warning Creepy Crawly??

People can take a statement however they want. We do not intend it to be insulting, and this is the first time anyone has objected to it. As I have previously stated, it bring more people to the pages that have than might otherwise go - isn't that a good thing?

People who are afraid of cats or dogs do not write to me, nor do they visit the Pet of the Day website.

On your own website, you can put whatever you prefer, and I am sorry if anyone now finds the warning "offensive" - it is not intended to be, not at all, and I would hold anyone's snake or spider who would let me - I was a great dissappointment to boys on the playground in elementary school who would expect me to scream and run away when they approached me with a snake or bug in hand. I always asked to hold the critter, and made sure they weren't hurting it.

I appreciate the "creepy crawly" warning. I HAVE to see the picture, but I appreciate the warning. That way it's not so startling. In fact, when I see the CC warning, I go there first!! :p

This site is called Pet Talk (PetoftheDay.com). What are the most common animals that pop into someone's head when they hear the word 'pet'? Dogs and cats. What are less common animals that pop into someone's head? Snakes and spiders. I can understand why Karen put the warning on because she was looking out for the people who emailed her with concerns.

Now I personally believe that any creature is lovely and I don't think of snakes or spiders as either creepy or crawly but I do understand that people have phobias. If someone has a dog or cat phobia, they most likely will not be typing in 'petoftheday.com', therefore no warning on dog and cat photos.

I do also understand not wanting to hurt the owner's feelings with the warning though. Maybe Karen could email them the day before their animal is POTD and explain why the warning is there. I'm sure thats much more work than Karen needs, but just a suggestion.

Bottom line is this is Karen and Paul's site and they do everything in their power to keep everyone happy, but there are always going to be a few who aren't happy. If you guys could meet Karen and Paul, you'd see how nice and non-offensive they are!

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I guess I just cannot relate to people with severe enough phobias to be frightened by a very small picture.

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But they do exist, and their fears are very valid to them. Even if we don't experience something, we should try to empathise with others who do. It is a kind and mature thing to do, IMO.

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Originally posted by Twisterdog
But they do exist, and their fears are very valid to them. Even if we don't experience something, we should try to empathise with others who do. It is a kind and mature thing to do, IMO.

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I have to agree. Those of us who don't suffer from severe phobias do not understand the paralyzing fear people suffer from.
And I agree that no harm is being intended at all, and it is for the greater good of the viewers.
But however asking someone to change their avatar is by far ruder and meaner than just a creepy crawly warning.
I also think that until you walk a mile in a person's shoes...............
that means I/we shouldn't judge 1) another person feeling that the warning is rude. I don't think it is but I don't have any pets that are like what the warning is about. and 2) not understanding for the most part the 'phobia' that people have of different things be it flying, spiders, snakes, enclosed spaces or water etc. I don't know how they feel, so I don't know what would 'set them off'.
IMHO :)

Is this the sign??

http://petoftheday.com/archive/1999/March/12p.jpg

That's the one. I have objected to it once before, so I know that this wasn't the first time. I did say that I might send her in anyways though. I dunno...

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Originally posted by WolfChan
That's the one. I have objected to it once before, so I know that this wasn't the first time. I did say that I might send her in anyways though. I dunno...

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you should :)

Ok ok. :P

I appreciate the "Creepy Crawly" warning, personally, but I always come into the site through Pet of the Day, anyway, so it is a little too late for me by the time I see it! But you know what? I think it is a terrific idea. I wouldn't want a snake, spider, scorpion, etc as my own pet, but I appreciate the fact that others do have them as pets and enjoy them.

I can't imagine that a little warning would ever be offensive to anyone! I'm sure that the owners of these special pets have heard much worse from the general public!!

Karen, I think you do a terrific job and I fully support that warning! :)

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Originally posted by Logan
I appreciate the "Creepy Crawly" warning, personally, but I always come into the site through Pet of the Day, anyway, so it is a little too late for me by the time I see it!

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Same here. I come to the site through Pet of the Day, so there's no warning for me! :D