Naturally, everyone has fish questions. Even the most advanced aquarist is bound to run into problems, and will have questions to ask others. That is, in essence, why forums such as this were started in the first place, as a resource.
That said, there are a ton of people who seem to misunderstand a few things about forums. If you make a statement about your tank or fish, and another (or several) people that read your thread notice you are making a huge mistake, they are GOING to tell you so, and it might not be nice. Don't get offended, as they are trying to help you. You can take it or leave it, but don't be a snot about it.
There are 'rules' to fishkeeping. Biology is a science, and there are some things that are a given. Once in a blue moon, you run across a fish or tank setup that is an exception to the rule. Fish are living beings that have personalities. If you think you have one of these animals, please don't assume that all fish are going to be like that one you have. You should treat all fish situations with caution, regardless of how well you 'know' the fish. Fish are not humans, they act primarily on instinct. They don't have morals. (This is why a mother livebearer has absolutely no qualms about eating her young.)
If someone gives you advice, the proper response is to thank them. After all, you asked a question, and they were kind enough to share some of their knowledge with you. What you do with that knowledge is your own darn business, and don't comment about their advice negatively, unless you are prepared to back it up scientifically. Otherwise, you just look like a fool.
Do not ask for help if you know you are not going to take it. This only frusterates other members, and you are going to be treated like an idiot. Of course you are allowed to post about something you did, but it is what forums are for that makes people comment back on it. When people comment back, don't get all self-righteous and complain that you never asked for help. Just ignore it if you don't want to hear it. It is a lot easier this way. If you are one of those people who love to argue about stupid things, then go into politics or something, you are in the wrong place.
Remember in your posts, that although fishkeeping might not mean a lot to you, to 80%of the members here, they pour their entire hearts into their pets and their tanks, and you should respect that. People here value the lives of animals, and although fish are not protected heavily (if at all) by animal welfare laws, the truth is, they have feelings too. It is not wrong for someone to point that out to you, and get very touchy about it. Respect that, even if it is not what you think.
Remember the reason why you are asking for help. Do you really want help? Ask yourself this. If you more like just wanted to complain, (hey, we all need to do this) then state that. People will still comment with help, but hey, you did tell them you were just ranting. If someone has an obvious solution to your problem, and you keep complaining about it, others are just going to stop reading. Don't do this, it isn't worth it.
Please be polite if you disagree with someone's reply, or if you are replying to a person's problem. Rudeness will turn someone off to your remark faster than anything, and it is not the way to be heard.
We are all aware that the second you purchase a fish, it is YOURS. You are free to keep it as a pet, sell it, eat it, whatever. If you want people to respect your right to do whatever you want with the fish, then don't talk about it. The forums are a place for people to ask advice on proper fish keeping only. I am sure you could find another place to discuss anything else you like to do with YOUR fish. If you think the only answer you can have to a reply is, 'well they're MINE so don't tell me what to do' just refrain from replying and let the thread die out. You are free to sign off of the forums and go practice your superior fishkeeping ways in private. No one here is TELLING you what to do, they're just words on a screen that you CHOSE to see. (remember that old rule your mom used to tell you, "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all)
Thanks for reading, if you did, and please note that this was not aimed at anyone in particular. If what I said was offensive to anyone, then this thread was meant for you.
sorry to be rash, I really do like this forum, and for the most part, everyone here has been a big help. I have learned more on here than years of experience could ever teach me. 24 fish in my room thank you for the advice, and some are alive and well today becaouse of it. Keep up the good work.
That said, there are a ton of people who seem to misunderstand a few things about forums. If you make a statement about your tank or fish, and another (or several) people that read your thread notice you are making a huge mistake, they are GOING to tell you so, and it might not be nice. Don't get offended, as they are trying to help you. You can take it or leave it, but don't be a snot about it.
There are 'rules' to fishkeeping. Biology is a science, and there are some things that are a given. Once in a blue moon, you run across a fish or tank setup that is an exception to the rule. Fish are living beings that have personalities. If you think you have one of these animals, please don't assume that all fish are going to be like that one you have. You should treat all fish situations with caution, regardless of how well you 'know' the fish. Fish are not humans, they act primarily on instinct. They don't have morals. (This is why a mother livebearer has absolutely no qualms about eating her young.)
If someone gives you advice, the proper response is to thank them. After all, you asked a question, and they were kind enough to share some of their knowledge with you. What you do with that knowledge is your own darn business, and don't comment about their advice negatively, unless you are prepared to back it up scientifically. Otherwise, you just look like a fool.
Do not ask for help if you know you are not going to take it. This only frusterates other members, and you are going to be treated like an idiot. Of course you are allowed to post about something you did, but it is what forums are for that makes people comment back on it. When people comment back, don't get all self-righteous and complain that you never asked for help. Just ignore it if you don't want to hear it. It is a lot easier this way. If you are one of those people who love to argue about stupid things, then go into politics or something, you are in the wrong place.
Remember in your posts, that although fishkeeping might not mean a lot to you, to 80%of the members here, they pour their entire hearts into their pets and their tanks, and you should respect that. People here value the lives of animals, and although fish are not protected heavily (if at all) by animal welfare laws, the truth is, they have feelings too. It is not wrong for someone to point that out to you, and get very touchy about it. Respect that, even if it is not what you think.
Remember the reason why you are asking for help. Do you really want help? Ask yourself this. If you more like just wanted to complain, (hey, we all need to do this) then state that. People will still comment with help, but hey, you did tell them you were just ranting. If someone has an obvious solution to your problem, and you keep complaining about it, others are just going to stop reading. Don't do this, it isn't worth it.
Please be polite if you disagree with someone's reply, or if you are replying to a person's problem. Rudeness will turn someone off to your remark faster than anything, and it is not the way to be heard.
We are all aware that the second you purchase a fish, it is YOURS. You are free to keep it as a pet, sell it, eat it, whatever. If you want people to respect your right to do whatever you want with the fish, then don't talk about it. The forums are a place for people to ask advice on proper fish keeping only. I am sure you could find another place to discuss anything else you like to do with YOUR fish. If you think the only answer you can have to a reply is, 'well they're MINE so don't tell me what to do' just refrain from replying and let the thread die out. You are free to sign off of the forums and go practice your superior fishkeeping ways in private. No one here is TELLING you what to do, they're just words on a screen that you CHOSE to see. (remember that old rule your mom used to tell you, "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all)
Thanks for reading, if you did, and please note that this was not aimed at anyone in particular. If what I said was offensive to anyone, then this thread was meant for you.
sorry to be rash, I really do like this forum, and for the most part, everyone here has been a big help. I have learned more on here than years of experience could ever teach me. 24 fish in my room thank you for the advice, and some are alive and well today becaouse of it. Keep up the good work.
... I should be more open to peoples comments. Thanks for showing me that. This should be Pinned.
(giving an opionion)....
) lol oh you had little arrow thinghys <<<< and replied right after me - and I thought you meant me !
