I think that is the whole point here. It is totally possible to be helpful and point out something is wrong without being harsh about it. Some people are going to take offense no matter what, but those are the people that truly we cannot help.
I think there are a few people that take some things a bit too far. A lot of the people on here have been keeping tortoises for decades. We all do things differently.
While I commend those that have done their research, what it comes down to is that doing some reading online is not a suitable replacement for experience. I see some people that I personally consider newbies throwing advice out left and right, and while it isn't necessarily BAD advice, at the same time, the "stock answer" isn't always the right one. Yvonne and Maggie for instance have been doing this for EVER, and most of what they say and do I agree with, but there are a few things that I do differently. I would not dream of telling them they are doing it wrong, that would be plain stupid!! Both have successfully raised chelonians for longer than some of us have been alive, me included. That doesn't mean that I have to care for mine exactly as they do.
Your ways and your opinions are your own business. People are here because they want help and they want to learn. That doesn't mean cut them to pieces if they choose not to do what you say or are doing something you don't agree with. How would you feel if you were on the other end of the stick?
Offer your help and experience, and then back off. It is pretty dang simple.
Kristina
I think there are a few people that take some things a bit too far. A lot of the people on here have been keeping tortoises for decades. We all do things differently.
While I commend those that have done their research, what it comes down to is that doing some reading online is not a suitable replacement for experience. I see some people that I personally consider newbies throwing advice out left and right, and while it isn't necessarily BAD advice, at the same time, the "stock answer" isn't always the right one. Yvonne and Maggie for instance have been doing this for EVER, and most of what they say and do I agree with, but there are a few things that I do differently. I would not dream of telling them they are doing it wrong, that would be plain stupid!! Both have successfully raised chelonians for longer than some of us have been alive, me included. That doesn't mean that I have to care for mine exactly as they do.
Your ways and your opinions are your own business. People are here because they want help and they want to learn. That doesn't mean cut them to pieces if they choose not to do what you say or are doing something you don't agree with. How would you feel if you were on the other end of the stick?
Offer your help and experience, and then back off. It is pretty dang simple.
Kristina
