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[Gonzo]

I don’t think that it is a good thing for people to blindly accept any statement made as fact. I think that questioning such statements and asking for proof is an intelligent reaction. I believe that if something is written as fact, then the writer should be prepared to back it up with evidence. If someone can’t back up a statement with specific proof or evidence, then it should not be written as though it were a fact. Without proof, it is just their opinion, and should be clearly identified as just that – opinion. There is nothing wrong with having an opinion, but there is something wrong with passing opinion off as fact.
There is a good example of this type of thing in the "Please explain..." thread. Someone stated, as though it were an indisputable fact, that, “Every experienced keeper in the world knows that, on average, captive bred animals are far superior.” This is an extremely strong statement. “Every experienced keeper in the world”???? Exactly what level of experience do these keepers have? Are there any members of this forum that have this level of experience? Please state the level of experience required.
I’m not saying that the statement isn’t true, as I can't prove this. It’s possible that it is true. Personally, I don't think it is. I disagree and believe that some experienced keepers in the world don’t believe that captive bred animals are far superior. My belief could however be changed if some valid proof were presented.
I don’t think this statement is a fact. I think it is the opinion of someone, who would like to think that the rest of the herping community are like minded, and will agree without question.
However, when presented with statements such as these, some of us would like to see/hear/read the proof – if it exists.

Gonzo