Forum is slowly dying...it need YOUR help!

I know most want to lurk, just read and not say anything because it is safe but by not participating, you are not helping. Eventually, the forum will fade away...is that what you want?

I just came back and am trying to get things started again but one person cannot do it. We need to share, post pics, comment, communicate, ask questions, answer questions, etc.

I am BEGGING YOU...please start to post once a day (more is better of course), no matter how lame and watch this forum get revived in a few weeks! Check old threads and choose one to comment on or start your own.

Give it a try please?!?! We can do it!

THANK YOU!!!

As of 3:00pm Texas, USA (central) time...

130 registered users visited today...
169 registered users visited the past 24 hours...
Less than 10 posted.

We can do better people!

if you just came back, you missed all the non-stop-knock-down-drag-out-smack-yo-mama-on-the-backside-shenanigans-hoopla-lollygaggin'-grab-assery-and-tom-foolery...

but you are right... one person can't do it all...

you want lame filler posts ?

be carefull what you wish for because i gotta million of 'em

beer city snake wrote:you want lame filler posts ?

be carefull what you wish for because i gotta million of 'em

LOL...filler posts are better than cricket sounds in my book. Lots of times, what may initially sound lame isn't. Of course intelligent input and conversation is preferred.

Re: what I missed, good that I missed it...I am back because I didn't like to be part of a forum where someone can call everyone "idiot" or "a$$hole" w/o any repercussion. I hope it is not allowed here...else I will be out of here again too.

Dario, there definitely were repercussions. But there were no consequences (that I'm aware of).

I would like to see more activity here and will try to do some posting after the National Exhibition is over. Will be rather busy until then.

Looking forward your posts. I know it will be fun...a glimpse, even just the vendor area, will be much appreciated.

I recently reformatted my laptop and all my pics are on a backup drive so can't post much right now. Once I have them re-organized in my laptop, I will be starting several progression threads. I have no good bonsai yet but hopefully some will ignite some interest/conversations.

btw - one thing of note is the upper northern hemisphere part of this international community is/was in the midst of the prime tree growing and working months... if i couldnt post while at work, i wouldnt have the time to post much of anything as i'm busy doing bonsai rather than nattering on about it...

when the winter winds come blowing in, i too will be posting more pictures of my trees
(which can then be ripped apart by the marauding hyenas )

you wanna comment on something unconventional ?

check out the Arbor Arts Collective participation at Art Beat in the Heat (display section of forum)...
(it aint your sensei's bonsai display )

lastly, all forums go through slumps...
(well, except forums which are about forums and those subterranean mole people simply live in front of the screen and get their nutrients from grubs, worms and red bull)

LOL...filler posts are better than cricket sounds in my book. Lots of times, what may initially sound lame isn't. Of course intelligent input and conversation is preferred. Wink

Guys, I know I've gone 'round and 'round with both of you over various things, BUT . . . "filler" posts are NOT better, and equally (or more) "lots of times" what sounds lame IS lame and frequently is also wrong.  That sets off long and sometimes ugly discussion as others chip in to try to correct that wrongness -- or just to stir the pot.  

We don't get paid by the picture or word here, as in a magazine, or even by the column inch, as in a newspaper.  The largest number of posts or postings, or the length of the text is not our goal.  What we want here is CONTENT -- preferably quality content.  That includes pics and discussions about nice trees (stones, and pots), and honest questions, and helpful answers to questions.    

Both of you (and I!) know how easy it is to be misunderstood when "communicating" by computer and what that can engender -- and increased use of cell phones only makes it more likely.  If that's what you want, head over to Bonsai Nut.  It has recently degenerated to a massive snip(e) hunt.

I'm sorry if you think it is dull, dull, dull here.  It is OK to want to increase traffic and generate interest, but maybe you can do it with questions about your own trees, or pictures of your works in progress.  I'm sure we'd like to chime in there.

Save the babble for The Lounge??????  

JimLewis wrote:
I'm sorry if you think it is dull, dull, dull here.  It is OK to want to increase traffic and generate interest, but maybe you can do it with questions about your own trees, or pictures of your works in progress.  I'm sure we'd like to chime in there.

It's not "dull dull dull", here. Maybe "dull".

I'm not interested in "filler" (and am not even sure how you would define that, really). I'd like to see more people posting photos of their trees, show ready or not, and more people participating in discussions about those trees. We'll see what happens.

JimLewis wrote:Guys, I know I've gone 'round and 'round with both of you over various things, BUT . . . "filler" posts are NOT better, and equally (or more) "lots of times" what sounds lame IS lame and frequently is also wrong.  That sets off long and sometimes ugly discussion as others chip in to try to correct that wrongness -- or just to stir the pot.  

Beggars cannot be choosers.  I do not think anyone is "stirring the pot". Unless you consider my plea to members to post more pot stirring.

JimLewis wrote:We don't get paid by the picture or word here, as in a magazine, or even by the column inch, as in a newspaper.  The largest number of posts or postings, or the length of the text is not our goal.  What we want here is CONTENT -- preferably quality content.

We are not paid anything (at least I am not).  What I am doing, I am doing for the forum (w/ vested interest to have a forum to visit).

I too prefer quality content but for a gasping forum...I'd imagine it should take anything to live another day (if you get my drift).  I am a believer that conversation need to be primed.  Start with "small talk" even "silly talk" and hopefully hit a common (bonsai) topic to discuss after.  What is important that you seem to miss...is to first have people "engaged".  Without them, there is no forum.

I know you disagree so take your own approach and I will take mine...I am sure we have a common goal so let us please work together instead of shooting me down.

Thank you.

JimLewis wrote:I'm sorry if you think it is dull, dull, dull here.  It is OK to want to increase traffic and generate interest, but maybe you can do it with questions about your own trees, or pictures of your works in progress.  I'm sure we'd like to chime in there.

Save the babble for The Lounge??????  

I thought I posted this at "The Lounge"?  :?:

If you missed it, I am quoting my own post (from above).

Poink88 wrote:...I recently reformatted my laptop and all my pics are on a backup drive so can't post much right now.  Once I have them re-organized in my laptop, I will be starting several progression threads.  I have no good bonsai yet but hopefully some will ignite some interest/conversations.

Don't worry, I will be posting my threads as soon as my system is all set-up.

I thought I posted this at "The Lounge"?

You did. And I thank you. It's exactly where it should have gone. I was, believe it or not, merely contributing to your thread.

If you missed it, I am quoting my own post (from above).

Poink88 wrote:...I recently reformatted my laptop and all my pics are on a backup drive so can't post much right now. Once I have them re-organized in my laptop, I will be starting several progression threads. I have no good bonsai yet but hopefully some will ignite some interest/conversations.

Can't wait! The sooner the better. And you then will erase all my problems. And Coh's, too I suspect. What we don't need is off-the-topic dandelion fluff drifting through all the substantive Forums.

I replied to this in a Preparing for Winter thread.

john jones wrote:I replied to this in a Preparing for Winter thread.

Thank you.

JimLewis wrote:... but maybe you can do it with questions about your own trees, or pictures of your works in progress.  I'm sure we'd like to chime in there. 

Tried it w/ 4 new threads...lots of views but not a single reply after almost 3 hours. I hope they are not that bad... 

Poink88 wrote:

JimLewis wrote:... but maybe you can do it with questions about your own trees, or pictures of your works in progress.  I'm sure we'd like to chime in there. 

Tried it w/ 4 new threads...lots of views but not a single reply after almost 3 hours.   I hope they are not that bad... 

duuuuude... how can you have the patience to grow a bonsai when you have no patience for a reply to your threads...

and the assumption that they are bad because of the crickets chirping...?
well, don't take that too personal, nor too seriously... after all, its only a forum
and you don't need us for validation...

and just like in real life, most (but not all) folks are more wrapped up in their own trip...



not to mention that probably exactly maybe about one half or so of this international forum are tucked away in their beds because for that past 3 hours, it was the middle of the night for them...

just sayin...

take it light
kevin

Well it looks like it's dying to me, I've not used it for about a year because I've been away, so I bought an iPad thinking it would be easier, but now found I cannot post photos with it, but as I've looked thro the forum many old experienced people are not posting and unless I get a new computer I will not be either. Regards john

Tried it w/ 4 new threads...lots of views but not a single reply after almost 3 hours. I hope they are not that bad...

Patience. Not everybody is on line 24/7 like you, and some even live in different time zones.

I saw those; some nice trees that have had good starts. Is that what you want to keep the forum active: 5,000 "nice tree" (and variants) posts? Hope not. A picture or two followed by 10 "nice tree" messages is truly dull, dull, dull.

Quitcherbitchin and be thankful for what we have here!

In defense I can only say that I look alot, with much appreciation I'll add, but I rarely feel qualified to comment and adding another, 'nice tree', just seems redundant.

This season has been extreme for me. I've repotted or reworked every tree and am rebuilding my entire in-ground garden. I am jamming from sunup to sundown and I enjoy checking the forums at the end of my exausting day. I hope to get back to posting once the dust settles and I see how the work I've done proves out. Sincerly, Rick

beer city snake wrote:
duuuuude... how can you have the patience to grow a bonsai when you have no patience for a reply to your threads...

You missed the point. Not after anything but for people to be engaged..hopefully start a conversation.

I thank you for being engaged though.

JimLewis wrote:I saw those; some nice trees that have had good starts.  Is that what you want to keep the forum active: 5,000 "nice tree" (and variants) posts?  Hope not.  A picture or two followed by 10 "nice tree" messages is truly dull, dull, dull.

Jim,

It is like a game of chess and about positioning, a ground work if you will but I can tell you cannot see it that way.  Probably the reason why we cannot see eye to eye...

P.S. I won't be surprised if you do not understand this message either.

Jim,

Light bulb moment. Maybe you can understand if I use a bonsai analogy.

It is like telling me it is useless to grow branches that I will eventually chop back/prune. Or planting a plant already in the pot to the ground...only to be dug and placed back to a pot years later.

It may look like a waste of effort but it isn't. Some know/understand the goal and what is being accomplished...others can't.

Maybe you understand now?

RKatzin wrote:Quitcherbitchin and be thankful for what we have here!

In defense I can only say that I look alot, with much appreciation I'll add, but I rarely feel qualified to comment and adding another, 'nice tree', just seems redundant.

This season has been extreme for me. I've repotted or reworked every tree and am rebuilding my entire in-ground garden. I am jamming from sunup to sundown and I enjoy checking the forums at the end of my exausting day. I hope to get back to posting once the dust settles and I see how the work I've done proves out. Sincerly, Rick

Not bitchin...just giving this place a help. It is like a big round boulder on the top of a mountain, too much potential that just need a little push.

Looking forward you sharing pics of the fruits of your labor.

I appreciate this forum and the many knowledgable folks who post and give advice. There are some very advanced bonsai artists here. I thank the moderators of this forum who do a very good job. I learn alot here.

I do not like the filler and the silly stuff, put it in the Lounge where it can be easily avoided. I do not understand when people start their posts "well I don't have any experience with this species but..." then go on to give advice and critique. I don't even read posts when I see certain names and there are constant interruptions in good posts. These things occur in a number of posts.

I think the negative and useless stuff hurts the forum's credibility and drives away the professionals (and even Bonsai Masters) who have participated in IBC. Many of these pros do not post anymore, I think that they do not want their names associated with foolishness and I don't blame them. It could hurt their businesses and income.

A post does not have to come from a knowledgable person in order to be educational and entertaining, I learn from all skill levels.

Thanks to the moderators and all those that post good info and photos. I do not mean to pass myself off as an expert practitioner, I am not, just someone who wants to learn and likes to read.

Augustine

Augustine,

Many great artists came and gone...I elect not to dwell on whatever their reasons are.

To those who continue to share their knowledge-- here, their blog, through books, magazine articles, show presentations, classes, facebook, etc. I thank them. They may be "useless" here but they still share in a different way.

We can choose to cry over spilled milk or make do with what we have. Our choice. For me, life goes on. Sure, I prefer input from the masters but if I cannot get it from them--I'll find another way. Good info is good info, I do not discriminate the source. Yes, you may have to filter harder and expect more fluff (even bad info) but such is life.

I am a newbie but I am trying to do my share. If I fail, it is not because I didn't try.