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Suuuper excited!!

David, I understand you want to become a professional in the herp world. To do so you should treat everyone with a modicum of respect, whether you agree with them or not (or they with you), calling someone a douche is the utmost sign of disrespect and disgustingly unprofessional.

This is directly from his own forum. Do you think he even KNOWS what the word means?

3. Respect all those on the forum
 
It's like a bad car accident. You don't want to look...but you just can't help it...
Sort of like the 18+. :laugh:

Unfortunately, much like child/elder/and spousal, animal abuse and neglect runs rampant in our society. No matter how much you stomp your foot or wave your fist in the air, you simply can't stop them all. I see this as a prime example.

David thrives on attention regardless of whether it's positive or negative, and his need is being rewarded. He knows this is a wrong decision for him. WE know this is a wrong decision for him, but David does what he wants when he wants and how he wants. There are so many new animal keepers that come to this forum deserving of the wonderful and knowledgable advice available here. Save your breath on this one, folks. It's nothing more than an exercise in futility as we've already seen in the countless other cancerous threads started by this child.
 
Sort of like the 18+. :laugh:

Unfortunately, much like child/elder/and spousal, animal abuse and neglect runs rampant in our society. No matter how much you stomp your foot or wave your fist in the air, you simply can't stop them all. I see this as a prime example.

David thrives on attention regardless of whether it's positive or negative, and his need is being rewarded. He knows this is a wrong decision for him. WE know this is a wrong decision for him, but David does what he wants when he wants and how he wants. There are so many new animal keepers that come to this forum deserving of the wonderful and knowledgable advice available here. Save your breath on this one, folks. It's nothing more than an exercise in futility as we've already seen in the countless other cancerous threads started by this child.

I'm not certain David DOES know this snake is wrong for him. After all he's 15 with 5 years of experience and has held one once that is sweet. that makes it alright for him to get yet another snake so he can say he is "master".
I do feel sorry for him in that he is trying to fill a void in his life with all his reptiles.
I agree with trickster in that he probably doesn't feel the love from his parents and they just give into him to keep him out of their way. That of course is my own opinion and I'll probably get crucified for it. But it is what it is.

All I can say David, is I hope everything turns out alright and you end up with a nice snake.
I know for sure if you do have problems with it the people on this forum will probably say "I told you so", but in the next breath TRY to give you advice on how to handle the issue. The problem I see is you won't listen to any advice you will be given anyway.
 
I have to be careful what I say, as David may report me again and I'll end up with another infraction.....

If a mod is investigating a problem thread, he/she may suspend, ban, warn, or assign infraction points without having received a "report". As far as I know, only the mods and admin receive "report post" notifications, so you can't reliably assume that a disciplinary action was the result of a specific member's "report". And it shouldn't be assumed that every "report" is acted upon either.
 
I think its pretty obvious who would have reported bad posts on Mike. Since the only time I've seen any posts that could be seen as "negative" by a certain person by Mike would have been David.
It's David who brings this on hisself. People have tried to help him so many times to make the proper decision and do things the right way, and he automatically becomes defensive and see's what people are doing is attacking him personally.
They are attacking HIM, they are TRYING to bring to his attention things he is doing wrong and in this thread, the fact he isn't yet ready to properly care for a king rat snake.
I hope he someday wakes up and realize people on this forum truly do want to help him and help him grow in this wonderfu, fascinating hobby we all enjoy.
 
I have to be careful what I say, as David may report me again and I'll end up with another infraction.....
I would say neither snake is suitable for David.... His self belief out weighs his actual knowledge.... IMO He is a danger to his self and his animals, he is delusional about his abilities.
Anyone who still thinks they are right when every else is saying they are wrong, is living life at a different level...
Personal note to David.....
You are not welcome at a lot of forums, and the best forum in the world (your words) has the Admin thinking about banning you... It's only a matter of time before this forum takes you up on your frequent offer, and terminates your account...... After all it takes a special person to start a fight in an empty room ;)

Can you say PermaBan? He will never be allowed on that site again...
 
if i was your kid you would be in jail LOL no JK this time! I'm gonna ask my account be deleted

I foresee another "Goodbye Forever" thread with 375 replies...

I was thinking something simular.
Everytime Snakemaster posts a thread, it ends up with a 1000posts (almost)
It's just crazy.

David thrives on attention regardless of whether it's positive or negative, and his need is being rewarded. He knows this is a wrong decision for him. WE know this is a wrong decision for him, but David does what he wants when he wants and how he wants. There are so many new animal keepers that come to this forum deserving of the wonderful and knowledgable advice available here. Save your breath on this one, folks. It's nothing more than an exercise in futility as we've already seen in the countless other cancerous threads started by this child.

He is getting what he wants... Because he can be a fire starter, everytime he starts a thread, everyone jumps in to see what kind of atrocities he will talk about, and it is working for him.

I believe Maize is right and we should use our times on something more constructive than feeding David's craves. I've seen many informative threads or even threads with serious members' questions pass by unnoticed and/or with no replies. Now, this is sad!
 
David,

The continuation of threads like these is really very disapointing and insulting to me. I spent about three hours typing back and forth to you a few weeks back regarding ways to spruce up your systems. At a point where I was ready to toss you under the bus of "bad egg, ignore," you came back in time and seemed willing to learn and take intelligent steps to improve husbandry and care of the snakes you have NOW.

In the time since then, I have seen you contemplate a boa who would live in a tub (boas are too strong for that)

And now a king rat. I myself am NOT familiar with king rats, however, I would trust trickster to know what they're about-- trickster has indeed seen and kept many species of snakes. What a wonderful reference person to have on a board, if ONLY you could let go of your teenage ego and need to impress and take advantage.

David, you are 15! If you really want to work with herps as a profession, do you know that you will need a bacherlor's degree in Wildlife or Animal Science (or herpetology-- but those would need to be found out of state from Virginia and would be very much more expensive!) in ADDITION to a master's degree in herpetology?? That is the bare MINIMUM for the competetive field of herpetology, and the entry level jobs you'd take to start would probably be low paid and would involve a lot of moving around before you could settle into a permanent position somewhere.

What are you planning on doing during these 8 years? Do you know, David, how much it costs to power 11+ snake vivariums for a month? I do. Do you know how hard it is to go to school full time at an accredited university in Virginia in a wildlife program and work full time? I do. Have you looked into this, or thought ahead beyond the next week, month or year, even?

I know you will say that you have "researched this" and "taken care of things" and "know you will be able to handle things." But the point is that you cannot possibly be prepared at 15 for the responsibility of getting yourself through a competetive college degree at 18. You just don't know what will happen, and there's no guarantees.

It's just a waist of time to type.. it's what he wants anyway :twohammer

I agree with this, and so this will be my final contribution to David's post.

There's so much more to being a master than keeping every single snake species, and doing research. It's knowing your limitations, as well. I know right now that there are certain species I wouldn't keep not just because of permit issues, but because I don't yet have experience with a similar species. Anacondas being a prime example. I've had experience with ticked off boas, but I'm not ready for anything of that magnitude.

Too true, Robbie.

To do so you should treat everyone with a modicum of respect, whether you agree with them or not (or they with you), calling someone a douche is the utmost sign of disrespect and disgustingly unprofessional.

I also agree with this. These are juvenile terms used by people to cover their own lack of ability. David, as a person who may at some point in the future see you at local shows, realize that at this point, your image with me is irredeemable. I would not make a sale to you.

Ya know, people...there is a little function called "Ignore".

I would like to place David on my ignore list. How do I do so, Susan?
 
I think its pretty obvious who would have reported bad posts on Mike. Since the only time I've seen any posts that could be seen as "negative" by a certain person by Mike would have been David.
Did you read my previous post? If you read between the lines, you'd have come to a certain conclusion that I didn't want to come right out and reveal. Let's just say that a thing can seem "pretty obvious" and still be contrary to fact. Get it?

It's David who brings this on hisself. People have tried to help him so many times to make the proper decision and do things the right way, and he automatically becomes defensive and see's what people are doing is attacking him personally.

David's pulling you guys' strings as if you were marionettes. He's good at keeping his comments within the boundaries of the site rules while goading his "opponents" into crossing the line. I know what he's up to, but what can I do about it? What makes it even more difficult is that when he should be legitimately reprimanded for inflammatory behavior, there are usually a number of other members who are actually making matters worse with their own behavior. If members want to have fun fighting with David instead of ignoring him or reporting him (when he legitimately breaks site rules), then don't look to the mods to clean things up afterward.

They are attacking HIM, they are TRYING to bring to his attention things he is doing wrong and in this thread, the fact he isn't yet ready to properly care for a king rat snake.
I hope he someday wakes up and realize people on this forum truly do want to help him and help him grow in this wonderfu, fascinating hobby we all enjoy.
I'm not so stupid that I think David is innocent, and I'm not so stupid that I think that the comments against him have all been intended as constructive. He doesn't even care if your replies are positive or negative. In fact, he probably prefers and has more fun with the negative responses.
 
I think David's unwillingness to accept ANY advice will only end up to be his downfall in life. I get the impression that it isn't just about herps that he refuses to take advice. I have no experience whatsoever with King Rats, although after reading through this post, I decided to look up information about this animal on Google. Several sites strongly recommend this snake not be kept by people lacking experience. It makes me wonder just how experienced David is. I say this, only because his unwillingness to accept any advice, from even some of the most experienced people makes me wonder just how he did attain the experience he has. I also took the time to take a look at his site. Before reading the "douche" comment, I had seen that on David's site. That is what drew me to this thread. I was actually giving David the benefit of the doubt and thought I would see for myself the type of forum David has worked so hard to create. But that post just totally disgusted me and turned me completely off and away from that forum. Not only is it disgustingly unprofessional, it goes against every grain of respect that we try to built amongst our peers. I am aware that in posting my opinion brings risk of another infraction notice from the mods, but lately, I am having a difficult time with the type of nonsense David brings to this forum. Way back when, he got my attention when he had lied about his credentials claiming he was in charge of certain animals at a zoo, and ever since, any thread of his I have ever looked at is highly controversial. Even his comments he offers up in other threads are highly controversial. I've posted controversial opinions of several threads before, but opinions relating to specific subjects, such as gun control, importing etc....but they are opinions on subjects that are open to varying opinions. When it comes to caring for herps though, I take in all the wonderful advice from people much more experienced than myself, in hopes that I can offer my animals the best possible care and treatment. David, you are young, and I am not denying you have some experience, but from everything I have seen...your forum, your video's, your postings....you are far from a master. You really should humble yourself and take off the blinders and take in the great advice this forum has to offer. My impression is that you have come to this site to tell people how to care for herps, rather than learn how to care for herps, and quite honestly, I have difficulty taking you seriously because you lack professionalism, social skills, open mindedness, and on and on and on. Whether or not you get this snake..that's up to you. The people who have posted to tell you this is a snake you are not ready for...I take their word over yours, because I have seen all the positives they have contributed to this forum and I tend to think they know what they are talking about...but you will do what you will do, and I wish you all the best. It's just too bad that when it comes time for you to try to gain more knowledge from those far more experienced than you, you won't be humble enough to sit and listen to their offerings without reminding them that you are the master, and your vast five years of owning herps supercedes in some cases, their decades of experience. What a shame.
 
So...what does it mean when you get an "infraction"? I got one. I expected it because I simply broke the rules in my responses to David in this thread, and I absolutely deserve it. Heck...I am just happy that I didn't get the big 3-day vacation. I would have accepted that as punishment because I broke the rules, but...I'm glad the mods were lenient with me...

Anyhow...what does an "infraction" do? What happens? What does it all mean??
 
So...what does it mean when you get an "infraction"? I got one. I expected it because I simply broke the rules in my responses to David in this thread, and I absolutely deserve it. Heck...I am just happy that I didn't get the big 3-day vacation. I would have accepted that as punishment because I broke the rules, but...I'm glad the mods were lenient with me...

Anyhow...what does an "infraction" do? What happens? What does it all mean??
Hey Chris. When we click on the infractions icon in a post (I don't think you guys see it), this is what comes up. It's sort of self-explanatory, but if you have questions, let me know. This screen-cap was taken from selecting the infractions icon in your post, Chris.
 

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Dave this comes from the Ratsnake Foundation. If you’re not a member there you need to be.

http://www.ratsnakefoundation.org/index.php

When they say that the care of this species is for Experienced Keepers, they are talking about much more than just a bitey snake. They are also talking about the difficulty of care for the animal. Become a member of the foundation. You like to study and learn about snakes. They have all kinds of information there about ratsnakes from all around the world. It is a good place to learn.


Common Names: Stinking Goddess, King Ratsnake, Keeled Ratsnake
Scientific Name: Elaphe carinata carinata
First Described: GUNTHER, 1864

KINGDOM: Animalia
PHYLUM: Chordata
CLASS: Reptilia
ORDER: Squamata
SUBORDER: Serpentes
FAMILY: Colubridae
GENUS: Elaphe
SPECIES: carinata
SUBSPECIES: carinata

CAPTIVE CARE NOTES

Experience:
Experienced Keepers Only

Adult Size:
150-170cm

Temperament:
Highly variable between specimens, some are shy and nervous and will readily bite and musk. Whilst others are handlable but unpredictable and will bite without warning.
 
This is a test.

I get really aggravated by members and moderators like Roy Munson. I think he is abusive and mean. I would never let him work at WARDROP CABINETS, where we build the finest Kitchen and office furniture in the west. Come see our showroom.

I really don’t give a @@@@ what those white folks in Connecticut think. If I had the chance I’d kick him in the knee and run.

There I said it. Roy you suck.


This has been a test. Had this been an actual post, I would have used my own name instead of Wade’s.
 
I just want to know why anyone would want to keep a smelly bitey snake? I just looked at some pictures and they are pretty cute little guys, but their care seemed pretty easy as well. They are a colubrid and known for eating anything, stay 4-6ft, and like to dig. I didn't see they needed a lot of humidity or temps much different from a corn, but maybe I missed something. David already has tons of snakes he takes questionable care of so this one should be no different and telling him so seems pointless. I would love to chat with his mother, but as far as he goes he's a child and is going to act like a child.
 
David, I'm really at a loss of words here. You take care of ten snakes and one frog. From the sound of it, your friends and family just gives you the snakes and probably even the materials and money so you can buy food and other things for the current pet you are taking care of. I think, instead of just taking the snake from your grandpa, you should purchase it from him, and buy your own supplies and everything for your snake.

When I finally convinced my parents to allow me to have a pet snake, I had to do all the research, buy all the materials, the food and all the random stuff that I would need for my corn snake. My step-mom used to own two boas (not the same, I know) but the information and knowledge she knew really helped me along. I found this site as well, and thats what really helped me of care for my corn snake. I am very proud of myself for doing the research myself and buying everything for my snake. I started out with a ten gallon, and in total with all the supplies it cost me at least 160 dollars. (including the snake). I now have her in a nice big 30 gallon (long) and she is in paradise. The tank is literally covered with things I bought myself, and i'm fairly impressed on how it looks so far.

To me, it sounds like your parents buy all your snakes and materials, and I think that really doesnt help you be responsible. I say pick up a job and earn your money and buy the snake from your grandpa, or do some work for him at his house. Earn your snake, I can understand if its a gift or something, but please consider making it up to him.

I really do hope you read all this, and I hope you'll wont just disagree and argue of what i've said, I took atleast five minutes spilling my heart over this.

-John

What I find incredible is that David and this young man are even the same species! John is respectful, nice, intelligent and mature beyond his years. His posts are a joy to read.
"And then there's Maude...."
 
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