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Reputation makes one notice

D

Diggy415

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Ive noticed on all boards, if you don't have a well known name and aren't either a breeder or a huge collector with worth while animals, you don't get noticed. How many of us are excited to show the rest of you pictures of our snakes spiders or any other animal we have, and what do you get???" pretty, nice, good looking snake" small comments, where is the dammm disscusions around here? Its sad, it's all in a name, so i just go to boards for info anymore as you also have those who always lose their pets or drop and kill them and have to shout HHHHHEEELLLLPPPPPPPPP MMMEEE and type a story instead of taking the time to go to tthe vet, we will all be saying the same thing. What about the blurry pictures, why bother?especially of you want someone to ID it for you, get a grip ppl :shootfoot
 
LOL you dont have to be a big name to get into a discussion or make yourself known here hon!!! and big ole discussions just dont always happen on just random picture threads either. that stuff is mostly saved for the BOI.

im DEFINITELY not a big breeder, or a huge collector. ( ive got 12 snakes currently)
But i would say that, most people at least recognize my name. They might not KNOW me, as i dont know most other people here, but they know me online as i know them.

you have to be willing to get your name out there, your personality and your ideas and views by posting here pretty often. People will not just approach you here because you might have 50 or 60 posts. Thats actually far less than most of those that are regularly posting here. If you see an interesting conversation going on, JUMP IN.
Otherwise, you cant blame the people here for not noticing the small number of posts that are made. the more you post, the more chances you have of someone seeing them. ( as was said somewhere else here due to getting karma)
 
I have to agree with Alicia, it not about how big your name is, its about building relationships with the people on the forums. It exactly the same as moving into a new neighborhood, it takes time to get to know people and build trust. You don't just walk up to people and shove a picture of your kids in their face and expect them to instantly be your friends do you? Same thing here or on any forum. People need time to get a feel for what kind of person you are before they'll start interacting with you. So have a little patience, and stick around for a while, I'm sure you'll find people once you do.
 
Simply put, you will get out of the site what you put into it, and based on your 102 posts in 3+ years, you're not putting much into it.

Alicia is a prime example of how inaccurate your assumptions are. She is not a big breeder, and has a small collection of snakes. However she is well known and well liked here and her participation is enjoyed by many.
She puts a lot more into this site and her reputation here reflects that.

You get noticed by making yourself seen, participating, and acting like a responsible keeper, not by lurking in the background and complaining about how no one pays any attention to you.
 
Diggy415 said:
Ive noticed on all boards, if you don't have a well known name and aren't either a breeder or a huge collector with worth while animals, you don't get noticed. How many of us are excited to show the rest of you pictures of our snakes spiders or any other animal we have, and what do you get???" pretty, nice, good looking snake" small comments, where is the dammm disscusions around here? Its sad, it's all in a name, so i just go to boards for info anymore as you also have those who always lose their pets or drop and kill them and have to shout HHHHHEEELLLLPPPPPPPPP MMMEEE and type a story instead of taking the time to go to tthe vet, we will all be saying the same thing. What about the blurry pictures, why bother?especially of you want someone to ID it for you, get a grip ppl :shootfoot
Click to expand...

I'm just trying to understand your point. If you post a picture are you stating you would not want those comments? What type of discussion do you hope to arise by posting a picture?

I took a look at the pictures you posted in the boa forum. Another member responded with "Nice looking little girl. I like the name too". I don't understand why you wouldn't appreciate such comments and what you expect instead.
 
Would this be better?

Nice looking boa. Did you produce her? If so, was this your first litter? How many in the litter? I see you stated she just shed and you are going to feed her soon, Let us know when she eats. Do you have a supply of feeders? Where do you get your feeders?

Or would you like discussions on the photos themselves?
Like so.
Nice pictures. Why did you choose the particular backgrounds for the photos?
I think the flag is a nice background but some people might think putting the flag on the ground and letting a snake crawl all over it just to get some interesting pictures is a desecration. How bold and provocative of you to use it anyway. What statement are you trying to make with such bold pictures?

Obviously, I'm going overboard but I'm trying to understand what you are looking for. If I post pictures (which, I might do just for fun within the next couple of days) I would hope some would respond with the niceties of " pretty, nice, good looking snake" because I'm not asking a question that needs answered and/or discussed.
 
I am not sure either what you are saying. Do you want the attention or not?
I have been here a long time, I go through spurts of posting and not posting, mostly depending on what is going on in real life or what is interesting. I have a collection but by no means a big breeder or name. People know me through interaction and getting to know others, but then again I wouldn't say I am here to seek attention. I give and take and have acquired some good online friends here.
As others have said before me, jump in, post more, give some of yourself on here and people will give back.
 
You got my attention.

Dennis Hultman said:
Would this be better?

Nice looking boa. Did you produce her? If so, was this your first litter? How many in the litter? I see you stated she just shed and you are going to feed her soon, Let us know when she eats. Do you have a supply of feeders? Where do you get your feeders?

Or would you like discussions on the photos themselves?
Like so.
Nice pictures. Why did you choose the particular backgrounds for the photos?
I think the flag is a nice background but some people might think putting the flag on the ground and letting a snake crawl all over it just to get some interesting pictures is a desecration. How bold and provocative of you to use it anyway. What statement are you trying to make with such bold pictures?

Obviously, I'm going overboard but I'm trying to understand what you are looking for. If I post pictures (which, I might do just for fun within the next couple of days) I would hope some would respond with the niceties of " pretty, nice, good looking snake" because I'm not asking a question that needs answered and/or discussed.
Click to expand...
I posted in that thread for you. :angry:
 
I only have 7 snakes at the moment. I've only had one litter in my life. A far cry from a large breeder don't you think? Participation is the only way you'll get recognition.


Just curious, would it have been better had I said "what an ugly boa"? I paid you a compliment, not an insult. What else should I have said?

If you want discussion, create it. Ask questions, offer opinions, intelligent debate. Tangents like this will hardly get you the environment you seek.
 
ALSO! cause its eassssy to mistake, dont take peoples harsh comments, or Rough and tough replies ( or small replies ) personally!

Everyone here that i have met save, a few... are VERY awesome people and so much fun to learn from and get to know! Somtimes people are a bit rough, but thats just how it is here on fauna its a rowdy bunch! ( you can ask rich! :) )

Post some! youll see :)
 
Dennis that is what im looking for to engage a question, sure i could of given an outline of what i was doing and the props i used, i didn't take anyones single comments offensively, it's just seems everywhere one goes they don't or can't get a conversation going. I've been to chats, again, big breeding talk fancy terms and feel left out. Just curious if others noticed this too, ill mind my own BS
 
Diggy415 said:
Dennis that is what im looking for to engage a question, sure i could of given an outline of what i was doing and the props i used, i didn't take anyones single comments offensively, it's just seems everywhere one goes they don't or can't get a conversation going. I've been to chats, again, big breeding talk fancy terms and feel left out. Just curious if others noticed this too, ill mind my own BS
Click to expand...


you havent been on fauna chat then.... :rofl: Its an experience that one will not forget
 
Diggy415.......
Many people who first pop into chat rooms are run off by the pace of the conversations, the uneasiness of not knowing the people, while the people all sem to know each other, and the fact that it can indeed be too rough on "newbies".
That said realize that there are people who have strong interests in herpetology, not commercial enterprize, and that those people will take time to discuss questions, offer advice and help point you in helpfull directions....so don't give up, get discouraged or judege an entire culture by a few rough around the edges characters...they are the ones that make you smile later, once you get to know them.....
 
If people are using terms you don't understand, than ask what it means, or where you can find more info on the subject. Don't be bashful and stay quiet. It's not a good way to learn new stuff. This would also be a way of starting the conversation you seem to want.

And no body is asking you to "mind your own BS". By all means...Speak up! I believe people will respect that more than keeping quiet any way.


Good luck, and remember to participate. :thumbsup:
Rick
 
Mooing Tricycle said:
you havent been on fauna chat then.... :rofl: Its an experience that one will not forget
Click to expand...
Actually, I'm pretty sure she has. Of course, I'm old, and my memory can't be trusted
 
And Diggy (Tanya), your name is only as well known as you make it. I was, for all practical purposes, out of herps for several years. Prior to that, I was quite active in the local herp group, did a lot of education and exhibition, and frequented herp shows (shared tables as often as I went as a looker). I was known by sight by many of the vendors at that show, and a handful knew me by first name. If you mentioned me, or pointed me out to somebody from the right group of people, they knew who I was.

Fast forward 6 years, and I was coming back to the hobby with plans of doing more breeding than I had previously. I had no computer savvy...in fact, this was my first venture to an online forum. I came here not understanding how anything about forums worked, but I wasn't afraid to try (okay, I was, but I did it anyway). Part of the reason I did so was because I knew that, if I had any hopes of selling snakes online, I needed some sort of presence and name recognition. I had years of experience with a fairly diverse group of animals, so I used that to compensate for my ignorance in the computer world. I started by lurking a bit, then a few posts where I thought I could provide some insight. In the course of things, I've asked a number of questions, and nobody has ever bitten my head off or treated me poorly. I have dabbled on a few other sites - some I liked, some I didn't. Is my name recognized anywhere besides here? Sure, by the people that post or read here. If I start regularly doing the "local" show circuit again, I'm sure I will be recognized and sought out in that venue, as well. Until then, the quality of my animals will have to speak for itself.

If you want to stimulate discussion, you have to present things in a manner that encourages it. Posting a picture pretty much earns you a few comments about it. Asking a direct question will probably get you a direct answer, and possibly some explanation. Present something you have been thinking about, stating your thoughts, opinions, and/or rationale...then ask for some input. You might find what you are looking for. If it doesn't take off, give it a nudge (heck, I've done that even when it is taking off, just to feed it a bit)
 
hhmoore said:
And Diggy (Tanya), your name is only as well known as you make it. I was, for all practical purposes, out of herps for several years. Prior to that, I was quite active in the local herp group, did a lot of education and exhibition, and frequented herp shows (shared tables as often as I went as a looker). I was known by sight by many of the vendors at that show, and a handful knew me by first name. If you mentioned me, or pointed me out to somebody from the right group of people, they knew who I was.

Fast forward 6 years, and I was coming back to the hobby with plans of doing more breeding than I had previously. I had no computer savvy...in fact, this was my first venture to an online forum. I came here not understanding how anything about forums worked, but I wasn't afraid to try (okay, I was, but I did it anyway). Part of the reason I did so was because I knew that, if I had any hopes of selling snakes online, I needed some sort of presence and name recognition. I had years of experience with a fairly diverse group of animals, so I used that to compensate for my ignorance in the computer world. I started by lurking a bit, then a few posts where I thought I could provide some insight. In the course of things, I've asked a number of questions, and nobody has ever bitten my head off or treated me poorly. I have dabbled on a few other sites - some I liked, some I didn't. Is my name recognized anywhere besides here? Sure, by the people that post or read here. If I start regularly doing the "local" show circuit again, I'm sure I will be recognized and sought out in that venue, as well. Until then, the quality of my animals will have to speak for itself.

If you want to stimulate discussion, you have to present things in a manner that encourages it. Posting a picture pretty much earns you a few comments about it. Asking a direct question will probably get you a direct answer, and possibly some explanation. Present something you have been thinking about, stating your thoughts, opinions, and/or rationale...then ask for some input. You might find what you are looking for. If it doesn't take off, give it a nudge (heck, I've done that even when it is taking off, just to feed it a bit)
Click to expand...
:iagree: :iagree:
 
hhmoore said:
If you want to stimulate discussion, you have to present things in a manner that encourages it. Posting a picture pretty much earns you a few comments about it. Asking a direct question will probably get you a direct answer, and possibly some explanation. Present something you have been thinking about, stating your thoughts, opinions, and/or rationale...then ask for some input. You might find what you are looking for. If it doesn't take off, give it a nudge (heck, I've done that even when it is taking off, just to feed it a bit)
Click to expand...

The number of replies a thread generates will be inversely proportional to the simplicity of the subject and the proportion of people who agree.

Ask a straightforward question with an easy, direct answer and you'll probably only get one response. Everyone else who opens the thread will read the response, know that it's correct and move on. Post a photo of something where there's no controversy and you'll generate a couple flat replies, after which anyone who opens the thread just nods and moves on.

If you want detailed responses and overwhelming participation, you need a subject which captures people's interest and, generally, about which there can be some debate. A lot of Fauna's users simply aren't going to take the time to respond to anything about which the information someone is looking for can be found from hundreds and thousands of other sources and a library card or google search. Provide something a little trickier as a subject or present a topic where people will be lining up on different sides trying to explain why their position is the "right" one... and you have participation.

I opened this thread the first time when it had the initial post and one reply... and didn't respond, because at that time with the thread content, my response would have been along the lines of "Quit whining and post something people give a damn about if it's so important that they respond. It's not everyone else's fault that you're boring." but decided it simply wasn't worth the time. Then we have a few additional responses, something I by and large agree with but wanted to clarify my opinion about a minor facet of... and hey, look... responses. Because it became interesting.
 
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