I think the only thing this place is missing is a profile section... I know it's alot of work for one individual to do, so this is a thought...

How much trouble is it to set up another section or folder, maybe title it "Species Experience" or something along that line???

Then, between all of us, we each start a thread with the title being the name of the species we want to contribute> (For example, topic title "Metriaclima Caillanos, Cobalt Blue Zebra".

In that thread, we would post a pic of a known male and known female, and give a bit of our experience with this fish, adult size, temperament, good tank mates, etc. If we only had a pic of one sex, someone else might be able to furnish the other sex pic. Then if someone had pics of fry or juvies, that could be added later in the thread, as well. Everyone could note their experiences with this particular species under that thread, and it would be a learning base for those considering keeping that species.

Am I nuts?

I'm just thinking this would be a different way to do it, and we all know we strive to be different here at ACF. And I think it would be great to be able to provide a profile that would also contain different fishkeepers experience with this species.

My organizational skills are taking over my life...

Just thought I'd put it out there. There may be a very logical reason why we have never done something like this, but it's just a fish thought that entered my head while I should be working!

Kim

I have seen this done on other forums and it rarely stays on topic. Someone sees a pic they like and well, you know what happens next...

A species profile section has been discussed and the idea has not been dismissed. There are some current software limitations that may lead to some future upgrades.

A section for threads as you suggested Kim would a helpful tool for gathering info and pics to assist in the build for an eventual species profile section, however, keeping it on topic might be a trick

I think it sounds like a great idea Kim. I use another site quite often for their profile section, and although their profiles are very helpful, it all too often falls short in adequately describing the species. I think being able to read others' experience with the species would be awesome!

This does sound great but I'd have to agree with Les. I think it could be a task to keep it all under control.. we would almost have to keep it locked so no one can just post stuff without it first being reviewed by a admin or mod.







KIM to answer your question

Am I nuts?



NOPE your not it is the rest of us who have issues

Okay...so we could post a "sticky" and explain the situation, telling everyone to ONLY post their experiences with that particular species???

And then we could put someone tough and mean in charge of that section with the power to DELETE...

I just saw something similiar a long time ago on a fish forum, can't remember where it was, but it was really neat. So many people have such different experiences with one species, depending on the way they do it and what their set up is. And so many times people are told they CAN'T possibly do something when it's being done right and left. There is so much that you need to know about keeping a species than what part of the lake they are from! And we have such a varied bunch here, keeping a bit of everything, and I'm sure everyone has alot to offer.

Oh, well...It might take me another year to come up with another idea...

Kim

Mrs.C. I think that is an absolutley brilliant idea... ...it would be great to be able to research a prospective buy right here, instead of having to use "another site". (and I think I know where your going...I go there quite often myeslf) And your right about it being...uhm...non-informative about some of the species they have listed.



But along with members posting their fish and experiences, the Mod of that section would also need to check around on the web and gather info for posting in that particular fish's profile...things that the owner or anyone else might not know. On top of being...as you put it...mean and tough.LOL



So all in all, once again...brilliant...absolutley brilliant!

Why, thank you, kind sir...

I'd just like to see us be a bit more "self contained" and have our own resources.

But I realize it is a huge undertaking, much larger than I know from the outside looking in. I would be glad to help out, though...(puppy dog eyes)

I think a little library would be great, too, where we could post articles or links to articles???

Am I gonna get in trouble again???

Kim

You're right about that Kim. HUGE! LOL When we started talking about it I had no idea how many factors go into making something like this. It's quite a project! I think this is something everyone on the staff wants to happen, but like our Admin Les said - there are software and copyright issues. Trust me when I say that we're all thinking about it and even working on it, but it will take time. A LOT of time. When it happens we all want our priofiles to be the best reference on the web and won't settle for junk just to get it done - it's gotta be quality! Thank you for bringing it to view again. It will remind us to get a move on! LOL

Nah...you aint gonna be in trouble...if'in ye are, just hollar...Mongo will come runnin.

And by the way...I have about three years of old "TFH" magazines to get some interesting articles from.

Yes "Mrs.", to answer your question,, "am I nuts".

ABSOLUTELY,, thats the reason I like you so much.

I too think it's a very good idea to have members "experiences" in a profile along with proof of pic. I know that members on the forum can get together with other members that have all kinds of info regarding their species. They can share info togehter, pics, expeirences with each other before putting it into the "library".

I mean, if you think about it,,with having members post EXPERIENCES they have had with certain species, I think it would give the person a better outlook as to what he/she might expect.

I for one have learned more from other members experiences rather than do what is "supposed" to be done.

I completely agree. Good post AP.

I wish I could remember what the site was where I first saw it done...It was when we first started keeping cichlids, and it was great. It would be categorized under the species name, and topped off with a pic of the male and female, with some very basic info on that species underneath in the initial post. Then, members were able to add on their experiences with that species. It was really great, and helped me out so much.

Oh, well, someday...

Kim

I think I know the site you're talking about Kim. It can be a great way to construct profiles, but at the same time you want to be sure that the members' experiences are accurate. Keeping one species of tropheus for a couple of months doesn't make one an expert on the entire genus. It takes time to get to know these fish so you want those member experiences to be of value and substance. But - you can't get those good experiences with taking some of the bad. It's a balance, and as this project moves forward I'm sure we'll all work to find the balance. Cheers!

Great point Matt ! and thinking about your statement makes me really realize the amount of work needed for this.. Huge isn't the word. but I think we hae the proper people in a row to take it on some time..

I DO NOT want to steal this thread from the "Mrs.". But can I make a suggestion?

Yeah,,,,really,,,ok then here goes.

How about "pinning" in the "photo section" a thread where members can put a pic of their fish with just the "proper" name attached to it? If possible,,putting the fry in so we can see,,"before and after", fry to adult.

Even if we PM them to a Mod. so he/she can post them like it were to be a "contest" so it would look like a "library" and not a bunch of post??

We have alot of great looking fish on the forum and I think it would be a little easier for members (including myself) to be able to look up something that is mentioned elsewhere in the forum.

This way we can take a look at certian species some of us know nothing about as far as colours,, and even learning their proper names.

Then maybe,,just maybe,,,"Mrs." idea will someday fall into place a little faster???

If I may...thank you...to expand on APs idea, why not put the pics under the approproate lake section. That way if I wanted to look up some tangs, I wouldnt have to dih through the gallery section to find tham. I could go to that section and find a pinned thread with pics of fish from that lake.and be able to peruse at my leisure.

But in doing this, we might be taking Larry and Klaus out of thier jobs.LOL

wow,,,pretty scary when WE start thinking alike Mongo.

Great idea though,,,who ever said you wore a helmet on a short bus??

nah...not me, but I'm sure that there are a couple of "window lickers" floating around on here.

I am frightened...AP and Mongo have got their thinking caps on! At the same time???

That's a great idea, guys!

Kim

Great ideas folks. I'll do some investigating and get back to you about it ASAP.

Posting in the lake specific areas does sound like a great idea.

Sooooo sorry AP things are not moving fast enough for you

We are discussing ideas and the best way to do this, we don't want it to look shoddy and unprofessional. We are closer to figuring this out now. Not a bad idea guys if I do say so...one thing I would thing a separate section would be the way to go...too many pinned threads doesnt' look good, and we could end up with a first page on each section that has all pinned threads.

WOW,,,I am not complaining because YOU may be working to slooow.

And just for that,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I nominate Debbied for this job!!!!!

Just teasing you AP, I was shocked that you were thinking though

Well I do have the knowledge and the lists for creating this species profiles.

Many of us on Malawi Mayhem constructed a species profiles for all of the rift lake fish as well as warm water marine fish/corals/inverts.

Since they already had one for malawi mayhem it worked out quite well!

If you'd like I'd be willing to help using Larry's and others pictures to make this one awesome species profile!

Garrett