I'd like to hear your opinion...

[Jerry Delaney]

I really don't see the need for additional groups. It's sort of like additional boards (such as Slippertalk). I think we should go back to the old way.

Amen, Ross. Even though I started one, I like the original OB better.

[Bolero]

There are social groups? Seriously I had no idea.

Well I don't mind if they are dispensed with.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Shirley

I am certainly in agreement with what Lagoon has posted. I liked the way it was before. I made a point of reading the social group posts and joined two of them but I find that I go for days without even checking them now. I also would like to see non-orchid topics separated from the regular forums. Sometimes I read a posting and then wonder "why on earth would they post that on Orchid Board?" Do we really need to cover the other aspects of our lives here??

there are off topic forums seperate from the orchid chat ?

[Sandy4453]

Never liked the idea so I'm glad to read that it's being deleted. It takes away from all the information and ideas that's been easily found in the past. I like reading what others are growing and how, etc., right here through these threads, where info is easily found and shared. This is already one big social group with forums that keep info catalogued and separated well. Why downsize it which is what it's felt like by creating these other groups?

[cb977]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

there are off topic forums seperate from the orchid chat ?

Yes, in the Off-Topic forum (towards the bottom of the forum menu)

[Bird Song Farm]

As the originator of one of the Social Groups, Species Phalaenopsis and their hybrids, ( http://www.orchidboard.com/community...r-hybrids.html ), I think they should be disabled. In fact, were it not for all the work the members of this group have done in uploading their pictures I would close the group myself, if possible, I haven't checked.

There is very little activity in the group with only a few member actively participating. It was my hope in making it an "invitation only" group (I have since opened it up to all) the people who took the time to ask for an invitation and then go through the process of accepting, would be more active. This hasn't happened.

I would like to see a Forum for Species Phalaenopsis.

Al

[susiep]

I was very excited about the social groups when they first started, but like everyone else I have very little time to check on them. I liked it better when everything that was posted was found on the 'new posts' and I didn't have to look in multiple places for something that interested me. I would like it to go back to the way it used to be, too!

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

Add yet another vote for going back to pre-social group OB. They sounded fun at first, but I do feel that they are taking away, at least somewhat, from the discussions that once happened in the forums. I haven't even looked at any of the social groups I'm not a member of (I'm in 2), and I rarely participate in those I am a member of. IMO, the discussions I have seen, would easily fit into the existing forums here.

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by Sandy4453

This is already one big social group with forums that keep info catalogued and separated well.

I agree 100%

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by Bird Song Farm

I would like to see a Forum for Species Phalaenopsis.

I agree.

Phalaenopsis is a really active sub-forum because in many countries (such as the UK) hybrid Phals are the most commonly available orchids and the starting point for most people (including me).

This means that those interested in the more specialised species phals, or their imediate hybrids can get somewhat drowned out.

I did not join this social group because I do not have anything other than hybrids (although I have my eye on getting an equestris) but if there was a sub-forum for it then it would definately be of interest.