I hope so. But in the interests of clarity, I didnt say that the TT forums were insular. In my humble opinion its becoming a problem for TT on the whole. Perhaps you dont see the full picture, but there are some hidden rumblings that indicate that in certain areas TT is losing credibility and is regarded as almost a lunatic fringe group. One highly regarded herpetologist I spoke to recently made an off the cuff comment regarding TT and used the term "rabid" when describing some of their advice giving. This, again in my humble opinion, is what I meant when reffering to TT is becoming insular.

In the interests of keeping the peace I'll refrain for making comments regarding the yahoo forums, but I'm sure many of the users here will have their own experiences. All I'm interested in is steering this in a manner that is productive to the well being of what matters to us all - the animals involved.

__________________
Coast to Coast Exotics www.coasttocoast.co.uk
Legendary reptile breeder and shop
Zoo Logic UK Ltd - Importer/exporter/wholesaler.
http://www.zoo-logic.co.uk/

hi can i just ask what it is that people have against andy highfield and the tt

Personally, I've had some from bruising encounters with certain TT members - you know the type of thing. I could'nt really care less what they think of me but I know it upsets some people. What gets my goat is that these people think that membership of the TT gives them a licence to come onto forums such as this & indulge in petty, small minded, spiteful abuse. You don't see members of the BCG doing this kind of thing do you? I appreciate that AH & the TT cannot be responsible for the 'antics' of the membership but I do question why they believe that this kind of behavoir is acceptable.

I do not think, for a single moment, that 'they' believe that kind of behaviour is acceptable.

From personal experience I have had some very bruising encounters from NON Tortoise Trust members and it is wrong to imply that only TT members are capable of such behaviour, believe you me ... they are not.

You rightly say that AH and the TT cannot be held responsible for the antics of its' members - yet sadly they always appear to be blamed.

Tamie

Fair enough. Would you ever considered taking action against 'rogue members' in the event that you discovered they were indulging in the kind of activities I'm complaining of. Would you (I mean the Trust) disassociate yourselves from their comments? Would you consider withdrawing their membership?

[quote=v-max;1719209] Perhaps you dont see the full picture, but there are some hidden rumblings that indicate that in certain areas TT is losing credibility and is regarded as almost a lunatic fringe group.quote]

I too have noticed this, from a couple of well respected herpetologists

__________________
Check out he hook while my DJ revolves it...

I look forward to future posts then. It will be good to debate some of the points that have caused arguments in the past in a civilised manner. I kicked the ball off with requesting Andys thoughts on the Tortoise Trusts position on Slovenia tortoise imports - and I know I am looking forward to Andy's replies. This is all good stuff and very positive.

__________________
Coast to Coast Exotics www.coasttocoast.co.uk
Legendary reptile breeder and shop
Zoo Logic UK Ltd - Importer/exporter/wholesaler.
http://www.zoo-logic.co.uk/

Only Andy can answer in that in full, but I am certain that membership would be withdrawn in particular circumstances.

Tamie

can i just ask a quick question andy you mention in your statments 'we' and 'our' alot for e.g. our aim is and so on...but who are the other people you have no paid staff or boss's above yourself so who is the 'our' and 'we'i just got confused lol i know it doesnt take much lol lol lol

__________________

The members of the TT...

__________________
Check out he hook while my DJ revolves it...