Why did you join the OB?

[Call_Me_Bob]

sorry, i forgot to mention that i just read and read and read from this site for about three weeks before i finally had the courage to join. im soo glad i did join though

[RosieC]

That's the way it goes... you come here for help and find yourself getting addicted to orchids... happened for me

[Call_Me_Bob]

yep thats seems to be the case but hey, i dont mind being addicted!!

[cday2inflorida]

It was like EUREKA! when I found this website back in '06. I was looking for a solution to a problem I was having that was unique with a Laelia.
After years of growing bifoliate Cattleyas abruptly changed and I decided I wanted to grow Vandas I was able to research many species and crosses on the OB.
I joined the social group, Florida Orchid Lovers...just a tight-knit group that supports each other and the unique conditions we grow in.
I have a few friends here that I would consider lifelong even if they are a million miles away.

[vandagirl]

I was searching the internet for information about Vanda's. I just started so I wanted to learn about them. I came across a lot of forums, but this was just the best. Nice people and good information. So that's why I decided to join.

[Rorchid]

I came to the orchid board after having grown up in a house with a mother that loved all types of plants. She has grown different plants over my young life and I have always had house plants. Since 2004 she has begun to collect many orchids. I have inherited her love of these amazing orchids and joined the orchid board to expand my knowledge. I know that I will always have atleast a couple orchids in my home, right now there are about 25 and I appreciate all that they give to me.
I am amazed at all of the knowledgable people on this board and am very thankful that I have found a place where I can talk and read about orchids without people getting bored of the conversation. Thanks to all who have given me advice on growing, I hope to be on this board for many years to come and show you all my progress!!

[Kimbubbley]

What a great thread I'm glad it's been revived, as I'm new, so it's great to hear how people who have been here for ages have got to know each other... I'm hoping when my shyness wears off I will get to know everyone just as well

I started with orchids as my mum got a phal for a gift, then bought one for me cos I loved her then growing collection so much! Apart from one year when my phal grew air roots instead, it has grown and flowered constantly for 3yrs Then for mums 60th I wanted a gift she'd love and bought her a Catt purpurata (and one for me) because the write up said big fragrant flowers and intermediate temps.... Then I had to figure out how to make them grow! :s still figuring!

I scoured the net for info and this was the place with the most helpful information no bickering about if they are Catt. or laelelia or Soph... just people enjoying the pleasure of growing and sharing!

Now I have u guys on my iPhone and uv been in my pocket 24/7! LOL

[Kali Hibiscus]

I joined because I was on another popular forum and didn't get much help there. I also didn't like how every post had to be approved my admins ... I would type like long posts and some of them never posted ... It pissed me off lol

I lurked on here for a few days and saw that everyone posts more so I joined. I really like the sections on this forum as well.

[RosieC]

Glad you like it Kali,

We try and keep things as relaxed as possible there. We sometimes have rules, they mostly boil down to 'be polite to others' and 'don't spam'.

Most of the time all the moderators have to do is clear spam and help people who are having problems using the board, and even the spam is not much these days

[camille1585]

I love the relaxed atmosphere!
On a non-orchid related french forum that I lurk a lot on there are tons of rules, and the mods are very busy. They really have a thing against spelling and grammar errors, so the mods created a grammar police. Basically these are specially designated members which spend there time tracking down grammar/spelling mistakes, reporting them in a dedicated forum, and the mods go correct the offending posts and scold the owner of the post, usually quite rudely.

Another 'police' group locks new threads if there exist other threads that already answer the question.

Soooo, I love OB! And it's been really calm on the spam front lately, how nice!