To Susan, Carol, Kathy, and all those here in 2002

[dickdeuel]

I agree that TheSource is not as user friendly, BUT, I do appreciate that when you post on their site, you don't have to worry about every post turning into a debate or argument. People can get mad if they want for what I am about to say, but their site seems a bit more "mature". It just doesn't seem to be as "cliquish" of a site. Usually at The Source you don't have people that have never hatched a snake telling others with absolute certainty how they should do everything when it comes to corn snakes. People with real experience and knowledge are the ones who offer advice.



I couldn't agree more!

 

[Chip]

I was sporadic on ks, just never liked the layout. Suddenly everyone was gone. I don't even remember how I found this joint. I do remember Cowboyway, Serpwidgets, and others that are long gone.

 

[kathylove]

Wow - "Cowboyway" - that is a name out of the ol' memory. I think he left long before the others. Never heard from him again on any forum. Maybe got out of herps?

I think it is great that different forums have different "flavors". Over on The Source, they have some very interesting, deep and serious discussions about corns, genetics, etc. I don't know if I would call it more "mature" as much as "more selective". Participants there are sort of self selected to be those who primarily want to have serious corn discussions, because there aren't enough daily posts from people who want to have debates about other subjects. It is a smaller group, many of whom are relative "old-timers". So the novices who join can pretty quickly get a feel as to whether they will fit in with a more serious corn discussion group, or feel the need for more variety, as on CS.

I love the serious discussions, especially about some of the experiments that Connie has done with various hatchling feed and growth trials she posts on her forum, and the discussions that follow. But I also love the long debates we have over here about politics, religion, and any other non corn thing you can imagine. The more differing opinions, the better I like it - as long as everyone can remain civil. It would probably be impossible to have such spirited debates over there because it requires a huge base of active participants with lots of different perspectives. So I value each forum for what it can offer. I don't expect any one forum to be all things for all people - just can't see how that could happen.

 

[Chip]

Cowboyway was infected with an unidentified zoonoses (sp?) from a parrot if I recall. He was in dire health the last time we corresponded. Then suddenly, no more emails and no posts. I've always wondered what happened...

 

[wilomn]

I am glad I got banned too
Never would have the friends I do otherwise

Awww, now I'm all warm and fuzzy inside.

Never did get the hammer on KS.

More than made up for it on Fauna though.

All in all, this is a pretty damn good site.

 

[kathylove]

I had no idea about Cowboyway's health. I don't think he was here long enough after I got here to get to "really get to know him" online. Hope it turned out ok. Maybe he decided to give up animals after that scare?

I have never gotten banned by a forum or website so far. But I saw a lot of friends banned during that time. I am hoping to avoid such a fate. But sometimes rules on some sites seem capricious - so who knows?

 

[Jessicat]

Oh man, cornsnakekid's trolling! "I lost my 500g BP.. ok, no I found him he was in a TP roll" :rofl:

OOps!! Sorry cornsnakekid92, I was refering to reptile_addict!!

Jessica, LOL,....I repped you and dc.

Follow this link for a laugh... :uhoh: eiii yii yi!
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21803

Here are the rest of his gloriously mis informed threads.. :smash:
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/search.php?searchid=1903995

I also miss Dean's hands!!
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67410

Remember when we used to get Vlad updates all the time?!
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66438

Ahhh that grey wall.
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64004

Okay, sorry I'll stop. Taking a little trip down memory lane..
Maybe we should make a "best of Cornsnakes.com over the years" thread.

 

[Camby]

As for noobs giving out their "expert" advice, etc, just compare the total membership of 1.177, active membership of 247 and 55 members having been on in the past 24 hours of that site to the 19,710 total membership of this site, 435 members having been on in the past 24 hours and we don't even list the "active" members. Fewer members = fewer posts, especially when it's only those more experienced members replying to any new members questions.

Maybe they do delete others posts, so far that hasn't happened to any of my post when it contradicted others. Maybe I am just lucky?

I quoted you above because I think it proves my point. I want you to know I am not arguing with you. On The Source, if a question is asked like "what morph is this" and it is clearly a normal or amel or something very easy to identify, you will get one answer and no one seems to feel the need to add to that. However, on this site, you get one person answering correctly and then 8-10 others all saying "I agree with so and so, it is an amel, nice snake". Maybe it is just me, but I find that very annoying and to me that is one of the major differences between the two sites. It's like a football play, when the tackle is made, there is no need for players to continue to pile on. Hmmm, maybe we need penalties for this, lol. I don't mind it if someone also answers the question BUT also provides reasoning to try and help educate the OP.

The other pet peeve I have is the "Rep Points" or how MOST members view the # of post made by someone. Lots of members look at those as experience and deem those people as experts and it couldn't be farther from the truth. There are people here who have hatched their first corn snakes this season, but are making 20 or more posts a day and they are thought of as experts, but sometimes can't even identify simple morph combos or influences from other species and such as that. To me that hurts the site credibility as a "Information forum". Look at the rep points or number of posts by some of the persons on here that are truly experts, it doesn't even compare to people that most THINK are experts.

Here is an example of what I mean. This person is truly experienced and is a genetics wizard. He has made 3,139 posts since joining in 2005. Another expert joined in 2002 and has made only 9,704 posts. Finally, this one truly DID write the book on corns and joined in 2003 and has made 331 posts to date. Now, some of those names would be recognizeable to people joining in the last two years and to others, they wouldn't have a clue who they are, BUT they would likely recognize a person on here that has made 40,000 plus posts since joining in 2005 or another that has made nearly 2,000 posts since joining in the spring of this year. These later two are many times looked at as expert and the three others may be overlooked. It seems some of the people on this site are glued to the monitor waiting for posts so they can comment on them.

Hmmm, as I have typed this all out, I have come to a realization that the Source is a more scientific thinking site/forum and CS.com is more for hobbyist. This is obviously a better site for people wanting to share pics of their snakes and be proud of their pets and there is some good information exchange on here. The Source is just more for sceintific discussion.

So, all that said I do enjoy both sites for what they are!

dc

 

[wstphal]

On The Source, if a question is asked like "what morph is this" and it is clearly a normal or amel or something very easy to identify, you will get one answer and no one seems to feel the need to add to that. However, on this site, you get one person answering correctly and then 8-10 others all saying "I agree with so and so, it is an amel, nice snake". Maybe it is just me, but I find that very annoying and to me that is one of the major differences between the two sites.

My own personal view, as someone who does sometimes add on to those threads, I am doing it so I can post the second part, "nice snake!"

Edit: Or if the first correct ID is made by a n00bie like me, I think more experienced people may chime in so that the OP knows the ID is correct. If I say it's a hypo pewter, how much does that mean? But if Hector chimes in with "I agree with Betsy, it's a hypo pewter, nice snake," the OP can have a higher confidence in in the morph ID, right?

The other pet peeve I have is the "Rep Points" or how MOST members view the # of post made by someone. Lots of members look at those as experience and deem those people as experts and it couldn't be farther from the truth. There are people here who have hatched their first corn snakes this season, but are making 20 or more posts a day and they are thought of as experts, but sometimes can't even identify simple morph combos or influences from other species and such as that. To me that hurts the site credibility as a "Information forum". Look at the rep points or number of posts by some of the persons on here that are truly experts, it doesn't even compare to people that most THINK are experts.

Rep points can be given for things other than expertise. Eloquence. Kindness. It took me a couple days here to figure out that rep points don't equal corn snake expertise and neither did post count. Pretty much the first time I got repped. It wasn't because I knew anything; I think it was because I said something kind to someone who wasn't having a good day IIRC.

RichZ has high expertise but his post count isn't all that. Kathy Love DID write the book but her post count isn't that high. I think if someone bothers to dig even a little it becomes clear that there are some high rep/count experts and some experts who don't post a lot, like Don Soderberg. I figured out he was a genuine expert as soon as some kind person posted a link to his book, but it took MONTHS for me to find out he was a member & posted occasionally.

 

[Irish Eyes (Mrs.Z)]

Cowboyway was infected with an unidentified zoonoses (sp?) from a parrot if I recall. He was in dire health the last time we corresponded. Then suddenly, no more emails and no posts. I've always wondered what happened...

That would be interesting to know. I own 12 parrots--mostly macaws plus a couple of conures. I have yet to catch anything from them *knocks wood*.

I do know that dusty birds (cockatoos, cockatiels, greys) can cause respiratory problems in other parrots, as well as humans. So can other parrots, but it takes longer . Those respiratory problems go by the common term of "Birdkeeper's Lung". I believe it's a form of COPD. It can range from fairly minor to deadly, depending on how long you've gone untreated and how many birds you have. However, I've never heard of anyone catching anything else from a parrot, even in the height of the Avian Flu and END scares. I may need to check on this one.

BTW, I'm REALLY enjoying this thread. Keep it up, "oldtimers"!

 

[wstphal]

I do know that dusty birds (cockatoos, cockatiels, greys) can cause respiratory problems in other parrots, as well as humans. So can other parrots, but it takes longer . Those respiratory problems go by the common term of "Birdkeeper's Lung". I believe it's a form of COPD. It can range from fairly minor to deadly, depending on how long you've gone untreated and how many birds you have. However, I've never heard of anyone catching anything else from a parrot, even in the height of the Avian Flu and END scares. I may need to check on this one.

Thread hijack alert!

Psitticosis comes to mind. About 200 cases a year in humans in the USA are reported. There are probably more but Zithromax & Biaxin kill the germ, Chlamydia psittici, and those antibiotics are commonly used for cough illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia so people get cured without ever knowing what they had.

Bird fancier's lung is the term the doctors use for what you mention. It CAN produce COPD, but doesn't have to. Unfortunately, the mainstay of treatment is to stay away from birds. It's actually kind of related to allergies. The technical term for the cluster of similar diseases is hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It's caused by the immune system reacting/overreacting to dust from birds (or other kinds of dust containing proteins) that gets into the lungs, and the reaction damages the lungs. Unfortunately, allergy shots don't work and medicines like Benadryl don't either, because it isn't an allergy, it's a different kind of immune system overreaction than allergies.

I hope this helps.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled thread! LOL

 

[Camby]

Rep points can be given for things other than expertise. Eloquence. Kindness. It took me a couple days here to figure out that rep points don't equal corn snake expertise and neither did post count. Pretty much the first time I got repped. It wasn't because I knew anything; I think it was because I said something kind to someone who wasn't having a good day IIRC.

RichZ has high expertise but his post count isn't all that. Kathy Love DID write the book but her post count isn't that high. I think if someone bothers to dig even a little it becomes clear that there are some high rep/count experts and some experts who don't post a lot, like Don Soderberg. I figured out he was a genuine expert as soon as some kind person posted a link to his book, but it took MONTHS for me to find out he was a member & posted occasionally.

Exactly my point. High rep points and frequency of posting doesn't equal expertise and true knowledge, BUT most people don't think of that. If they see "John or Jane Doe" posting on everything and offering thoughts, they assume they know what they are talking about and that is not always the case. Sometimes these "experts" will change their thoughts in a thread 2,3 or more times. BUT when the next opportunity arises, they throw out the first thought whether it is right or not. I relate it to those type of people that just can't "say nothing". My point on this subject is that unfortunately many people look to those as the ones to listen too.

dc

 

[Camby]

BTW, I am very happy to see this is a friendly post because that is the way it is intended, not an attack on anyone. It is simply my observations of the site as a newer member.

dc

 

[abell82]

FYI. I've been around since 02. One of the things that has changed, is that when the site started, users were asked to delete their threads, to keep band width usage down. Many posts were deleted, because of this. This often resulted in a new member asking the same (or similar) question in a new post a few days later. Many members got tired of this and quit deleting there posts. Band width got larger, and then Memberships were born. To delete a post, you then had to be a paid member.
This site has lost many posters over the years. A few were for the better, but many more were not.
Kingsnakes.com is not a forum, but rather a message board. It's an acquired taste. I still post there from time to time.

 

[kathylove]

But I like the fact that when somebody posts incorrect, or even controversial advice, others will come on to question it. After several people have posted similar, or dissimilar advice, readers can decide for themselves what seems logical, or what the consensus seems to be. Because of reading differing views, novices can often begin to see that many times there is no ONE perfect answer, and different methods have worked for different people in different situations. If everyone were to always "toe the line" and give the exact same advice at all times, nobody would ever try anything new, and nothing new would ever be learned.

Diversity is the spice of life!

*Disclaimer* I always suggest that beginners stick to the "tried and true" ways of doing things to most likely assure early success. But once you have some experience under your belt - experiment on occasion and record the results. That is how we advance the hobby.

 

[Chip]

This site has lost many posters over the years. A few were for the better, but many more were not.

Amen. There were some folks who seemed to just come around to stir the puddin' and some I really miss. I've taken two or three long breaks, one for a couple of years. There have been LOT of diverse personalities on this website with so many users. I don't stomach drama well, and I've never been good at keeping my opinions to myself. But it's always seemed more dignified to take a break than start one of those laughable "Why I'm leaving the message board" threads. And with some time behind it, most disagreements seem pretty trivial.


Edit:

If everyone were to always "toe the line" and give the exact same advice at all times, nobody would ever try anything new, and nothing new would ever be learned.

No truer words, Kathy.

 

[vetusvates]

This is the only forum I'm on. I loves it!!

This reminded me of something I did want to say, somewhat off topic.
And it is directed to any and all members here from the beginning (2002) thru the time I joined.
I had never been on a forum before, nor did I really have any idea what all was involved in being a member of the conversations and community.
So to Rich Z., Susan, Carol, Kathy, dc, Jessica, elrojo, abell82, Mike (Cymru), Beth, dionythicus, and CrazyCorn,...and others...thanks for the patience WITH newbies as we try to watch, listen, read, learn, and fit in.

 

[Irish Eyes (Mrs.Z)]

Thread hijack alert!

Psitticosis comes to mind. About 200 cases a year in humans in the USA are reported.

Don't ask me why, but I'd forgotten about Psitticosis. I even have a friend who worked in a bird store who caught it there! The place was under quarantine for 90 days.... Thankfully, she was cured, and so were any birds that caught it from the "feathered rats" (a common negative nickname for budgies and lovebirds among storekeepers) that were brought in with it.

Bird fancier's lung is the term the doctors use for what you mention. It CAN produce COPD, but doesn't have to. Unfortunately, the mainstay of treatment is to stay away from birds. It's actually kind of related to allergies. The technical term for the cluster of similar diseases is hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It's caused by the immune system reacting/overreacting to dust from birds (or other kinds of dust containing proteins) that gets into the lungs, and the reaction damages the lungs. Unfortunately, allergy shots don't work and medicines like Benadryl don't either, because it isn't an allergy, it's a different kind of immune system overreaction than allergies.

I hope this helps.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled thread! LOL

It does, and thank you for the explanation!

Please excuse the thread hijacking. I'm done asking bird questions, now .

I must say that this place has a nice, comfortable feel that I like. Perhaps someday I'll be one of the "oldtimers", here, trying to help people who are new to the hobby. I must say, I really appreciate all the help I've been given since I came here. You guys have made it possible for me to do something I'd always wanted to do, but never thought I could: Successfully keep snakes. Thank you for bringing and keeping that happiness into my world .

 

[El Jefe]

I like this site. It is a lot of fun.

 

[El Jefe]

Hmmm, as I have typed this all out, I have come to a realization that the Source is a more scientific thinking site/forum and CS.com is more for hobbyist. This is obviously a better site for people wanting to share pics of their snakes and be proud of their pets and there is some good information exchange on here. The Source is just more for sceintific discussion.

So, all that said I do enjoy both sites for what they are!

dc

As for noobs giving out their "expert" advice, etc, just compare the total membership of 1.177, active membership of 247 and 55 members having been on in the past 24 hours of that site to the 19,710 total membership of this site, 435 members having been on in the past 24 hours and we don't even list the "active" members. Fewer members = fewer posts, especially when it's only those more experienced members replying to any new members questions.

Yeah...I think you combine these thoughts and that is where I sit. A forum that appeals to the general hobby is going to have a lot more posts and a lot more topics that range from snakes to everything else. A smaller, dedicated site is going to have a more narrow focus and therefore those posts that are more towards the everything else category will probably receive fewer comments.