*sigh*
I see that this thread has once again changed topics. I will say that I prefer this to be discussed here than opening another thread as many of the key individuals are already involved.
I did not read the thread in question until it was already locked (busy with rehab and an educational display). But I was shocked at the progression and outcome of the thread. First of all, the troll was obvious from the first post. I was painfully clear the point of the original post by Danielle was was a set-up, even before any other of her posts. I found it odd that her questions were happily answered when the intention was obvious but GreggM's original question was never addressed. Perhaps the intent of Danielle's orginal post was not clear to most until she "Came out", so to speak.
On any forum, there will always be new people coming and going. Hell, I just hit BCF cruising for venomous threads because that is my primary interest. Most of the forums at BC are dedicated to Boas (thousands more people out there with more knowledge than me to answer questions), Ball Pythons (No interest), and giants. I don't feel Ihave anything positive to add to Giant Python discussions. Most of my giant expereince is with Burms, and rescues at that. So I feel that I have nothing really *positive* to add and do not wish to start a flame or be the target of one.
So limiting my reading there, I have no knowledge of Randy, his experience, handling techniques, stock, housing, religion, political views or favorite TV show. The same goes for the majority of those that I have exchanged with on BCF as I have not noticed most on any of the other forums I frequent (particularly venomous forums). I am sure that I am not the only member that reads only a select few threads when the topic peaks interest. I do not even recall knowing that Randy kept hots. So with that in mind, I personally did not feel that GreggM's question was out of line or insulting (maybe worded poorly). I had the exact same thought when I read Randy's original post. When speaking about hots, words such as "touch" and "hold" send up a red flag for me and needs clarification. It doesn't matter who says it. So I feel that it was a valid question and one that I would have asked as well.
I think there is a major difference between hot keepers and nonven keepers. There are many nonven keepers that I consider to be the authority on their given subject. They may have a few kinks to be worked out, and there is always more to learn, but the have pretty much "got it down pat" (for lack of abetter term). Hot keepers are a bit different. I would never say "elite" as some have suggested in the past. I would say we are cursed. Because as "seasoned" as we think we are and as many years as we have under our repective belts, we are cursed to be forever "newbies". Herpetoculture is still in its infancy ("terrible twos" at best) and Venomous Herpetoculture is years behind that simply because there are not as many keepers. And even those that do keep hots, are often reclusive and their "tricks" and observations may never be known. Information may be readily available, but it is sparse at best compared to nonven herpetoculture. I have told many people in the past, "the day I think I know everything about hots, is the day I need to quit because that misconception is dangerous". I stand by that. It is a never ending learning curve that may get a few spikes in it. Everything that I state online is from my own pesonal experience or research. I consider myself "experienced", but there are only a handful of people in the world that I would label as "Experts" in hots. As humble as MsTT is, she is one of them. I feel that she has more experience and knowledge than most hot keepers combined. She would disagree. This is one of the aspects that demands my respect. She listens to other people's setups and techniques, knowing that someone may have found a great method of something. She has never gotten defensive when someone has questioned her handing, housing or techniques. And answering the questions logically and truthfully has gained her the respect of many keepers, hot and not.
In my humble opinion, no keeper is above questioning (I will not use the words "Critisism or "Infallible"). I know many hot keepers that I consider friends that I b*tch at constantly about handling techniques or housing. I also get my share of the same. So the reaction to GreggM's question struck a bad nerve with me. I am sure that the intent was not to portray an attitude or to attack. As I said, I do not know the history there. Perhaps somethign happened in the past that puts Randy on the defensive when his techniques are questioned. But I think that as someone unfamiliar with the inner workings and polotics of the BCF, many others would interpret the situation the same way. I must agree with some of the others here that a simple answer may have been the best course of action. I do not know GreggM's intentions with the question, but I do *think* that HE felt it was legitimate. I do not think it was intended to start a flame. As I said, the same question popped into my little mind after reading the original comment, but it was already locked.
My opinion is that this is mainly a matter of miscommunication and misinterpretation that got out of hand.
Randy,
I do feel I need to point this out.
Any post that implies anything about my techniques or speculates irresponsibly, as was done, here will simply be removed and if it persist other things may need to be removed as well.
The connotations of this statement disturb me greatly. Without making any assumptions publicly, I would request clarity as to what this means exactly.
I am reluctant to even get involved in this thread at this point. But I felt I needed to address the current issue at hand. If i worded anything improperly, please tell me and I will clarify. I realize that there have probably been several posts since I started typing an hour ago so forgive me if I repeat what someone else has already stated.
