[wickjr]

I think the LFS and the hobbyist share the responsibilty, though the hobbyist caries a bit more. Yes, a LFS should try to have knowledgeable employees, but as with any other business, that's not always going to happen. In my experience, the smaller LFS are usually a lot more detail and information oriented, though their prices are often higher than the larger stores for obvious reasons like buying power and what not. I do believe that the larger stores should try a little harder. If you are a large chain company and you sell corals and SW fish, you should have a person available at all times to assist only the SW customers. Whether this be a manager or whatever. Also, if an employee doesn't know an answer, GO ASK SOMEONE WHO DOES! I think that is my biggest problem with LFS employees or any other retailer is unknowledgeable employees giving false information.
I used to blame the LFS for my mistakes. I even made posts on here comlaining about their ineptitude. In the end, though, if we buy an animal that does not belong in our system and we can't care for, the blame rests with us, the hobbyists. We have all made the mistake of an impulse buy.(Mine was caularpa) Most have learned from the mistake. If you see something you want, go home and research it. Read books, websites, ask questions on forums, then go back. If it is still there and you can care for it, buy it. If not, there will be another. We are taking these fish/corals from their natural environment and keeping them for our own satisfaction. I think we owe it to them to make sure we can keep them alive and healthy. Why should we rely on an LFS employee to tell us whether we can?