All I wanted to do is make the iguana world better.

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Posted by Derek on June 26, 1999 at 03:00:43:

Last night, I sent a friendly letter to ZooMed, informing them about a photo of an iguana on a heat rock and how heat rocks are not a good choice of heat source for iguanas. I recieved a very standard response letter, that seemed to give me the impression that they probably wouldn't do anything about it. So, I told the IML about it and the response was overwhelming. Enough that ZooMed was flooded with mail and actually promised to change their direction in the sale of heat rocks. So, great! We did it. We made a difference. So why do I feel like nothing has changed. Everyone will have a difference of opinion...that's just human nature, and it's totally acceptable by me. But what I don't understand is this. Why does everyone have to take offense, start name calling, and fighting about opinions. The discussion here, on the IML, and in the chat rooms is full of opinions and people will disagree about everything...but come on...be nice. I admit, I'm guilty too, but I'm putting a stop to it once and for all...at least on my end. My iguana died last month. Since then, I've done nothing but try to help, try to learn, try to make a difference, and try to educate (as little as I may know...I do try to pass it along.) Most iguana owners are utterly confused. Right now I bet some guy in a pet store somewhere is selling an iguana with a bad book and bad care instructions. Right now, I bet there are tons of iguanas dying because of bad information. Right now, I bet someone is feeding their iguana lettuce and cat food. Misinformation is rampant! Meanwhile, we (I say we, because I'm guilty too) spend so much time bickering over one specific little thing someone may have just mentioned in passing...absolutely meaning no harm, and then we spend so much wasted time fighting. I keep hearing about the "iguana community" and it really puzzles me why they would call us a community. Yes, the iguana community is full of many very caring and knowledgeable people. To these people, I applaud you. Iguanas come first...period. I see so many problems with what is wrong with iguana care. Maybe it's because I'm new to the "iguana community" and all, but I just wish ALL of you would share my concerns and like I said, all I wanted to do is make the iguana world better! Thank you very much and don't bother responding to this. I'm sick of the fighting and sick of the people with opinions to give and none to take. Until the day that we can think like an iguana, there are no iguana experts. There are many people with facts, opinions, and knowledge, but no experts. Everyone's opinion on iguana care means something and everyone should learn how to listen and accept it for what it is...an opinion. So I'm taking a long break from all of this. I should be glad we accomplished something that was long overdo with the heat rock topic. I would rather spend my time learning, researching, and enjoying iguanas on my own. Thanks a lot, and I hope you all do the best you can in caring for and learning about your iguanas.

Follow Ups:

Re: All I wanted to do is make the iguana world better. cirsisue 6/26/99 (0)
Re: You have & You do! BabyHerp 6/26/99 (1)
- Yeah.............what she said! ...............N/M Skinny 6/26/99 (0)
You know how I feel about this, Derek........ Skinny 6/26/99 (2)
- Re: You know how I feel about this, Derek........ kev 6/26/99 (1)
  - Sorry........wasn't thinking...N/M Skinny 6/27/99 (0)

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: Last night, I sent a friendly letter to ZooMed, informing them about a photo of an iguana on a heat rock and how heat rocks are not a good choice of heat source for iguanas. I recieved a very standard response letter, that seemed to give me the impression that they probably wouldn't do anything about it. So, I told the IML about it and the response was overwhelming. Enough that ZooMed was flooded with mail and actually promised to change their direction in the sale of heat rocks. So, great! We did it. We made a difference. So why do I feel like nothing has changed. Everyone will have a difference of opinion...that's just human nature, and it's totally acceptable by me. But what I don't understand is this. Why does everyone have to take offense, start name calling, and fighting about opinions. The discussion here, on the IML, and in the chat rooms is full of opinions and people will disagree about everything...but come on...be nice. I admit, I'm guilty too, but I'm putting a stop to it once and for all...at least on my end. My iguana died last month. Since then, I've done nothing but try to help, try to learn, try to make a difference, and try to educate (as little as I may know...I do try to pass it along.) Most iguana owners are utterly confused. Right now I bet some guy in a pet store somewhere is selling an iguana with a bad book and bad care instructions. Right now, I bet there are tons of iguanas dying because of bad information. Right now, I bet someone is feeding their iguana lettuce and cat food. Misinformation is rampant! Meanwhile, we (I say we, because I'm guilty too) spend so much time bickering over one specific little thing someone may have just mentioned in passing...absolutely meaning no harm, and then we spend so much wasted time fighting. I keep hearing about the "iguana community" and it really puzzles me why they would call us a community. Yes, the iguana community is full of many very caring and knowledgeable people. To these people, I applaud you. Iguanas come first...period. I see so many problems with what is wrong with iguana care. Maybe it's because I'm new to the "iguana community" and all, but I just wish ALL of you would share my concerns and like I said, all I wanted to do is make the iguana world better! Thank you very much and don't bother responding to this. I'm sick of the fighting and sick of the people with opinions to give and none to take. Until the day that we can think like an iguana, there are no iguana experts. There are many people with facts, opinions, and knowledge, but no experts. Everyone's opinion on iguana care means something and everyone should learn how to listen and accept it for what it is...an opinion. So I'm taking a long break from all of this. I should be glad we accomplished something that was long overdo with the heat rock topic. I would rather spend my time learning, researching, and enjoying iguanas on my own. Thanks a lot, and I hope you all do the best you can in caring for and learning about your iguanas.

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