Just a thought

[instar]

Mr Slate, I had a thought about APS that would like to share.
I thought it might be nice For APS community to sponser the publication of its own "Begginners" book. When I found out Aps sponsers herps at ARP, i thought, How cool is that, what great community spirit! Anyway, there have been multiple post asking good book reccommends etc also Always newby questions. Further I have read your post regards running cost of keeping this site going, so......

I thought, how great would it be if APS wrote its own guide to keeping pythons, (for begginners) , It could answer all those questions newbys ask and more, the newby could talk "Live" via Aps to the author/s ! I thought APS (acknowledged experts) Like famous Bigguy Etc could provide info along with others, Many would share nice images from APS galleries for the book etc, (maybe comp for pics to be published) , Book could be sold online like APS caps Mugs whatever, profits would help pay running cost of site. What do you all think??? :?:

I know Ive seen some awsome ideas for enclosures etc here, plus endless great tips that you just dont get in run-o-the-mill books, and ive wished that member would write a book. Think how much better a book for beginners would be, filled with the best of everyones ideas, tips and knowhow. Specifically designed for people like us. Talks in MM or cm Not gallons etc Tells you where (here) to buy your equipment (dosent suggest wallmart) see where im going? Not only do you get the info upfront, (rather than later ,after mistakes.LOl) but you get to speak with the authors of that info for clarification. (how many of us get the oportunity to speak to Shine, or Barker, Cogger, or even John Weigal *spell from ARP ? And I think tips and info from the members is far more practicle than the wisdom of the greats anyway!

 

[Bryony]

that sounds great!!!!!!!
i would definatly buy a copy (i ask ALOT of questions, as you all know) and the book is a way to stop me from bugging you all

i would definatly be up for it

 

[Simon_Archibald]

Newbies should just be directed to this site and ask as many questions as needed. A book in my opinion would be unneccesary. All the old threads contain enough information to keep anyone interested and busy for a long time.

Simon Archibald

 

[NCHERPS]

I think a book sounds good, maybe a electronic book in PDF format, that would make it easily accessible for people accessing this site to have access to it rather than trolling through pages of old threads.
They can of course then ask any questions that they are not sure about in regards to the book.

Good idea Instar!

Neil

 

[instar]

A vitual Book, yeah thats it Nc herps, APS could sell it on disc maybe too?
A virtual APS magazine would be tops too, with Articles by our members!

 

[lutzd]

A good suggestion, but Simon has a good point as well.

The book could incorporate information from the Forum Posts. Perhaps the information for it could be compiled online, with everyone adding their suggestions. Someone could then go through and extract the best of these suggestions and edit them into a reasonable format.

I would think that once this is done, we could make it a downloadable PDF file. Whether this would be chargeable, would be up to Slatey, of course, although in the spirit of the community, I rather think it should be free.

Of course, finding someone with the time and editing expertise could be a small problem. I'd be willing to help out, but I couldn't guarantee how long it would take. Maybe there's someone out there with lots of time on their hands who'd be willing to help out??

 

[instar]

Sorry, Im not Qualified, Im P.C. "learn-with-me" stage. lol

 

[Simon_Archibald]

I actually think a downloadable PDF document would be quite useful. But, what happens when the editor chooses one method over another that have been suggested here in the forums.

For example, suggestion on how to raise humidity in an enclosure when a reptile is shedding. There is HEAPS of ways to do this, some ways are more effective than others. Some only work with a certain type of enclosure/substrate, etc, etc. That's why I think it's better if someone comes to the site and asks a question like "Hi, I have a 4x2x2ft enclosure for my Coastal Carpet. He's on breeders choice and temps are around 34 degrees. What is the best way to raise humidity for people who have this type of setup?"

Sure, people may still disagree in the thread as to which is the "best" way, but the debate on these topics usually reveals why certain methods work and then any newbies could apply the appropriate method to their situation.

I think it may possibly stir trouble with the more argumentative members, or even other members when they find the editor has left out their advice in favour of someone else's.

Simon Archibald

 

[instar]

One idea comes to mind.."stick-in-the-mud"! The inspiration was exactly, the needs of fellow reptile keepers, to access the kind of choice and variety of information , not avail in your average "How to keep reptiles" book. Im sure theres cyberspace enough for the opinions of anyone who has the knowhow, to provide a method/example that has worked well for him/her.
Provided its in the right spirit, teaching/learning. Think positive Simon, the world won't end for ages yet mate!

 

[Simon_Archibald]

Instar,
I fail to see how you can come to the conclusion that I'm being negative. I just think that it's going to be a lot of work for someone and at the end of the day, all the information and feedback anyone needs can be gained here. Exactly how many people do you think would actually pay for a book when the information is already here?

It's not being pessimistic, actually being more realistic. If I hurt your ego by not agreeing 100% with your idea, that's something you have to deal with, not me. You may have also missed the part where I said a downloadable form may be a good idea. I chose to extend on that with an example of why it might not work. If you've ever had anything to do with business management, you'd know this type of approach is called a risk analysis. If you're setting out to create a product of any description, you need to weigh up the pros and cons of it before you undertake anything.

Simon Archibald

 

[craig]

sounds like a good idea to me!!

 

[Slateman]

Yes it is possible. Somebody have to put lot of work in to it. If anybody is interested to start, PM me and I will call you to discuss details.
I think that we should start to work on beginners guide for each specie. Somebody should write simple version and put it in to forum, After all members reading it, people who do have more to add will be icaridge to do so and we can from all posts put together one article. After we finish one specie, we can start another. I would be happy in anybody can put his hand up to start first specie.

 

[instar]

I nominate the Bigguy !

 

[Greebo]

I like the idea of an actual book and not a 'virtual' one.
Of course, Gerry Swan and John Weigal already have these sort of books published already.
I have offered to help compile the information but if Bob Whitey was willing to be involved, his name would certainly give such a book credibility.
A book could be advertised and sold from this site, I definitely think there is a demand for it.

 

[Simon_Archibald]

but if Bob Whitey was willing to be involved

...I think Bob Withey might add even more credibility than Bob Whitey :wink:

Simon Archibald

 

[Greebo]

Hey,why not get both of them?

 

[Simon_Archibald]

Top idea!!!

Simon Archibald

 

[Slateman]

LOL guys
Bob do have lot of work arownd his business. I think that we should appreciate if he find bit of time to post here sometimes.
I do know that he is extremely busy most of the time.
I was hoping that some of the people who claiming to be experienced herpers here in past posts would have a go.

 

[bigguy]

Thanks for the nomination, but no thanks. As Slatey wrote, I have little time to scratch myself, let alone write articles or books.

I have had heaps of people wanting me to write a book on breeding Aussie Pythons and monitors, but I just do not have the time for such a project.

I had a bit to do with Barkers book, and an awfull lot with young Brian Kends Australian Python book, but that was a long time ago when I was no where near as busy.

 

[instar]

Woops! Sorry, I seem to have talked up a storm. I just thought it would be a nice and practicle
idea to have a site like this one (and there isnt many like this one) To write its own paperback ? herpbook[An introduction to pythons and snakes_ By the APS for biginners. ]Perfect for new reptile keepers to discover This site, but also to find that the site has its own book, written by the sites own members, avail . The new guy/Gal has the authors of the book to communicate with about the hobby. How many of you would like to have discovered such a dynamic duo, when you first decided to get a herp license? Im sure that some experienced keepers here could contribute heaps. Imagine how many new herpers we could all help so much. What does everyone else think? Who will write some stuff for mr Slate ? Hey Mr Slate, you keep snakes, why not you write some stuff that you have experience with, Your Son could help you out, Id love to read a Slateman caresheet!

Bob, we're disappointed but, fair enough. You should write a book yourself mate.