I know I don't chat much about gardening on here (although I do have a nice colourful back and front garden, well taken care of) I spend more time taking in advice from the resident experts than attempting to give any and I know that I haven't been here since day one so I can't put dibs on anything but ..... I'm sure I'm not the only one to have noticed the rapid decline of posts from old (when I say old, I mean established!) posters and plentiful gardening topics. Some of the regular posters with bountiful knowledge that were here when I arrived (about 18 months ago I think) have gone! So many newbies, so little garden talk.... <sigh> Or am I alone in my rambling thoughts? (http://www.haroldandrews.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/faga1.gif)
I see this as a wonderful site Yellow Petals where we can talk about all sorts of subjects. Being an allotment site, there is inevitably a lot of talk about vegetables and flowers, generally within the edible and non-edible sections. Then other subjects get raised, most commonly in here (The Shed), and I can claim to be one of those culprits - mainly because I don't see myself as being particularly knowledgeable about plants, so do not post so much in those sections.
I understand your comments, and can empathise with them, but I am happy with the layout as it is. For me, it is more about sharing time with friends, and gathering gardening info along the way . . . The warmth this gives me, far outweighs the lack of serious horticultural discussion.
I hope to be on this forum a long time, along with the many wonderful friends I have made whilst here, I can only wish the same for you!
Derekthefox
I don't think there is much to concern ourselves about as we are now in the "silly season" (have I got that right?) when politicians go away for very long breaks and the media can't find anything to talk about?
I think when the kids are back to school (inc politicians ;D) then it will pick up ;D and we will be back to normal. 8)
Hang in there Girl ;)
I agree to a certain extent, there is a lack of interesting allotment related postings on here at the moment, also the baby googoo talk is very tiresome & offputting at times. I don't come on as much as I used to partly for the above reasons.
There seems to be a large influx of new members which is a good thing of course but many of them seem lazy and ask the same old questions over & over instead of using the search facility which is very good
I've noticed that the edible forum has got pretty untidy recently - lots of duplicate threads and posts which suggest that a thread hasn't been read too closely!
Perhaps we need a 'sticky' post at the top of the edible front page requesting that people search (a bit) before posting and ensure they're posting in the right sub-forum?
...maybe I should have posted that last post in 'Website Suggestions'?!
I used to visit a site relating to the collection of silver and was very pleased to browse and pick ideas as well as offer my own thoughts and contributions.
Unfortunately, some "clever" person came along and introduced all sorts of "rules" before newbies could even contribute to the site or even enter certain forums. They were vetted as to the intent of their visit to the site! Useless to say that it got so tiresome that I, together with many others, left the site, sick and tired of the "elite" who thought they knew better than anyone else.
What I am trying to say is that A4A is a wonderful site where knowledgeable people contribute countless ideas and experience. Let's hope it stays this way. We do not want this spirit to disappear. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Marianne, couldn't have said it better myself! I remember how scary it was being a newbie, not knowing the ropes, nearly had palpitations on first post. But met lots of lovely friendly peeps, and hope I will continue to for long time to come. Lottie ;D
I wasn't suggesting we bring in the Third Reich to monitor A4A, just something to keep both the old regulars (who have disappeared in quantity) and newbies here for the long haul :)
chill pill anyone?(http://www.websmileys.com/sm/cool/049.gif)
I'll fall off my chair!!!....Lottie ;D
Quote from: GREENWIZARD on August 25, 2005, 22:39:53
chill pill anyone?(http://www.websmileys.com/sm/cool/049.gif)
Shouldn't you be in bed by now, GW? (http://bestsmileys.com/yawning/2.gif) Or have you taken some stay-awake tablets? LOL
I think Roy is right. Â The main growing season is slowing down and we are all picking produce. Â I have done a little bit of weeding at my plot but I mainly go for my produce now. Â I haven't started to think seriously yet about the seed catalogues and next season's planting, so I think there is a bit of a lull at the moment. Â I am sure once the holidays are over and the children are back to school, the board will be as vibrant as ever. Â :) busy_lizzie
matchsticks in situ YP (http://www.websmileys.com/sm/sleep/schla24.gif)
GW,, I like your new emoticons, or whatever they are called. You had a special order from Argos!!! they are good. Heck I dont know how to move lettering, far less put things on.
:D :D :D :D
Quote from: Marianne on August 25, 2005, 20:28:00
I used to visit a site relating to the collection of silver and was very pleased to browse and pick ideas as well as offer my own thoughts and contributions.
Unfortunately, some "clever" person came along and introduced all sorts of "rules" before newbies could even contribute to the site or even enter certain forums. They were vetted as to the intent of their visit to the site! Useless to say that it got so tiresome that I, together with many others, left the site, sick and tired of the "elite" who thought they knew better than anyone else.
What I am trying to say is that A4A is a wonderful site where knowledgeable people contribute countless ideas and experience. Let's hope it stays this way. We do not want this spirit to disappear. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
A good post Marianne - the only thing I would say is I do not want to lose the experience because of the chat and I hope the two can live side by side - I do both after all. There are a few faces I have not seen for a while - Phil is one that springs to mind. I am hoping tha they are just far to busy harvesting and eating during the summer and that they will be bcak in the Autumn.
Give us newbies a chance ;) If I hadn't found this site it's doubtful that I'd have taken the chance on an allotment; I might have found the whole project too intimidating. Instead I'm keen enough to be up tonight after work cutting down brambles in the rain, inspired by the idea - and the people on this forum - that it's possible to be good at this, to make it work.
It may also be that the (reasonably) good weather has prompted more people to think of growing their own veg etc., and the influx of newbies could well tail off as it gets colder, when I imagine the site will come into its own as people start planning and working for the new season ahead.
I, of course, will still be cutting down brambles. :)
Colder and darker bupster.
Some of us more "dedicated" plot holders have been known to carry on digging whilst wearing head lights - we can't give up just cos it gets dark. If I don't get my daily fix of fresh air and exercise after working in an office all day, I get withdrawal symptoms.
Keep cutting those brambles back.
I am sure everyone is keeping very busy on their lotties and no doubt as you say, once the long dark days reappear, they will all come back to contribute more.
Let's welcome the "newbies" who, no doubt, have also lots to contribute.
Have a lovely day all !
;D ;D ;D ;D
I was a bit upset when I first read the start of this thread, felt a bit unwelcome as a relative newbie! but glad some of the old timers (no offence!) have stuck up for us and the tone seems to have shifted to making us feel welcome again.
I was terrified by this site when I first found it, it took me about 2 months to make my first post! as Lottie said, when you finally do - the welcome is amazing and I soon felt at home.
I like the balance of chat v techy stuff it provides, though do agree in the past few weeks it has been a bit quieter.
I do, where ever possible, help other newbies by pointing them in the direction of similar threads or search function, or sharing the limited knowledge I have picked up, in the hope the more experienced of you will concentrate on the more challenging posts and we can all learn something.
does this seem fair to you?! :)
Yep :)
I've noticed Phil is missing! Hope it's only temporary :)
Have to say thanks to all for this interesting discussion. As a newbie I l felt the same as daisymay but then I realised that when I go down the lottie we don't all stick to talking about our plots but have very diverse conversations (both oldies and newies together). Although I have to say even some of those are very bizarre. :D
So let's hope we all live in harmony - oh and thanks to all for the fantastic advice :D
And I promise to read old threads before asking the same questions :-[
Quote from: daisymay on August 26, 2005, 10:28:20
I was a bit upset when I first read the start of this thread, felt a bit unwelcome as a relative newbie!
Hmmm. I'm not really sure how anybody could come to that conclusion after reading my initial posting? There is nothing unwelcoming nor intimidating about it, it was merely an observation on my part :)
Oh dear it seems YP posting has been taken a little out of context, after reading it i agree we are missing some very familiar names on here over the last few months. But YP is only making an observation not a complaint, maybe when some of our newbie friends have stayed with us a little longer they will understand we do say things and nobody need take it personal, we are a very friendly group of peeps, which is why we can write things we feel others may be interested in . So please let us all enjoy and talk about anything and everything, and if somebody puts something in the wrong place so what ,it is not going to close the sight down now is it. ::) ::)
I hope ALL my friends on A4A have a lovely weekend and chat away to your hearts content, wherever it may be. Cheers Rosebud. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I saw Phil mentioned in our local newspaper recently, I think he is busy organising a show, so he is still out there somewhere.
this is our first and only experience of chat rooms etc.
we certainly didn't know what was expected or what was frowned upon!
thankfully, no-one was grumpy with us, if we ask something that had been asked before someone usually prompts us, kindly and politely, to do a search.
nowadays, i tend to search first.
surely this is all that's needed?
allotmenting is new to us but so are computers, and some gentle advice on both is what we enjoy on this site!
(along with the wonderful company of you lot of course!)
I can give you one reason why at least one long term poster on this site will never, ever offer advice, opinion or help again. Just look at the Triffid posting and the response of a certain frog person and you will understand why people no longer feel free to help when asked.
Have to agree, Eric. I'm no expert, but I know a bit here and there. Nothing worse than trying to give advice/help to someone and the next post makes you feel 2" tall. Surely all answers are relevent. We all know things differ from garden to garden, county to county,camera to camera :-\etc. Tolerance and manners should always be taken into account. Lottie
I look in on a couple of forums that are related to my Trade.
This gardening site is very well balanced in that if a section doesn't interest you then it can be skipped.
One of the sites I frequent has a 'start up' section so that all the helpful hints can be collated into one place for new folks to browse at will... maybe that's a way forward.
I find that my time is limited at the moment through pressure of work, family commitments etc. that I often come here just to browse
Things I like are the photographs of the participant that appear.... I feel that I 'know' the person who is writing.
I love the humerous anecdotes which cheer me up after a hard day.
I like to read comments (in the appropriate section) on current affairs it makes me realise that I am not alone in my thoughts.
In other words...there's nothing wrong with A4A
Derek
I think the same way as Derek. When the day has been a difficult one coming on here is wonderful, it cheers me up no end to read the humerous postings and people's comments, there is so much fun and brilliant gardening tips, I am addicted to A4A I am sure!
I think it is important to keep it light hearted, there are serious forums elsewhere, but I don't want to see it reduced to the drivel that appears under the OTGF heading on the Beeb, we are better than that!
Eric, I love reading your posts and you have wonderful expertise on so many things, don't give up, please!!
QuoteI can give you one reason why at least one long term poster on this site will never, ever offer advice, opinion or help again. Just look at the Triffid posting and the response of a certain frog person and you will understand why people no longer feel free to help when asked.
Hi Eric.
I've read the 'Triffid' post. Amphibian was a bit pedantic (but aren't we all sometimes?) and when this was pointed out he/she apologised...I really can't see a problem.
I find your contributions to this forum really interesting, please don't get hacked off over nothing.
Best wishes
Max
No one should let the comments of a pedantic rana pipens insipidens stifle the quality and breadth of advice and personal experience offered on this web site.
Have to say as a newbie, postings like that put me off expressing my distinctly inexpert opinions or indeed asking for advice. I shall stick to direct mail to someone I have every confidence in receiving a civil, correct, intelligent and helpful answer from........ooh that would be Paulstrus then.
:o Sorry Hex but I have read your post three times and it comes across to me that you are taking the Pee out of your own Father, can you post it again without the fancy words please? :o
Gavin - last active July 08, 2005, 16:53:06
Now there is another guy that we need back - any news anyone?
Roy, think Hex was relating to the name "Amphibian" as I think a rana pipens is some sort of frog (a Leopard Frog??) but as for insipidens I don't know - insipid would probably mean lacking in character or strength or body. Hey, anyway, maybe the Frog Person meant well just tried to blind us with science - and succeeded!! I'm sure Palustris can rise above it - not many could pull the wool over his eyes.
Clanger, Gavin has a site of his own I believe (on allotments) which is bound to take up his time but like you I really miss his contributions - still a Scot to the core tho long since transplanted in English soil! ;)
Roy, alongside many people I have been taking advice from my father for years on gardening. Despite the fact that I kill his plants with tedious regularity he has never patronised me or monitored what he so kindly contributes. It is a genuine compliment to say he has never offered unwanted advice on anything else either.....
Take the piss out of him? Never! He might withdraw his assistance and our garden would never be the same again. :)
My point was that there are so many kind, generous and knowledgeable people freely offering advice and information on here - yourself included. It is a real shame when ill considered postings put people off.
Well am sorry but laughter is the medicine of life and if you want it all serious
and boring in here..............just drop me a PM and I will go down the garden
and out the gate if I get anymore than 3. :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-\ :-\ :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Quote from: jaggythistle on August 30, 2005, 10:52:04
 Well am sorry but laughter is the medicine of life and if you want it all serious
 and boring in here..............just drop me a PM and I will go down the garden
 and out the gate if I get anymore than 3. :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-\ :-\ :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
...and the Oscar for best Actor/Actress goes to............
Wow, having put in the first reply, I am not sure I can even follow where the thread has led, so much has been said. However, it appears that upsets have occurred along the way, and the mature approach to that has already been stated, ie tolerance and manners. Also, this site exists primarily for enjoyment, not many of us are gardening at the professional level, so A4A is an area mainly for relaxation, and that includes the occasional joke etc in an otherwise serious post.
Therefore I stand by my original opinion, this site is a pure joy to visit, with a very diverse range of subject matter. There is also a distinct social feel, and I feel privileged that so many people consider me as a friend. A wonderful place to be!
Derekthefox :D
Give me 5 minutes petals..........then I will perform a humour transplant on you
free of charge.
Quote from: jaggythistle on September 02, 2005, 00:55:47
 Give me 5 minutes petals..........then I will perform a humour transplant on you
 free of charge.
Still working on your own?
PS I'll pass if it's all the same to you :)
Could we just chill please - Yellow Petals I suggest you lock the thread before it gets out of hand.
What makes some peeps downright sarcastic and unpleasent, while others are a joy to comunicate with and to joke with. A sense of humour bypass indeed choose your words carefully, i would suggest.
Quote from: Yellow Petals on August 30, 2005, 11:02:33
Quote from: jaggythistle on August 30, 2005, 10:52:04
 Well am sorry but laughter is the medicine of life and if you want it all serious
 and boring in here..............just drop me a PM and I will go down the garden
 and out the gate if I get anymore than 3. :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-\ :-\ :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
...and the Oscar for best Actor/Actress goes to............
Rosebud, I hope you weren't refering to this :o
Quote from: Roy Bham UK on September 06, 2005, 00:02:40
Quote from: Yellow Petals on August 30, 2005, 11:02:33
Quote from: jaggythistle on August 30, 2005, 10:52:04
 Well am sorry but laughter is the medicine of life and if you want it all serious
 and boring in here..............just drop me a PM and I will go down the garden
 and out the gate if I get anymore than 3. :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-\ :-\ :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
...and the Oscar for best Actor/Actress goes to............
Rosebud, I hope you weren't refering to this :o
That's the joy of having someone know my sense of humour :) Rosebud knows that everything I've put on this thread (other than the title post) was said tongue in cheek and not meant maliciously, but my surgery will always be open for those who need to use it ;) ;D