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