I need help--really lots of it.

It has been interesting during the past 4-6 weeks. A lot of people have offered a lot of opinions about trying to change something.

It seems some get lost in the futility of trying to make a difference. Or, they think that signage is only a small part of the probelm. Or they figure it won't make a difference if people actually get accurate species specific information.

All I understand that if something is broken it needs to get fixed. And, it never gets fixed if we all sit on the sidelines and just talk about it. So, send those letters--or e.mail them--it will make a difference.

if you need an ideas for a topic go to our site--look at my signature--and find something you can use.
 
WOW that took a LONG time to read that whole post. But none the less I have gone to PetSmart and the people on the sales floor and POP are too "Smart" ive gotten Bogus info before. Thats why I do my own research and get helpfull advise from AC :) Im going to check out my Local Petsmart and see if their POP are Fubar :devil:
 
Linda Scott with PetSmart's Corp Communication department has been sending responses to individuals throughout the course of the week as result of letters and e.mails concerning the need for "Accuracy In Information". It is an interesting e.mail and will be posted in its entirety at www.noclownsinacube.net over the weekend. It was a thoughtful answer. Unfortunately it has created the need for additional help and assistance.

We are soliciting photos from hobbyists of tank reared specimens of certain species. here is what we are after:
•Clown Loach / Botia macracantha / Specimens in excess of 7"TL
•Tin Foil Barb / Barbus schwanenfeldi / Specimens in excess of 8"TL
•Green Terror / Aequidens rivulatus / Specimens in excess of 6" TL
•Midas Cichlid / Amphilophus citrinellus / Specimens in excess of 8" TL
•Oscar Varieties / Astronotus ocellatus / Specimens in excess of 10"
•Jack Dempsey / Cichlasoma octofasciatum / Specimens in excess of 6"

We will need to be able to visually verify the TL in the photos. And, information regarding tank size and age of fish would be very beneficial.

Our photo gallery link: http://www.noclownsinacube.net/gallery/index.php

We need the support of hobbyists to accomplish this. The conversation with retailers must remain an active one. Your help is appreciated. If you have any questions about our effort feel free to PM me.

If you are gifted with the camera and have the ability to visually document the TL of your fish, but don't have the specimens we listed above, visit our site. Click on the Retailer v. Reality link. Scroll through the list and find the fish with disparities between the retailers and the species information listed. If you have a species with a disparity of significance, take a photo of that species and upload the photos to our gallery.

PS--we are adding a Petco/Petland/DrsFoster and Smith/Walmart and other retailer pages. we have begun to collect and collate data on a number of retailers. we will engage them as we progress..and we will make it easier for you to engage them as well.
 
you guys are doing a wonderful job. keep up the good work.
 
one of thse other species not listed above--yet fairly common:

Texas Cichlid / Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum / Specimen 6"TL or larger.

Get those cameras--get those scales--check the list at our site (soon it will be a database vs. current spreadsheet--all good things take time--lol)--start uploading those photos.
 
Thanks for all your help. Progress is being made. An update of details:

We have obviously been sending letters and e.mails. Turns out lots of them. They made it to the desks of the addressees and were routed to the DVM responsible for Quality Assurance.

We have spoken with Dr. Saint-Erne. We have exchanged e.mails. The topic of concern that is the common thread of the exchanges is Accuracy In Information as it relates to:

•Context of data provided. Point of applicability to the time continuum defined by the life of the particular fish.
•Point of Origin. Turns out that the data provided (South America, Africa…) was not intended as consumer data. Rather it is plan-o-gram data for use by store associates when stocking tanks. A bit confusing—lol.
•Fish Size. The primary source to be utilized was provided nearly two weeks ago. PETsMART has suggested several secondary sources as well as asking for hobbyist input for additional resources.
•Stocking Guidelines. Currently the 1” per gallon rule. They will examine alternative methods.
•Tank Size. They recognize clarity of information issue. Currently defined by need at time of purchase. We are striving to achieve a size based upon authoritative resources that describe “typical size achieved in home aquaria”. A tough task.
•Additives. Some signage suggests a certain additive. The utility of which is questionable depending upon actual chemistry of source water and changes that may be occurring as a consequence of substrate of other décor.
•Care Guide water testing description.
•The Care Guides in general.

The discussions and correspondence have demonstrated the willingness of PETsMART to include hobbyists and customers in the process. It does not mean that every item people dislike or could argue with will be changed. Rather, the information will be provided in a fashion that is clear to the consumer and is clearly based on “authoritative resources”. We can ask for no better commitment than that.

We have more detail, and more detail will be posted over the weekend, than this for viewing and comment on our board. We will select critical passages from additional correspondence exchanged. We will “extract” not “edit” any comments. At the same time the “extracts” will be provided with any commentary required to place them in context.

We do not wish to misrepresent or allow individuals to misconstrue the discussions that have occurred. At the same time we have no desire to present verbatim transcripts and copies. PETsMART does have competitive and confidentiality concerns. We will honor those very legitimate concerns. They have fish to sell. We have fish to buy. Open and honest discussions can be held only when the concerns of all parties are respected.

The discussions have only bolstered and reaffirmed our respect for PETsMART as a responsible retailer concerned with Responsible Husbandry and the Humane and Ethical treatment of animals.
 
gagaliya said:
can someone summarize this thread into 1 paragraph please.
Click to expand...


False advertiseing is WRONG (not to mention illegal) and PetSmart should take responsibility for misleading and lying to its costomers. Especially when they claim to care so much about the animals they sell!
 
That is one way to look at it, i guess. I'm not a lawyer so I am staying out of that area.

I would probably characterize the current situation differently.

I think PETsMART is currently involved in carefully reviewing signage to see how it could be improved to better serve their customers, clarify any confusion created as a result of cross purposes, and check for errors that may have inadvertantly crept in as a result of an improved knowledgebase and better scientific data on a species basis since their last review. At the same time I think it is fair to say that they are carefully reviewing the use of "authoritative resources" as primary, secondary and tertiary sources in an attempt to provide the best data available. And, they have a man heading up the process that has the academic and professional credentials to get the job done.
 
Horay for petsmart. I am glad they are adressing the issue. Bravo all the letters worked. :)
 
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