I would tend to agree that a ball isn't the ideal beginner snake. It's easily doable if the keeper is serious about getting into reptiles and does his/her research properly. I think the problem is that they are sold by pet stores and (almost) every amateur breeder you see at a show. It's impossible for a first-time owner to tell the difference between a CB and WC normal ball. In fact, if it's a first snake, the prospective owner may not even know that there is a HUGE difference in their chances for success.
If they get one from a big box pet store, it will be CB and (sometimes) you will get a salesperson that knows something about them. You will, however, pay way to much for it ($99 is about the average) and you will have to choose between the 1-3 they have in stock. It's not a bad way for a first timer to get one, as the info on it will be generally accurate and the animal will likely be in pretty good health and parasite-free.
If you go to a small pet store, all bets are off. You can find lots of really awesome local stores that sell great CB animals that are healthy and will make great first snakes, but you will find just as many shady or uninformed snake slingers that will sell you a sick, parasite-ridden, WC ball for anywhere from $25-$99. Some will even lie about where they got them, and lead you to believe that caring for them is the same as caring for a corn snake. If you buy from a local guy (and I think you should if you can find a good one) make sure that you get solid recommendations from your experienced snake owning friends. Otherwise, you are much better going to a show or just buying one from PetSmart or PetCo.
Buying online from a reputable breeder is also a great option, and the selection can't be beat anywhere. But again, buyer beware. Get recommendations and read online reviews and such. Ask who your friends or reputable forum members use.
Shows are the best choice for immediate gratification junkies who want a good selection at attractive prices. Many shows are CB only. That is a good place to start. Ask other people at the show who the good breeders are, who they have bought from in the past, and who has a local store if you run into problems (many have local stores too). Ask which ones are there every show, and who are first time vendors. A vendor that is a "regular" at a show is someone who isn't hiding from anyone. If you do have problems, you can usually go back to them at the next show and talk to them face-to-face. New guys can be good too, but check their references. Shows are exciting and low-priced for the quality of animals that are generally available. Selection is generally good (esp for balls), and you get to leave with your new pet in hand, but you kinda have to know what you are there for in advance and have already done your research to get a good deal. I love shows!
I think if you get a healthy CB ball that is feeding well and you do your husbandry research before you buy one, balls can be great first time snakes. Unfortunately, it's hard for a total newbie to be aware of all this before the purchase. Cornsnakes are probably the "best" first snake, as all are CB, they are cheap, and care is much less precise than boids (pythons, boas, anacondas - for the newbies LOL). You are unlikely to have a bad experience with one of them unless you are really negligent in their care.
