I get yelled at a lot.

Paul B

Paul B

Premium Member
I have to qualify that. I have been noticing that many times when I post something there are people that tell me that I can't say that because a Noob will read it and think it is OK to do.
What do I say to that? I know I do have a wierd way of explaining things, I am certainly guilty of that, and I am also guilty of not saying "in my opinion" all the time. I also forget that Noobs do read this stuff even though it is not in a Noob forum and they may feel that they should do what I do.
Well they should not, unless I say it is for Noobs to do or unless you have quite a few years of doing this.
So I am sorry if I ever mis led any noobs, or anyone else.
When I say something like "I" don't quarantine, that is not to mean that "you" should not quarantine. If you have a new tank, and I mean that to be under about 5 or 7 years old, you should quarantine.
If I mention that I sometimes use bleach to purify NSW, I may forget to say that "You" probably should not do that.
I unfortunately said many (fifty) times that I don't have test kits. But you should test. I tested for many years but "now" after those many years, I don't have to test any more.
I am no smarter than anyone on here, but I am older than most and I didn't learn on the internet so I have different (wierder) ways to do things.
I also don't have the best tank on here and I am not the God of fish so listen to everyone before you come to a decision especially if you are a noob.
I get PMs all the time asking to explain something. (like should I put bleach in my tank "NO")
Sorry but I also have ideas about ich and hair algae. I will try to keep those ideas quiet as they cause all sorts of conflicts.
What else can I apoligize for? Oh yeah, I apologize for being bald. :dance:

Have a great day. But before you do, get a few opinions first. :lol2:
 
I feel your pain Paul. Unfortunately there are people who believe consensus of opinion is the same thing as science. I always say "IMO" or "its been my experience" and remind people that if they are not a vet, a biologist or have a supporting scientific journal their "facts" are speaking out of their a$$.
 
My plane is grounded today and I feel very philosophical too.
I honestly can't think of any hobby/addiction/pastime/ whatever, that is more opinion-drive than ours. There are some set-in-stone rules of course, but even those change. IMO, almost everything on this forum is based on opinion, experience, and observation. Add the fact that we are dealing with live and ever-changing aquatic environments and ever-expanding knowledge----there are always going to be totally different answers to questions. IMO, the smart hobbyist will to plenty of research, consider the source,decide what makes sense, add his own experience, and come to a conclusion. Except in areas where there is solid scientific research; there probably is always room for different opinions, most having some merit. Of course, some also have no merit whatever; that's where the learning and common sense come in. Any hobbyist who doesn't realize this and just grabs the first answer (or worse, whatever is easiest) is in real trouble.
BTW, you can follow VP Joe "Plugs" Biden and solve the baldness thing.
 
Any post by any member in this forum should be considered just that. A post of information from what I would hope is personal experience. One should research and gather differents opinions before coming to their own conclusion on the situation or matter.
 
tomaquar said:
I feel your pain Paul. Unfortunately there are people who believe consensus of opinion is the same thing as science. I always say "IMO" or "its been my experience" and remind people that if they are not a vet, a biologist or have a supporting scientific journal their "facts" are speaking out of their a$$.
Click to expand...

Good Post! "IMO & IME" are probably the most used terms in my RC vocabulary,(Except for "use a QT, idiot"!) and I still don't use them enough.
 
I just follow Paul B's advice and ignore the consensus opinion. :lol2: It is easier and we now have an apology if it is wrong. What could be better? :fun5:
 
I can say i love this site and probably spend more time on it than my woman would like. But, i learn a lot and what i learn and what i do does not always come from what one person says but usually from what a lot of people say. I read alot on here and usually try what makes sense to me. Just because one person does it doesnt make it right or doesnt mean it works. Don't feel bad about what you say a lot in this hobby is trial and lots of error. Not everything fits for everybodys tank. "in my opnion" post what you want i enjoy seeing what other people!
 
I enjoy all your posts. I'm a noob. Doesn't mean I'm going to throw bleach in my tank this year! Hey, maybe next year :).

Keep posting and sharing...your experiential knowledge is pretty priceless. That you are willing to share it is appreciated.

There's no shortage of opinions on how things should be run in a reef tank. Sifting through it all is my job, it is not someone else's job to protect me from opinions they feel are incorrect. You are not responsible for anything I choose to do with my tank. I hereby relieve you of that onus and encourage you to keep sharing. Thanks.
 
IMHO, this turned out well and no one yelled at me. :rolleyes:
I am very sensitive you know. :lol:

April, I try to make it a point to explain things, but I usually forget because I have been doing this to long for my own good and I guess I mistakenly feel it is just common sence.

A guy wrote me once complaining that I told him to put bleach in his tank and his fish died.
Now even if I said that (which I didn't) would anyone put bleach in a tank of fish?
I mean really.
 
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I read an interesting study quite a few years ago. Had to do with teaching people things, in this case, orienting new nurses. The study found that the "expert's" were less effective as teachers than fellow nurses with perhaps a year or two on the new one. This had to do with how the "expert" brain works. It's difficult to explain to a new person when your brain automatically skips so many steps at the expert level. Someone with less experience wasn't hard wired yet and could more clearly explain each individual step to achieve the desired outcome. So, Paul, it's not your fault, it's the fault of your expert brain.
 
I, personally, try to take the information and advice given and think about how it applies to my own specific situation. All tanks are different in subtle ways. And I admit that it took me a while to figure that out. Once I realized this the opinions and advice became even more valuable as it took on a whole new meaning.


But I never would pour bleach in my outboard engine.:rolleyes:
 
Having a bad day? You do point out some good stuff. People do need to think for themselves. I mean if I saw someone post a thread about getting rid of algae or a pest using something I feel would be harmful to my tank I think I'd keep looking for other solutions.
 
I know now not to use bleach in my tank. :) All I can say is WOW ......I wonder what the show Tanked get's via e-mail.....Hey, Should I add 25 fish to a 40 gallon tank all at once like you did?
 
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