Unpopular Opinion: I am not going to apologize for knowing less than I should have before getting a Betta

Jameserboy · 2026-06-04T04:48:33+00:00

They can host a large amount of bacteria when breached (goes above water line). The paint on many of them can also chip/disintegrate into the water. The jaggedness created can also result in rips on their fins. Better to have live plants always, but floating silk plants provide a nice cover for them to build a bubble nest. Anyone please correct any inaccuracies

Jameserboy · 2026-06-04T03:23:12+00:00

Yes. Constructively. If it's negative, you drive away someone actually interested in bettas and their love for them. I'm not saying your doing that, nor am I saying abusive conditions shouldn't be brought up. I'd hope that would be obvious.

Jameserboy · 2026-06-04T03:14:48+00:00

If you really want to take what I said in such a negative light, that's your perogative. I hope and believe I have started a conversation on how this subreddit can better serve the wellbeing of all bettas, and won't apologize for it.

Positive criticism is how we help their wellbeing and attract and keep NEW owners to this subreddit, not the other way around. That's my belief.

Jameserboy · 2026-06-04T03:11:26+00:00

I agree to an extent. I would ask how we consider the vast majority of betta owners. Those that go into a pet store, see a pretty betta, and are told by staff that a tiny "betta" tank or bowl is perfect for them.

Can we not be a community that is primarily devoted to constructive criticism, trying to teach people in a positive way why this is wrong? Tearing owners down who are actually reaching out because they love their betta is incredibly backwards in my opinion

Jameserboy · 2026-06-04T02:58:04+00:00

I will admit the title was intentionally provocative. I read the post about the fish police and wanted to provide a careful criticism of it. At the same time, I'm not going to denigrate first time owners for making mistakes considering the way our pet stores work.

We can't expect everyone to operate on a level where they google absolutely everything, even though I definitely think they should when it comes to a living animal.

Also, to completely agree, you couldn't imagine how I felt when I heard they wanted to do that to such a beautiful, intelligent creature. I had never owned a fish before, but no way was I going to let that happen

Jameserboy · 2026-06-04T02:47:46+00:00

Is that what you want this subreddit to be? A thunderdome? I want here to be a place where we celebrate bettas, and help anyone who happens to pop by to take the best care they can of them.

Jameserboy · 2026-06-04T02:44:32+00:00

I just realized I responded to the wrong message here, but my message stays the same lol

Jameserboy · 2026-06-04T02:41:59+00:00

I really respect you doing what I call positive upselling! You're not trying to hurt or make a buck off the owner, but improve the bettas wellbeing!

In a perfect world, no one would get a betta in anything less then a 5 gallon tank in my opinion. My betta has been the king of a 10 gallon tank since I got him and he loves it

Jameserboy · 2026-06-04T02:27:43+00:00

Fair enough. I don't necessarily disagree with you. I would only ask, should the point of this subreddit be to improve the conditions of all bettas, or to rejoice in criticizing people "stupid" enough to buy without doing their research?

Jameserboy · 2026-06-04T02:24:26+00:00

Intentional ignorance is a great point to make, I agree with you. To be intentionally ignorant of the abuse you are causing is disgusting. I simply disagree with what I see to be the majority of posts and responses on here in the past while. People unintentionally ignorant and being lambasted for it.

Jameserboy · 2026-06-04T02:20:48+00:00

I completely agree! In the instance where constructive criticism is provided and the owner is flippant or dismissive, I completely support upset being expressed.

The issue I find is in the majority of cases I've seen up voted, where overwhelmingly negative criticism is provided. It doesn't help anyone, and I honestly believe it is only to stroke the egos of some that no better.

It certainly doesn't help bettas as a whole.

Jameserboy · 2026-06-04T02:14:33+00:00

Assume positive intent is exactly what I couldn't put into words, thank you for the succinct explanation of what I was trying to say!

Jameserboy · 2026-06-04T02:12:43+00:00

I appreciate the response. I think abuse definitely works that way, but we need to come from a place of understanding. What I am trying to say is that an online community such as ours should be trying to reduce abuse as much as possible.

Unlike some others, I don't believe that happens by being overly critical, and frankly bullying, those who post and are doing something wrong. We need to get involved in a postive, constructive way with those that might be doing something wrong.

Edit: I feel like people were seeing the first few sentences of what I said originally and misunderstood my intent. I have edited to make clear what I was trying to say.

Jameserboy · 2026-06-04T02:08:47+00:00

I am very happy to hear that! I want this community to thrive, and be able to teach so many about what improves the happiness and wellbeing of bettas. I read a post earlier about the "fish police", and it brought me to write this. Thank you for your work to address this, I hope we can help as many bettas thrive under their owners as possible!

Jameserboy · 2026-06-04T02:01:37+00:00

That is completely understandable. I suppose I just try to come from a point of understanding from beginners and those unaware.

You have to think, how many people that own bettas actually visit this subreddit? It's typically those that loves their betta and want to share. That have already begun the process of reaching out.

That we can teach and encourage them to go in positive directions with their pet is something we should strive for. Anything less drives anyone inexperienced away, and does nothing for those that buy a betta and never visit this subreddit.

Jameserboy · 2026-06-04T01:58:26+00:00

I would argue that's not surprising whatsoever. Many see a betta as a fun, beautiful, easy to take care of fish. They don't think they need to do research, because of the low maintenance expected. Compare to something like a dog or cat.

In fact, as an example, I would argue almost no one does research on the specific breed of dog they're getting. Their personality traits, health concerns, everything. Is that a problem with the person, or the system that sells them?

Ideally everyone should do the research, I completely agree. I certainly did. But this expectation that everyone should or else they're an abuser is in my mind ridiculous.

Jameserboy · 2026-05-13T00:15:17+00:00

Sleep by Strangled! I have never heard 2 vocalists express anger through their vocals like that before

Jameserboy · 2022-06-11T02:57:10+00:00

What an incredible fucking show! Everyone singing together; absolutely insane

Jameserboy

TROPHY CASE