[rancor_]

Originally Posted by adamanteus

Rancor, there's really no need to cease your contribution to this forum. As others have already stated, debate and discussion are welcomed here. It is the personal attacks and insults that offend people, not the fact that your opinions and beliefs differ from theirs. You have been more than willing to strongly criticize other members for the content of their posts, so when such criticism is turned on you it should really come as no surprise.

Your posts, whether I or others agree with them or not, are a valuable contribution to this forum. You are clearly an intelligent guy, I'm sure you could articulate your point in the written word without the need to resort to insults.

As you point out, there is a wealth of experience and expertise here, but there are also many novices with only a little knowledge on the subject. We have schoolboys starting out with their first snake, we have PhD graduates with boundless knowledge, we have experienced field workers who have been dealing with reptiles in the wild for decades. This forum provides a 'level playing field' for all, we have no ranking system here, but are all equal and treat each other with mutual respect. Any member, regardless of their experience can feel comfortable to post and discuss an issue without the fear of ridicule or attack.

This is what makes Thamnophis.com special. We're not just a clique for the clever people.

So please, stick around and contribute some more. Feel free to argue, debate and disagree. All I ask is that you 'be nice'.

Its good to see a response. I thank you. However, I dont actually believe anything I wrote was actually an insult, probably, as you stated, not written nicely. I am also always careful how I respond to actual questions.
In herptoculture, there are several hot button issues. There needs to be, because if we as a community dont regulate ourselves...the governments approach is much easier than a few harsh questions. (a straight up ban...)
I provided a couple of resources to back up what I was writing about....
I know I cant know about someones background or practices unless I see or read it. But writing something and then taking exception as to how a follow up question is asked is one thing, but the answer should still be addressed.

This species is fully protected against being sold, injured or killed in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (3). One main aim of the conservation strategy for this species is to educate people about the grass snake, and to encourage them to tolerate its presence

This says nothing on collection. Might be protected under another piece of UK law that I havent seen. But in this country it takes some serious sanctions to dabble with any species thats protected in anyway.