confusion about me and Sierra Kerridge got out of hand and I just stopped replying because after I tried to defend people that said they were wronged, I got attacked. There was a comment made about me trying to undermine my competition. That's not true because on a local basis, she did that to herself.
I even was called and asked to provide a few of my BPs to a photoshoot for a magazine article that I'll be going to tomorrow in NYC. It's because people know me and recommend me. Since I've been on this site I've made a few purchases and working on a trade now and every one of them will tell you that I did what I said I would do.
I have no desire or the need to compete with anyone on here. This is a small side business between my girlfriend and I. We both have full time jobs. As I explained to Randy, if you want to make sure I'm not Sierra, there are pics of my gf on our Facebook page. Then google her name, Laura LaFrate. She's been a model for years.
I honestly don't see why what I picked for a name has so many people upset. If you're that into ripping on me for it then have fun. I'm going to continue what I'm doing and basically not care what anyone thinks of it.

 

[radera5]

The business names can be silly when you really think about it. We had "Crested Gecko Dayz" for years, and since we sold off most of our Rhacodactylus collection and began working with balls a few years ago we just switched the name.
When we had our Gecko stuff going it really was like a business. We profited money from it, it took hours upon hours each day to care for the animals, many people locally knew us, etc. Now that we have balls we don't have near as many animals so we are in fact, only basement breeders ourselves. This is what we wanted with having 3 babies to raise. We ended up just deciding to pick a new name, Ian and I's initials and let people know of the change. I think we were kinda afraid we might disappear into the abyss! As of now I believe we could have not chosen a new business name and we would be in exactly the same spot as of.

For the next part of your post, I think I almost ruined the keyboard because I spit some drink when reading it. I know of the person and I found it hilarious because I literally have the same exact feeling about him. With that being said, I think it's about how you carry yourself. Learning something, then helping someone who happens to be asking the same question once you have learned the answer is okay. Once you start using the knowledge you have gained from others to act almighty, that's when I think there is a clear issue with the individual. Add attitude on top of that and you have someone just begging to be driven away.

Just my loose change on the subject,

 

[Shadera]

I have been breeding for almost 10 years ever since I got out of the military.

My name is Brian Hackett and I am a new breeder

http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1571357&postcount=291

So which is it?

Anyone who has to steal photos from others to represent themselves on facebook to make themselves look like more of a "baller" than they are, gets no respect from me. If that's the way the pros act, I'll never be one. No thanks.

 

[RoyalPythonPros]

First off like I said, a new business. And as I stated to you before, I didn't steal any pictures. I saw one I like and the caption even said "what I'm working towards". As soon as I knew the owner had a problem I took it down as requested. Who said anything about being a "baller"? Now you're just making things up. As I said, I have customers locally that I've been dealing with for years so luckily for me I don't need your respect.

 

[Shadera]

There was no caption, and you and I know it.

But, you just go on ahead.

 

[RoyalPythonPros]

Yes, it was there. Along with comments of people saying how much they hope I get one. On another note, I have found very useful contacts as well as some great snakes on here, but it's certain people that have to start things and try and cause drama that make this bad. My life doesn't revolve around Fauna as it obviously does for others. Even Randy said something to me before that made complete sense, some of the top and most respected breeders in the country don't even use the site. Theres a breeder 8 miles from me that never heard of fauna till I told him I just bought a couple snakes here. I'll keep doing what I'm doing and you keep reading all the posts you can and try to make people look bad. As soon as it warms up and the transactions can be completed you'll see that I'm one that can be trusted. Sorry, but if theres anyone that doesn't want to deal with me for a comment that was made on here is just ridiculous, and I'm sure not going to lose any sleep over it.

 

[Amelanistic Orca]

Pwn Newbs

 

[Randy F]

Funny thing is I said some people would not be happy with me because of this thread. I did not however believe that I would get a pm saying I talked about someone behind their back. Would anyone that I spoke with today talking crap about anyone please step forward and tell us all what it was. Sorry I just don't play all the childish games of he said she said. Anything I say I am willing to say to everyone. And for the record the name was not how anyone gets it. It was the term pro I was questioning because like Shadera said, it puts them in line with the likes of pro exotics. I love some of the names people come up with.

 

[Mooing Tricycle]

I never understood peoples beef with others wanting to turn their hobby into a business " OH IM A REAL BUSINESS THEY DONT DESERVE TO CALL THEMSELVES A BUSINESS" Well, maybe they are starting out, but maybe they could be the next "big biz" If they are honest in their dealings, produce some nice healthy critters what do people really care? Instead of causing more strife between eachother the Herp community should be supporting each of the good guys. You may not get along with everybody, but being a giant sandy pantsmonster dosnt really earn any points either.

 

[NorthernRegius.com]

We all started & grew...

- Perhaps this new person will do the same.

They will pay their dues, raise up snakes... maybe work months on a herp-wiki project or forum site as I did. Only to see it not succeed. But their passion to improve the species & the craft of keeping python regius will drive them on...

Hopefully what they will do right is honor those who have gone before, put the animals first, NOT produce more than they can sell (which is why they will work very hard at being HONEST & not over-stating their abilities; visit forums to learn & assist others)... etc.

I wish all new people well & lord knows, I've been re-quoted without credit. Imitation is said to be the highest form of flattery. The biggest thing I wish for a new-comer is to stay out of the drama which can sometimes rear its ugly head. The best way is to NOT create it- to give thanks to those who help you & to realize we are ALL still learning.

To the rest of us decade plus folks-
We've been there & back. Be glad when we get props from new guys & happy that they are part of our business clientele... but also we can be bigger than the small stuff.

After all in the age of the internet & public forums- there is no hiding the truth & we are all known by our posts.

 

[Randy F]

Funny thing is that it has nothing to do with if they are a business or not. It's how they act or depict themselves. Please show me anyone on here that tries to help more people out than me. I have given my number out numerous times helping people not trying to sell them something. Funny I just spoke with Danny yesterday for over an hour and gave him insights that he said he never thought of or no-one else has ever taken the time to say. I don't ask for any praise or anything special because I am just treating people the way I hoped I would be treated. For this I get certain people saying I am two faced because I talked about her behind her back, even though there was no proof and no-one came forward saying I did. I guess because I made the "mistake" of talking to someone explaining that this thread was not meant directly towards him meant I was choosing sides? I am going to keep helping anyone that wants my help because I AM NOT any better than anyone else. Those of you that think I am stuck up because you have spent so much time not talking to me, beware because I help a lot of people and they might not agree with you!

 

[Mooing Tricycle]

Wait, who thought you were stuck up? I never thought so. Can PM if its easier. I followed this thread from that other thread mentioning "it continues over here"

 

[Randy F]

Oh ok, sorry figured since I started this thread it was meant for me. Especially after being accused of trashing someone behind their back which never happened. My apologies .

 

[RoyalPythonPros]

I completely agree. I didn't state I know everything and sure know I don't. Randy and a few others have been great in answering any questions I had and if I need anything else I'm sure I'll migrate towards the same people. I just don't let the others get to me. They can think what they think and I won't deal with them. I have too great a life to be caring what a couple people may say about me. Everyone that's dealt with me knows the truth and those in the future will learn. I'm not in this for the money and never have been. I have a regular full time job, part time skydiving instructor and do this in most of my free time. I'm only keeping as many as I know I can handle. I just like all the help I've been getting and look forward to meeting and helping as many people as I can myself.

 

[angeluscorpion]

- Perhaps this new person will do the same.

They will pay their dues, raise up snakes... maybe work months on a herp-wiki project or forum site as I did. Only to see it not succeed. But their passion to improve the species & the craft of keeping python regius will drive them on...

Hopefully what they will do right is honor those who have gone before, put the animals first, NOT produce more than they can sell (which is why they will work very hard at being HONEST & not over-stating their abilities; visit forums to learn & assist others)... etc.

I wish all new people well & lord knows, I've been re-quoted without credit. Imitation is said to be the highest form of flattery. The biggest thing I wish for a new-comer is to stay out of the drama which can sometimes rear its ugly head. The best way is to NOT create it- to give thanks to those who help you & to realize we are ALL still learning.

To the rest of us decade plus folks-
We've been there & back. Be glad when we get props from new guys & happy that they are part of our business clientele... but also we can be bigger than the small stuff.

After all in the age of the internet & public forums- there is no hiding the truth & we are all known by our posts.

As someone still very green to his hobby and with dreams of becoming "a big breeder" I would like to take this chance to give thanks. Thank you to Brian Fontaine, Josh Sardina, Randy Foster, and Justin Kobylka for taking the time to answer my questions, follow up with me, selling me amazing animals, and most of all being generous with your time and knowledge. I too will pay this forward when my time comes. But until then thank you.