A DROPPED BALL?

[terrestrial_man]

I am really surprised! Today (2/25/07) a newbie from India, Pradeep, signed into the forum and introduced themselves and asked about learning about orchids.

In checking out the forum, I realized that there is nothing here that really provides any general overview to orchids that a person can link to, say off the left menu. Or am I missing something here. I had to find an appropriate offsite link that I recommended to Pradeep to visit.

With all the images in the Gallery and with the wealth of knowledge that this forum possesses surely some kind of general introductory section that introduces the different sections of orchids and basic concepts on cultivation is in order.

If this already exists let me know so I can link any real newbie to the world of orchids to it!!!

[Tindomul]

Sounds like the makings of a contest. Or at least we need some volunteers. We do need some care sheets. One for orchids in general, one for each of the various groups that we have listed in the forum. And this link to direct folk to specific orchids.



Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia

[terrestrial_man]

Hi Tindo,
While I find the IOSE important I think that it is too much for a first time exposure. Something more general is better. Maybe with some images on the side of text. ???

[Ross]

FWIW, I PM'd Marty after your post T-man and said I think it not only is a great "catch" but we need a seperate forum for General Culture. We have one for S/H Culture - why not one for general? Then members could post hints/tips and we could also post links to other tip sheets and cul;ture sheets. Stay on this - it's meaningful to me.

[cb977]

While a new "General Culture" forum is a great idea...we do have a forum called Beginner Discussions Seems like that would be a start, hmm?

[Tindomul]

Originally Posted by cb977

While a new "General Culture" forum is a great idea...we do have a forum called Beginner Discussions Seems like that would be a start, hmm?

I don't think we should have a separate forum for General Culture. Just a care sheet for each general type of orchid made into a sticky on each alliance forum. For species specific care sheets we can link to the Orchid Encyclopedia, as any species rarely deserves its own caresheet.

[Mahon]

I agree that it's a good idea to make some sort of 'text' for absolute beginners, but maybe not an entire forum dedicated to it (you start off on training wheels, but never
use them again)...

I also agree with Tin that compiled care sheets would be very useful, both for absolute beginners and growers. Perhaps it could follow the layout like Ortho's 'Orchids'? (isn't that the name of the book?)

-Pat

[justatypn]

Many great suggestions, hope we can resolve this issue to help all members. I like your idea Tman, which opened a thought that I put together for a boating forum where I used .doc format and the webmaster downloaded the folder from the server which was accessible to all members where they could either read, copy/paste, print or merely step over it. The folder is linked to individual specs; our case it would be individual orchid culture sheets most common ofcourse. I do think that this is going to take a lot of time to figure out and place it in the appropriate location in order for our members to get the full effect. Tindo's suggestion where you can make a sticky within the alliances. The orchid encyclo is a grand idea but I for one do not like the idea of taking them away from the OB going into another site, unless by default it can be set up into opening another window if that is a possibility.

[terrestrial_man]

NO Sue.
Not appropriate for visitors such as Pradeep. Can't grow a flower if you do not know how to plant the seed. Beginners Discussions presume that you have at the least planted the seed!

[cb977]

Sorry tman, but I don't see where the intro said our new friend has absolutely no experience

Hopefully, we'll get a reply to what I posted in the intro thread and then we can really start helping

Your supplying a link was a great idea ... thank you