A Responsible Retailer
We
have to start somewhere. Every journey begins with a first step. PetSmart
is our first. And, most importantly, they have already promised a review
of their Point-Of-Purchase material. They have acknowledged that our initial
letters have been received. They have said they will take action. It
does not make sense to stop now. It only makes sense to urge a quick,
timely, and thorough review.
Please send a letter to PetSmart asking for a comprehensive and timely review of both the information provided and the resources utilized.
The push for more letters to PetSmart is so that they understand the members of the fish-keeping world are paying attention. The letters will demonstrate that fish-keepers are dedicated to accurate information.
Hobbyists, regardless of their experience and expertise, want to practice responsible fish-keeping. To do that, hobbyists require accurate information. The first cannot happen without the second.
PetSmart is a responsible retailer. They are a leader in the pet-retail industry. They do good things. They take steps to promote humane treatment of animals sold as pets. They have created a charity that returns 90% of the funds raised directly to animal welfare and responsible husbandry. PetSmart has the Banefield brand of veterinaries located at their stores. They want to sell pets and the products and services to keep "pets" healthy. Their mission, and the philosophy underpinning it, seems responsible. However, if that mission and philosophy is undermined by inadvertent errors in information they have a responsibility to address the issue quickly.We need to urge the use of scientifically gathered, reviewed, and published data. New, less knowledgeable, and less experienced hobbyist require the kind of information that encourages responsible husbandry - information that accurately represents the true nature, characteristics, needs, and origin of the species sold.
To create change requires tremendous effort. The retail trade has defined the business model. They have figured out what it takes to sell fish, and to profit from it. To chase after every mass merchandiser, every regional chain, and every mom and pop store would be a monumental task. The energy spent would be wide spread and wasted. The effort to effect change would be diluted. There would be no chance to focus resources.
Hobbyists need to organize our effort to effect change. We need to unify our voices. If we don't, nothing will change. The frustrations of the past will continue into tomorrow. We need to make our single, unified voice heard.
PetSmart "gets it.” They prove it everyday. Their business model and "good corporate citizenship" reflect their beliefs. This is an effort to convince a retailer that takes humane treatment and good husbandry seriously to apply that philosophy to fish.We urge everyone to treat PetSmart with respect, dignity, and honesty in the letters sent. PetSmart has earned that treatment. It is the same respect, dignity, and honesty that we are asking them to offer us, their customers.
Let's do it right. Let's have the fish-keeping community respond with a unified, dignified voice.
We hope that No Clowns In A Cube.net serves as a vehicle to encourage open discussion between hobbyists and all retailers serving them. Once we begin to accumulate sufficient information and resources we will expand our focus to the in-store and on-line advertising utilized by other retailers.
Please send a letter to PetSmart asking for a comprehensive and timely review of both the information provided and the resources utilized.
The push for more letters to PetSmart is so that they understand the members of the fish-keeping world are paying attention. The letters will demonstrate that fish-keepers are dedicated to accurate information.
Hobbyists, regardless of their experience and expertise, want to practice responsible fish-keeping. To do that, hobbyists require accurate information. The first cannot happen without the second.
PetSmart is a responsible retailer. They are a leader in the pet-retail industry. They do good things. They take steps to promote humane treatment of animals sold as pets. They have created a charity that returns 90% of the funds raised directly to animal welfare and responsible husbandry. PetSmart has the Banefield brand of veterinaries located at their stores. They want to sell pets and the products and services to keep "pets" healthy. Their mission, and the philosophy underpinning it, seems responsible. However, if that mission and philosophy is undermined by inadvertent errors in information they have a responsibility to address the issue quickly.We need to urge the use of scientifically gathered, reviewed, and published data. New, less knowledgeable, and less experienced hobbyist require the kind of information that encourages responsible husbandry - information that accurately represents the true nature, characteristics, needs, and origin of the species sold.
To create change requires tremendous effort. The retail trade has defined the business model. They have figured out what it takes to sell fish, and to profit from it. To chase after every mass merchandiser, every regional chain, and every mom and pop store would be a monumental task. The energy spent would be wide spread and wasted. The effort to effect change would be diluted. There would be no chance to focus resources.
Hobbyists need to organize our effort to effect change. We need to unify our voices. If we don't, nothing will change. The frustrations of the past will continue into tomorrow. We need to make our single, unified voice heard.
PetSmart "gets it.” They prove it everyday. Their business model and "good corporate citizenship" reflect their beliefs. This is an effort to convince a retailer that takes humane treatment and good husbandry seriously to apply that philosophy to fish.We urge everyone to treat PetSmart with respect, dignity, and honesty in the letters sent. PetSmart has earned that treatment. It is the same respect, dignity, and honesty that we are asking them to offer us, their customers.
Let's do it right. Let's have the fish-keeping community respond with a unified, dignified voice.
We hope that No Clowns In A Cube.net serves as a vehicle to encourage open discussion between hobbyists and all retailers serving them. Once we begin to accumulate sufficient information and resources we will expand our focus to the in-store and on-line advertising utilized by other retailers.
