Urgent Care :: Shell thing

[CountryGirl68]

It doesn't sound to me like Marisa's comment "Forced basking is not safe for your turtle!" was meant as disrespect. She was just making a point as to the important of not forcing a turtle to bask.

Unfortunately, when we communicate in writing only (as we do here), only the words themselves communicate. Not using enough descriptive words can leave alot open to interpretation by the reader. In order to get a point across, some will use punctuation, such as an exclamation point (!) to indicate the importance of what they are saying. If we were to add a smiley icon so the comment doesn't seem harsh, it may be interpreted as "not so serious".

It's hard to picture what someone is describing when we are not actually seeing what is being described. As you said, Heather, in cases like that, others here are just taking a best guess as to what is being "said".

Because of that, when advice is given and the importance of it is conveyed with strong punctuation, it can be construed as critizism. Which I don't think is the case the majority of the time.

[missibsu]

Let me make one thing clear...if I wanted to be disrespectful, you would know it! I use exclamation points!!! all the time. Just go back and read some of my other posts.

There were two points mentioned that I couldn't agree with more. The lack of previous knowledge, when someone has a question, can be cause for someone repeating information that you may already know. Even if you have mentioned in another post, I am not likely to remember that you are the same person who posted previously. I read too many post on a daily basis to make that connection and I'm sure others are the same way.

The other point that I agree with is that words can often be mistaken, or given a tone of voice that wasn't intended by the writer. Usually when someone is mad, or frustrated, yelling, or wanting to get the point across, they are going to type in all caps. I use exclamation points to show excitement, or to push an understanding of something that I believe to be important.

If I misunderstood anything that you said, I apologize. But I don't think I'm asking too much for an apology in response since you decided to take it upon yourself to assign my words a tone of voice!

[Shavannah]

I guess it really is individual interpretation. I use the happy face when I am grateful for advise and ideas. I also use it to try to convey that I am not being harsh if I am speaking about something serious, so that the answer seeker may realize the compassion for the turtle in my answers. I feel it makes the seeker more comfortable to give more information that can help us give better advise. Just my opinion. None of the members I have received replies from for my questions have come off as being rude to me; not that I can tell, lol. I was referring to very old posts by some of the members that don't frequent here often anymore. Anyway, I hope this discussion between the few of us on this post has helped others realize that no one is trying to make anyone feel bad or hurt anyone's feelings. It's all for the health and happiness of our beloved turts!

[krend]

Usually, when someone over-reacts to something, it's because you've hit the nail on head...

ahem.

[Shavannah]

Do you mean about the growth of her turtle? Yeah... I just hope she reads as much info on here as she can, even if she doesn't want to communicate. I learned a heck of a lot, and I do mean a lot, and met some pretty nice people along the way!
Oh by the way, I wonder if she was measuring the length of the whole turtle with head and tail extended, and not just the shell...

If I misinterpreted what your post meant, krend, please let me know. Sometimes I just get confused, LOL.

[Shavannah]

kat: I love your second addition to your signature!
how are your litte jedis doing?

[krend]

Well, I think maybe she might have been a little over-sensitive. Some people cannot take advise - they see it as criticism. And she did say she was going to school to be a vet.. (another reason why she might have changed her mind on asking advice.)

Although, you know she must have really been kind of scared and wanted some advice in the first place to even post!

I could say more (because I'm chatty like that) but don't want to offend the original poster.

______________
Coconut and Banana are doing great - I think. They don't eat much, and I've tried a little of everything (that's good for them - I've read the stickies). But then I read that they can only eat as much as their little hollow heads can hold, so, well, I guess they are doing fine.
Banana, who was slightly yellow-green when I got her, looks a little darker, but also, the lines in her shell look different - darker, more defined, deeper. I've been watching to make sure this isn't an illness or something, but she appears to be just as active as before, not displaying any symptoms (like the many defined at this site) for any illness.

Both Coconut and Banana are extremely antisocial. I've taken to peeking around the corner to watch them be turtles; basking, swimming, sleeping on the floating plants... because if they even see a little bit of me, they take off swimming IN ANY DIRECTION as if I am the one of the four horsemen of Apocalypse! I just want watch them, dangit. Maybe take a couple pictures? Guess it's just their nature.

Going out to get a new feeding tub, so I don't have so much to clean in their tank. Also going to get a basking thermometer, to make sure that area is warm enough. Maybe some feeder fish.

Anyway, have a great day!

[Shavannah]

It will take some time for them to get used to you. Once they realize you're the one giving them their food, they'll calm down. They may still spaz off the basking dock if you come near, Gandalf still does sometimes and he's 3 yrs old. I just approach real slowly, and talk to him a little so he knows it's me. Doesn't always work though, lol.
Banana and Coconut will enjoy the fish, chasing and well you know...lol
Keep us posted on their progress. I'm glad to hear Banana's shell is looking better.

[krend]

Well, I don't think Banana's shell was bad to begin with. It was just yellow-green, you know, like baby shell. Sorta soft (both of them) still such little babies. I think that the shells are just getting harder as they get older, and that is affecting the color.

[steve]

This topic is now locked. It's a bit OT now, and there is no need to add to the topic. Thanks.