What sources, other than the Forums, do you use to talk/learn about chameleons?

[Decadancin]

So, it seems simple, but what do you use and why? What do you like about this platform and what do you like about others? Who is doing the best job with chameleon information? What do you use the Forums for?

I may set up a poll with categories to get a consensus from your feedback, so please share your thoughts .

 

[MissSkittles]

I stick strictly to the forum. I had joined some of the Facebook groups, but they were most definitely not for me. My patience has its limits and there was just far too much idiocy and inconsistency.
I enjoy the sense of community here and being able to share with others about our animals. Whether it is asking a question, sharing pics or just celebrating these beautiful lives and all that goes with keeping them, we ‘get’ each other. It’s no secret that I enjoy helping new keepers however I can. In terms of husbandry, we are pretty much all on the same page with the basics.
Over the past year, I’ve noticed the forum slowing down and it saddens me. Very few stick around after getting the help they need.

 

[LizardLurkin]

I enjoy it here the most, personally, but I started with getting information from Neptune the Chameleon and Bill Strand's Chameleon Academy. Neptune covers a lot of niche topics so she was a really great help for nailing down enclosure set up with screen enclosures as well as getting feeding down.
I have been enjoying Petr Necas's website and seeing his more varied thoughts.

Initially I got interested in keeping my own chameleon due to checking the r/chameleons reddit, but they ended up shadowbanning me for mentioning this place and chameleon academy when offering advice...

 

[kinyonga]

@MissSkittles said…”Over the past year, I’ve noticed the forum slowing down and it saddens me. Very few stick around after getting the help they need”…I’ve mentioned this a couple of times on here and even told some of the members that they should continue to visit here, to spread the knowledge/experience they acquired while here, with others by continuing to post. They don’t usually do it sadly.

I’m not surprised by the decline in the activity and participation here because people are learning how to keep the chameleons and thus not needing to ask so many questions. Sad in a way…but it makes sense in a way too IMHO.

As you already know…I search for papers, studies and even played a small part in some studies to try to continually learn more. I have interacted with some vets over the years as well.

What I like about this forum is the friendliness/respect of it and how willing people are to share information and things here that they have learned. I like that it is constantly growing/updated as the information and learning progress.

 

[ehdee6]

I do a lot of lurking on Facebook, but (as per the usual on Facebook) I find a lot of it is misinformation and ignorance. I'd rather spend my time with quality people and experienced information... Which usually leads me to forums; where the people are kept accountable, and take the time to articulate a response. That may because of the monitors keeping things civil and factual... But whatever my interest may be, I always find forums to be more inviting, personable and factual... Unlike Reddit, X(?), or Facebook; where accountability is left unchecked.

Other than my brother (who kept chams years ago); I only rely on this forum, chameleon academy, gringo, and Petr Necas for correct chameleon care.

 

[absolutbill]

I'm old enough on here to mention learning from books (Jewels of the Garden and others like it), as well as the Chameleon Academy podcast, and Petr's FB page. Also I think I'm a member of one other on there but it rarely shows up for me. I try to come on here from time to time, but life just ends up getting in the way. I am, however, immensely grateful for all those who have helped me over the years, and I met Jann B through here who is a delightful person.

 

[jamest0o0]

I will probably do a mix of searching random topics and asking here for some latest updates when I get my enclosure set up. If this forum didn’t have a sense of nostalgia for me, I’d probably never post, but that goes for any forums/social media. Time is flying and sometimes it’s nice to just check in and see my old friends here posting, giving updates, etc. I was a kid when I joined this forum, now I have kids in school… a lot of crazy ups and downs over the years while still coming here to post or read about things. I also miss some of the entertaining personalities that were here. Too much maturity now(JK-sort of )

Unfortunately, I think AI will do a number on all forums. It may not be there yet, but when we’re at the point where you can get reliable info on anything that crosses your mind, there won’t be much use for forums. People will just post updates on social media and such.

I think the forum’s best chance is to just hone in on the feeling of an animal/chameleon community, involving each other, talking, etc. Not that it doesn’t already.

All JMO

 

[Motherlode Chameleon]

As long as the Chameleon Forums is up and running I am going to visit this site. I prefer the hands on relations with a community of similarly minded people. I think cell phones and AI dependance is way over done these days and prefer gleaning my chameleon and etc.. information from a community/Chamily of similarly minded people. When/if the Chameleon Forums is up a going I am going to continue to visit this site.

Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich