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Davids Video Thread

How dare you even attempt to assume what we are about? And better yet to dare us to tell you how spoiled you are? The teenage audacity is getting old... what happened to the "David is turning a new leaf" deal? Spare us the sob story... the majority of us have grown up the same way that you did, and many more were even less lucky and grew up in worse situations. My parents divorced, and my mother didn't support my passion. I did whatever I had to do to support my passion alone. You're point? Are you expecting me to tell you how lucky you were? Congrats, but get over it. You're not the golden child of herpetology.

Furthermore, how dare you even begin to critique any of our methods! First off, you don't know any of us or our care methods. I personally go to extreme lengths to ensure that my reptiles are kept in ideal conditions and receive only the best possible care I can give them. There is no mediocre methods when it comes to my animals. I can say the same for just about anyone on this forum. Here you are though, flaunting your faults for the world to see, and you have the audacity to get mad because we point them out? That is how people learn! That is how I learned, that is how just about everyone here learned. If you refuse to learn from your mistakes (of which you are making many, and publicly I might add), then you have no business even owning snakes. If you can't care for them properly, then you don't deserve them.

As for the comment directed at Trickster, most of us are actually pretty bored lately and don't have much to do because our snakes are brumating. That tends to cut down on the chores quite a bit. As the old saying goes, only an ass would assume, and that you assume we have nothing better to do than flame a child (which you indeed are, experience, age and all), then you are in for a surprise. David, I'm sorry, but none of us have to work very hard at finding faults in your husbandry care, videos, or knowledge. While I am a strict "to each their own" kind of girl, I will not hesitate to step in when I see mistakes that could possibly be detrimental to the health of your charges.

Now that I'm done with that rant, here are my video critiques:

If you really understood what the term "brumating" is, then I'm sure you wouldn't have ever made that comment on your corn snake feeding video.

"Eating a small meal is fine because its winter and he's probably brumating"

1st off, you should really research general care. If he was in burmation, then you should not be feeding him anything. I'm convinced that you don't really understand that term because a) he has light, therefore heat and b) because you are feeding him. Now, if he had just been woken up from brumation, and you were warming him up for spring, then I can understand giving him a small meal for his 1st after the big sleep.

This is a good example of why these videos are just not acceptable. While some of the information that you spout off happens to be correct, its nothing more than the routine general facts that anyone can learn by reading a simple care sheet. In these videos, you come across as an arrogant and self-proclaimed "experienced" herp keeper, which none of us are convinced that you are. You are abusive to your snakes, you give incorrect information, and are so close-minded that you cannot accept open criticism. You state that you would like some advice on how to make your videos better. Well, many of us have given it to you, but it isn't what you want to hear. That is evident in the deletion of every comment that anyone has ever posted on your youtube videos.

If you are looking for an "Atta boy" then look elsewhere. I am appalled by your husbandry and handling methods, and again for the sake of the novice reptile community (of which you are most definitely a part of), do not treat these videos as a source of all encompassing useful information. I can't think of very many people who would support or stand behind your videos... as a matter of fact, I really can't think of anyone at all save Kathy who (bless her sweet heart) was trying to give you shooting advice.

Instead of automatically going on the defensive because "all anyone wants to do is pick on you for no reason" why don't you sit back and assess why so many people that give you negative feedback. Do you think there is a secret "I hate David" club going on somewhere, or could hundreds of people possibly be right when pointing out some major flaws?! Oh wait... we're all wrong. :nope:

You need a reality check, and you need to learn some humility boy.
 
David, your family history has absolutely no bearing on this situation nor SHOULD it have any bearing on your behavior here. Using a "hard life" as justification for being a jerk is bogus. I know there are a TON of people on this forum that have had a TON of hard struggles throughout their lives. Many of us struggle to this day with issues either past, present, or, in economic times like this...future. You don't see anyone else here acting out the way you do, striving for attention. You don't see anyone else here constantly posting new topics seeking the approval and attention of the community.

I hate to tell you this, David, but THIS forum is not very good at complimenting mediocrity. You get your fair share of "Nice job" replies on other forums.

That isn't going to happen here because frankly...your husbandry is mediocre, at best, your professionalism is non-existent, your quality of presentation is elementary at it's highest and horrible at it's worst. Your information is seriously lacking in the fact department, your videography is worse than a drunken family reunion, your information is dangerous, and erroneous, and, oftentimes, your "techniques" are best used as a description of how NOT to do something. And through all of that you have more arrogance than ANYone I've ever met in this hobby. Further you have far LESS reason to be arrogant than MOST people I have met in this hobby.

You asked for advice on how to improve on another forum. I, and MANY other people, told you that best thing you could do would be to slow down, and stop trying to make a name for yourself. I was nice my response "over there".

Stop what you are doing. The ONLY you name you are making for yourself is of a spoiled rotten kid with far too much arrogance, far too little knowledge, and bad video-making skills.

This is NOT the route you want to choose this early on if reptiles are truly what you desire to succeed in. If you continue in this manner, you will positively destroy any hopes you have of gaining a positive reputation in the herp community. THIS kind of garbage is going to make it incredibly difficult for you to prove to anyone in the future that you are a responsible, respectable, and knowledgeable individual in this field.

I highly suggest that you simply stop doing videos, stop trying to be "snakemaster", stop trying to be the smartest 15 year old herp-keeper to ever exist, and stop trying to be in the spotlight constantly, at every single reptile forum on the internet.

Spend a couple of years learning how to care for reptiles the PROPER way. Learn GOOD techniques to use for handling, feeding, photographing, and caring for these animals. Than learn how to speak publicly, in front of people before you start trying to be a TV host.

You got a lot to learn about a lot of things, dude. I hope you don't just immediately take this as an insult, because trust me when I tell you, as honestly and as truthfully as I can, every word in this post is intended to HELP you, not insult you or hurt your feelings. READ what is written here, take it to heart, and LEARN something from these mistakes you continue to make...
 
I think that there are a couple things you need to work on.
First get that camera out of your hand so that you wont drop your snake again! Your snakes safety should not come at the expense of your videos.
Second if this is some thing you really enjoy you should invest in good equipment and software so that your videos are more professional.
Last i know that this isn't on your mind right now but you need to think about who is going to see these videos in the future. The last thing you want is to lose a job or have your abilities come under question because your employers found these videos.
I know you don't like having people telling you what you are doing wrong but the people here are giving good advice. Take it, clean up your videos and one day you can even use them in your resume to show that even at 15 you had a love and knowledge of herps.
 
I decided to watch one of those videos for some reason and im sorry i did. That poor corn fell well over a foot (i think, bad camera angle). Why would you even pick the snake up like that with tongues? ugh... poor guy. Maybe SOMEONE ELSE should make their own video about proper handling techniques.
 
It just amazes me that someone who apparently loves and cares for his animals the best he can and wants to make a career out of it would act so irresponsibly. Forums are not for 'hey look at me, I do what I want even if has been proved that it will be detrimental to my animals, I'm young so you can't pick on me' threads. They are for discussing the hobby, and being able to talk to like-minded individuals. They are here for advice from people who are more experienced than yourself which you should take. Having visited several forums, I may not post an awful lot, but I browse this one as often as I can. Why? Because what I have seen here shows me that by being part of this forum, I am part of a community which will do the BEST for their animals, take advice from others and thank them for it.

You are causing attack on yourself by being so stubborn and narrow minded. Listen to what others have to say for once. Don't attack other members, because as much as you think they're attacking you, they are only trying to help. Things only get heated because you are defensive and immature about the whole situation.

I have only been in the hobby for four years. I accept I am no expert. I take advice. And guess what? When I was 15 I also made mistakes, but I corrected them with kind advice from those who are more experienced.

If this seems alien to you, then at least take one bit of advice;
Respect your elders.
 
David, Truthfully you just don't have enough experience to continue doing these videos. You are actually damaging what you claim to love. Wait a few more years then try again.
 
My turn over a new leaf plan has worked some but the constant curses and making fun of me it just hurts. My keping is not mediocre
 
Nobody is making fun of you....all I've seen is you insulting and making fun of people who are trying to help. Please don't play the innocent victim here. It won't wash.
Let's be honest...nobody wants to have to keep nagging at you, it's not fun, but you don't seem to take advice. I'm sorry, but you are posting bad advice in video's on the internet.
To pick upon an example - you dropped the snake on camera...(if that had been a complete accident...why would you post it?). All that it suggests is that this is common practice for you, therefore you will get negative feedback.
What is it you are struggling to understand about the comments you've been recieving?
 
snakemaster24 said:
My turn over a new leaf plan has worked some but the constant curses and making fun of me it just hurts. My keping is not mediocre
Click to expand...

What constant. Where is the constant?? Link us all the post you put on this forum so you can show us the constant "harassment" you say you have been receiving.
I see you a Troll, nothing more. You haven't learn from this thread.
So I say to you if you don't want us to criticize your videos don't post them here anymore. You can't take the heat.
Go back under you bridge Troll.
 
snakemaster24 said:
My turn over a new leaf plan has worked some but the constant curses and making fun of me it just hurts. My keping is not mediocre
Click to expand...

Dude...based solely and entirely on the videos I have seen that you have posted with pride...yes, your husbandry is mediocre...at it's absolute best moments, it is still highly quesitonable.

Now...if the manner in which you privately care for your animals is different than the manner you publicly display them...I can't help that. But I know if that were the case for me, I would do everything I could to ensure that no person EVER saw that video footage.

Instead...you prance it around proudly like it is your best effort. That leads me, and a lot of other people, to believe that these are normal practices is for you.

That's mediocre husbandry...
 
David, I know it feels like everyone is picking on you, but honestly, they are just trying to give you advice on how to improve your videos, your husbandry and yourself.

They-we, are trying to HELP you.

It may help if you just step back, read this thread from another point of view and take the advice to heart.

Nobody is trying to attack you just to make themselves feel better about themselves. Honestly.
 
Dude really if my caging was sao bad you wouldnt have offered on another forum to ship me a boa. How bout I post pics of a cage and you can tell me what is wrong with it.
 
Come on guys... David's a household name around here these days. Tara and I were cleaning, photographing and weighing my snakes today and Tara said "You know it's really impressive that David's snakes don't bite him more the way he slings them around."

I suggested we send a few of our "nippy-er" snakes over to David... by the time they came back I am pretty sure they'd appreciate the incredibly gentle and respectful handling that we provide for them and have much improved attitudes. ;)

I wasn't gonna respond, David... but when you insult someone like Trickster, who has more experience than you have years of LIFE... well, that's just not cool bro.
 
I didnt insult her she approached me first. I am very saddend that you guys are this mean. I am trying. We were all 15 at one time. We all make mistakes. I find it insulting that you refer to me as a bad keeper.
 
Seriously, drop the pity party. None of us are buying it. You can't say "I'm only 15" and then scream "I am experienced and have kept herps for years and I know what I'm doing blah blah blah." Since you brought up how horrible it was for you growing up (which truthfully must've been rough), thus insinuating that you have some pretty tough skin, cut with the crocodile tears and give it a rest kid. :nope:

No one here is going out of their way to pick on you David. As was stated earlier, no one likes to constantly comment and post regarding your methods. As responsible herp lovers, we all feel downright obligated to call you out. Do you really think any of us care about your feelings or about the pat on the head which you so desperately seek with just about every post and every video? Of course not... we care about your animals, and how they are being taken care of. Time after time again, every time you post, I constantly see mistakes that are causing your animals harm. Do you have any idea what a drop like that could do to the internal anatomy of a snake? Let alone its skeletal structure? Lboz said "look for a closed-head injury" which is highly possible after a drop like that. You didn't even waste time when you replied with "the snake is fine."

Does anyone recall seeing DVM after David's name? :rolleyes: The fact that you can brush aside the possibility of catastrophic injury in some half-brained attempt to defend yourself shows me that you really don't care. Did you even stop for a 2nd and think to yourself "Wow, maybe they are right. Maybe I should get him checked out. Gosh I hope he isn't hurt." Or are you so hell-bent on proving us wrong and playing the martyr that you didn't even consider it? Irresponsibility defined...

Here's the deal... if you walked into a reptile shop and saw nothing but old sheds and dirty tanks, what would your immediate 1st impression about that shop's care methods be? Now take into consideration, that shop just happened to be closed for a day or so before then... maybe the owner had a family emergency, and left the shop in the care of a friend for a few days. Whatever the case, that first visit left a lasting impression of bad husbandry, when in fact the owner could be a very diligent and hard working herp keeper with nothing but the animals' best interests at heart. But, because of the impact that 1st impression has, you will always look at it in a negative aspect.

This analogy can be applied to you and your videos, with the addition of one major detail... you have posted many videos, and we have constantly seen rough (and in this case dangerous) handling, incorrect information, and to top it all off, its all at the hands of a 15 year old that calls himself "Snakemaster." There is not a person in the world who could in good conscience convict us of being rash or unfair with the way we react to you. In my opinion, I think we've all kept our responses quite mild. I for one have been incredibly careful to show restraint for the sake of this forum. But just know that I wouldn't even trust you in my snake room for an hour.

Saying that you love your reptiles and only want the best for them is not enough David. You have to actually do it. I've said it before, and I'll say it again... these animals rely solely on us to care for them properly. Their lives are literally in our hands. With only a few pieces of information, any yahoo can keep a snake alive, but if that snake has little to no quality of life, then they might as well be dead.
 
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snakemaster24 said:
Dude really if my caging was sao bad you wouldnt have offered on another forum to ship me a boa. How bout I post pics of a cage and you can tell me what is wrong with it.
Click to expand...

Yea, David...I'll sell you a boa...with a signed slip from your mother or a money order signed by her. So? :shrugs:

Your mediocre husbandry has less to do with your cages than your handling, but if you'd like to focus on the cages...OK...

First...ALL of your snakes have but one hide.

Second...*most* of your enclosures are topped with UV light.

Third...Co-habitation.

Shall I continue?

The main problem with your videos isn't the cages...it's your lack of accurate information and your lack of regard and care when handling your snakes. You are rough with your snakes. You drop your snakes. You shove video cameras in their faces when they are OBVIOUSLY stressed out (your "aroboreal" black ratsnake). You handle your snakes unnecessarily when they are showing visible signs of stress and discomfort.

You have inaccurate and wrong information scattered throughout your videos and you present yourself as knowledgeable.

THESE are the the things that make your husbandry mediocre and your videos bad. Not your cages.
 
First there are 2 hides in almost all my cages
second USED to be UV on one cage but I changed the bulb
Third I don't cohabitat any more
 
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