Forum and what it to be.

[Andy Ro]

Actually a forum while the weak. Very few active members. It is not enough power. It is not enough interest. Not to me to judge it, but participating in other forums, is with what to compare!
Perhaps in this theme there will be any offers, and we will discuss it. Whether there is an interest in general to speak on this theme?
It would be desirable, that it was more interesting and it is good!

[Ricardo in PR]

I have asked myself the same question. This forum is backed by a prestigious society that has tens of thousands of members and counts among its advisors some of the most knowledgeablein orchid matters in the world. And yet some days there are no new posts, questions go unanswered, and in most posts that do get answers, the answers are very short comments made by the usual suspects. Personally I have noted that even though the society can count among its members people with a breathtaking amount of experience in many genera, with some mighty honorable exceptions, none seem to ever show up a the forum to answer queries. In my view it is also intriguing that it is two people from outside mainland US that have breached this question.

I have reached my own conclusion and will give it in an oracular fashion.

Until the kitties are allowed in, no growth will be possible.

[Andy Ro]

I agree with you. I have some thoughts about it, but it would be desirable to hear opinions still.

[Ricardo in PR]

It will be illuminating to see how many responses this topic gets.

[trdyl]

Andy, you have brought up a very good topic. I too have been wondering about this very issue for quite some time now. It is a shame that it is not more active than it is.

[Kentucky]

Just my opinion, but I suspect that most knowledgeable people avoid the misinformation and arguments of forums like the plague. The incessant "how do I grow my ice cube Phals" type questions get old pretty fast especially when you see ridiculous answers to those type questions. The internet can become annoying pretty quickly with all its misconceptions.

I do have a question for the AOS...when should we expect the "new" forum and the "new" AQPlus?

[Ricardo in PR]

I would like to answer some of Kentucky arguments:

It is true most knowledgeable people do not post, but you see other forums where people with experience and knowledge share their view and you get some lively and informative discussions. The fact that there is misformation on the Internet can hardly be a reason not to post since we know it is almost impossible to go anywhere in the Internet without finding annoying posting ( and don't get me started about those places that are chock full of those pesky ALL CAP LOCK POSTERS)
Answering newbie questions can be easily handled by the use of links to places where the questions have been answered in a useful and truthful way. In other forums where I have participated anyone posting nonsense is usually quickly corrected by other members of the forum.

Also your question to the AOS is misplaced here, it should be addressed to the AOS officials that deal with that matter. It can also be put in its own thread if you feel it deserves so.

We should not be distracted from the central premise of this question, other forums are veritable hives of activity with notable numbers of people posting and many threads running at the same time discussing a wide variety of topics.
Why this is not happening here, given the fact that the AOS is one of the premier orchid societies of the world?

[Andy Ro]

Ted, fine yours Cattleya speciosissima alba ' Snow Queen ' FCC/AOS.

Ricardo in PR, all of us would like that the forum was active and live. That wasn't two-three messages in day and silence....
I hope that it depends not only on money.... It would be desirable to believe that all will change to the best! We will wait and will listen for opinion.
Thanks that you aren't indifferent to a theme!
P.S. To admit didn't expect that when I will open a forum I will see in this theme so much people! Fine!
And most that is interesting, at me the wide experience. To whom is it necessary?! Excuse for language, I can have expressed haven't so clearly stated the thoughts...! It would be desirable to help, though thought, a word or idea.

[Kentucky]

Maybe you are right Ricardo. I asked the AOS question about the new forum and new AQ because those things were announced in Virginia Beach without a schedule. My opinion from a very extensive industrial R&D background is that unscheduled developments never happen. Again that's just my opinion. As to asking it here, it is on "Forum Questions and Suggestions" under the thread "Forum and What It To Be". Sounds like a proper place to ask questions. But if you don't agree, I'm sorry for asking it. I apologize for violating your guidelines.

I'll try to do better.

[Andy Ro]

Kentucky, I very well understand you. Fine.