Species and Locale Threads

[bleeding_sarcasm]

We have been working on putting up a variety of "sticky" threads calling for pictures and information on some of the more commonly kept species and locales.

We would love for people to post 1 or 2 pictures of their animals, wild animals, at zoos, or at friends houses They dont have to be yours, but they do have to be your pictures. Please respect copyright laws.

We are also trying to make a short accompanying article so if you have information to contribute, please fill out the sheet [or any of the sections you can add to], insert any pictures you may have and post your information as a reply. The sheets will be reviewed and edited as necessary [for spelling and grammar], and reposted as thread.

Separate sheets and facts may be "merged", but if you contribute, you will be fully credited.

We ask that replies to these threads are limited to posts with images and information. Off topic or short "cool snake" replies will be removed.
Please make use of the "thanks" button, or reputation points to show your appreciation for a post.

New sticky threads cannot be made by members, however if you PM a mod with a thread idea we would be more then happy to create one.

Thank you for your contributions and we cant wait to see some pictures!!

[bleeding_sarcasm]

Sorry, your reply got deleted in this midst of trying to move it.

Originally Posted by Special_Ed

... a couple of really great baby Anaconda photos. Thanx!
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OT for Staff.. I see these species/subspecies threads (stickies) for just about everything.. What's this about? How will these (permanent?) threads add to available resources?
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That's it!

The idea is that instead of having to search for "Corn Snake Pictures" and sorting through many threads with tons of replies for pictures and information, they will all be in one easily accessible place.

We figure traffic for most treads [feeding pics, new additions, etc] will be the same, and this will be used as a resource to view a variety of specimens representative of the species and locales. If everyone on this forum added 1 or 2 pictures of each animal that they have along with some tidbits in a picture and information-only thread, it seems like it would be pretty rad, and a decent resource.

[Special_Ed]

Originally Posted by bleeding_sarcasm

Please make use of the "thanks" button, or reputation points to show your appreciation for a post.

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That's great for building the RTC staff forum rep point total.. but what if we don't completely agree with the info given? I guess you'll edit those posts out?
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I see you're having fun!

[bleeding_sarcasm]

I dont mean for people to thank the starting post. More thank the individual members for their picture and information contribution. The idea is for a staff member to set up the thread in the correct "format" so things like layout are consistent in all the theads.

In the boa constrictor sub forum, it is not open for members to create new threads because we dont accidentally want people to post their "normal" threads in that section. We didnt post all of the sub species/locales as stickies in the main forum because we also dont want people to have to sort through a whole page of stickies to get to their threads. So for organizational purposes, we thought it better to have a separate sub forum for those threads specifically.

As a mod, I have little to no rep, and it doesnt really matter to me. I dont really see something like rep as being sought after. The idea is that it is given to people who contribute positive things to the forum. Usually in the way of information and pictures. You know someone with a high rep has alot of good information to contribute and is well respected. Of course there is room for anything to be abused, but I dont really see how this relates to the thread.

I didnt take into consideration that there would be conflicting information given.

We are not at all trying to favor one perspective over another, and are trying to compile factual information with the animals best interest in mind.

I dont think anyone here would delete a post in the interests of "silencing" someone, were a lot more laid back here, everyone is entitled to an opinion.

I mean, when it comes down to it, care information is usually based on trial and error, and commonly accepted things that make for successful husbandry.

In instances of care sheets, those are also made in a "thread style" forum, and people have the opportunity to, and are encouraged to, post and contribute their information, care habits and opinions. Even if they conflict with the originally posted information. Its pretty close minded to assume one person is going to have a perfect comprehensive answer for everything.

In threads that we would like to cut back on the conversation in, I think a healthy medium is for someone who disagrees to PM a mod, and we can discuss maybe amending what is written, OR even better, if the disagreeing person posts, we quote it [word for word] and add it to the article, right next to the originally, or other written information, and then delete the post. Providing the post doesnt include an image along with the informational contribution. If it does have a picture then it can be left [information still quoted and added] because it fits the idea of the thread. Just because information is conflicting does not mean that it has any less right to be said, as long as it is said in a civil way. The last thing we want is for anything to resort to personal insults and drama.

I mean it kindof comes down to. Who doesnt love an oppertunity to post as many pictures as possible? If you want people to ooh and ahh over it, then start a thread in addition. Its the kindof thing that in 6 months to a year, when new members show up, the thread will be gone, but the pictures will still be there, for everyone to always be able to go back and look at it. At the same time tho, we limited it to 2 pictures per animal. So the same person cant post 2 more pics every other week of the same snake. they are MORE then welcome to go back, and edit their post with new pictures, but they are kindof limited to that post. If they have 10 different animals that are all the same species or locale, then they are more then welcome to post 20 pictures.

What are your thoughts? None of this is set in stone, and this is a community, so everyones opinion matters. We are always MORE then happy to hear ideas on how to make everyone happy, and help things to run smoothly.

[danktat]

Just a tidbit....This idea has been discussed for a few weeks now and pros and cons have be debated over in the staff forum. It is something that we are experimenting with to see how it works out and I am sure will be "tweaked" over time. Let's let things go for a while and see how they play out. Several members on staff have devoted quite a bit of time to have something unique to these boards Just like anything else that is just getting off of the ground I am sure we will find problems that need to be adressed as time goes on. We are all working to make this a fun, relaxing, helpful place to discuss our pets, hobbies and in some cases livelyhoods.

Lets try to all make this work

[Special_Ed]

Originally Posted by bleeding_sarcasm

The idea is for a staff member to set up the thread in the correct "format" ....

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Is that like 'politically correct?"
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(YES, I am goofing around a little here). These new pages so far have been informative and generally but not entirely correct (IMO, of course). The rules about allowed responses as I have seen them do not allow for constructive criticism in a manner consistent with an open forum. That's fine! heck, view my site and get a load of opinion! But mine is a static site, not a forum.
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Have fun!

	IMO In My Opinion

[mpgt]

I like them so far. We need one for BCI in the Boa Constrictor forum though. Thanks

	Boa Constrictor Imperator

[trendkill]

Originally Posted by Special_Ed

These new pages so far have been informative and generally but not entirely correct (IMO, of course). The rules about allowed responses as I have seen them do not allow for constructive criticism in a manner consistent with an open forum.

No way.. respond and feel free to add your facts opinions! I'm not a "pro".. and I don't claim to be. You have 30 years experience. I've only been breathing for two thirds of that time.

Everyone certainly has different experiences with their animals, and some have facts and ideas that others, I included, overlook or dismiss. We're encouraging everyone to post their opinions and observations. In general, people come to these forums to learn and to hear the experiences and advice of others. My life may revolve around boas (as sad as that sounds), but I know I'm still learning as well. I started the threads, but what I say is definitely not "set in stone". I simply post based on my general knowledge (I don't get too complex or scientific. This is hobby to me.. and not so much a research project. Basics are beautiful.), based on what has worked for me, what I have learned from other more experienced keepers and breeders, and what I have observed first-hand.

So, by all means, correct me.

[trendkill]

Originally Posted by mpgt

I like them so far. We need one for BCI in the Boa Constrictor forum though. Thanks

I'll be putting a lot more sub species threads up tomorrow.

	Boa Constrictor Imperator