In Reply to: Mis information in books being posted as gospel posted by Elwin Bullard on May 06, 1999 at 10:29:46:

Elwin, As in most books, these books were based on the research the author itself had found and uncovered as well as their personal experiences and experiences of others. As with much of the glider info out here on the net, much of it is outdated. With Gliders not being in the states very long, much more is being learned of them, If a book was written even now with the updated info, in 2 ,3 years some of that info too will be out dated. Looking at the case of the catfood, 5 years ago it was totaly acceptable, Michigan Univerity did some research and found that it caused intestinal blockage. But that was one research. Not that I a saying it is wrong, not by a long shot , I am not qualified to do that, but saying that there are still people feeding catfood after 5 years. What is the long term effects? who knows. it will take many many more generations that have survived the long haul to be able to use one book as being gospel. We have been here in the states for many many years and the diet info out there is just as controversial with us.. some say meat is necessary, others say it is not. but who are we to say? with out the ability to live forever to decide. Research based info is about the best we all can do. Caroline Macpherson has done a lot of wonderful research, as with many others. She condensed some of her research into a book for others to learn from. As is the case with the other authors.. IN NO WAY AM I BLASTING CAROLINE MACPHERSON. All I am saying is that it is the responsibility of the owers to do their best to update as much info as they can using their own research, common sense, and better judgement..Books are to be used as guides, with the understanding, that info changes over the years..you have several levels of laws and rulings, most states they are legal in federal requires a usda license in order to transfer ownership of a glider. Whether it is paid for or not. then on the other end of the coin, some cities, counties, municpalities outlaws marsupials being kept as pets. The pocket pet thing was great for the purpose of trying to get them legalized in each state, however they are STILL marsupials..so is a opposum which in many places are a threat to the health..So Research, research, and research some more. Those that think they can research once and they have the answwers will find themselves lost in the dark ages of wonderment. Research should be done on a regular basis periodically just to keep up with the changing info out there. Just as a mechanic that works with a car, he has a book , but he still needs to keep up with the never ending updates and changes. If not one day he may wake up to an airplane looking engine with no way to adjust carbs, or computer boards etc.. and this has happened..

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