I'm as antivoid as anyone. I'm also anti freehandling and showboating with hots, allowing children to handle them...models for tshirts to handle..I could go on. What risks you are willing to take are your business, just don't blame others for not wanting to be held accountable for your actions.
It’s odd, whenever you make an offer to help someone, it will come back on you. Can you recall Brett, when we first met? I told you I was trying to get a model trained to do that photo shoot? First, I said I was trying to get one “trained” not that I was going to just hand one my diamondback and start taking photos. Second, I said these pictures will be attention getters and you are welcome to use them. I offered you something for free, I didn’t offer to sell you the rights, or make some sort of profit for myself. I saw an opportunity where I felt I could help someone in this business. Someone that I had never met or knew before. And for that I get you casting dispersions on me months later on the internet. No good deed goes unpunished in this day and age. I wish I would have known your character at the time, rest assured, I would not have offered you anything and rest assured I will not offer you anything in the future. And as for letting children handle snakes, I started catching snakes before I started kindergarten. I was housing venomous before I was 15. There was no internet then, no hot herp society, no books, and no one to learn from. I learned everything as I went. I know some teenagers whom I have worked with, and I am sure you are talking about them. They were both keeping venomous snakes before they met me. They tracked me down and asked for advise. So, its your opinion I should have ignored them and let them continue to learn on their own? I don’t see it that way. I would not have started them, but since they were already started, it seemed prudent for me to train them.
How did Tony lose thousands of dollars? at 9 bucks a head and at least 5000 people through the door...that comes to 45,000 bucks just off tickets.
Saturday, there were ~712 people in the door. Sunday had far fewer
when I left at 1:00. I was selling tickets.
If you ever had any credibility, it continues to be diminished as you make ludicrous statements on the internet. I am very glad this guy made the afore quoted post, I hate to make arguments when I do not have solid facts to back them up. You will find I do not publicly speak about subjects that I am not well versed in. I have never promoted a reptile show, however, as most of you know, I am a professional wrestler, and I have promoted many wrestling shows. Being in that business all of my adult life, I have become skilled in estimating crowds of people. I also have a dual minor with my degree, with one of my minors being economics. I would not have made the statement that he lost money unless I was confident that was an accurate statement. I did not return on Sunday, but we have an accurate account that 700 came thru the door Saturday and fewer on Sunday. The number 1200 has been mentioned, and it seems to fit the bill. 1200 @ $9 is $10,800. I “think” Tony paid $9,800 just in rent. Now factor in insurance, advertising, travel expenses, payroll, ect. He probably made back another $2k or so in Table rent, I am not sure what he charged or who he charged. The people that I knew told me he was giving them tables at ½ price. So, now he has $3000 left after he paid the rent. Brett, as I said before, he lost thousands.
Cathy wasn't the only one to call the Gwinnett Center.
I made the point to get it in writing that they show was not scheduled at Gwinnett or Americamart. The rep from Americamart told us, in writing, that they had told him the week before, they would not host the event. I lead the charge on the postponement of the first Atlanta show, not Cathy. And I did it, not because I disliked Tony (at the time) but because it was the prudent thing today. I firmly believe, Tony had no intention of informing anyone about anything pertaining to that show until we made it public on this site. The story broke right here and was followed up other places.
So, who all is going to Columbia SC next month? Personally, I'll have to do a head count on my animals as the time grows nearer. I'll be a last minute sign-up if I go.
This has always been my favorite show, but given my resent distain for the promoter, I was really questioning if I want to attend. Are you bringing Amanda? Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
If I do make it, Ramen will probably be with me. I'll just have to wait & see.
You are nothing more than a professional in my eyes. You know what you're doing & I trust you immensely! It sounds more & more like Brett may be jealous of you. Your are an experienced handler, and he's just a photographer & snake hook guy. Anyone can easily do his job. But your job is unique.