Post by zarozinia on May 28, 2004 13:00:57 GMT -5
Today I visited a local pet shop that sells reptiles. A member of staff there had previously been very friendly towards my husband and I , talking to us for an hour last time we visited. The reason for the visit was to ask if he minded if we put a flier in his window for the Northern reptiles group, which we just got together. This person was most put out that I was trying to get a reptile group off the ground and stated that some people "just go on the internet and think they know it all", to which I replied that I was not one of those people as I had previously come to him for advice regarding chameleons, (as Im thinking of getting one sometime but want all the info I can get first).
I also have never claimed to know it all on any site or off the net. I am the least experienced member of our group and make no secret about this, but instead I enjoy the opportunities to learn from such experienced reptile enthusiasts.
He stated that, " it would never work, its been done before and never does work in our area", I asked when it was last tried and he informed me that he and his friends did this 10 years ago and that my group would fizzle out quickly. He also stated that none of his" Syndicate "would ever come, and they would never share their secrets, also that everyone should learn the hard way, the way he did!. I suggested that things have changed a bit in 10 years and that more people keep reptiles these days because they are more widely available and becoming more acceptable.
I told him that my initial aims were to meet other people with similar interests and find out what everyone wants from the group, then take it from there. I have never been to another reptile group and am looking to other members to help guide me in this area. I do not run the group, I simply suggested it and lots of people showed interest. I would like to think that all members will participate in the groups development and that it will naturally evolve to provide social support, increased awareness of issues regarding reptiles, education, a general sharing of experience and knowledge.
Its such a shame when a reptile enthusiast with decades of experience decides to turn his back on newcomers and discourage them from :
a - starting a reptile gruop
b - becoming involved with the IHS
c - trying to learn from more experienced enthusiasts.
I do not know why he took this stance, Im sure there is nothing in my manner or nature to upset someone in this way. When he told me that none of the "older" reptile keepers in the area would ever come along or share their secrets, he got it wrong. Several have shown interest and the people intending on attending the next meeting are all ages.
I did not stand there and take everything he said as, I debated assertively on the positive aspects that could be gained from such a group and left with my dignity intact.
I also have never claimed to know it all on any site or off the net. I am the least experienced member of our group and make no secret about this, but instead I enjoy the opportunities to learn from such experienced reptile enthusiasts.
He stated that, " it would never work, its been done before and never does work in our area", I asked when it was last tried and he informed me that he and his friends did this 10 years ago and that my group would fizzle out quickly. He also stated that none of his" Syndicate "would ever come, and they would never share their secrets, also that everyone should learn the hard way, the way he did!. I suggested that things have changed a bit in 10 years and that more people keep reptiles these days because they are more widely available and becoming more acceptable.
I told him that my initial aims were to meet other people with similar interests and find out what everyone wants from the group, then take it from there. I have never been to another reptile group and am looking to other members to help guide me in this area. I do not run the group, I simply suggested it and lots of people showed interest. I would like to think that all members will participate in the groups development and that it will naturally evolve to provide social support, increased awareness of issues regarding reptiles, education, a general sharing of experience and knowledge.
Its such a shame when a reptile enthusiast with decades of experience decides to turn his back on newcomers and discourage them from :
a - starting a reptile gruop
b - becoming involved with the IHS
c - trying to learn from more experienced enthusiasts.
I do not know why he took this stance, Im sure there is nothing in my manner or nature to upset someone in this way. When he told me that none of the "older" reptile keepers in the area would ever come along or share their secrets, he got it wrong. Several have shown interest and the people intending on attending the next meeting are all ages.
I did not stand there and take everything he said as, I debated assertively on the positive aspects that could be gained from such a group and left with my dignity intact.
