Hello everyone! If it is one thing that I can't stress enough to herpers, new to the trade and old, it is to not be afraid to ask any question, silly or not. If it's something you don't know and would like to, then it is worth asking. Any mod/admin (and many members) you ask on this website will respond with consideration for you, and compassion for your desire for knowledge. AND..great care for your reptile!

We have all been at the beginning at one point or another. And I tell you this: From one herper to another, whether you are just thirsty for reptile knowledge or just starting out into reptiles, those who continually ask questions soon find themselves answering the many questions from other herpers!

So please, never feel bad or dumb for asking anything whatsoever on this site. I know you may have gotten burned on another reptile site where ego-driven moderators run amuck. But as you have or will notice, I promise you, Herp Center will always embrace you with open arms.

Here's a testimony illustrating what I'm talking about: Enjoy.

Think Before You Speak

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"Spread Reptile Awareness!"

"You know you have faith when you realize that thoughts are things; what you feel, you attract; and what you imagine, you become."
-Joseph Murphy, Phd

I'm not shy Todd...
I'll pick anyone's brain just to be able to learn what they already know! LOL

Well said Todd,,,,as I always preach "there is no such thing as a dumb question,,,with the exception of the question not asked"

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Ken
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." -- Ronald Reagan

Well said Todd. thanks...Lyn

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Warmest Regards from Lyn

i liked the article, thank you for sharing. i have also been flamed on forums where I had a legitimate question. it is very disheartening. i have asked questions such as, "why won't she eat?" and "when will my eggs hatch?" and I have been brutally attacked and ridiculed. it isn't right.

as I was reading through the comments for the article, though, i came upon the last one "by txhiker on July 23, 2003" and I didn't quite agree with all of the points he (just call him a he for the sake of argument...it really doesn't matter what sex...) was trying to endorse.

for instance, i think that children who have questions about the keeping of any herps hots or nots, deserve answers. the author writes, "I definitely feel that the liability of accidently giving out information to someone under age is too great a risk." in my opinion, i would think that knowingly keeping information from someone under age (or not) would be more of a risk. just because they are children doesn't mean they are not interested in learning. even "bored children" have their reasons for going to these herp forums and asking their questions, and should be treated fairly.

granted, i agree with him that if children are really interested in keeping reptiles they should ask their parents or guardians for their help and support. but I can't name how many times I have used the internet as in introductory informative tool. maybe I am thinking that horned lizards are cool, and it might be cool to have one. i would go online, search for caresheets, maybe hit a forum or two and ask some important "silly" questions, and I would learn that I wouldn't like to keep them because they only eat ants, and I don't want to have to worry about getting ants to feed them or the ants escaping in my house. not to mention that when they get frightened they shoot blood out their eyes. then, i don't have to spend a bunch of time searching books at the library, waiting 3 weeks before I can personally meet with my local herp society (which happens to be an hour and a half away,) and waste 25 bucks for a couple of books that I won't need anyway and that won't answer all of my questions anyway.

i don't see why children should be excluded from any information and help they can find online, be it about keeping hot herps or growing carnivorous plants or skydiving.

any thoughts?

lola

Todd, Excellent post and excellent find!

Man you shoulda seen me when I first discovered these forums. I frequented about 5 and posted on each and everyone of them. I asked every question I could think of, and I still do. Now, about 6 months later, Im beggining to answer as many questions as I ask. I always try to convey the point that your not gonna hurt anything by asking, but the damage of not asking can be devastating.

Lola, I agree with you 100%. I cant think of a good comparison, except Schooling: Schools that convey abstinence vs. schools that teach about safe sex. My point isn't very clear but its in there some where.

yeah, that is actually a good comparison, albiet controversial, and I know exactly what you mean. if the school teaches about safe sex, the kids learn about condoms, birth control and stds. if the school promotes the teaching of abstinence, the kids learn nothing at all.

lola

Everybody that's been here since the beginning knows that when a question comes on here most of jump at the chance to answer.

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Answers are great. But I prefer questions!

Visit me at www.jaysreptiles.com

Absolutely Jay! Ask me a question ask me a question ask me a question!!! (Only if I am likely to know the answer! )

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"If you know everything you may as well blow your brains out because the reason for existence is to learn more everyday." - Mark O'Shea, 2004

Beware Jay... You know how dangerous it can be with a blonde with herp knowledge.

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Fran
January 9, 1940 - June 1, 2006 (R.I.P)