Public Service Announcement for "Newbs" - Please Read!

[TokayKeeper]

don't put the space between the [ and quote or /quote; same for at the end. I had to do that so the BB code wouldn't work.

additionally, check this page out. http://geckoforums.net/misc.php?do=bbcode

so your code should look like this [noparse]

I'm an idiot

[/noparse]....sweet it worked. I didn't know BB code had code for parse (allows one to show the code without having the code active).

 

[Wild West Reptile]

don't put the space between the [ and quote or /quote; same for at the end. I had to do that so the BB code wouldn't work.

additionally, check this page out. http://geckoforums.net/misc.php?do=bbcode

so your code should look like this [noparse][/noparse]....sweet it worked. I didn't know BB code had code for parse (allows one to show the code without having the code active).

I think I got it. Thanks for being patient with me. Mucho appreciative I am!:main_thumbsup:

 

[T-ReXx]

Great post Shawn. Unfortunately this is a topic that has been brought up before and will continue to recycle itself through the end of time on forums everywhere.

I suppose I'm one of those "experienced veterans" who has not been as active on this forum lately and part of that has been due to my own personal time constraints(it's egg/baby season, I'm busy) and part of that is due to the influx of repetitious, "newbish" questions that every experienced keeper(I don't care who you are, if you have to repeat yourself 50 times on a subject that can be easily researched) gets tired of answering every now and then.

I agree that asking questions is important. I am never annoyed to help someone who honestly cannot find the answers or is confused about what the answer means. However, an equally, if not more important part of being a serious reptile keeper is research. When I first started keeping herps, the convenience of forums like this was not available. 90% of what I learned was from books, picking the brains of experienced keepers(in person) and plain old trial and error experience. I freely admit that I killed animals out of shear ignorance just because the information was not available or what was available was inaccurate. Nowadays there is a wealth of accurate up to date basic care information available and it is frustrating when people do not make the effort to find it. You kids nowadays have it easy(drawled in old geezer voice). Like Seamus mentioned it is much less grating to answer a question that is phrased "well I read this and don't understand why" rather than "I need an answer right now to this very basic question and have no background information to base the question on." And for those of you who say "if you don't like it don't answer" I say poo on you. Anyone who has kept reptiles for any amount of time and is passionate about the hobby has an urge to help those who are just starting out because he or she remembers being there. And that same person will feel a measure of annoyance at having to do someone else's work for them. For me it's a personal conflict over wanting to help ensure the animal(s) in question get the correct care and share the gift of knowledge and the simple fact that I am human and get tired of repeating myself, especially when I know for a fact a little reading would allow me to answer said question without a drawn out explanation or possibly make it unnecessary to be asked at all. That's just me personally, I can't speak for everyone.

All that said, I'd like to add a couple pieces of advice for the newer keepers:

1) Read. Reading is an excellent way to answer one's own questions and to better understand the why behind the what. Even if you are completely internet retarded there are plenty of excellent basic care guides to reptiles in book form.

2) You need a reptile vet if you keep reptiles. The internet is not a veterinarian. Even if this forum was populated by nothing but experienced reptile vets no good vet will diagnose a problem without examining the animal. Yes many reptile health issues can be husbandry related but that is not always the case and you cannot make a snap judgement on course of treatment based on a single paragraph, especially when said paragraph is written by someone who does not have the experience to know what to look for in a sick animal. If you cannot afford to pay a vet bill you should not own a pet.

3) If you are at all seriously considering breeding any animal species learn basic genetics. Even if you aren't breeding, genetics(especially those associated with genetically diverse species like leopard geckos, cornsnakes, ball pythons, etc) is fascinating and knowledge is never useless. If you are planning to breed then basic genetics knowledge is KEY. It's not as hard as it may seem, once you learn the basics of genetics that cover any species you will see just how easily common sense will allow you to predict pairing outcomes. And if you are going to breed a specific species and tinker with morphs learn the morphs and the genetics and visual tags associated with them. Not only will you expand your own knowledge but you will help ensure that when you do produce animals you will be a knowledgable breeder and customers will be more likely to repeat business with you.

4) If you ask a question and don't agree with the answer don't take it personally. It's the internet for cripes sake. Say thank you for taking time out of your life to help me and either ask more specific questions if you have them or file the information away and compare it to other sources later. Don't fly off the handle and declare it at blasphemy when an experienced keeper tells you something you may disagree with because the fact is that experienced keeper is probably right and you will end up looking like an ass. If you have what you feel is a legit argument to the point then state your facts and have a civil debate. Anything beyond that is infantile BS.

Just my $0.02.

 

[Roaming Reptiles]

I don't think you are getting the point of this post. I'm not saying people shouldn't ask questions, rather trying to explain why they aren't getting responses to those questions. And just to let you know, I wasn't policing anything. This thread was originally posted in the Rants and Raves section and the admins deemed it worthy of a sticky. The problem recently has been just a wave of what seem like lazy, mindless threads that aren't helpful to anyone. I do understand that some people aren't very computer literate, and that's fine. If you stated that in your thread, more times than not someone would be willing to take the time to give advice on the features of this forum. It's just like the "teach a man to fish" analogy. I love to share the knowledge I have gained from this forum, and I wouldn't have that ability were it not for some experienced members here. The difference is that I got quick and accurate answers to my posts because I showed a willingness to research, learn, and utilize that information correctly. I'm just not seeing much of that anymore and it does get frustrating. Oh and Seamus, next time I'm in Boston, I'm buying you a beer... or six

Was not pointed at you. Sorry I should have said that. My point is if you don't want to read "what morph is my gecko" Then don't look at it. Its not that hard. If people don't get the responses they want, to bad. If you or anyone else is giving good info and they don't take it, its on them. Being a smart ass isn't helping. We are all on the same team and should be willing to work and help each other out. Should people research what they are doing? Of course they should. Will they? most do not. But we should be willing to help anyway. Well unless you want to be an ass.:main_thumbsup:

 

[Wowoklol]

8. People post threads here daily regarding medical advice. If you are reading a thread, and are not 100% sure that you can give helpful advice, then don't. Which brings me to number 9

This is one of the biggest problems to me. Not so much the questions, but some of the answers. And it doesn't stop at medical advice. People should realize that the opinions they share on any given topic MAY be regarded as correct and factual and acted upon. If you aren't 100% sure, or don't leave any room for discretion, you are treading very dangerous waters putting that animal in more danger that where it started. For example, "replace the river stones with Aspen bedding at risk of impaction." :stunned: :anxious:

Maybe we could have a rating system in place to weed out the bad advice like that? Maybe a reputation system of some sort. Or Mods can just have a talk with a person making glaring mistakes in husbandry technique advice? A lot of people asking these questions may not know any better and follow this advice

 

[stager]

Sorry guys, I'm new here and asked lots of these questions. I don't plan on breading or anything yet I'm just the type of person who wan't to know everything about something that interests them. But I did research and read two books before I purchased one. I hope nobody took me that way. I always strive to take my hobbies all the way and have kept many reps for years I have a green tree python now for over thirteen years. Sorry if I came across that way to anyone.

 

[grboxa]

I'm a hockey fan Did you hear about the riot in Vancouver? But Bruins deserved the cup!

Yeah! Crazy Canadians!! The fans were pretty disrespectful not only to the Bruins and Tim Thomas winning the Conn Smythe (getting booooood), booing the Star Spangled Banner, and booing when they awarded the cup! WTF?? Have some respect people.....and when your done, go burn down your city! LOL!

Are you in Northern Cal Taquiq? Sharks fan by any chance?

I better post a pic of a gecko now.....don't want another one of my posts getting dissected!! I don't think I can take another pummeling to my head and shoulders from the GF police! J/K :main_evilgrin:

LIGHTEN UP PEOPLE!! This is supposed to be fun?

is that a jungle if i may ask ?

 

[Russ S]

Looks like a bold stripe to me.

 

[geckogirl3]

Looks like a bold stripe to me.

+uno

 

[djm1093]

i was one of the ones who did the whats the morph thread and i even looked exactly where u said i should but theres so many morphs to go threw and i thought mine was a circle back abberant but it turns out its a SHTCTB

 

[ConnieG]

I just want to say Thank You for this post! I'm new here and would like to continue as a member & it's always nice to have a little info from a pro. This site is big and a little confuseing, but I'm glad to have it to turn to should I need advice, which I always welcome. So, thanks for the bit o'info.

 

[Cesar_Da_KIng]

lol regret asking my poop question now

 

[bingoboy1]

good posts

 

[geckos galore]

As I'm sure most of you have noticed there has been a great influx of new members and sadly a decline in thread responses from some of our more seasoned veterans. I am writing this to help out the new people, and shed some light on some very common and frustrating issues. Please take this for what you will, but it comes from my experiences as member here, and as a hobbyist. This doesn't come close to scratching the surface of the involvement of keeping leos, but I think it's a good start.

1. Before you post that "I just got this gecko from BigChainPetStore, can you identify its morph" thread, do some research. There are a multitude of informational sites out there on the interwebz that can help you with identification of phenotypes. One in particular would be www.leopardgeckowiki.com. It may not be the absolute morph "bible" if you will, but is a great starting spot. If you have done the research, and are still having problems, then by all means post away. Just make sure that you indicate what sources you have checked, and I can assure you that you will get a much better response from other members. If you don't have the initiative to do the "hard" work yourself, then you probably shouldn't own a leo in the first place.

2. There is MUCH more to successfully breeding reptiles than putting a male in with a female. Again, do some research. If you post a thread asking "I just got my first leos. one male from BigChainPetStore and one female from CL. how do I breed them", trust me, you aren't going to like the responses you get. You need to be able to make sure that you can properly take care of one gecko before you decide to bring another 10-12 into the world. And yes, one breeding pair of leos can produce 10 or more offspring in one breeding season. Like I stated above, if you show that you have been researching, and have specific, educated questions, the responses you get will be much more helpful. Oh, and if in the same thread you ask "and can you tell me what morph they are", you really need to think about another hobby.

3. Respect other's opinions whether or not you agree or disagree. Everyone here is free to have their own thought process, but if you actually listen to what people say, you may just learn something. Which brings me to number 4.

4. You don't know everything. I have kept reptiles my entire life, and I'm still learning. I hope I never stop...

5. Post count means squat. There are some very experienced keepers and breeders here that have less than 1000 posts. And then there are some people that have been here just a couple of months with well over that. Don't just post random garbage to get your post count up. This is not a popularity contest.

6. See that orange bar up there at the top of the screen under the site sponsors? There is an option there called "Search". Use it. You might just find what you are looking for. And if not, again, post away.

7. Take some time to read the TOS. Our moderators and admins work hard to make sure this is the best forum out there. And Kelli is a great person, but I don't think she would hesitate to smack you down if you get out of line.

8. People post threads here daily regarding medical advice. If you are reading a thread, and are not 100% sure that you can give helpful advice, then don't. Which brings me to number 9.

9. If you have a gecko or other animal with a serious medical condition, seek vet care immediately. Don't post a thread about how your gecko is bleeding out of every orifice and want to know what you should do. You are responsible for that animal's life. If you can't afford vet care, then you shouldn't own that animal. Period.

10. Common sense. Use it. It will get you far here.

11. You will not get rich breeding leopard geckos. There are handful of breeders out there who have made a living off this, but they have years of experience and their reputations are (mostly) pristine. I won't even come close to breaking even this year, but I do it because I have a passion for reptiles. If you are here because you see geckos as a commodity only, you are in the wrong place.

12. Last but not least, HAVE FUN! This is a great place to meet new people with like interests, and learn something new along the way. Relax and be yourself. You will find that the more positive you are, the more receptive people will be to you. There have been many people that have joined here seeking attention, and I promise you, it didn't go well.

oh and almost forgot.. WE LOVE TO SEE PICTURES OF YOUR GECKOS! :main_thumbsup:

Sorry about the long, drawn out thread. I welcome other "tips" to be posted by members as well.

BEST POST I'VE READ SINCE JOINING LOL...I RESEARCHED FOR MONTHS BEFORE I GOT MY FIRST LEO AND I'VE HAD THEM FOR A YEAR NOW AND STILL RESEARCH JUST ABOUT EVERYDAY AND IT SEEMS I NEVER STOP LEARNING, I CONSIDER MYSELF SOMEWHAT OF AN EXPERT ON THE BASICS OF LEOPARD GECKO CARE AND KNOWLEGE, AND LIKE YOU IT REALLY IRKS ME WHEN SOMEONE ASKS A QUESTION ON HERE THAT THEY COULD HAVE GOOGLED LOL OR SOMETHING THAT IS COMMEN SENCE! I RESEARCHED AND FOUND OUT THE EXACT MORPH OF EVERY SINGLE ONE OF MY LEOS AND THE ONES I COULDN'T I EMAILED A REPUTABLE BREEDER...I MADE THE MISTAKE OF BUYING FROM THE BIG CHAIN STORES AT FIRST BUT NOW KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF BUYING FROM A BREEDER!! THANK YOU FOR THAT POST ;-)

 

[mudskipper]

caps = yelling

 

[fuzzylogix]

its been way to long since i've posted here, but glad to see my experiences helped some people out. thanks for the comments

 

[geckogod]

Even though I probably would qualify as a "newb" I am completely satisfied with you posting this, although i am only 15 i count on becoming a herpetologist and have acquired a good sum of knowledge from reading and getting involved with anything having to do with herps, particularly geckos, so when someone has an "urgent" or identification question I end up pitying the gecko because the owner obviously is incompetent and knows nothing about his or her pet.

 

[Ersatzi]

This thread certainly has been kind of a roller coaster reading all the way through. I think a lot of people have a very blunt way of wording things which can be misconstrued and taken as them looking down their noses at new people. And being a new person, I can say that it is very intimidating coming to an established forum and getting the nerves up to post and ask questions that I have assumed many have been asked for a while.

I'm a twenty year old, almost through college and I had been looking into many different types of animals. I had just moved to a new house, I've gotten a new job and figured that I'd look into reptiles. Growing up, I've had experiences both good and bad with different ones so I knew that I'd have plenty of reading to do before going out and finding one.

I can't even begin to recount the numerous questions I've had that I've looked up. However, no matter how much you think you know, I'm betting every single person on here has been surprised by a gecko once or twice and of course needed help on here and if not here somewhere else. As much as I love being able to look questions up, sometimes I don't trust the source because quite frankly, sometimes the information given is misleading. So it's nice to come on here and ask questions in hopes that someone who knows their shit will give them the time of day to answer.

I'm very happy to be a part of this forum. While I'm still a blossoming 'newbie' as many of us are called, I find each and every person who has responded and talked to me to have been an invaluable source of information. So, as a newbie I will apologize now, and in advance should I ask questions considered to be redundant. I simply have put faith in those on here who are wiser on the subject than I am for now.

But, I will say, these questions come from a place where my goal is to learn, but more importantly to help my leo thrive and live well in a loving home. So again, thank you to everyone on here! I hope you know that you're all very much appreciated and valued for everything you do to help new people like me!

 

[SBP]

Don't expect the harder questions to be answered either.

Regards,
Steve