|
RE: Snakes and Snake Hunting - Carl Kauffeld
|
Reply
|
|
by MoccasinMan on June 19, 2007
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
John-I was first exposed to reptiles in the mid '60's as a boy in New Delhi, India. I started field herping in 1969 in Fort Riley, KS. I was at your table... and I bought some of your books. I also asked some questions because I respect you as a valuable resource for Herp info. I often wear a cowboy hat. I raise reticulated pythons and I admittedly am unfamiliar with the works of Carl Kauffeld. I can only assume your comments are directed at me. I apologize that my ignorance is so offensive to you. You must have been shocked when I asked such a foolish question. How you were able to keep your composure long enough to be out of my presence I'll never know. We have been friends for 2 years and I have never done anything to violate that friendship. Why you seek to embarass and ridicule me, I have no idea... but I certainly won't forget it.
Andrew
Andrew
|
| |
|
RE: Snakes and Snake Hunting - Carl Kauffeld
|
Reply
|
|
by Cro on June 20, 2007
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Andrew,
In my post I said "So, anyway, this guy wearing a funny hat comes up to the table,(you would all know who he is, as he is a member of this site), and he says " is there something special about those books ?"
At that point, I realised that not all of the folks here are field herpers, or even that knowledgeable about the historic herpers of the past. Many of these folks are new to reptile keeping, and are mostly into keeping exotics like reticulated pythons."
I decided to start this survey, because like I stated above, I realised for the first time many folks here have very little field herping experience, and it seemed like a good question to ask. Your question Andrew was in no way "ignorant or offensive or foolish." It did surprise me somewhat. It was a question that caused me to want to know how many other folks are familiar with the old books and herpers. Your comment "How you were able to keep your composure long enough to be out of my presence I'll never know." is just plain silly and unwarrented.
There was no intention to "embarass and ridicule" you, if I wanted to do that, I would have used your name. Only about 2 folks at the site here would have known who I was talking about if you had not identified yourself. I mentioned your hat only because I knew that Sal and a couple of others would get a chuckle out of it. Take a look at the pics that Sal posted from the show. What does the pic of you show??? Your damn trademark hat. Sal will also tell you that sometimes I say things jokingly, which are not meant to be be criticisms, but are to stimulate conversation, such as the "Gaboon Anchor" thread! But it takes some time for folks to understand that, and Sal and I have become good friends because of that thread !
And besides that Andrew, you were not the only person at the show wearing a funny hat who keeps reticulated pythons, just look at Spikey, who shared the booth with me. For half the show I tried to find a "southern" hat for him, like a Catipillar Tractor Cap, or a John Deere Cap, or a Camoflague Cap, because I knew that they would help his reptile sales, LOL !
The hats that Johnny and Bart wear to all the shows are unique to them and part of their usual attire at reptile shows and their personas.
Now if you want to make a big deal out of something, then go ahead. Folks at reptile shows all have their own unique personas. They joke with each other all the time, that is what makes the group fun to be with. I might tease Spikey about his hat, and he might tease me about needing to loose some weight.
It is unfortunate Andrew that you do not seem to have a sense of humor, and are very quick to think someone is attacking you. But I will try to remember that in the future. I still consider you a friend, but will not mention your hat anymore, as it clearly bothers you. I will try to joke only with fine folks like Sal, or Todd, or Chad, or BW, or Shayne, or most anybody else who still knows how to laugh.
Anyway, back to my Survey Question, which I would like to get this thread back on track with:
Do you gave a sh-- about the herpers of the past? Do you folks read books anymore?
Have you folks read a herp book in the last year?
Your answers to the questions concerning herpers and herp books of the past are greatly appreciated.
Best Regards JohnZ
|
| |
|
RE: Snakes and Snake Hunting - Carl Kauffeld
|
Reply
|
|
by AquaHerp on June 20, 2007
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Actually, I still catch myself calling them Natrix. Oh, and softshells are still Trionyx!!!!
DH
|
| |
|
RE: Snakes and Snake Hunting - Carl Kauffeld
|
Reply
|
|
by petra on June 20, 2007
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I don't think just because the young generation herpers prefer Internet over the books they don't care.
I agree there is a lot of nonsense online, but there is a ton of info out there too. I have to admit I would be lost without it.
Don't take me wrong I do like books. However Internet offers easy access to a lot of information and there is a lot of people willing to share their experiences and knowledge. It is more interactive as it gives you the option to ask.
To answer your questions. No I don't know the old herpers and I haven't read their books. I have few reptile books, not many though. I love to read but sadly don't have as much time as I would like to. It doesn't mean I don't give a s***.
Actually the last book I read is about tarantulas not herps... But yes I read a herp book this year.
Sometimes it is hard to get used to the changes. Eventually the books will be only collectibles. I just bought a veterinary book yesterday ...on a CD. It is more convenient to be able to look for certain info just by typing a word in a search bar instead of running to the library, look for a book and read 100 pages just to get the answer. Life has a faster pace than it used.
Would I read all the books you have mentioned? Probably, if they were available in my language and sold in my country...I used to have much more time as a kid :)
Petra
|
| |
|
RE: Snakes and Snake Hunting - Carl Kauffeld
|
Reply
|
|
by Peter84Jenkins on June 20, 2007
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
I am a herper from the younger generation born in 1984. And I absolutely love classical reptile literature. I admit that allot of my time is spent on the Internet reading but nothing beats picking up an old book and reading about our pioneers. I absolutely love C. J. P Ionides, Kauffeld, and Pope. As a matter of fact when I was in the navy living on board USS Carl Vinson I collected classical herp literature to supplement not having snakes. I have an excellent copy of Cobras In His Garden as well as some other books I cherish. May not be modern info but the stories of how they got there are fun to read and relive. I a appreciate all of the works of literature from our founding herpers.
|
| |
|
RE: Snakes and Snake Hunting - Carl Kauffeld
|
Reply
|
|
by Cro on June 20, 2007
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Thank You very much Bill, Karl, Greg, Mike, Jeremy, Jared, Doug, Bob, Petra, and Daniel for taking the time to answer my survey !
All of us older folks grew up with books, and learned to appreciate them when the world was indeed moving a bit slower. A few of the younger folks still seem to have an appreciation for reading also, which is very good, but they seem to be the tiny minority.
Over two reptile shows I watched 5000 people walk past my table of reptile books, and have drawn a few conclusions of my own by watching how they reacted when they noticed that the table was full of books.
I noticed that the older, intelligent looking folks would often scan the table or even stop by for a quick look. Many would also ask if I had books on a certain topic. Many would pick up a few volumes and look through a few pages. Some even purchased a book or two.
I noticed that the older, red-neck looking folks did not bother to take a second look (dropping out of school after 8'th grade probably has something to do with that). I am talking about the beer-bellied red-necks with the wife beater shirts, red-neck wifes and several unruley kids in tow.....
I noticed that most of the teen age kids rushed by the table of reptile books as quickly as they would have if I had been selling Vynyl Records, 8 Track or Cassessett Tapes, Cameras that use Film, or other dusty relics of the past, LOL...........
Some of the young kids actually stopped and looked at some of the books, as well as the snake hooks and other items. I would guess at age 8 you are not as concerned with un-cool things like books, LOL........
So, the whole thing was fasinating for me to watch. I learned a lot about what different generations find interesting. I was very pleased and surprised when the occasional teen actually took an interest in books.
I am learning that the herpers of the future are not very likely to tote along what was to us a beloved Field Guide, or even venture into the field to flip a rock or two in search of snakes. Nope, snakes are something you buy at reptile shows and pet shops. Way too much work to go out and actually catch one.
I praise the few exceptions, and wish them the best of luck in the future as Herpetologists. And I feel somewhat sorry for those who will never experience finding a reptile in the wild, and going home and researching it in their field guide, and perhaps even keeping it in captivity for a while.
Thanks again friends for your views on this subject.
Best Regards JohnZ
|
| |
|
RE: Snakes and Snake Hunting - Carl Kauffeld
|
Reply
|
|
by petra on June 20, 2007
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
It is sad but the way human race multiplies soon there is not going to be room for reptiles in the wild. People in US don't even realize how lucky they are. I lived most of my life in Europe (24 years) and I have seen a snake in the wild twice (until I came here)! Everything is protected there - no collecting of wildlife (including a lot of species of insect!)
It will take a while, but eventually US will not be any different. The density of population will destroy too much.
So I'm guessing reptile shows, and Internet stores are going to be the only places to buy snakes.
However I wouldn't be so pessimistic about the young generation. There are always going to be kids that love animals and will be hungry for any kind of information they can get.
I know for sure that my son will much rather spend the evening road cruising or a reading a good book than playing video games.
I pay a lot of attention to educating people about reptiles. And most adults will react the "oh no, I don't want to touch that" way in front of their kids - however it doesn't seem to have much effect on them if they have the chance to hold the snake. The fascination in their eyes is just priceless. They may gain the information from different sources than books but I guess once it's in your blood there is no stopping you :)
|
| |
|
RE: Snakes and Snake Hunting - Carl Kauffeld
|
Reply
|
|
by MoccasinMan on June 20, 2007
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
It had nothing to do with the hat but everything to do with the implication that I was inexperienced and guilty of being a part of the instant gratification crowd with a shallow understanding of herpetology. Believe me, in my position I have developed some pretty thick skin. But I was suprised to hear that kind of critique from a friend. If there was truely no malice on your part... no harm, no foul.
Andrew
|
| |
|
RE: Snakes and Snake Hunting - Carl Kauffeld
|
Reply
|
|
by Cro on June 21, 2007
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
"I realised that not all of the "folks" here are field herpers..."
"folks" is obviously plural !
"Am I wasting my time trying to sell older books to "folks" who have no appreciation of herping in the past ?"
"folks" is still obviously plural !
"Has the instant gratification of Google robbed "young folks" from the desire to read books any more ?"
"folks" is still obviously, obviously plural, and is being used to describe young poeple !
Folks 2. People in general, or a separate class of people; -- generally used in the plural form, and often with a qualifying adjective; as, the old folks; poor folks. [Colloq.]
One would have to try really hard to find a personal attack in my post. Perhaps there are other issues that someone is angry about ?
Best Regards JohnZ
|
| |
|
RE: Snakes and Snake Hunting - Carl Kauffeld
|
Reply
|
|
by Buzztail1 on June 21, 2007
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Baiting is really a poor discussion form.
I think that this part of the discussion would be better suited to personal emails.
Karl
|
| |
|
Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to this topic.
Subscribe!
My Subscriptions
Subscriptions Help
Check our help page for help using
, or send questions, comments, or suggestions to the
Manager.
|
