Lost our way?

[adamanteus]

Does anyone feel, like me, that we are becoming ever less of a Garter Snake forum and more of a general hobbyist forum recently?
I know we have always had the odd thread here and there, about related issues, similar genera, general snake issues etc. We even have Lulu's excellent 'Oh So Quiet' thread where we can place our random thoughts, and Stefan's 'Nature Photography' thread, which comes back to the fore with welcome regularity.

It just seems to me, when I log on, that there are now countless posts on weird coloured Rat Snakes or Milk Snakes, frogs, or yet another Royal (Ball) Python. Shouldn't all that stuff be in 'Pics of my other pets'? Or even on another forum? I have to dredge through to find anything Garter Snake related. Of course that's your choice, as members, it's an open forum.... but is this where we, as a community, want to go? To be just another (but smaller) Kingsnake.com? Or RFUK?

Occasionally I visit other reptile forums, as no doubt many of you do, and it seems to me that there is little left these days to set us apart from these 'general reptile keeping' forums. I'm not criticising them, they have their role to play, but I'm not sure they are of much interest to me. A year ago this truely was THE Garter Snake forum, but I imagine a guest scrolling through our posts now, might wonder why we chose our title.

Garters have always been something of a 'poor relation' in the hobby, and it seems to me as though that feeling is creeping into Thamnophis.com as more and more threads unrelated to Thamnophis are posted.

I'm not pointing the finger at anyone, I'm not blameless for posting this stuff... but are we losing our identity? Maybe we should be making the effort to be more focused and specialised?
Shouldn't we try to remain Thamnophis.com and not become AnotherReptileForum.com?

[Garter_Gertie]

I see your point, James. And I have to agree. However, there are many long-time family members here that have other snakes. And they're comfy and happy here, love this place and the people here, and can't help but crow about their non-Thamnophis kids.

Maybe a place called something like "Members Non-Thamnophis Discussions." Because I think, at least for me, what brought me here and xcited me is this place IS devoted to garters. But when I get my Hoggy, I want to share it all with you guys, too. Because I like it here. There's a good feeling. You can see that from almost everyone that posts - no matter what they post about.

You know what I mean?

[drache]

it seems to me that this question came up before - from a member perhaps who wanted to see more of the "other" stuff
I myself - repeat - would like this forum to remain thamnocentric
which means
I like getting glimpses of other member's lives and their other pets and knowing that other members can be a resource for stuff other than garters
I don't really want to be alerted to sales of other snakes and lizards on kingsnake.com or other sites
anything not related to thamnophis ought in the lounge area as far as I understand it
like if your gecko or ball python eggs hatch - really cool and I wouldn't want to miss the pics - but it ought to go in the lounge, rather than breeding, I think
and yes - I do want to know whether there's some sign of Squiggles
I'm just not that interested in all the corn snake hybrid names

[Garter_Gertie]

Is there a moderator that can move threads? Maybe the moderator should move threads to The Lounge? With gentle reminders about posting correctly?

YIKES! More work, but that mite be a solution.

[Stefan-A]

It's been bothering me for a long time, James. I don't think I'm completely innocent, either, but I've tried to keep it to a minimum. And I agree, it would be nicer if we concentrated on Thamnophis here on this forum and left Pantherophis, Pituophis, Python, Storeria and Natrix to the forums that are either dedicated to those genera, or at the very least those that are general reptile forums.

[adamanteus]

Is there a moderator that can move threads? Maybe the moderator should move threads to The Lounge? With gentle reminders about posting correctly?

YIKES! More work, but that mite be a solution.

I can indeed move threads around.... but to be honest most of the non-Thamnophis threads are already in 'The Lounge', where they should be.
I just feel that 'The Lounge' is swamping the rest of the forum. It is nice to talk about other stuff.... but has it become excessive now?

Thank you, Stefan. Concise, as always!:)

[Garter_Gertie]

Stafan, that's so extreme. I really think with The Lounge if threads are moved and there's gentle policing things will improve. Don't you?

[infernalis]

My 2 cents,

If non tham chat were kept in the "lounge" where non tham discussions are encouraged, it would free the Tham specific areas of "see my new puppy" type posts.

A suggestion would also be to provide maybe a "General reptile" or General "Herp" area, and just simply ask that talking about other critters be there.

One of the reasons I no longer sit here logged on to kingsnake was the LACK of camaraderie, My snakes better than yours type experience.

Now to take Gertie's standpoint for a moment, a lot of times we will have an encounter that may be of little interest to most of the world, and the desire to share with someone, anyone, will just post it up for everyone to read, and of course all the friendly folks will post even a one liner in reply.

I don't want to bash any other forums or even find a lot of fault, KS is way too big, too many forums, too many specialties and way to many specialists. The mods show favoritism toward the big advertisers, who can speak freely about anything, everyone else has posts vanish at some point for no reason or explanation.

Isn't there some way to accomplish the best of both worlds?

Really if everyone kept the general banter to the "rooms" designated for such, the Tham specific areas would not seem so cluttered up.

I'm sure a balance can be struck.

Regards,
Wayne

[Garter_Gertie]

James, oh. Thanks.

Whatever. I do like it here. I came because this place is dedicated to garters - and in my mind it is. I'd like to be able to talk about my Hoggy to you guys, but if I can't, well, I can't.

I'll go with the flow. But I'd hate to see great people leave due them being hesitant about posting about their other kids.

There must be a happy medium. There just has to be!

[Sid]

James, I must admit that I agree with you and Stefan. I've been guilt to a degree myself, but quit adding post on my field herping experiences due to the fact that most of what I find is non-Thamnophis related. My two cents worth.

I still love this forum and it is still great, but...

[adamanteus]

They are already in 'The Lounge', as I stated. There's no problem with members posting in the wrong place, and if they do I generally move it without making any fuss.
I'm talking about sheer volume of non-Thamnophis posts.

[Garter_Gertie]

Wayne, thanks. There is a different feel here, isn't there?

Must be because we all LOVE the Underdog - The Great And Wunnerful GARTER!

[adamanteus]

I'm not trying to say "This is how it will be".... I'm asking for your shared opinion.
I for one enjoy Sid's 'field' posts, and nearly everything about the Dekays Snakes, and loads of other stuff.
I know, I know... my opinions are somewhat contadictory.... I just feel, well, swamped by Rats and Royals! (and dogs and.....)

[Garter_Gertie]

Opinion acknowledged and accepted.

[Stefan-A]

Stafan, that's so extreme. I really think with The Lounge if threads are moved and there's gentle policing things will improve. Don't you?
I think they'd be clogging up the Lounge, if that's where people start posting pictures every time they take a pretty/funny picture of something.

I took a few dozen pictures (including some funny and cute ones) of my sister's dog this weekend, who thinks I should start a new thread for them?

[Garter_Gertie]

Stefan, dosn't hold water! LOL! :D

Dogs are mammels! :D

[Gijs & Sabine]

I think this is a difficult issue. For most part I agree with you, James. But it's hard to say were the line is between 'do post' and 'don't post'
The herping post are always very interesting, but are not always about garters.......But then again I have to admit, the forum is for a long time too big for me. When I log in every day there are about 100 unread post and a lot af them are not about garters. I takes me forever to read all of them (my english is not always that good) so then I don't, but then I also miss much of the interesting posts as well :(

[adamanteus]

it's hard to say were the line is between 'do post' and 'don't post' :(

I think you have summed it up really well there, Sabine.
Perhaps if we have an interesting non-Thamnophis photo or story we should put it in 'Oh So Quiet', or if it's nature based, in 'The Nature Photography' thread. I think what I object to is whole threads dedicated to Pythons or Milk Snakes etc. They should maybe be omitted?

[drache]

I took a few dozen pictures (including some funny and cute ones) of my sister's dog this weekend, who thinks I should start a new thread for them?

not me
definitely not a thread of its own
maybe something in "it's oh so quiet shh shh", if you've got nothing better to do
I did enjoy meeting your mice and Famke and Lori's turkeys and goats

[drache]

I think this is a difficult issue. For most part I agree with you, James. But it's hard to say were the line is between 'do post' and 'don't post'
The herping post are always very interesting, but are not always about garters.......But then again I have to admit, the forum is for a long time too big for me. When I log in every day there are about 100 unread post and a lot af them are not about garters. I takes me forever to read all of them (my english is not always that good) so then I don't, but then I also miss much of the interesting posts as well :(
yes
I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed as well

[adamanteus]

I did enjoy meeting your mice and Famke and Lori's turkeys and goats

Indeed. We certainly don't want to lose that aspect of our forum..... But maybe we don't need to start a new thread every time.:D

[drache]

Indeed. We certainly don't want to lose that aspect of our forum..... But maybe we don't need to start a new thread every time.:D
quite my thinking as well
it's also nice to find similar matters all in one place

[Stefan-A]

I think what I object to is whole threads dedicated to Pythons or Milk Snakes etc. They should maybe be omitted?
I think they should be omitted, or at the very least they should be kept to a single thread.

[Gijs & Sabine]

Indeed. We certainly don't want to lose that aspect of our forum..... But maybe we don't need to start a new thread every time.:D

That's exactly what I was going to say, James :D

[adamanteus]

Great! Let it be so!:D

[stonyloam]

Hmmmm... Maybe we are a victim of our own success. When I joined, only 16 months ago there were about 400 members, and now there are over 4700. Lots of folks with lots of different interests. The Garter snake lounge does say "...Got something to say that does not deal with Garter Snakes? Here’s the place to say it. General chit chat welcome!". Can't have it both ways. The two most popular threads are not garter related (nature photography and hush hush). It is often a lot easier to start a new thread then add on to a large established thread. Threads that people are not interested in are usually gone from the home page quite quickly. Seems there is two choices, either change the rules or not. ME, I like it (and the folks that visit) the way it is.

[adamanteus]

Good point Terry, maybe we need to look at the wording on the Garter Snake Lounge intro.
As said, it's nice to see and read photos and accounts of these other reptiles, but I think it's important that we remain Thamnophis.com, specialising in Thamnophis.
I just feel that when you log on to the forum, the new posts you see should be predominantly Garter/Ribbon related. That is, after all, who we are, and what distinguishes us from a thousand other reptile forums.

[Zephyr]

I think the reason why there aren't a lot of garter threads are because we do so well at keeping the number of questions down. What I do think we need more threads of are experiences with garters in the wild.

[el lobo]

I agree with everything that has been said. It is just so easy when you have people who have expertise in other areas of herpetology right at your fingertips. But you are right, James. I think there needs to be mainly Thamnophis talk. I mean, we joined this forum cuz were stoked about Garters!

[stonyloam]

Lots of good points, how bout if instead of ALL of the recent posts showing up on the home page, just the recent "garter snake info" posts show, with a button for the "general info" posts. That way people could choose what they want to look at. I'm not a computer guy, but doesn't seem like that would be too hard to do. :rolleyes: That way other snakes (except maybe for brown snakes) could be easily moved off of the home page but still accessible to anyone interested. Just a thought.:confused: Maybe even an other snakes lounge?

[Scaley.Jade]

i agree i came to the forum for info on garters as that is what i want to get and learn about them as lovely as all the pics are i think we could do with a few less and some more garter direct posts that everyone can learn from ect

Jade

[jeanette]

this is a good forum, i came here specificly to learn about the differences between garters and other kinds of snake (which are many). It is rare that there is any bad feeling here, and the garter community is so large it stands to reason that they need a place to share ideas and information that doesnt involve other snakes and reptiles. maybe your right James, but i dont know where along the way we got lost as im still quite new.....
maybe the founders need to get their heads together and come up with a solution that is acceptable to everyone.

[adamanteus]

It's certainly not my wish that we should exclude these other genera... I think without them the forum would fall silent at times... plus many of our membership keep a variety of snakes. I just feel we are switching focus recently, from Thamnophis to just about anything... I don't really know the answer, I just want us to remain 'focused' on who we are. There are enough good, general interest forums out there already.:)

[Lulu Bennett]

Hi guys,
James has just pointed me to this thread, thankfully, becauser otherwise i would have missed it. As i don't get on here very often, as my comp is broken and i need to use my brothers instead, i usually read through the tham related threads and the Shh thread and then click 'mark forums read' on the rest but this way i am only reading about 10 out of 75 threads.
i understand why everyone wants to share info about their 'other' kids but is has got to the point where is is mainly about the 'other' kids.
people are making new threads about pointless things. i believe we need to think twice before we post about how big your dogs poop was (just made up but you get the point).
Just my opinion
Lulu xxx

[CrazyHedgehog]

Lots of good points, how bout if instead of ALL of the recent posts showing up on the home page, just the recent "garter snake info" posts show, with a button for the "general info" posts. That way people could choose what they want to look at. ?

I was just about to write this....then when you come on, you have a choice of 'all new posts', or 'all new garter posts' ?

[adamanteus]

I wonder if that can be done... but then we might miss other posts we would have wanted to see!

[drache]

I've always assumed that everything below the green bar on the forum page was garters only
categories above the green bar are sort of more social
like - if I want to chit-chat about my garters, I go to general talk, but that cute thing my beardie did would be in "it's oh so quiet shh shh", unless there's a photo and then it would go into "pics of your other pets"
hey - why don't we have an equivalent of "it's so quiet shh shh" in general talk, so we can put our garter related chit chat there?

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

Got something to say that does not deal with Garter Snakes? Here’s the place to say it.




i didnt know my post would be taken so harshly.

[adamanteus]

i didnt know my post would be taken so harshly.

I knew you'd think that! This thread isn't about you, Shannon. It's about all of us.
I wrote the first post off-line, when I posted it you'd already done your "Ball Python epic"!:rolleyes:
Had my questions/criticisms been directed at you, I would simply have PMd you.:)

[infernalis]

looks very controversial....

Think of it like this, You found a pub and wander in, it's got some great folks hanging around, great conversations and a welcome to join right in.

then someone says, we only talk about Garter snakes here, you think wow, what a great place! so you walk out front, feed some more money in the parking meter and settle in for the night.

eventually someone says want to see my ball python? (assuming that since you like garter snakes, that you may find that BP more interesting that say aunt Millie would)

Do you tell them, oh no that's 3 pubs up the street from here, they talk about ball pythons there?

This same exact phenomenon has and does occur with nearly any open forum, it's a side effect of human nature.

"We have many common interests, we must be friends right?" we chat more often than I do with my parents, so were friends right?

I just ran a snake over with my lawn mower, aunt Millie does not even care, so I can tell you, were friends right?

Tham.com should be very proud of the people attracted to the forum, regardless of where conversations lead, I see for a good part many people with very big hearts, compassion for others, and plenty of great information and experience to share.

Another very important factor I have noticed, in forums dominated by snooty breeders and self proclaimed experts, if a "casual" garter keeper with an "ordinary" eastern or checker they found in the yard were to ask something as simple as "what do you do when"? commonly the answers are harsh and condescending.

Conversations stay on focus there simply because more often than not, threads are either ignored, or responded to in such a way, that the casual keeper will flee and never return.

But in time, the side effect of that is what was once a "public" forum evolves into a private bulletin area for the same 5 or six breeders to chat among themselves.

The warm responses here only encourage further banter that may seem off topic. Everyone is so friendly, you make users want to show off their puppies and kids, and ponies......

It's going to be an interesting call....

Wayne, "the over thinker"

[adamanteus]

Very good points, Wayne.
I quite like the idea of the pub where everyone talks about Garter Snakes... where is this place?:D:D

[reptileparadise]

A pub where everybody talks about gartersnakes...

Sounds good! I wonder where the conversations would go after a couple of beers! Hummus anyone?

[Lumpy]

Well, I was attracted to this site based on the fact it was garter specific. Because of the sites focus, it presents a niche that obviously attracts people with like interests, which is all good.

However, in the course of us becoming internet friends (so to speak), I think it's not unusual for us to share other interests that we have. Just seems like a natural progression to me.

I'll give you an example of another board I frequent, and how they handle it.

I've been a bass player for almost 30 years. I have a band and so on. Generally, my instrument of choice is made by Fender. Some of you may be familiar with the company, some not. Doesn't matter, just giving some background.

Ok, so I frequent a site that's devoted to fans of Fender Instruments. Every thread topic on the site, except one, is there for Fender based conversation. HOWEVER, there is one thread (Moe's Tavern) designed as a meet and greet area that has a simple rule. Talk about anything, but Fenders. So people discuss all kinds of interests and topics. Yes, there are lots of posts on it, but it keeps things fresh as well. We are all still there because of our interest in Fenders, but if all we talked about was guitars and basses, we'd get bored and run out of topics. Or we'd go in circles talking/answering the same issues.

So, it's food for thought.

Lump

[adamanteus]

HOWEVER, there is one thread (Moe's Tavern) designed as a meet and greet area that has a simple rule. Talk about anything, but Fenders.

That sounds pretty much like our 'Oh So Quiet' thread.:)

[adamanteus]

Slightly off topic, but we have one forum which remains toatally unused....
http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/last-months-best-threads/
Maybe we should utilize this place, so that our less frequent visiting members don't miss anything interesting? Of course it would just be a list of links.

[infernalis]

Just an observation, I have seen this one more than once.

Some people have even bonded so tightly with "forum friends" that they will allow their own personal lives to collapse around them and hardly even notice.

It's so common that there are statistics logged for it.

Wayne

[Stefan-A]

looks very controversial....

Think of it like this, You found a pub and wander in, it's got some great folks hanging around, great conversations and a welcome to join right in.

then someone says, we only talk about Garter snakes here, you think wow, what a great place! so you walk out front, feed some more money in the parking meter and settle in for the night.

eventually someone says want to see my ball python? (assuming that since you like garter snakes, that you may find that BP more interesting that say aunt Millie would)

Do you tell them, oh no that's 3 pubs up the street from here, they talk about ball pythons there?
Well, the Internet being what it is, I'd say that there's really only one pub, with people discussing different topics at each table. A more appropriate forum is always just two clicks away. That's the equivalent of having to turn your chair or just having to turn your head and maybe lean over a bit to join that discussion.

[Stefan-A]

Slightly off topic, but we have one forum which remains toatally unused....
http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/last-months-best-threads/
Maybe we should utilize this place, so that our less frequent visiting members don't miss anything interesting? Of course it would just be a list of links.
"Stefan-A, you do not have permission to access this page." ;)

[adamanteus]

"Stefan-A, you do not have permission to access this page." ;)

Is that a joke, Stefan? Or can you not access this forum?

[Stefan-A]

Is that a joke, Stefan? Or can you not access this forum?
No, that's not a joke.

[adamanteus]

Damn... I've just started a new thread in there! I'll ask Jason to make it public... It seems I don't have the tools to do so.

[reptileparadise]

reptileparadise, you do not have permission to access this page. This could be due to one of several reasons:

Your user account may not have sufficient privileges to access this page. Are you trying to edit someone else's post, access administrative features or some other privileged system?
If you are trying to post, the administrator may have disabled your account, or it may be awaiting activation.

[KITKAT]

I'm gonna make a couple of suggestions, but I don't know whether these will work for the moderators.

Here goes...

First, could we have a section of the site that is FOR off topic posts... and then moderators would remind members not to place off topic posts anywhere else.

Next, could we have a check-able delete box next to each entry in the "unread posts" so that we can check the boxes of the threads we don't want to read, and delete them all in one action?

And finally, the moderators would go into the off topic post area and delete threads after they have gone one month without a new message?

Off topic photos are not a real problem in the gallery, because each member has a space limit. When your space limit fills up, you will have to delete stuff in order to post new pictures, and off topic stuff is what I usually delete in order to post new pics of garters! :rolleyes:

[Stefan-A]

First, could we have a section of the site that is FOR off topic posts... and then moderators would remind members not to place off topic posts anywhere else.
That would be the Lounge.


Next, could we have a check-able delete box next to each entry in the "unread posts" so that we can check the boxes of the threads we don't want to read, and delete them all in one action?
Why not just read the ones that you want to and then mark the rest as read? I can't say I've ever used the function, though.


And finally, the moderators would go into the off topic post area and delete threads after they have gone one month without a new message?
A lot of potentially useful information would be lost. Is it worth it? I know I search through old, seemingly useless threads every single day.

Just a couple of counter-arguments. :)

[KITKAT]

That would be the Lounge.


Why not just read the ones that you want to and then mark the rest as read? I can't say I've ever used the function, though.

The only means of marking unused threads as read, is to click on the thread, open it up, then click on unread posts again. There is no box to check to mark a thread as read.

During the school year, I build up to 1500 threads sometimes, because I do not have time for that much clicking through!

[KITKAT]

A lot of potentially useful information would be lost. Is it worth it? I know I search through old, seemingly useless threads every single day.

Just a couple of counter-arguments. :)

But how much useful information about Bearded Dragons, Pythons, and flooding in the Midwest, do we want to store on the forum????:confused:

[Stefan-A]

Remember, I'm still against those threads. But since they're not going to be "banned", they are going to contain information that might turn out to be useful.

[count dewclaw]

The only means of marking unused threads as read, is to click on the thread, open it up, then click on unread posts again. There is no box to check to mark a thread as read.

Actually, click on "quick links" in the toolbar near the top of the page, the 2nd option down is "mark forums read" click on that and all the unread forums are marked as read! :D

[el lobo]

"Stefan-A, you do not have permission to access this page." ;)

I also do not have permission to acess page.

[el lobo]

I've just had a thought...We could use a social network, like facebook. Just have a thread where people post their facebook name, and then you can become fb friends and ask questions of facebook!

[drache]

this thread is beginning to be slightly chewed over
it's not like we're in crisis - just a smidgen off track
we really do have enough places to put non-garter posts
can we just keep things as they are and be a little more conscious of what we post where?

[anji1971]

I have to agree with Rhea here.
I like our forum as is, simply because everyone here seems comfortable sharing about all kinds of aspects of our lives, not just garters. Garters are the common bond that brought us all here, but as we spend more time on the forum, many of us do bond with other members, and we do want to let others into our lives a bit. I think it's kind of neat that so many different people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities can get together and talk freely, without the worry of others' harsh comments if you happen to have a different outlook on something.
As long as we are careful to keep our non-garter posts in the right places, I think it's a wonderful thing to have the variety. Really, garters are awesome, but sometimes, when the gartersnakes aren't doing anything in particular, we all still want to get together here and just talk.
I can't tell you how many times, after a stressful day, I've logged on and it's the "other stuff" that makes me laugh, and snaps me out of a bad mood.:)

[adamanteus]

can we just keep things as they are and be a little more conscious of what we post where?

I think that is the best solution, Rhea.:)
Let's just keep our off topic stuff brief, and post it in the right place.

[Snake lover 3-25]

i agree with all of you!!!:D:D:D:p:p:p

[gregmonsta]

Love this place :D

[lestat]

I love this site too.

[jitami]

I think I'm becoming addicted to it! Kidding, but this does seem like a nice friendly place and I am growing rather fond of this forum. I'm going to have to add more garters so I have more "garter stuff" to talk about :)

[KITKAT]

Actually, click on "quick links" in the toolbar near the top of the page, the 2nd option down is "mark forums read" click on that and all the unread forums are marked as read! :D

I don't want to mark ALL of them read. But there are certain ones I would like to skip now and then... so a box to click would be great.:p

[jeanette]

I've just had a thought...We could use a social network, like facebook. Just have a thread where people post their facebook name, and then you can become fb friends and ask questions of facebook!
that sounds like a great idea :)

[gregmonsta]

Don't know about that ... :p can't be bothered to join yet another friend network account ... :rolleyes: I'm stuck on myspace, ebay, RFUK and this place.

[beaniesmommy]

I agree with ANJI1971 to a tee. I couldn't have wrote it better. Our common interest is Garters... That makes us animal lovers, it is hard not to talk about all other animals, snakes or otherwise with our friends. I have a zoo at my house I would need 15 different forums. I try really hard not to talk about anything but snakes... But I, like most others feel comfortable here. You have never led me astray in my new herp. hobby for that I respect you all in many ways. I would hate to have to join another site when all I need is here. But I understand what you are saying, I just think you will loose a lot of conversation... Because I have one garter and that is it, so all I can tell you is what happens with my one little snake. I would say there is a large number of people who don't own tons of snakes on this site... We want to be involved too! I think others besides me will feel lost too...

Just my opinion... :rolleyes: Andrea

[GartersRock]

I say just keep non garter post in the non garter sections. Pretty simple.

[Steven@HumboldtHerps]

Hello everyone!

I am still rather new to the forum, but since I am involved in personal garter research, I know I will be connecting with you all on a regular basis. This IS a great forum! I am going to refrain from making any suggestions as to how best direct tham or non-tham posts. Instead I will simply state how I choose to use the forum.

First and foremost, I view this site as I view my own: an information hub/exchange. Now I do love to post pics for the sake of sharing knowledge of garter variability, etc., and I understand it is easy to get into a "show and tell" mode (and this can become an adventure in vanity as aforementioned regarding pic posts on other forums). However, I have to agree with some of the members.... I don't have the time or patience to view or answer so many of the posts I see (even the garter posts). I do not mean to be rude or selfish when I do not view a post where someone states that they are expecting new babies or have posted pics of their new babies, etc, etc... especially when they are commonplace species, subspecies, or morphs.... I just don't have the time....and I do not currently breed garters. My use of this site is mostly for research or advice on specific garters (especially when it deals with wild behaviors, habits, genetics, and species within my region of study). I am trying to get away from the realm of excessive captive breedings, recessive genetics, which are common topics in herpetoculture.

Oh, all right... In regards to non-tham posts: I think, for example, a corn I.D. question should be directed to a corn site. In the case where we discuss theories about garter behavior or genetics and such, I believe it should be okay to cite info on other herps where it pertains to the garter subject being addressed. This has been the case with the recent "social behavior" thread.

Also, this is a forum for both the professional AND the amateur! We filter out what we need and what we don't need. As long as all of us get something out of this communication board, then the site serves its purpose. We don't even all have to agree; I have already witnessed strong controversy here, ripe with both insight and ignorance. Chances are, some of us are coming out of this with some new knowledge...

All in all, we should never forget that this site should not be for the betterment of our own egos; it should be for the continued healthy existence of our Thamnophis friends.

So I am not going to go into how I now need to study my native prairie grasses species lists for work tomorrow, as this has nothing to do with garter snakes; nor am I going to mention the fact that this weed elimination job has put me face to face with Western Yellow-bellied Racers almost on a daily basis.... LOL!

Steve

[drache]

maybe it's something else . . . maybe it's me . . .
oh, I don't know
I'm feeling a bit lost on the forum and I know it's in part because I've been busy and I no longer have a low paying part time job with computer access and little else to do
maybe the forum hasn't, but I may have lost my way
how do those of you who are only here occasionally cope with the sheer abundance of threads and posts?
I need to take another look at the tools and figure out how not to miss out on what's happening here, when I just can't read everything
any hot tips and strategy suggestions are greatly appreciated

[infernalis]

What I do is quickly scan down the list of threads, if I started it, and folks have posted replies, I feel obligated to continue on and reply, since I started it in the first place.

Second order of priority, interest. If I am really busy, "new pictures of fluffy" gets passed over until I have some more time.

I always try to say a quick "hello" to new members. And no one expects you to reply to everything:)

One thing that I have noticed, new threads starting that could have easily been added to a pre-existing thread. I see that all the time, parallel discussions on the same topic.

Keeping on topic would reduce the clutter as well, I have seen entire threads start out as important discussions only to turn into dribble about completely unrelated subjects.

[Stefan-A]

I can't really give any good advice, since I read every thread, but the ones that I find the most interesting, are the big threads like It's oh so quiet and the Nature photography thread, as well as any thread that seems to be somehow informative. Of course the ones I've recently replied to are important to me, too.

The ones I just scan through quickly, are the ones dealing with some kind of drama or new acquisitions. But I don't usually miss anything really important. If a thread contains something interesting, then somebody is sure to keep it afloat.

[Snaky]

I have the same problem. I deal with it by looking at the title and so opening a thread if I think it will be interesting. That way I miss out probably on a lot, but it's a way of filtering. I try to remember titles that were interesting to me.

Of course, for old threads like "It's oh so quiet and the Nature photography thread", I know what they are about and so I look at them if I'm in the mood for that :)

[drache]

thanks
that helps
hopefully I'll get through this much too busy spell in a few weeks . . .

[kurtnagel]

Just my two cents.

I just joined, specifically because the site is dedicated to garters. :) I found a fair amount of garter info sprinkled here and there, but settled here because of the concentrated expertise.

IF I ever get another species, such a a ball, then I will search for a site specific to them.

Kurt Nagel