Comment -05/07/08
Hello, I was browsing your site for info and after reading through some of the faq I just want to point out that certain crew members are very rude to some of the people who submit questions.
<Oh?>
I just felt like commenting about it because I feel bad for the folks who have come to this site looking for help and answers and get a response pertaining to their poor English or failure to capitalize certain letters in their message without even receiving any info on the question they asked.
<If you look carefully, you'll see we rarely say anything negative about the quality of English from people for whom it is a second language. It's pretty easy for us to tell from the e-mail address or the sender's name if that might be the case. In which case, we'll make an effort to "fix" the e-mail before publishing it on the web site. Our gripe is typically with lazy native English speakers. Britons, Americans, Canadians... whoever. For these people, there's no excuse. Of course we don't care about the odd typo or abbreviation... what we don't like is sloppy English that demonstrates that the sender didn't read (or didn't care to observe) our House Rules. Let's be quite clear about this: these rules exist for a purpose, not bloody mindedness. Most of our visitors come to Wet Web Media via search engines like Google. They've decide to find out something about Black Mollies or Whitespot or whatever the heck they're having a problem with. Search engines are only as good as the quality of the English on the web page being indexed. If that page has good English, the search engine will index it effectively; if that page has poor English, then the search engine can't index it properly. Simple as that. So that's the deal: people who ask questions have to make their messages easy for us to put onto our web pages, and in return the sender gets replies from people at the very top of the hobby. Not 14 year old boys who've set up their first aquarium and happens to have a subscription to some two-bit online forum (no offence to 14 year old boys!) but from people who have kept fish for decades, write books about them, and contribute to every major English-language aquarium magazine on the planet. Is that really too much to ask? I think not.>
I mean, really why is it so important for someone to capitalize all the I's and insert the ' in can't.. Its not like you wouldn't be able to understand what the person is asking without them using the proper marks or capitalization.
<As said above, it's not really whether we can read the message, but whether other people can use those messages. If the message is opaque to a search engine or unclear to someone who doesn't have English as a first language, then that message is worthless to us.>
It just seems like newbies who ask questions here get treated differently because they might not submit their question properly or they might not know some certain basic information that more experienced hobbyists would know, but they are visiting this website to become more knowledgeable and some of the crew members are just a bit rude to them.
<On the contrary, there are plenty of "newbies" who routinely write back thanking us and telling us how things have improved with their hobby. Speaking as an Englishman, I understand that sometimes my directness comes across to Americans as a bit sharp. But then the flippancy of many Americans comes across as irresponsible to me. So we all put across impressions through our words that may not really reflect the real person behind the message. That said, I'm not sure everyone appreciates how much work goes on answering these messages each day. Many of us -- for no money -- devote hours each week to going through the mailboxes. Our dedication to the hobby is tangible in that sense, and we wouldn't be doing this if we didn't want to help. All we ask is that in return people make an effort to help us. Keep the messages clear and properly written. Avoid laziness. Don't write messages like "text" messages on a mobile telephone. Basically the "golden rule" -- do unto others and you'd have them do unto you. Thanks for writing, Neale.>

Cache version... Not!  1-22-08
I really appreciate your site. It has helped a lot over the past year. I just wanted to mention one thing. I find it funny that you suggest to choose the "cached version" of the result of a search as this is not available on your site in most cases. This is something that I normally do for every search on the net. The next best thing is to "control f" to open the find box and then copy-paste the key word(s) in there. Do you know why that is that I can't get cached versions of most of your site's pages? I have tried using internet explorer as well as Mozilla. Thanks
<Thank you for this input. I am definitely not "high-tech" savvy... and am also very sorry that the "version(?)" of Google Adsense search tool that we're supplied with has no "cached view" option... the one place we do have this is posted on the "Read these instructions before writing us page": http://wetwebmedia.com/WWMAdminSubWebIndex/question_page.htm
I do encourage you to send this note to Google... Bob Fenner>

Your Brackish section  12/19/07
Hello,
I was looking at the section of your website about Brackish water and converting freshwater to brackish and noticed something that was very rude. Someone had posted something about going to the pet store and being given some really dumb advice ( I agree with that part), however it also said to never trust people that work in the pet store, which is what I do. I thought that maybe they should be corrected that certain pet stores don't inform their employees on anything more than here is the fish, this is how you put them in a bag, but not all pet stores are this way. I have had very extensive training in all animals not just fish and have to learn new things everyday even though I have been there for nearly 2 years.
Thank you,
Serena
<I am in agreement. I spent fourteen years on the floor in retail myself, and most of my life otherwise in the ornamental aquatics trade. The majority of folks I've met are honest, and to a degree competent. The individuals writing/responding are just that. Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Capitalizations   4/30/07
Hello Robert,
<Neale>
I'm curious about what standards (if any) WWM uses for capitalizing proper nouns. Reading over the WWM pages, I come across all sorts of variations. For example, "scats" is lower case but "Monos" capitalized.
<I try to capitalize, have folks capitalize all proper nouns, as well as common names, medicine names, acronyms... but don't/have not "caught all"... "The process of removal continues" (Frank Herbert's Dune)>
At university and then as a scientist, the rules were simple:  
capitals for formal (Latin) names, lower case for anything else, even if based on a formal name. Hence:
- Cichlidae but cichlid.
- Crustacea but crustacean.
- Homo sapiens but human beings
- Monodactylus sebae but mono.
I do notice that sometimes my articles/answers are edited to capitalize some of the proper nouns, but not all of them.  
<Correct... and though "consistency may be the hob-goblin of little minds", you may call me Bob HG>
Incidentally, it isn't just WWM that does this, so too does Practical Fishkeeping magazine, though oddly not Tropical Fish Hobbyist.
<Correct... it is T.F.H.'s stated policy to use lower case for common names... I ignore them>
So I'm  curious, is there a guideline I should be following? Is it just an in- house editorial style each publisher devises?
Cheers, Neale
<I'd like to see capitalized... My sense is that this helps common appellations "stand out"... aiding the reader in the realization that these are organisms... not merely "helper" descriptive terms. Bob Fenner>

Finding Responses On WWM Website – 4/13/07
Oh, Chuck, thank you for such a quick response. Thank you. I realized the response would be on the site but where on the site would it be found? Thank you again.  Dee
< If the question and answer are worthy, they would be found on Today's Frequently Asked Questions  link. Once there if not on the main page then it would be found on the Freshwater Link.-Chuck> <<Mmm, actually, all are placed on the Dailies... Daily! RMF>>

Brown hair algae and Dead Emerald Crab. One of teens of thousands of folks per day... but not using... WWM   3/31/07
Hi there,
I have a quick one.  I have a 125 gallon reef ready tank that I have 140 #'s live sand and 100 #'s of live rock.  It's been cycled for about 4 months now.  All I have in it is 1 tomato clown, a Haitian anemone, a diamond goby, a cleaner shrimp, and 2 emerald crabs.  I am having an outbreak of brown hair algae.
<Whoa... what re your filtration? Water quality tests? Source water?>
It started out just as a light color change of the sand, (my goby takes care of the sand), and rocks.  Now it is 2-3" of stringy algae, all over.  My light is only a couple months old, on 6 hours a day, I'm not next to any windows.  My levels are all ok, nitrates between 5-10 ppm, closer to 5.  I do a water change about once a month, due to my levels being fine, and my light animal load.  What can I do to control it, besides putting something in there that would eat it.  Cause even when I physically remove it, it's back the next day.  
<You're joking? Have you heard of our site? How'd you get our address?>
Also I came home today and saw one of my emerald crabs dead and on it's back.  It was the bigger of the 2, (about an inch) and has been in for a few months always doing great, and picking away at the rocks.  I thought maybe the other crab attacked it, but out of the 2 the bigger was the aggressor.  They didn't really like each other, but they just minded their own business.  Is there anything that crabs are sensitive to besides copper, that I don't have in my system.  
Please advise me.  The algae is my biggest concern.  My tank looks great but not covered in brown hair algae.
Thanks, You guys are the best.
Aaron
<... Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/
The Marine/Root web... the indices, search tool... on Algae, their control... Mithrax/Mithraculus... Bob Fenner>

Proper Navigation of your site  3/28/07
Hello Bob,
<Rich and Paula>
I really appreciate your wonderful site!  It has helped me in the past and I am hoping you can help me now.  I seem to have trouble finding my posts.  
<?>
I emailed a question on 3/26 and was aware that there would be a delay updating the Daily Q & A page due to a trip to Hawaii.
<Yes... am out here now... but still quite bleary...>
  I did see tonight that the Daily Q & A page was updated, but I could not find my post.
<... we respond directly back to all as well... Did you not receive a response to your outgoing email address?>
  This happened to me several months ago with my first post (different subject and I found follow-up posts) and I just wanted to make sure I am not doing something wrong.  I am very anxious for the answer to my email as I have a very sick Oranda and hope for some advice soon.
Thank you for your time, Paula
Rich & Paula Busa
<Am sorry to be so daft... still jet-lagged... but could you please send along the original query... along with the response if you received one directly? It may be that your response posted on WWM is "in transit", in the "area where we edit" before posting to the dailies... or perhaps it has been moved to another area altogether (I usually am the one who does this... and generally in daily "batches"... responding to all the previous calendar day's unanswered queries... moving all at the end of that time... typically AM PST... BobF>
Response:
Bob,
This is the e-mail I sent on 3/26.  I have never received an e-mail reply; I didn't know I was supposed to.
<And I have never seen it either... not the first time something like this has happened however. Will place to be answered (am out the door just now). Cheers, BobF>
I thought I would have to check the website for my answer.  I thought, since there are also posts from today there that mine might have been missed.  I do appreciate your help.  I realize that you are probably beat!  Just going through the airport is enough to exhaust a person!
Thank you, Paula

Angelfish ID - 3/27/07
I have caught an unusual angelfish. So far my searching has proved fruitless in determining the exact species. It is thriving in one of my quarantine tanks. I read somewhere on your site not to send video footage. If that is the case  do I need to take stills to get you to identify it?
  thanks , Jason.
<Yes sir, Jason.. Video's would simply be too big for our mail server, it'd fall like the lady from the Life Alert commercials ("I've fallen, and I can't get up!" *grin*) Snap some still frames, and size them down to a few hundred kilobytes, and we'll be glad to take a look! -JustinN>

Graham on nonfunctional URLs...  3/9/07
Bob,
<Big G>
I noticed that there was a post on the dailies that alluded to a few nonfunctional URL links you copy/pasted. I have seen this before, and am not sure what exactly causes it, but the full URL *IS* printed on the dailies and the email sent to the poster. They will, however, need to highlight the entire link and paste into the address bar. For some reason, it seems that the link is only recognized as a link for maybe half of the total text. For example, I might copy/paste http://wetwebmedia.com/daily_faqs3.htm but the underline (The little identifying feature of a hyperlink) will only reach as far as the "i" in daily_faqs...
<... I know naught...>
I haven't observed any connection between all of the broken links, but do notice that when I set my links off by themselves; i.e.., make sure that I don't paste next to punctuation, etc., then my links are usually complete.
HTH
-GrahamT
<Isn't actually of my doing I believe... I simply copy/paste what is "there"... but thank you for this input... B>

Where do i find my answer   3/8/07
Help! I just discovered your site four days ago and three days ago i sent in an e-mail like this asking questions about lighting. Yesterday i logged on to see your replies but i couldn't find where my missive had been placed on the site and when i tried to search for some key words from it i was sent on a Google search whose results weren't even places on the sight. Can you send me a reply to this message that tells me where to find my original questions?
David McElvain
<Mmm, we post all directly and archive most all to the "Daily" FAQs, general and some specialized (e.g. freshwater)... at least once a day... then they are parsed to FAQs, subFAQs files... If you don't see your response there, or on WWM, please re-send it. Bob Fenner>

Flame scallop diseased?   3/1/07
I received an e-mail in response to my inquisition about a flame scallop with whitish gray tufts growing on it but there was no actual response.   The e-mail simply said: "Thank you for contacting us, your reply is below,"  however, all that was below was my initial e-mail.  If you could resend an  actual response I would greatly appreciate the  information.
<Hi I, Adam J, answered this query several days ago...I apologize sometimes we do have anomalous errors. I do recall pointing to the underlying cause being starving though I do not recall the entire post. As I am sure you are aware we here at WWM receive 100's upon hundreds of emails each weak, sometimes daily (In fact if I had not have happened to see and remember this we/I may have not even recalled this email). We do not save emails in our email system but all queries w/ corresponding answers are posted on the WWM FAQ's. I would search WWM re: flame scallops, either that or resend because we don't have the original. Thanks, AJ.>

Response Time  12/20/06
Hello Crew,
            I am in no way trying to rush anything here. I asked my first question to the Crew a few days ago and I was wondering how long it usually takes to get a response?
<All things going (good luck here!) we respond to all w/in 24 hours... there are instances where (here for instance) our webmail server, and or possibly my lack of computer-related competence leads to "trayless" queries... which thank goodness JustinN is able to route, make visible... or travels to distal areas forestalls my participation/"sweeping" of un-responded to queries for more than a day... but these days/events are rare. Better to do as you have here (thank you) and follow-up with a further query. Bob Fenner>
Just for reference, my question was about a "Red Sea Biotope" on Dec 12.
Once again I am not trying to rush things, just curious first time query. I have used your site for reference extensively and can't say enough about the knowledge you have imparted on our community.
Thank You
Todd L
<Hey Todd, JustinN with you again. Sorry for the delay, usually we try to have a 24 hour turnaround at most on queries. Your emails came to us in a format that our web server doesn't like, and most members of the crew are unable to read them. Someone should see and respond to your original query shortly. Sorry again for the delays, happy holidays! -JustinN>
<Ah yes... BobF>

No FAQs Posted Lately! - 10/26/06
Hi all,
<<Hello Brian>>
I know Bob is on vacation which he deserves more then anyone but....
<<Deserved yes, but more than anyone? Hmm...<grin>  He's currently in Thailand following a dive stint in Indonesia, and I'll be meeting up with him in a little more than a week for some more dive adventure in Hawaii...so don't feel "too" sorry for him <big grin> >>
I was just wondering why there hasn’t been any post's lately?
<<Ah, I see...>>
The last post I have is 10-22-06..Don't know if it's just my computer or if you're all just backed up with pile's and pile's of e-mail's.
<<Mmm, some 149 responses sitting in the 'sent' folder at this moment>>
I appreciate all of the work you all do. And look forward to reading your Q/A daily...I hope I'm not putting myself sounding like a butthead which I'm not trying to do.  I was just wondering if all is well with Bob and Crew and this, your, our web site.
<<No worries mate...appreciate your concern.  The site is staffed by an "all volunteer force" and apparently those few with the magic combinations for getting the queries reviewed, formatted, and posted (a time-consuming task) have been busy with their paying jobs, family responsibilities, etc., etc.  When he's out for a while, we really do get a sense for all Bob does here on a daily basis.  We apologize for the delay in posting FAQs on the site, but be assured the individual responses have been sent>>
I love this web site and I'm sure other's do also...We can't lose you guy's now...
Happy reef keeping and with kind regards...
Brian, Wisconsin
<<Thank you for the kind words.  Eric, South Carolina>> <Heeeee! BobF>

Where To Find Your Reply - 10/22/2006
I just realized now that I have no idea where (if answered) my email will be posted. if you could tell me, I would greatly appreciate it.
<You should get an email with your answer. It is then placed in the Daily FAQ, them moved to the appropriate archive. Don>

Failed Emails
Hi crew,
<<Hi, Steve. Tom here.>>
Could you please tell me if emails are reaching you at the moment as I've sent 2 different ones recently and had no reply.  
<<I can’t attest to your previous two e-mails, Steve, but based on the volume that we’ve been getting of late, I can assure you that e-mails are coming through.>>
I respect the fact that you all do this voluntarily and certainly don't EXPECT replies - just wish to know, so that I can hold off if there is a problem.
<<No reason for you not to “expect” a reply, Steve. We strive to make every possible effort to respond to all of our readers’ posts. Please post again and we’ll do our best to correct any “internal” problems regarding the selection, sorting and routing of e-mails to the Crew members.>>
Many thanks,
Steve M.
<<Any time, Steve. Tom>>

E-mailing/posting of replies to queries; turn-around time?  - 09/07/06
Hi again,
<To you as well, Linda!>
I did not receive a reply to my e-mail so am resending it again.   Where exactly do I find  the answer?  Do you e-mail me and post it on your web site?
<That is indeed what we do.  Sorry for the delay in responding - here at WWM we are staffed with entirely volunteers (most of whom have full-time day jobs) who try their very best to answer queries as quickly and accurately as possible.  This is a good reminder to all of us here at WWM to answer just one more query per day, possibly, to lighten the load...speed things along.>
Thanks for your help.
Linda
<You're welcome, Linda.  Thanks for your patience and hope all the fishies are doing well. Jorie>

Where's my answer?    4/9/06
Hi, <Hi Kyle>
I've written this question before but never received a response. I've sent in marine questions twice and never received a response either. <I'm sorry> So.... my question is how do I find the answers to my questions. <We email them back to you> I don't know if you guys answer every e-mail that is sent to you or not. <We sure as heck try...>I'm sure you are very busy because clearly there are thousands of questions answered. I keep searching using key words (on the WWM site) to see if I can find my questions but all to no avail. I am just wondering what the procedure is.  <Well you're doing everything right.  However, we are all volunteers here, not to mention we are dealing with technology.  Sometimes we don't get to everything in a timely manner (even though we try really hard to!) and sometimes things just get lost in the scramble.?
I do have several specific questions which I can't find answers to on the site. <Send them on over.> I get close but not actually what I am looking for. Before I ask any more questions though I want to figure out what I'm doing wrong.
I'd really appreciate it if you could e-mail me back to this e-mail rather then posting on the site explaining how to find my questions. <We do response to all emails personally>
The WWM site is AWESOME and it has helped me in many areas. Hopefully I can figure out how to find my needle in that large haystack. <Send over questions again... if you didn't get a personal email back, we probably didn't get the email somehow.  Sorry about this.  Look forward to your questions.  Jen S.>
Thanks.
Kyle

Welcome to new crew member Jason N.  - 2/15/2006
Hello, Jason
            Bob has given me the okay to acquaint you further so........ Let me the first to say welcome aboard! I'm quite excited that you decided to
join. First off my apologies for not sending you this follow-up information sooner (new school semester, I'm sure you're familiar with the feeling).
Onto the issue at hand, thank you for volunteering knowledge and time (in any amount) to the wetwebmedia crew. Here is the scoop:
  First off, the URL for our crew inbox is mail.wetwebmedia.com .
  Login: MMMM
Password: FFFF
  I'll ask Bob (or those responsible) to create you a personal folder, as I'm not familiar with that procedure.
<<Ah, simple enough... the upper left tab... "Folders"... will do>>
  I believe we already have a Jason, so your in folder should include the initial of you last name which is "N" correct.
  Basic conventions to follow:  Anything in the inbox, fresh, marine, brackish, and pond folders that has not
been answered is up for grabs.  Move any questions you wish to answer into your folder before answering them;
this helps to prevent sending multiple replies on one question. And of course there is no pressure, we only ask you attempt to
answer   those questions which you are comfortable with. When you reply, try to follow the same "style" that we use
<your replies in carrots>
Mmmm, carrots....
<Tasty carrots!>
And remove blank spaces and such.
Also, it might be worthwhile (especially in my case as I'm a typo king) case) to copy/paste into Microsoft Word so you can use spell-check.
Once you have replied delete the query from your infolder, EXCEPT, if there is a photo attached to it n which cases
  you should move it to the "email with picture" folder. Feel free to also delete spam (THERE'S LOTS OF IT). no need to waste server
place by   placing it in the "probably trash folder" - 99.9% of the time if it looks   like junk it is.
Feel free to take any questions that you feel comfortable with, even answering just 2 or 3 queries a day is helpful
but if you want to answer more that would be okay *smile*.
Take a look at our Daily FAQs and other related sections to kinda "get a feel" for it all (links below) and feel free to ask any questions.
Thank you for your assistance!
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/daily_faqs.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/faqsonfaqs.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/faqstips.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/QueryCorrsRefPg.htm
Feel free to email me any more questions you may have.
  Glad to have you with us,
  Adam Jackson
  P.S.
If you would like email me or Bob a short bio of yourself, including but not limited to your hobby experience.
<<Please do, and thank you for sharing. Bob Fenner>>

Reading / searching posts  - 1/6/06
Hello Crew,
<Hello.  Sabrina with you today.  Let me first deeply apologize for the delay in reply - I've been unexpectedly away, and as it turns out, your email is one of the few that it seems only my system/configuration can view the "tray"/buttons that permit us to reply, so was routed to me.  Please accept my apologies for this significant delay.>
I recently went to the WWM site to do some research (as I have frequently for the past year or so). The results of my hours of reading have brought me to write this email. I realize that a lot of questions are answered by reading previous posts. However, when I search on some subjects, what I see in most of the responses I read is “already posted” or “read the FAQs, that question has already been answered”. Well, I have read the posts and done searches on the site which have led to hours of reading, but have not had my question answered. Yet, I am hesitant to ask it because I really do not want to be answered with the response of “Read the FAQs” or “search the WWM site” after I have already done so.  Now, please do not misunderstand me. I know that all of you put a lot of time and effort into this site. It is greatly appreciated by all of us amateurs. But if you have an opinion or an answer to a question we ask, we would much appreciate the answer or a reasonable way to find it.
<We'd love some suggestions as to what would constitute a reasonable way to find what you're looking for....  I for one am interested in making improvements to the site.  As it is, many of the questions that are asked are "repeats" - My tang has ich, There's slimy algae in my tank, etc. - we simply don't have the man-hours (all volunteered, mind you) to answer these, time after time, when the information is readily available, already answered, just waiting for eager eyes to read it.  At least I'm hoping it's readily available.  Perhaps we need some suggestions on how to make the site more easily searched.>
Maybe it would help to delete the posts that do not have any responses but suggestions to read more posts. If 95% of the search return results simply contain 1) a vague reference to the fact that the answer exists somewhere on the site; and /or 2) remarks to remind the amateurs of how little knowledge we actually have;
<We all - amateurs, experts, beginners....>
then I submit that you are doing yourselves a disservice. Please try to remember that those of us who do not have the knowledge that you possess are often just as dedicated to the
welfare of our livestock and our systems as you are, we just lack the experience.
<Mm, by the third "How did my fish get ich" question a day, it can become very apparent that some people are lacking the drive to care about their systems by taking the initiative to research, and instead want information hand-fed....  it gets almost painful, at times.  I know most of us do make an effort not to simply dismiss questions that someone has obviously researched.>
That is why we turn to you. You’re the experts. Providing the type of service as you do is truly a donation of service and demonstrates a tremendous amount of self sacrifice. But this perception is tainted when you speak down to us and scold us, whether intentionally or not.
<Not intentional, I do hope.>
I work in a very technical field myself and often have a hard time keeping my perspective when people ask me questions that I think have very obvious answers. But when I put myself in the position of trying to understand every aspect of their “non technical” jobs, I realize that I am just as ignorant about things that they find very simple. One thing I try never to do is respond to a request for help with arrogance or a belittling and disrespectful attitude, because this usually results in a lack of respect and a feeling that the expert is full of himself or herself.  
<I do agree with you completely.>
BTW: the search I was doing was on hypo salinity.
<Did you try "hyposalinity" as well?  We do have much information archived under Marine Articles, then under the Diseases:.... section,  then under Diseases: Treatments.>
The result I found after an hour or so is that Bob doesn’t like hypo salinity. Thanks, I’m glad to know that, but I what I really wanted to know was what you recommend to the issues that people were asking about.
<.... for instance?  Like for treating ich (as most of the hypo FAQs are about)?  I can't even begin to fathom the scads of information we do have about treating ich.  Or....?>
The only answer to those questions that I found was that the answer exist somewhere else out there on WWM and with that, the implication that if we weren’t all so lazy, we would be able to find them by reading the posts. Go figure. To sum it up, thanks, sincerely, for everything. But realize that sometimes your responses, while likely well intended, can be somewhat demeaning to the person asking the questions.  
<And please also understand that we simply do not have the man-power to re-answer information that really is already out there.  I hope that is understandable.  All the best to you,  -Sabrina>

Query Malfunction   1/4/06
Bob,
I placed the "Baby Jellies" query in your box this morning. It seems to shut my internet down when ever I try a reply. I thought it was a problem on my end, but have been able to answer a different one with no error. Gave it one last shot and it did the same again. Didn't want to just delete it but it may be unanswerable. - Josh  
<I likewise had a problem as you describe. I "got around" it by making the query a "New Message", copying the address, text, subject sans the pix into a new msg. entirely. Cheers. BobF>

Can I offer some assistance   12/28/05
Good day to you!
   <And to you>
  I have asked question here and there if I could not find exactly what I was looking for.  And sometimes I get a quick response and sometimes I resend after a week or so.  (I did that today:)  I am not complaining you folks are wonderful and very comforting to us who are still learning the basics.
   <As I am. Our email sometimes seems to "act up"... Sabrina is seeking out an alternative service... and sometimes we "fall behind">
   I don't know what I could do to help you folks out but I would love to be assistance in any way at all.  (please don't say stop asking questions, LOL)  
   <Heee! If you have time, expertise, a capacity with written English... you obviously have a/the proper charitable/positive outlook/mentality... we could use help in responding to queries>
  Bob I received your book (Conscientious Marine Aquarist) for Christmas I am thrilled thanks for doing all that you do.  Joanne
<A pleasure to share, expand my life with others. Bob Fenner>

Contacting persons on threads  12/14/05
I was just wondering if it is at all possible to get in contact with a person that i saw on one of the discussion boards, i think his name was Steve Wilson and he was from sunshine coast in Australia. His thread was to do with propagation in Australia, I actually live in cairns and am also interested in propagation of Australian species. I was hoping to get in contact with fellow Australians interested in this hobby as i am a beginner myself.
If it is not possible for you to pass his details on to me please pass mine on to him and he may contact me.
Regards
Nicole Senior
Cairns
Australia
<I do wish there was a (simple, well, simple enough for me) way to save/disclose such addresses, contact info. twixt interested parties. Thus far I/we have been very guarded re sharing folks personal data... We don't save this or post unless expressly requested. Bob Fenner>

Re: Missing e-mail  12/2/05
Hi crew, 
<Hi Leif>
I'm really sorry about this but I just want to make sure that it isn't something to do with the attachments causing you to not receive my mail. I recently enquired about algae identification and attached 3 JPEG picture files to the e-mail. (they were approx 30KB each in size, titled algae1, algae2 + algae3).
I have had no reply though and having read through many of you FAQ's I have noticed that there does seem to be issues sometimes receiving e-mails with picture attachments. 
<<Email period - whether or not there are photos attached does not seem to affect the rate of "rejection" by our mailserver.  There are other issues with photos.  Marina>>
The mail was initially sent from XXXX but I tried sending it from this e-mail address after I received no reply.
By no means am I "having a go" - you guys provide an invaluable service for people in the hobby who want to do things properly and humanely for their captive subjects. I just suspect that my mail was lost somehow. 
Best regards, Leif Hinks 
<I believe I replied to that query. Without you replying with the original query I cannot comment as I'm not sure of the original content. I do remember not being able to open the photos though. James (Salty Dog)>

WWM Etiquette - Questions About Questions - 11/25/2005
Greetings from Colorado to the WWM Crew:
<And salutations from the Crew to you!>
I am nearly two months into my fist marine aquarium,
<An exciting time, to be sure.>
and have read many books and FAQs before putting the first drop of salt water into my tank.  I am trying to be a very conscientious aquarist on all fronts.  
<Your (future) livestock will thank you.>
My last e-mail was sent to you several weeks ago, and did not get a response.  
<I beg your forgiveness on this....  Our email system has been "acting up", and we actually had some big-ish issues a few weeks back of lost/dropped emails or ones that didn't have the "tray" that includes our ability to reply....>
I am fearful that I broke some rule, or failed to observe proper etiquette.  If so, please forgive me.
<Oh, no; not in the least.  We tend to answer very nearly any legitimate question sent to us.>
My question this time is simple.  Do you have a list of do's and don'ts for WWM readers?  
<Mm, just this:  http://wetwebmedia.com/faqstips.htm and a few other, similar pages.>
I am aware that 1) pictures should be as small as possible, 2) people should first search for information before asking questions, and 3) attempts should be made to use proper English, grammar and spelling.  
<All correct.>
I wonder if you would prefer one e-mail with several questions, or several e-mails with one question each.  
<My preference, and I believe Bob's preference as well (and likely all the rest of us), is that all your questions be sent in one larger email....  it is easier to get a "feel" for your system, and be thorough about answering your questions, if all are "lumped" together....  Furthermore, in replies or future questions concerning similar or the same questions you asked before, it is GREATLY helpful if you can copy any previous correspondences to better help us help you.  You can also put Attn: and the Crewmember's name who helped you in the subject line to make it easier for us to route your question to the right person.>
Do you prefer that a person give details of tank volume, depth, chemistry, lighting and maintenance with each question?  
<Mm, if possible/pertinent, yes.  Usually we're flying on a lack of information - giving "too much" info is nearly impossible.>
Should questions be limited to one per week, month, or year?  
<Just as necessary.  We're here for ya.>
I wonder if it would benefit both your team and your faithful audience to have a spot on the "Website Index" for a comprehensive set of ground rules?
<Maybe....  The link for asking the Crew a question takes folks to what I feel is a pretty blatant chunk of information/suggestions, but seems that it must be lacking as we do still get questions in all caps, no capitalization, or written in "webbish".  Argh!>
As always, thanks for the help,
<And thank you for your kind consideration in this issue.>
Brad in Basalt
<Sabrina in Silicon Valley>
P.S. I would like to let your great sponsors know that I use an AquaC skimmer, Seachem products and other recommended items.  Is there a proper way to do that?
<Sure!  Just drop 'em an email or give 'em a call.  I'm sure they'd be glad to know their advertising is worthwhile.  Wishing you well,  -Sabrina>

SUCCESS !!!! <Getting "it"> 11/24/05
Dear Crew at WWM,
     I would like to thank you for all your help over the past couple of months..  I recently converted a 180 g FO tank to a FOWLR.  My existing fish were all greater than 7 yrs old and I was ready for a change.  I bought a gorgeous emperor angel that I QT'd for 6 weeks but it then developed crypt.
<Rats!>
Same for a majestic.  Through QT and treatment as well as maintaining excellent water quality the fish survived and are currently thriving.
<Yay!>
  Yes, I went through 2 mo.s of quarantine and letting the display be fallow.  Yes I went through the stress of copper treatment.  Yes I went through the torture of capturing a mantis shrimp.  After all was said and done I had to take my powder blue, and Naso from the display because the powder blue was beating up the majestic and the emperor was beating up the Naso.
     It has now been three months since my display system has reached its new equilibrium.  The angels are getting along well ( plenty of places to hide ) with a Heniochus and Foxface, damsel, two perculas, and a maroon.  I have added cleaner shrimp, snails and hermits, a small refugium, some ozone, better skimmer, better lighting with realistic photoperiod, Kalkwasser top off with iodine supplementation.  For $75 at home depot I devised a system using sprinkler timer and valves to do a 15 gallon water change from my garage ( tank is in living room 90 feet away )
<Neat>
I am seeing colonies of purple pink and red coralline algae covering the rock.  Yes there is some Cyano as well as some nuisance algae but overall what great success.
     I wish to thank the WWM crew for all their help!  Yes, it has been much work, but well worth it for me.  Frustrating, yes sometimes, that too.  At this phase 5-10 min per day and then 1 hour per week is what maintenance requires.  Consistency and small amounts of work often is what really pays off in this hobby :
<Ah, yes>
This is what has been so well reinforced by WWM.  Yes, it is true that 5% water changes twice weekly work much better than 30 % once monthly.  Yes, it is true that QT works for illness and that illnesses can be cured.  Yes, it is almost always true that drastic changes are not good.
<You said it, oh and we did/do too>
     In closing I would like to say that the statement "please read the posts on WWM re: this"  used to be a source of some frustration as I would read replies to some of my questions.  It seemed like I would ask one question but would get many answers.  But as I took the advice, I began to see that the beauty of this hobby is the various different methods that we have at our disposal to deal with problems as they may arise.
<Ahhh!>
  So, I kinda look at it this way : the multiple factors that may contribute to problems as they arise in captive marine ecosystems also promote incredible stability in the system when the system is in proper balance.   Thanks crew and happy holidays:  Jimmy
<And to you and yours>
PS Just one last dilemma :  What do I do with my Naso and powder blue ?  Who knows, but they seem happy in the 55 gallon tank in my garage !
<I'd trade them in. Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Signing Off 11/24/05
<<Who are you, you who answered this query?  Marina>>
<<<Very, very sorry. I always remember to sign them but forgot this time (I
promise it was just this one). I'm kneeling on dry beans as we speak:) -
Josh >>>
<Heeeee! BobF>

No Questions, Well Maybe One or Two - 11/09/2005
Bob:
I just wanted to chime in about some questions you are asked like "Please e-mail me with a list of things..." and "I have a book report due, please tell me..." Give everyone who read this site a break, folks! Oh, before I forget, can you tell me everything there is to know about keeping salt water fish? Keep in mind I am not even sure how you get the salt into the water! And since you're not real busy, the meaning of life would be most helpful! Seriously though, thanks for everything.
Regards, Rich
<Hee hee heee hee heeeee! Thank you Rich... you're making my day. Bob F> 

Re: The great Nitrate - Bio Ball controversy  11/10/05
Thank you for taking the time to respond, quite rapidly I might add. The service you provide is invaluable at progressing the state of the aquatic arts and you have probably saved countless delicate, rare little creatures lives with your advice. Something to be very proud of for sure.
Regards
John
<Thank you for your kind, encouraging words. Bob Fenner> 

Kind Questions, Rude Remarks, High pH, still ignorant  11/10/05
What would have been better than sounding pompous would have been a suggestion to a better source than you did. I am not trying to be a chemist, just trying to fix my water. Also the critique of my spelling, to make yourself feel good?
<<No, we actually have valid reasons, not the least of which might be thought of as an effort to reverse the "dumbing down" of America.  Search our site and you'll learn for yourself. Marina>>
Get your jollies elsewhere, not at my expense. Bet you won't post this.
<<You just lost that bet.  You're battin' a thousand here, care to try for more?  I'm in a winning mood today!  Marina>>
Sincerely, Dan North.
<Don't remain ignorant your whole life. Bob Fenner>

Can You Hear Me Now..?  11/8/05
Good Morning WWM crew.
Please can you confirm if you receive this e-mail?
<We have...>
I have e-mailed you a question along with attached photographs about 6 times in the last 5 weeks,( please accept my apologies if you have received these e-mails and as yet have had no time to answer them), but have received no reply to them.
<Mmm, no worries. We respond to all we receive... and I don't recall seeing something six times...>
I have continued to send as your reply speed is usually very prompt, (within 48 hours), so I suspect there is a problem at one end of the process.
<Me too... and this isn't the first such incidence>
<<Can you hear me groan? MH>>
I am still receiving e-mails at this end, and similar e-mails sent elsewhere have been received. I am hoping that this attachment free e-mail will get through to prove that you're not just ignoring me!
Thank you, Bob Mehen,
Cornwall, UK.
<Please do send your message to my personal email if you'd like: fennerrobert@hotmail.com Bob Fenner>

Trying to Help Marina Deal With html and Posting Easily 11/1/05
Dear Marina and Crew, I hope I can be of some help with your HTML letter frustrations. You folks have done so much for my fish and I that I hope this helps make things a little easier for you. I shudder to think of what it's like having to delete all those html tags out of even one email!
<<We appreciate the sentiments. I don't, however, mess about with deleting the tags, as I don't often answer queries, my work is more "behind the scenes". The specific problem I have is that the message that I am to place, what I retrieve from our "Sent" folder, will leave the response OUT (sometimes entirely, other times in bits and pieces), and often shows only the question. 
I have resorted to simply ctrl+a, ctrl+c, ctrl+v. This gets me the query in its entirety. The problem lies in what happens to the query-response sequence. The response is quite often left out entirely. It's difficult to explain the problem fully, but it is a case of working with the software as it's set up. I don't know what program specifically is being used, but from what I understand, the server/software often "truncates" the messages. There is also a problem in that information gets dropped or corrupted more often in messages sent in html, and this can often make saving photos sent to us problematic, with the last solution being taking a screenshot - *very* easy for me in Linux, but working in Windows is a pain.>>
While I can't eliminate the problem, perhaps these few simple steps can make your life easier?
<<Ah, if only, but again, thank you for the consideration. No, seriously, I will be trying this as soon as possible.>>
As long as you select and copy all the text from the first to the last tag -  this will be just a few clicks for you. Open the Notepad program and paste that nasty html stuff into a blank document.
<<Ok, have done this, do this, to some extent, so I'm with you this far. However, I would have to do this with the reply, in order to get both the question and response, yes?>>
Select 'file>save as'. 
Next step VERY important - In the 'Save as type' box select 'All files'. 
<<Ok, I am usually given that option.>>
For the filename type "Letter1.html" and save it somewhere convenient like your desktop. 
<<Does it really matter what I name it? Or is that a "for instance"?>>
Then you can double click on it, which will show that letter in your web browser without ANY html tags! 
<<It won't simply open in MS Word, or notepad, or WordPad, or even Open Office? It will open up in my browser (Mozilla)?>>
From there you can copy/paste that pure text into your reply email.
<<Mm.. very similar to our current technique of simply copying the text that shows up in the browser. Of course, that technique doesn't solve the problem of including the response as/where it was written, this may solve that. I will experiment on a day I have the time to futz around and see if I can do this with the entire question w/reply.>>
I know that looks like a complicated process but I bet if you try it a few times you will find that it only takes a few seconds to remove all those tags. I hope this helps,
-Sam
<<Me, too, and I'll be holding onto this set of instructions, and may have some questions for YOU (how's that for a switch?)! Now, all I have to do is find a response that is kludged up with html to use as my electronic guinea pig. Thank you, again, Sam. Marina>> 

 

An Offer of Help Re: Hypertext Markup Language in Emails (And a Lost Reply Because the Server Logged me Out Automatically - Grr) 11/3/05
Hey there. No need to post this message.. just some (hopefully) helpful advice / comments.
<<This will likely be posted anyway, unless you specifically prefer it not be.>>
I see you guys have issues with receiving messages in HTML format.
<<An understatement that covers the problem well enough.>>
Unfortunately, I think you will never be able to prevent people from sending you messages that way. In fact, I suspect you are seeing more and more of them. Many e-mail clients format the message that way automatically and many (if not most) users have no idea how to change the settings for their e-mail clients.
<<I had no idea this was the case, and no, I would expect most folks to let their machines do the thinking for them, not to mention the fact that the Windows OS makes it exceedingly difficult to do otherwise (even worse with the new XP OS).>>
That being said, do you need any technical assistance with your e-mail handling routines? 
<<This is an offer to be proffered to the Bobster, as this is his ship and he is the captain, we are merely the crew (a loquacious lot, to be sure).>>
I'm afraid if you don't accommodate HTML messages, you are simply setting yourselves up for more and more headaches. 
<<I have enough headaches as it is, thank you very much.>>
So, the obvious solution is to find some way to handle the messages so you can reply to them easily.
<<Indeed! Also, the specific problem I am having, which is in posting these messages for the dailies. There are additional issues regarding corruption or loss of data in any photos sent with queries. Often I am unable to save an image, and instead receive a dialog box telling me the web site has been changed or removed, and/or that the photo cannot be saved because there are errors. While I can easily take screenshots in my other OS, it's a pain in Windows (I am still using Win2K, do NOT care at all for XP, though I know I may be dragged into it), and having to take a screenshot is another step, making the process even more laborious.>>
I would be more than willing to help out.
<<Bob, what say you?>>
<The Crew should just copy/paste text messages as such... leave off with responding to, including HTML tags... RMF>
I have years of experience with Web stuff and read your site regularly. You are an incredible asset and have made my first three years of reef tank keeping much more pleasurable and rewarding than it might have been. (Don't get me started on the ongoing plumbing odyssey with my new 95 gallon tank, however <grin>).
Rich
<<What plumbing odyssey..? :wink: Thank you for this offer, Rich. It is up to the Cap'n himself, as I only try to fly this bird as far as the dailies page. Anything that would help to educate me I would embrace (though I do have my learning hands a little full, starting on Spanish and some war history, and reading up on brain research of late.. not to mention needing to learn about wells, pumps and pumping, and complicated septic systems) as best I can. When it comes to help, I'll take it where I can get it. Marina>> 

Re: Trying to Help Marina Deal With html and Posting Easily 11/3/05
Marina, I am grateful that I can be of some assistance to you and the Crew. Feel free to email me with any questions! I've been into computers for the past 20+ years, getting paid for it for the last 9 years. 
<<Ah, like my fiancé, got his CompSci degree over 20 years ago, been working the industry ever since. However, he's a hardware & networking/wireless engineer, now running a local Telco service center.>>
I've been working with the windows OS ever since the bad old days of 3.1 and DOS 5. I have yet to even really look at Linux, right now I'm focused on finishing up my cert for Exchange Server. 
<<I was brought to Linux out of sheer desperation, and extreme frustration with the dearth of readily available knowledge on the system (Win2K OS for me, thank you). Open source is very different, but obviously requires much more dedication on the user's part.>>
Well enough about me, to answer some of your questions...
><<...There is also a problem in that information gets dropped or corrupted more often in messages sent in html, and this can often make saving photos sent to us problematic, with the last solution being taking a screenshot - *very* easy for me in Linux, but working in Windows is a pain.>><
Taking a screenshot in XP is just a matter of hitting the "PrintScreen" button. Then to get the pic just open the windows paint program and paste it in there.
<<Indeed, three steps to get one dingdang photo. In the meantime there's a sweet pup bored to death who needs her exercise out there! <giggle> Seriously, I actually used to have this written down, as I used it very infrequently. There is, unfortunately, a good deal of loss of data using this method, which makes the photos look really terrible in my opinion.>>
You can do some basic edit functions on it, then remember to 'save as' in .jpg or .gif format instead of .bmp (big difference in the size of the file).
<<Quite a difference. I use Irfanview to resize/resample, crop, etc.>>
><<Ok, have done this, do this, to some extent, so I'm with you this far. However, I would have to do this with the reply, in order to get both the question and response, yes?>><
I'm not sure I totally understand what is happening, but it would not hurt to paste everything into Notepad. Notepad is a very simple program, but this simplicity makes it one of the most powerful and underrated tools in Windows. 
<<I couldn't agree with you more! Love Notepad, but am looking to eliminate steps if possible, as this would force me to "touch" each piece of "paperwork" a minimum of three times - inefficient to be sure. A work-around that can be well-utilized in a pinch.>>
It takes away ANY formatting from text that is pasted into it (the stuff you can't see), say from another word processor or from the web.
<<And I still have your first message in my inbox, just waiting for another message that needs this, so I may practice on it.. <rubs hands gleefully>>>
><<Does it really matter what I name it? Or is that a "for instance"?>><
Windows filenames consist of two parts. The last is the most important, the ".html", or the 'file extension'. 
Windows has a list of file associations. These tell windows which program the file runs in.
You can name the file "for instance.html". The .html tells windows that it is supposed to open your default web browser and place that file in it.
<<Alright, it's the tag that matters, not the name.>>
><<It won't simply open in MS Word, or notepad, or WordPad, or even Open Office? It will open up in my browser (Mozilla)?>><
I tried doing this in Word the first time. Word can create web pages and does recognize .html, however there were a few more steps involved when using Word. 
<<You ain't kiddin'!>>
You can however use basically the same steps, as Word can save the document in .html format. Also under the 'File' menu there is a 'Web Page Preview' option, but for me it doesn't seem to work right.
<<'Tis problematic, indeed. Open Office is more user-friendly, more intuitive for me, but if possible I'd like to eliminate futzing with even more programs. If only one extra step is required I'd like to go that route, keep it as efficient, simple, and clean as possible. So, once the html is removed, all I have to do is paste it into F/P (FrontPage), bold my titles and so on, do I understand you correctly?>>
I hope that cleared up a few things? 
<<Yes, it has.>>
I'm not sure I totally understand the process you use for answering/organizing your emails but I'm glad to be of some small help to you and the Crew.
-Sam
<<While I understand our process, I don't understand how the software works, and couldn't tell you what software we're using (couldn't post publicly in any event). We've received another offer of help, and these I am forwarding to Bob for his consideration. The goal, of course, is to make the work of our volunteers as easy and simple as possible. When the software works well, we have no problems, but when information becomes corrupted, lost, or whatever (packets dropped, mayhaps?), then we have to futz and muck about. In any event, your information should help, and I'll be using your technique at the first opportunity.. which, hopefully, won't be too soon. Marina>> 

Photos For FAQs - Do We Post Unclear Photos? 10/25/05
Hi Bob,
We've got some photos that came in with emails, but the quality is... atrocious. They're out of focus, don't stop motion, and so are very unclear.  One set is from a querior regarding Gouramis, another is the usual sick Betta.
<Did see these...>
I will attach a couple of them, I've gone ahead and downloaded/saved them, but they're so bad I'm not sure they would add anything to the exchange (the Gourami shot I'm attaching is the best of the bunch). What do you do when the pic is so bad?
Marina
<You've gots to do what you believe is "right"... sometimes I post these (nonetheless), other times... Cheers, B> 

WetWeb Name Posting, Protocol and Practice - 10/24/05
Hello folks;
<Howdy>
Please don't misunderstand here. I greatly appreciate your aid and responses. I know you post comments to WetWeb - but would you at all mind removing my last name from my emails you've posted please?
<... please don't send along anything to us... or if you want my input, post anything on the Net you don't want re-posted...>
There are 2 that I could find through a Google Search of my name (Scott XXXX). As I said, I know you post; but assumed you'd practice the removal of last names or other personal revealing information before doing so.
<Umm, why would we do this... why would you/people send us information they didn't expect to be posted? I/we do try to remove email and physical addresses... don't retain... never post unless expressly requested that we do so.>
In any case I would greatly appreciate it if you'd do so for me please. Sorry for any inconveniences.
<... am very glad more folks don't send in these requests>
Please accept my apologies for my error in attaching my full name to my letters. From here on I'll simply attach my name with thanks as "Scott" - or not at all.
<Good>
(perhaps posting my name in this mail is not a good idea too??) --
<Am going to post, archive... sans your family name. Cheers, Bob/AbdulF>
Thank You; Scott

Truncated response  10/20/05
Bob,
<James>
I did post seven links when I answered this.  I then went to the "sent"
folder to insure they were indeed posted.  I didn't see them.  Contacted
Marina as to why they aren't on.  (Did go through proper procedures, browse,
select, and attach on all seven links.) She was @#^&%$( about the server and
said she had a hard time logging on etc etc.  She had no explanation as to
why they weren't on there. 
<Likely just not copied/pasted... she has a technique (I'd like to mention
here) of consolidating links and making up a label, just linking it... I
like to give the original URL just in case folks find the link itself does
not work... So the can copy/paste the URL in their browsers/search tools>
Funny thing though when I sent it, it didn't appear in the sent folder for
about 25 minutes.  This is good...
<Ooohh, this could be the mail server truncating your work then>
Not seeing the links attached I thought I'd move the query back to the
"marine" folder".  I'd go to the "marine" folder" and it wouldn't be there. 
Kept going back automatically to my folder.  Tried this about six times with
same results.  Marina must have did something because  later, I couldn't
find it anywhere.  I'm hoping the young lad writes back so I can try this again.
James
<Me too. Cheers, BobF>

More ghosts in the WWM mail machine 10/21/05
Bob, James,
<Marina>
James and I emailed each other on this matter the morning that it happened.  I found an answered message in the "marine" folder, and just before James emailed me asking about his troubles, I found the reply (that wasn't a reply until you hit 'reply') in the sent folder.  I saw no links, but there was also a great deal of html, and I *was* in a hurry to get all up as best/soon as possible.   
I could be wrong, but it seems that messages sent with html contained can be problematic.  Then again, I've become accustomed to problems like this with this very server (photos not coming through because info's dropped, can't "save
as", messages that show as replied to, but you have to hit reply to SEE the reply, etc., etc.)  
I honestly don't know if the boy in question received the links, with the state this particular email was in, there was no way for anyone but James to know whether or not the full copy was present.  I copied the boy's question in full, then hit reply and copied James' reply in full, trying to chunk out the code, as it were (hope that makes sense).  Links are as important for readers as they are for queriers, so I have never deliberately left one out. 
As far as the hotlinking, I do that to save space (a long url will explode the page sideways, *very* annoying to have to scroll side-to-side) with particularly long urls, otherwise I generally leave as is.  I believe Jason used to do that, he taught me how way back when and I've used it when I think it's warranted.  If you want me to stop, just let me know and I will leave all linkage as it appears.
And James is right, I was more than a little annoyed with the troubles I was having, between the mail and site servers I'd hit a wall and was very frustrated.  It all had to happen on a day with a LOT of replies, go figure. I'm sorry, I don't know what else anyone could have done, but James did email me about the problem immediately.  
Marina
<All we can do... BobF>

WWM Slacking Off Again? - 10/19/2005
Hi - love your website.  
<Glad to hear this!  Thank you for these words.>
My question is regarding the sections about Freshwater Maintenance and Freshwater Water Quality.  Although it lists articles on these subjects, no articles are showing up on the website... only FAQ's.  Are there articles somewhere that I just can't see?
<Nope, not yet.  These are currently just "place holders", as Bob says....  A spot to sort of bookmark something yet to be written....  Maybe we will squeeze another article out of me this week, or another crewmember....?>
Thanks,  Karen
<Stay tuned,  -Sabrina>

The reason I'm sending you this is because I couldn't get a response at WWM.   
     Teddy
<... there may well be something wrong twixt our email systems... We get a few "blank" messages per week, and some with no "tray" to respond to with the general note from our server that there is/are "errors on page"... If all would include their email addresses in the text... we could at least respond to them. Your system is still "settling in"... with time, the improved operation of your skimmer, you should see improvement in lessened algal growth... however, if you want "real help", it would behoove you to read re marine filtration on WWM, consider switching some gear, adding a live sump/refugium... Bob Fenner>

Response Time  9/9/05
Thank you so much for responding so quickly
<Unfortunately we at the crew are not always able to respond as quickly as we would like, but in any case we try as best as we can. Glad we were able to help.-Chuck> 

Lost In Space Question 8/18/05
Dear Bob and Crew,
I have sent three emails concerning a problem I am having with a recent
purchase of a Sarcophyton elegans.  I also attached a picture.  Can you
please tell me if it is in someone's mailbox or has it been lost in space.
Thanks and happy reefing,
Dean
<This is the first time I recall seeing your name, this issue... We have had some troubles with email... Please resend here or to my personal email addy: fennerrobert@hotmail.com
Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Getting replies from WWM, Wha' Happen?
Hi backatcha! I received your link, but couldn't find a reply to my question. 
< Blundell here today. You should receive a reply emailed back to you. In fact you should be reading this as an email sent back to you. > 
Sorry, but I suck on the computer: I actually was able to send you my question because my son was home from university and did it for me. 
< Always nice to helpful kids. No worries, hopefully we can help. > 
Where do I look to find the reply? 
< Well you could search for a couple words that you included in your email to us. That will help. > 
I checked the daily answers, but it wasn't there. I will check daily, as I read WWM every day to learn more about my new "hobby", which has now become my new life! 
< We know the feeling. > 
Thanks again, Rita
< Best of luck, Blundell. > 

- Hard to Read -
Awesome website, but so painful on the eyes to read. 
<Interesting.> 
Hard to tell when question ends and answer begins. Can you change fonts between questions and answers, or something? 
<Well... given the fact that we have 1,000's of pages that would really require a lot of work and more than we can ask of our current batch of volunteers who are busy answering questions. Already takes several hours a day just to handle what we do... what you request would only add time for folks who don't get paid. Perhaps you want to volunteer to handle this monumental task?>
Thanks. 
Bob B.
Richland, WA
<Cheers, J -- >

Awesome website, but soo painful on the eyes to read - Bob's Thoughts
I'm not saying go back and redo what's been done. That would be dumb. I'm suggesting how it can be improved. 
<A worthy suggestion... and we've had occasion to make such "light year" improvements... e.g. adding a date (sometimes) for incept.... And... there are folks here who could likely write a program to "go back", change to a different font... AND the issue of font types and sizes has been bantered back and around a few times... e.g. we've settled on Times New Roman for most of our online mag... The real, maybe REAL tough choice here is actually the process itself... that is to say, how and who is to decide what is better/best in the way of formatting (and I guess contenting too)... And as Jas points out... no one here is paid... and I'm up to my limit in number of hours daily, weekly, any consideration of time-wise... So, not a smarty comment, but really, how would you go about deciding such issues? And REALLY, how would you like to actually effect them? Bob Fenner>

More - Awesome website, but soo painful on the eyes to read. 
Would it be possible for you to respond to questions in a different font (maybe a larger darker font), so that your answers would stand out more?
<Don't know... for me, the present format has been proven to work out fine for the vast majority... the Webmail program we use doesn't have the option of changing to bold... italics... this would have to be done on the Web authoring program... more work/time... Am reminded of a few times in self-employment in the trade, doing service work on fountains in settings where folks (obviously) worked and slept on different schedules, of the madness of soliciting opinions of when on/off timers should be set... there is/was no consensus... In looking at the FAQs for 2, 3, sometimes 4 hours per day, the font type, size (in afternoons, evenings often have to put on glasses) seems fine. Some folks here place responses on continuous lines, some use other carroting... for the most part this is about what it is... Am curious: May I ask, on your path do you see the way, or just yourself? Bob Fenner>

- We Won't get GoogleWacked Again... or will We? -
It must feel good knowing that you are a 1 in 3 billion chance. I'm not!
The 2 words I was looking for were:-
Indestructible Stonefishes
I tell you what. Could you find me a googlewhack or 2 or 3? <Hmm... I don't recall exactly but I know WetWebMedia has been a source of GoogleWhacks before. Search for that phrase using the search tool on our pages and you will likely find it.>
I've found 2, I'm looking for a third. This could be interesting. <Already is.>
All the best,
Ben.
<Cheers, J -- >

WWM crew: Please read - mail answering habits
Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2005 09:53:37 -0800 (PST)
[I'm replying originally to a new crew member here but have cc'ed it to y'all... WWM Crew/friends... please take note of my advice below when answering your queries. It would be an enormous help(!!!) to Bob if we all tidied up our mail answering habits and answered in a standardized fashion. I got yet another polite comment/complaint yesterday from a hobbyist that says she doesn't read the dailies sometimes because it hurts her eyes trying to read through different crew answering styles and a sometimes "sloppy"/confusing layout. I frankly agree (slight as the problem is)]
Please note the following suggested template for answering a query:
TITLE and date
query content with spaces and extra/blank lines deleted from their original message to save Bobs eyes!
<your reply in single carrots on its own line>
their sign off
<your acknowledgement in return (please do so if they have taken the time to thank you), and please sign your name so that we can know whose mailbox to send follow-up replies to>
* also note: delete all extraneous matter above and below your finished query like their sigs, mail routing info, etc. Before you hit the send button, the ONLY thing that should be in that window is a clean reply that follows the above template.
sincerely... the Marine Nazi (occasionally a Soup Nazi) :) Ant-
seriously... if anyone has any questions or wants to walk through some query answering, please feel welcome to call me at 412795XXXX
---------
ah, good. No worries either about Bob. He really gets fatigued at times from the extraordinary amount of work he has to do on the site each day. Literally several hours without fail.
Thus, when one crew member is forming habits that are bad... it literally translates to extra work for him.
What I mean by helping you by phone too is to verify/clarify that you know to clear all extraneous matter above and below your finished reply before you hit send... title and date all queries... always sign your name so that follow-ups can get to you (we need to know who's box to send them to)... chew up all blank lines, extra spaces in the original piece of mail... make your replies are on their own line and encased by carrots <>...even correct some spelling (a huge help to Bob).
All of this to have a final FAQ before sending that looks polished, tight and tidy. It takes mere seconds for us each to do with our mail, but adds up to hours if the 100 or so e-mails daily lack this by crew :p

Christmas Vacation?
Dear Crew, Have not seen an update now since 12/20.  Is this a glitch or a holiday break?  Well whatever hope you all have happy holidays.
<just short-handed and overwhelmed from the administrative side. Have posted an update today (12/24). Happy Holidays :) Anthony>

How long should I expect to wait for a response from WWM?
I submitted a question yesterday about mantis shrimp and was wondering,
if you do answer, and if it is posted, etc, will I receive notice of the
posting/answering?  << You should get an email back from us.  I know you did, because I answered that question about an hour ago.  Sorry for the delay, sometimes it takes us a couple days to get to the emails.  They come in spurts.  (it is daunting to log in here and find I have 20 emails to respond to) >> Or should I keep checking one of the web sites? << For future reference if it goes a week without being answered, write us again.  Otherwise you should it come to your inbox as well as being posted on the site. >>
Thanks! << Thanks and good luck in Salt Lake City (check out www.utahreefs.com) >>
Tom
<<  Blundell  >>

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/corlfeeding.htm (page missing?)
Is there supposed to be an article under the header on this  page?
<Mmm, yes... as in there is no article written and placed as yet... AnthonyC and I are not up to this area in a series of books yet... In the meanwhile there are pertinent FAQs to be placed...>
Appreciate all your advice to folks!
John
<Thank you. Bob Fenner>

Learning to search the site 11/6/04
How big do black Ghost Knifefish get?
<please do take the time to help yourself here my friend. You will learn the answer fast and learn so much more in the process. Simply navigate to www.wetwebmedia.com and/or fishbase.org and do a keyword search for "Knifefish" with the search tools on these pages>
For my marine tank how deep should the sand bed be for a 65-gallon?
<it depends on what you are trying to accomplish with it. Deep (over 4" of sugar-fine grade) for nitrate reduction... shallow (less than 1/2") for ease of maintenance... coarse for larger microcrustaceans, etc.>
can you recommend a type of sand? thank you.
<as per above needs>
Jahner
<and here too... please take the time to do a keyword search for "live sand" or navigate to our coverage of the subject in the archives. Kindly, Anthony>

Missing questions
Hey guys...I had sent a question in about 1 month or so ago and didn't get a chance to see the response on the Daily FAQ's and when I do a google search for it, I can see the page that it's on, but when I click on the link to view that FAQ page, it isn't on the page...like it was scrolled off or something.  << Hmmm, send it again.  We usually answer all emails pretty quick.  If it goes a couple days without being answered then I'm not sure what happened. >> Would you happen to have it logged or saved somewhere, or possible have the link to the complete FAQ page that it resides on? << Not sure what your question was, but if you send it again we can find it from before, or just answer it again.  Sorry for the trouble. >>  Thanks for the help again.
<<  Blundell  >>

WWM Mac help
Hey guys,
<Howdy Fellow Mac user>
I am running a Mac g4 and using Safari to browse. I can get to the WWM mail page, but can't open my Rich folder.
<Yeah, it's something that confuses Safari....  Drives me nuts as well.>
 I can in IE, but switching browsers is a pain, and the WWM page on IE is kinda buggy.
<You can simply have the IE browser sitting in your dock.  that is how I manage to get to WWM mail.  I only use IE for WWM things.  So, you don't have to switch anything aside from use IE only for these emails.>
 Any ideas on how to make Safari work?
<I have asked lots of people and even dealt with Mac developers and they can't seem to figure why it's doing that.  They all seem to say "It should work".  I tried other settings, re doing some of the code to see what to do... Nada.   I did recently try using Mozilla, which did allow me to use WWM mail.  Though, it gave me a bit of difficulty at first.  had to reload the page a few times in order to get into the personal email folder.   Mac apps just don't seem to like the site.   If I learn of anything to make Safari work I'll let you know. but as it stands now, I keep an old version of IE just for WWM.   Try out Mozilla and see if you like it.>
Thanks! Rich
<Hope that helps a little.  -Magnus (aka John)>

Lost Question?
Sorry to be a pest <You are not> but could you please answer what I have asked as it is important I am doing the right thing for the sake of the fish involved, Thank you once again. <I'm sorry but I thought I did. Please re send your concerns. Don>  

WWM crew
Hi,
Just got a PM at reefs.org from JimM saying there was interest in folks volunteering for the WWM staff.  I'd like to get some more information about what the position would entail.
Thanks!
Matt Wandell
<Fielding queries... responding to folks who write in... in a kindly, timely
manner. Takes about a half hour any given day... pays zip. Bob Fenner>

Specialized FAQs Logs: Freshwater, Brackish
Hi Crew
I see you have specialized FAQs for others why not for saltwater?
<As these are the most prevalent types, they're treated in the "original" FAQs folder. Will consider separating the others out day of, but am up to my 2-3 hour per day limit just moving the FAQs about, making new files, folders. Bob Fenner>

I need more Info. on the pond liners, etc. I can be reached at 605-358-XXXX
Tom
<Mmm, I/we don't provide phone call service. If you can formulate what you're seeking I may be able to direct you to someone who can. Bob Fenner>

FAQs on FAQs
Bob,
I wrote a question on 10/2/04, I don't know if you respond directly to the email via a return email or posted the response on the website.  I tried searching your sight for a response, (for over an hour), but couldn't find it.  Could you respond to my questions and if the response is posted to the sight please advise on how to find it. << Frank, emails are sent directly back to the inquisitor.  I'm unsure of why you didn't receive a reply, but I will do so.  Please send your question again. >>
Thanks, Frank
<<  Blundell  >>

Re: past question's response
where would I look to see a response for email sent on 10/2/04?
<If it has been responded to already, the response would go to the querier and next day likely to the "Daily FAQs", and if Freshwater or Brackish in nature, to those separate "Daily FAQs" the next day, or if marine, to the folder/s of the subject/s it relates to. If you have the original query, you may well be able to locate the archived response by using the Google search tool on WWM employing some of the key terms. Bob Fenner>

Query lost in space?
I sent an email about my planted tanks about a week ago or so, and I was wondering if there's a problem, because I haven't seen a response and then my account on the forums was no longer there and that was weird, I mean I only had it a couple of weeks and hadn't even used it I don't think. I was wondering if I did something or if you never got them?
thank you
Ian
<I do recall a query as you describe, but don't see it right off in anyone's in-box. Please do send it along again. Bob Fenner>

Answers (WWM "tude" and incomplete transmissions?)
Hi your site is absolutely fantastic and has mostly proved very helpful if a little high and mighty at times (attitude which comes across in the replies)
<Well, I never... Heeee!>
but I wanted to comment when replies are sent to email addresses they only arrive in part and to get the rest of the reply one must go to the site
<What? Really? Can, will you send me an example? All should go back to the original querier... The "saved" versions (which I principally post) should be identical...>
which is fine if you check your emails every day for those of us who cant by the time we do (sometimes as soon as the second day) those questions have been moved on to the relevant areas which unfortunately aren't always obvious to us mere mortals and regularly extremely difficult to find if not impossible. In conclusion after receiving many half replies to which I am unable to find the full responses I would ask you to consider either replying in full to questions or providing links somehow to the original questions.
Regards Nicole
<This is news to me... and disturbing. We have used this mail server for years now... and when I cc my Hotmail account... all the response "comes over". Bob Fenner>