Have you ever needed to find out specific information on your pets? Well, I have and sometimes it’s hard to find, thankfully we have the Internet. I keep and raise Bearded dragons and various Inverts (Invertebrates, Tarantulas, Scorpions, Roaches, etc…). When I first started in the hobby, I didn’t know where to turn for information. One day while surfing the web, I came across a Bearded dragon forum. A forum or message board is basically a membership base community where individuals can socialize and exchange information on a specific topic, in this case “Bearded dragons“. There are forums for just about everything imaginable and most are free to register with.
Forums are a great resource of knowledge for many different hobbyists. I started out with Bearded dragons, then Tarantulas, Scorpions, etc… Generally anyone can read a forum topic without registering. But if you want to post a question, comment or respond to or comment on another members post, the you will be required to become registered member. As I said, most forum memberships are free.
Since becoming a member of many various forums (see below), I have learned a wealth of knowledge about the various animals I keep. Heck, i didn’t even know “roaches” were used as food. When I first started in the hobby, my basic food sources were crickets and mealworms. After researching the forums, I found probably a dozen or so different types of feeder insects. Now I raise all my own feeders for myself and others alike, thanks in general to forums. If I need to sex a Tarantula, I take a pic, upload in a post and wait for a response (usually less than 24 hrs).
Things you can do with forums once you become a member! Create your profile, information about you, etc… Edit your signature which is placed at the end of each post you make or comment on. Your profile and signature are great tools in themselves. If yo have a website, you can put it in your profile. With your signature, you can add favorite quotes, your website(s) links, etc… Don’t abuse this privilege.
Next, find the welcome or newbie section and announce yourself to the rest of the members. You’ll get several warm and friendly responses. Read through the different topics, do a search, post a comment or ask a question in a new post. You’ll find that other members will respond to your post with all kinds of useful advice and information.
Forums are also a good resource for sale of your product(s). Looking for a new “Tarantula”, checkout the “Classifieds section”. I have bought a majority of my T’s and Scorpions through forums. As I said, these forums are a goldmine of information. Don’t be shy, ask questions. Members are always there to help you. As you become more knowledgeable, you in turn will help others.
Things you don’t want to do once your a member! Members of these forums don’t tolerate “SPAMMING“, example: just commenting or making multiple posts for no reason other than to get your signature seen.
Trolling, posting outrageous messages to bait members to answer, someone who inspires flaming rhetoric, someone who is purposely provoking and pulling members into flaming discussions. Flaming discussions usually end with name calling and flame wars. Boy I have seen my share of these conversations. Sometimes there fun to read, however I don’t condone this type of behavior as you will see, members don’t either.
Bad deals happen from time to time, and most are willing to correct and make good. I personally have experienced problems with shipments and the member had no problem reshipping. That’s “making good”. For those that don’t, look out, you will be scrutinized. Some forums I am on have a “Review” section for posting your experience with a particular member or website. Members won’t hesitate to post a “bad” review about you, if there unable to resolve an issue with your services . So, don’t screw someone over on a deal, word gets around.
I personally shoot a short video review of all my orders/purchases through forum transactions and post them on YouTube. I then add the link to the members review on the forum so other members can see and learn more about how that member ships there product, etc. To date, I have never posted a negative video review. Forums are monitored by there own members. So if you attempt any of the above mentioned or other, you will be reprimanded by a “Forum Moderator” and or banned from the forum(s) permanently.
The information herin is my basic knowledge of Internet Forums. If you feel I missed something or need to add more, please comment below. I’m am a member on the following forums (moose9 or moose9900). You can search for my posts and see what I talk about.
Bearded Dragons: Forum(s)
- BeardedDragon.org
One of the best places on the Internet to socialize and find out information about your Bearded Dragon(s). Don’t have a Bearded Dragon yet? Well checkout there “Classifieds” for an abundance of various dragons for sale.
Tarantula Forum(s):
- ArachnoBoards
One of the largest and IMO the best Tarantula forums out there. Do a search and you’ll find just abut anything your looking for about Tarantulas, Scorpions, feeders. etc…. They also have information on other various reptiles and inveribrates, etc… - Tarantulas.US
Another good resource for Tarantulas, etc… - SCABIES
Southern California Arachnid, Bug, Invertebrate, Entomological Society for all of you who live in S. Ca. This is a cool site for locals like myself. They have a yearly bbq I hear is great. I missed the last one. - Arachnofreaks
- Arachnophiles
- Tarantulas
A relatively new forum with a twist. - Tarantula Forums
- The Venom List
Scorpions Forum(s):
- Scorpion Forum
One of the largest Scorpion information forum worldwide.
Roaches Forum(s) (Yeah cockroaches):
Other informative web sites with additional information on the hobbies above.
- Beautiful Dragons
A good collection of resources for your Bearded Dragon(s). An extensive nutritional listing of various foods to feed or not feed your dragon(s). - Scorpion-Files
Details on certain species of Scorpions worldwide.
Your thoughts and comments are always welcome.
Thanks for reading,
Greg
