Aaron, the longer you are here, the better you'll be able to "read" certain folks here. But remember, you are entitled to your opinions and your impressions, no matter how long you've been here. You don't have to agree with everyone, and they don't have to agree with you. Don't be afraid to express your opinion. But really, overall, this is a pretty darn friendly forum. You can post a "silly" question like "What's a water change?" without 20 people jumping all over calling you stupid and running you out of the forum with their torches and pitchforks (we were all newbies once, many of us had no clue how to do a water change or get that darn gravel vac to actually work...). And CFC, well, he may not always be the most subtle in his ways, he may not always hold his tongue, but he knows his stuff and moderates with a fair hand. Everyone may not always agree with him on everything, but its that kind of forum diversity that keeps this place interesting. He is just one of many that have been around a while and still try their best to help everyone, newbies included, but get very frustrated when that newbie, after being given sound advice and even returns some fish, just goes out and buys even bigger fish to replace them or shoots back with something like "well, its my tank and I like it this way" even though half the fish are dead or dying. He's just expressing his opinion and voicing the frustration that so many feel here when they're just trying to help.
So many people here DO take the time to help newbies. I'm amazed some days at the patience I see some people have. I'd lose it myself sometimes. But you see those same folks helping newbies step by step, over and over again. Now and again, there's always some newbie that thinks they're right, and even though they asked for advice, decide not take it. Its tough to not be a human being and just erupt in frustration and concern for the fish. Also, its not always newbies, which can be even more frustrating.
I'm in agreement with Tokis here though. Its the whole image of fishkeeping. More and more people today are starting to view dogs and cats as more than just pets, as members of the family, so they are starting to research more, and try to make an informed decision before they bring home a new pet. This sort of view is still in its infancy, many still see dogs and cats as outdoor home guards and mousers. That image will take time to change. So will that of fish keeping being more than just buying a bowl, a goldfish, some flakes, and adding water. But it takes educating people on this. This is something that will take time. The chain petstores are not always the most reliable sources for fish informatino, but they're getting better, and for many, they are the only "live person" source available to them. I just saw a flyer in my local Petsmart the other day about New Tank Syndrome and the Nitrogen Cycle/Cycling Your Tank. I also saw the clerk recommending fish for the tank, but telling them to get it set up, to read those documents, and to bring the water in for testing before buying fish. Not perfect yet, but its a start. As members of the fish keepig community, its up to us to spread the word about proper fish keeping. Working at fish shops, or even just talking to management and suggesting they offer some additional information for customers so they can make informed decisions. Speaking up when you see/hear someone getting less than accurate advice at a shop. Or digging up that TFF business card thread, printing some out and handing them out when you are at the lfs or asking that some be available for folks to take in the fish department or at the registers, so folks can stop in here and get some sound advice.
Until then, we'll continue to see folks come here that have been misguided by the lfs. They'll rant and rave because thats what people do. They'll balk at our advice because no one likes to be told they're wrong. Those that really want to continue in this hobby will stop, take a breath, and finally decide to listen. Those that won't, well, we tried at least. Its frustrating, but at least you gave your best effort and tried to help them. Don't hate them for being misdirected, for not viewing this as a true hobby and therefore for not researching it. Just channel that frustration, vent it by helping those that you can. Use it as a reminder of where this hobby came from and where its future is.
Okay, I'm done being all philosophical now, stepping off soapbox. Carry on.
and this kind of thread does quite the opposite
