- Joined
- Aug 24, 2003
- Messages
- 373
I just wanted to comment on a few things that I have noticed over the years. I did mention this briefly under another thread, however, I felt that my opinion/feelings on the topic deserve their own thread.
First, allow me to start with a PM that I had recently from Buthus. I was inquiring about what he may have available with regard to widows for sale.
Here is a portion of what he had to say. I felt that it served as an incredible example of why this hobby is such a great one and how his genuine love for - and promotion of the Latrodectus is one that we should all adopt!
I remember years ago, there seemed to be very few interested in Latros. Now it has grown to be a "sub-culture" of sorts.
With that said, it is my belief that the "Widow Culture" can be kept to a group dedicated to the promotion of our favorite Genus via trade, exchange, etc. versus high priced sales etc.
I for one do not mind buying things but it is a bit discouraging to see "pricelists" in which L.bishopi slings are selling for 25.00-30.00 simply because of "supply and demand" When I see L.geos or L.mactans listing for 15.00 each, it just floors me. Especially when you know how plentiful these little buggers are.
I understand the dealers offering things at this price because this is their "bread and butter." They are selling at higher prices becauses there are many more things that factor into their pricing because they are trying to run a business.
I think it is important to note that selling things in order to continue to fund your own projects is entirely different than simply selling to make a profit.
Example: A few months back, I PM'd Jordan asking for L.bishopi eggsacs. He offered me pricing at 70.00 for an eggsac.
I felt that was an incredible deal. Unfortunately at that time, the wife had put a nix on purchasing anything "spider related," however, his generosity via "fair pricing" was something that has stuck with me ever since.
Anyhow, perhaps we should start a "Widow Co-op"
Enough of my rambling but I would like to hear others thoughts on this.
And to those diehard "Widowists" I offer you my sincere gratitude!
First, allow me to start with a PM that I had recently from Buthus. I was inquiring about what he may have available with regard to widows for sale.
Here is a portion of what he had to say. I felt that it served as an incredible example of why this hobby is such a great one and how his genuine love for - and promotion of the Latrodectus is one that we should all adopt!
Amazing! Buthus, forgive me for not getting permission to share the PM but your attitude regarding the hobby is impressive!I give, I trade, but so far I have not sold a single spider ...honestly. So keep that in mind ...maybe u could help me stabilize one of my weaker lines (Laos for example), hook me up with a spider expert for ID purposes or hook me up with some interesting local Steatoda species from your area or something like that.
BTW ...the way to keep this little end of the hobby going is by the few of us that are truly interested in these species to get lines going and somewhat stable, then distribute them to other serious keepers. That way when someones line breaks down or is killed off or he needs to take a break etc etc ... he can restart with the specie by simply contacting another keeper. If we allow these species to become a business venture, then we get what we deserve. ...not as much fun at an even higher cost
I remember years ago, there seemed to be very few interested in Latros. Now it has grown to be a "sub-culture" of sorts.
With that said, it is my belief that the "Widow Culture" can be kept to a group dedicated to the promotion of our favorite Genus via trade, exchange, etc. versus high priced sales etc.
I for one do not mind buying things but it is a bit discouraging to see "pricelists" in which L.bishopi slings are selling for 25.00-30.00 simply because of "supply and demand" When I see L.geos or L.mactans listing for 15.00 each, it just floors me. Especially when you know how plentiful these little buggers are.
I understand the dealers offering things at this price because this is their "bread and butter." They are selling at higher prices becauses there are many more things that factor into their pricing because they are trying to run a business.
I think it is important to note that selling things in order to continue to fund your own projects is entirely different than simply selling to make a profit.
Example: A few months back, I PM'd Jordan asking for L.bishopi eggsacs. He offered me pricing at 70.00 for an eggsac.
I felt that was an incredible deal. Unfortunately at that time, the wife had put a nix on purchasing anything "spider related," however, his generosity via "fair pricing" was something that has stuck with me ever since.
Anyhow, perhaps we should start a "Widow Co-op"
Enough of my rambling but I would like to hear others thoughts on this.
And to those diehard "Widowists" I offer you my sincere gratitude!