Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

[Dan]

Before i start i'd like to make it quite clear this is just an open minded moan on my part, there is no need to reply at all - just need to vent a little

Why is it that as a hobby we split into several very distinct categories and for a multitude of reasons not one can work together?
We have those that choose not to use the forums and internet as a whole which can be split down into 3 clear sections - Those that are what you could call old school, they've been doing this for decades and still write letters to friends (These people have a wealth of contacts and know all about whats going on politically)(group A) then we get those that own a few bits that they have bought from the local shop and are completely oblivious to what is going on around them (far and away the largest group, not just within this section but as a whole)(group B). Leaving us with those who don't use the net as they have been on, looked around and decided what they see is crap and they simply don't have the time or inclination to bother trying to get involved (group C).
Then we have the internet crowd (my favourite bunch ). This lot can be split down into 3 sections. The first comprises of those that rarely use forums but allways check the classifieds and generally as a rule are a physically mature bunch working long hours etc etc, these people keep a varied collection ranging from the slightly more advanced to the down right awesome(group D). Then there are those that use the forums and enjoy looking and talking about what others have, how they can help, how they can learn and are constantly looking to move up a level (in what ever way they can), these people again have varying collections(group E). What we are then left with is the largest internet group, this comprises of the youngsters (both in age and experience). These guys spend a lot of time on the net scouring various forums and websites, they fast become surfing/typing text books - full of theory without any experience. They are allways eager to learn and help, generally eager to please (much like a dog). They generally have very few reptiles and certainly haven't been keeping them for long(group F).

It's taken me that long to list that lot i've forgotten why i did it in the first place but i'll be damned if i'm gonna delete it now

Why is it when we comprise of such a diverse group of society we can't actually organise a p*** up in a brewery? Is it that we are all crap and those we invest our hobby and faith in are all superior at everything they do or try to do? OR is it that those people we have all our faith in are actually too busy doing something else, something they are actually good at? This is mainly aimed at high profile groups (i am trying not to drop names in a bad way) but it also includes the smaller groups.
The people that run these groups (no matter the aim) are obviously good at what they do (here is where the names come in), the FBH are good at the political side, the IHS are good at sorting shows and getting people to meet in person and then you get the likes of the reptile fan club who are great at getting to the internet masses. So why is it we don't have anyone to bring all this together?
If you look at the above (remembered what it was for now ) there are 6 unique sections of the hobby, nobody aims at these groups individually and as a result not one of these groups individual strengths are harnessed to create a coalition strength that could without a shadow of doubt destroy all this animal rights crap in a matter of months.

I've seen people come and go, some emotionally destroyed by the hassle brought on by the pressure and some by the hassle brought on by those who "know better". I have tried in my own way to start this and that. I have tried talking publicly and privately to the "powers that be".

Why is it little old me, the uneducated squaddie, is the one that can see these people need help but no one else can? I mean lets be serious here folks, if you get an email for viagra in your inbox it is spam, it gets deleted ignored and accepted as a pain in the ass - so WHY in gods name are societies now resorting to spamming? More importantly why is it these people think this is an acceptable way of advertising????

Yeah, i know, there is no money for advertising - i've heard that same old tired line a million times, never seen anyone trying to improve it but i keep hearing how hard done to these people are.

I could sit here on my sofa and not only generate revenue from nothing but use it to actually advertise these people. I'm betting within a matter of 6-12 months i could allmost double membership figures of any of the nationally based groups (not inc the likes of the RFC, that would be too easy). These people are happy to spam but not to ask for money - funny old world!!

All anyone ever needs to do is ask, its a simple enough thing really. I mean lets face it, the worst that can happen is people say no!!

I suppose the problem is that none of these people are willing to take the chance on anything. It's all about the defensive game for them, if you don't take the chance you'll never fail - you'll never win either but we forgot that somewhere.

Ahwell, rant over. I have been doing this on an allmost yearly basis now for a fare old while and getting no where so i don't expect to this time either but my shrink says it's good to express myself

Ok so this is actually a fair sized post and hasn't really scratched the surface but it'll do, if you made it this far then you are REALLY bored. More likely is you read so far, saw something you don't like (or agree with) and then scanned the rest, in which case don't forget to breath and remember i'm just having a rant - this is nothing to do with the forum owner and does no constitute his beliefs etc. No replies needed, i feel much better now
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TFA

The future is bright, the future is a net like pattern.................

I'm NOT an expert, so if you don't want to know my opinion don't ask!!

[cornfan]

Interesting little rant there and, for the most part, I agree with you. It always falls to a very small minority of any society to actually get off their butts and do anything - particularly where money is concerned.

However, there are a few good people out there who actually put words into action. You've mentioned the RFC and that we're good at getting to the internet masses. I'd love to hear of any ideas of appealing to the rest of the hobby that we have not (and are not about to) employed that will not cost someone (i.e. me ) that they do not have. I have a lot of people who throw ideas at me but then disappear when there is any real work to be done. Such is human nature and a very few of us actually get down to the nitty gritty and get on with the actual graft. Often with full time jobs, homes and our own animals to care for in between.
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Regards, Tanya

Reptile Lover

[Dan]

Thought i had better post as someone pointed out i look full of hot air by not replying to Tanya.

Nothing special to say, Tanya and I have spoken
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TFA

The future is bright, the future is a net like pattern.................

I'm NOT an expert, so if you don't want to know my opinion don't ask!!