OK - well, Sukie, thank you for letting me know who all does list their credentials.. although that wasn't really necessary, like I said - I guess I just missed them - but maybe I should have said I don't really care - along with my musing... left that part out because I thought it would be rude. Also I guess I missed where someone was digging around for someone else's credentials. and YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO IS SAYING THEY [credentials] ARE UNNECESSARY FOR DISCUSSIONS I think everyone who has posted on this subject has said that- I just said it in my last post - so that emphasis was not necessary either. But I'm thrilled to see you accept my explanation of the difference between yelling and emphasis. [ ME: Does the fact that she's not a vet matter? YOU: Yes, it sure does! You are getting that right from the horse's mouth, ] ME AGAIN: No, it does not matter.. Only if you are holding yourself out as a professional might you need to exhibit credentials... NOT AS A LAYMAN.. and there are professional websites that laymen can not enter. Just because people ask questions does not make one list one's credentials. If someone is going to take someone's advice without benefit of a vet trip they are going to do it no matter how many times you say, No I'm not a vet.. etc... and those walls you're talking about because of the gaps.. everyone's got them.. even vets.. that's why they do tests or refer to specialists, so that doesn't wash.. and choices can ALWAYS be taken seriously or with a grain of salt without someone reading each time. "No I'm not a vet" OR WHATEVER. It does get to a point where one may think, "me thinks thou doest protest too much". I get asked from time to time..."gee are you a vet", and all I say is, "no, but I can refer you to some good ones", I don't list my experiences, education, readings or publications... I just say "No..." and also I add, "I've been doing this a while. I pay attention and ask A LOT of questions". Then I tell them that they too can become knowledgable. And that I'll help them through discussion, referral to knowledgable vets, good quality online sites, and conversations with other people who also have learned through the (School of Hard Knocks -SoHN). I don't have to keep my 'life vita' in front of them. I don't list where I've been or what I've gained or what I'm not and go on and on ... I just say NO - I'm not! - Hey to drugs too - LOL... And I do allow that I probably don't get asked NEARLY as often as you do, but NO is enough for me. After those descriptive examples of tradesmen I have to say.. yes! HE or SHE whom we select to treat our children or pets really does matter - but selection for performance is different from talking with "friends" or others to get opinions. Unfortunately most people do not RESEARCH credentials first.. well not beyond looking for someone who is listed in a phone book as this or that speciality. But they do ask friends, neighbors, relatives, thrice my car broke down (I put 3 fuel filters on that baby before she was fixed) and I asked an RN who picked me up once for doctor recommendations. But these days people turn to the internet, to chat rooms and specialty sites and might ask if anyone has experienced this or that.. and whether what they are asking about sounds really bad bad, just kinda bad or don't worry it's normal. I really don't think they care or need to know the credentials of the person/people answering them. If they say, "hey I live in BFE does anyone know of a good vet here" well maybe give the vet's credentials but not yours.. does the referred have to say... I have a vet tech license or I'm qualified to tell you this vet is whatever... but if someone says, "my ferret just did this so has anyone's ferret pooed army ants" or whatever -- they're not looking for medical advice.. they just want to know if it's happened and what happened in the end... should they rush to the vet or should they wait for the flea circus... what did the vet do in the way of treatment so they know what to expect or freakout over... and credentials be damned. I'm not sure what the point of the professions discourse was but - As far asking someone a question not related to their career field, well you certainly might ask your electrician what he thinks of this or that hair or clothing style and you might ask his or her opinion of that style on you, or you might discuss with your hairdresser a lawsuit that you are involved in and solicit her opinion as well ETC ETC. That doesn't mean you expect more than an opinion and as I said before --- I, me, Yo, Ego do question, in the very least, the sense of anyone who would post to any list, even the FHL, a question, and then rely on an answer from that venue for longer than the time it takes to get to the vet for his medical opinion/prognosis/diagnosis - but it does happen - credentails again be damned. In other words ask for encouragement, first aid, comaradere, curiosity, agreement, mothering, WHATEVER but not for treatment other than first aid. SO credentials are NOT needed nor needed to be denied unless specifically askedn - are you a vet. Now for the "does it reduce her competency or level of knowledge" reply, and "no but it also does not increase"... then so what - a credential REALLY DOESN'T MATTER IN THIS CASE... sigh.... Now if you are saying if someone posts the question, "hey has anyone ever used Dr. Up-my Street for ferret issues, and someone knows that this vet is not only incompetent with ferrets but doesn't want to gain competency.. like he/she said, "I don't treat ferrets, I don't want to treat ferrets" or he's been practicing for X-number of years and graduated from YZ University in 1900 whatever... well then yes it would be nice to have someone say..His/her credentials are that he wants nothing to do with ferrets.. OR if he/she is good or great with ferrets then that too... but that's all I see as necessary... WHAT I WAS ASKING -- just in case it was misunderstood --which looks like it was -- was.. did someone go checking and why would anyone go checking up on the credentials of someone who posts an opinion. It was just a nosey query. And in case I was unclear - IF that did happen - then I see it as arrogant, rude and catty, whether Tom Catty or Queen Catty... If someone is trying to debunk someone then I wonder why - and that's the nosey part - did someone do something bad? But before you answer -- remember ... I am wondering... And finally... since I won't be back for 3 days... HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL YOU MOMS OUT THERE... WHETHER YOUR BABIES ARE 2-LEGGED OR 4, SLICK SKINNED OR COVERED IN FUR... HAVE A BLESSED DAY... Vicki [Posted in FML issue 4870]