Questions for Youngish Orchid Growers

[JKeys]

I'm fourteen.
Growing orchids for 2-3 years.
In school.
I am not a member of my LOS, I am probably asking for a yearly membership for my bday or when I save enough money to get one.

I definitely would subscribe to a monthly newsletter.
Also I would most likely watch a few how to videos on YouTube, depending on the subject.
Not on Facebook, Flickr, or twitter, but I would join a forum.
I may or may not buy orchids from craigslist.

This section is a yes for all.
10 a good selection of reasonably priced orchids for sale at every meeting
10 a good selection of raffle orchids
10 weekend meetings
8 more young members
10 knowledgeable members
10 friendly members
10 interesting presentations
8 an extensive orchid library
Not very good at 1-10 ratings, but frankly I think all of those are important. There are not menu orchid nurseries too close to me, so that would probably be where I got my plants (or online). Knowledgeable, friendly people are always great, and having younger folks would make the environment more comfortable for the other young people there. Presentations have a lot of information, so they should be interesting, not only so they are easier to watch, but I would retain information that is presented in an interesting way better than if it was not. And finally, it is always easy to look up a problem in an orchid book. Although not as good as advice by actually talking to someone, books are still valuable resources.

[braxtonds]

I'm 29
Growing for 13 years
Working
Yes, member

Yes, I subscribe
Yes, I watch vids
Yes, I'm a fan
No, don't use flickr
No, don't use twitter
Yes, I would participate in a forum
No, don't use RSS
Yes, have bought from craigslist

Yes, to all, still a member of LOS

8. Plants offered every meeting
3. Plants raffled, but I don't participate
9. Weekends would be better than weekdays
10. I am among the youngest member, need more
10. Many professional growers
10. All are friendly
10. I love learning
7. Online is very important for learning

I tried to join my LOS for over a year but there was no contact info on their website, requests for info was ignored on the facebook page and I didn't know if the meetings were open to the public. I ended up waiting for a show and asking to join then. The members are generally older and didn't rely on the internet as much as I would like I ended up finding out.

[stonedragonfarms]

Originally Posted by epiphyte78

The following is a survey for youngish (<40 yrs old) orchid growers regarding their nearest Local Orchid Society (LOS). As the publicity person for my society I figure the answers might be helpful for the leaders of societies. Thanks in advance for your participation!

1. How old are you? 38
2. How long have you been growing orchids? Since I was 16
3. Are you in school or working? Working
4. Are you a member of your LOS? President of the LOS

If your nearest LOS...

1. had a monthly e-Newsletter would you subscribe to it? We have a monthly newsletter, though I would like to see it be more informative. The hard thing is that about 50% of our members are not web literate.
2. had orchid how-to videos on youtube would you watch them? Personally, I would not find this helpful; potting orchids, just like growing orchids, is not a "one size fits most" matter.
3. had a facebook page would you become a fan of it? We have a FB page; it's interesting that our friends in societies around the world are visitors to the page.
4. had a flickr group would you join it? Please see comment about web literacy...
5. had a twitter account would you follow them? No. I. Hate. Twitter.
6. had their own forum would you participate on it? Yes, especially if we could coax members to post photos of their plants.
7. had an RSS feed of orchid articles would you subscribe to it? Yes.
8. sold orchids on craigslist would you buy them? It would depend; I have a very specialized collection. If plants were offered within my parameters, yes; if not, no.

Would you be more inclined to join/rejoin your nearest LOS if they...

1. offered free membership for students?
2. offered free membership for anyone under 30?
3. received a 10% discount at local orchid nurseries?
4. received a 20% discount at local orchid nurseries?
5. received a 30% discount at local orchid nurseries? All of the above, not necessarily.
6. offered tours of their members' greenhouses/gardens? If we can toss in the local botanical gardens, yes.

On a scale of 1 (least important) to 10 (most important) how would you rate the following items...

1. a good selection of reasonably priced orchids for sale at every meeting 4
2. a good selection of raffle orchids 10
3. weekend meetings 9
4. more young members 4
5. knowledgeable members 8
6. friendly members 6
7. interesting presentations 7
8. an extensive 1orchid library

Please feel free to offer any specific reasons why you haven't joined your LOS or why you continue to be a member of your LOS.

I continue for the chance to talk orchids with the noobs and the old-timers alike; we all have knowledge to contribute. I would like however, if we had a "masters" session once a year; where there were no questions about repotting phals from TJs or discussion about NOIDs; perhaps just discussion about trends in breeding or bringing botanicals into cultivation or some such thing.

[JordanDuncombe]

How old are you? 18
How long have you been growing orchids?3 years
Are you in school or working?university student
Are you a member of your LOS?no
If your nearest LOS...
had a monthly e-Newsletter would you subscribe to it?yes
had orchid how-to videos on youtube would you watch them?yes
had a facebook page would you become a fan of it?yes
had a flickr group would you join it?yes
had a twitter account would you follow them?yes
had their own forum would you participate on it?yes
had an RSS feed of orchid articles would you subscribe to it?
sold orchids on craigslist would you buy them?yes
Would you be more inclined to join/rejoin your nearest LOS if they...
offered free membership for students?yes
offered free membership for anyone under 30?yes
received a 10% discount at local orchid nurseries?yes
received a 20% discount at local orchid nurseries?yes
received a 30% discount at local orchid nurseries?yes
offered tours of their members' greenhouses/gardens?yes
On a scale of 1 (least important) to 10 (most important) how would you rate the following items...
a good selection of reasonably priced orchids for sale at every meeting 9
a good selection of raffle orchids7
weekend meetings6
more young members9
knowledgeable members8
friendly members8
interesting presentations10
an extensive orchid library7

[greensinthegarden]

How old are you? - 26
How long have you been growing orchids? -1 month
Are you in school or working? - I work for myself as an artist / graphic designer at the moment.
Are you a member of your LOS? - No, but I have been considering joining one.

If your nearest LOS...

had a monthly e-Newsletter would you subscribe to it? - yes
had orchid how-to videos on youtube would you watch them? - yes!
had a facebook page would you become a fan of it? - I'm not a fan of Facebook, so probably not.
had a flickr group would you join it? - No. I am not on flickr.
had a twitter account would you follow them? - No. I am not on Twitter. (Note: I am on Instagram and would LOVE to follow one on there.)
had their own forum would you participate on it? - Sure!
had an RSS feed of orchid articles would you subscribe to it? - yes
sold orchids on craigslist would you buy them? - yes. I have searched for orchids on craigslist, but haven't found much.

Would you be more inclined to join/rejoin your nearest LOS if they...

offered free membership for students? n/a
offered free membership for anyone under 30? I would join right away!
received a 10% discount at local orchid nurseries? Yes!
received a 20% discount at local orchid nurseries? Yes!!
received a 30% discount at local orchid nurseries? Yes!!!
offered tours of their members' greenhouses/gardens? That would be cool.

On a scale of 1 (least important) to 10 (most important) how would you rate the following items...

a good selection of reasonably priced orchids for sale at every meeting 9
a good selection of raffle orchids 9
weekend meetings 7
more young members 0
knowledgeable members 10
friendly members 10
interesting presentations 9
an extensive orchid library 7

[disalover]

How old are you? - 13
How long have you been growing orchids? - 3-4 years
Are you in school or working? - School
Are you a member of your LOS? - Kind of, tried to join too late

If your nearest LOS...

had a monthly e-Newsletter would you subscribe to it? - yes
had orchid how-to videos on youtube would you watch them? - yes!
had a facebook page would you become a fan of it? - yes
had a flickr group would you join it? - No. I am not on flickr.
had a twitter account would you follow them? - No. I am not on Twitter.
had their own forum would you participate on it? - Sure!
had an RSS feed of orchid articles would you subscribe to it? - yes
sold orchids on craigslist would you buy them? - yes, searched for orchids on craigslist, but haven't found any.

Would you be more inclined to join/rejoin your nearest LOS if they...

offered free membership for students? Yes
offered free membership for anyone under 30? I would join right away!
received a 10% discount at local orchid nurseries? Yes!
received a 20% discount at local orchid nurseries? Yes!
received a 30% discount at local orchid nurseries? Yes!
offered tours of their members' greenhouses/gardens? That would be cool.

On a scale of 1 (least important) to 10 (most important) how would you rate the following items...

a good selection of reasonably priced orchids for sale at every meeting 5
a good selection of raffle orchids 5
weekend meetings 8
more young members 0
knowledgeable members 10
friendly members 10
interesting presentations 10
an extensive orchid library 10

[theloyalplum]

This is probably not really useful anymore, but eh. It was fun while I'm in bed with a fever and chills. =.=

1. 21! (newly turned but drinking before nonetheless because college)
2. Actively? 2 years, once I left dorms. I cared for my family's plants at home since I was little.
3. School! Economics major with a concentration in accounting. Also a little light microscopy classes and experience under my belt. (CURSE YOU AGAPANTHUS FOR RUINING OUR MICROTOME BLADES)
4. Sadly not. I have no car or easy way to get to the meetings.

1. Definitely.
2. Yes, dependent on quality. I would not turn down recorded lectures by select speakers at meetings.
3. What could it hurt!
4. Yes because pictures.
5. Don't have a twitter.
6. Maybe, but it probably wouldn't be very active.
7. What's an RSS feed? xD
8. Yes. The advantages of locally grown is that they're acclimated already and probably are proven growers.


1. Of course, but I'd be a no show for aforementioned reasons.
2. See 1.
3. YASSS.
4. YAAASSSSSSSSSS.
5. YASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSssss.
6. Don't tempt me.

1. 7.
2. 5.
3. 1.
4. 1.
5. 10.
6. 100000.
7. 5.
8. 3.

[ashley05]

How old are you? 34
How long have you been growing orchids? almost a year
Are you in school or working? working full time
Are you a member of your LOS? no

If your nearest LOS...
had a monthly e-Newsletter would you subscribe to it? yes
had orchid how-to videos on youtube would you watch them? maybe
had a facebook page would you become a fan of it? yes
had a flickr group would you join it? no
had a twitter account would you follow them? no
had their own forum would you participate on it? depends on ho active it was
had an RSS feed of orchid articles would you subscribe to it? maybe
sold orchids on craigslist would you buy them? probably

Would you be more inclined to join/rejoin your nearest LOS if they...
offered free membership for students? no
offered free membership for anyone under 30? no
received a 10% discount at local orchid nurseries? no
received a 20% discount at local orchid nurseries? maybe
received a 30% discount at local orchid nurseries? maybe
offered tours of their members' greenhouses/gardens? maybe

On a scale of 1 (least important) to 10 (most important) how would you rate the following items...
a good selection of reasonably priced orchids for sale at every meeting 9
a good selection of raffle orchids 9
weekend meetings 9
more young members 7
knowledgeable members 10
friendly members 10
interesting presentations 10
an extensive orchid library 10

The biggest reason I'm not a member of my local orchid society is because there isn't one close enough. I'm in a suburb of one of the larger cities in Michigan, but the closest meeting to me is more than an hour in either direction. I work full-time and have busy school-aged kids, so I don't have time to drive almost two hours for a meeting.

[alexander_TG]

How old are you? 21
How long have you been growing orchids? <1yr
Are you in school or working? Both
Are you a member of your LOS? No

If your nearest LOS...
had a monthly e-Newsletter would you subscribe to it? Yes
had orchid how-to videos on youtube would you watch them? Yes
had a facebook page would you become a fan of it? Yes
had a flickr group would you join it? Yes
had a twitter account would you follow them? Yes
had their own forum would you participate on it? Yes
had an RSS feed of orchid articles would you subscribe to it? Yes
sold orchids on craigslist would you buy them? Yes

Would you be more inclined to join/rejoin your nearest LOS if they...
offered free membership for students? Yes
offered free membership for anyone under 30? Yes
received a 10% discount at local orchid nurseries? Yes
received a 20% discount at local orchid nurseries? Yes
received a 30% discount at local orchid nurseries? Yes
offered tours of their members' greenhouses/gardens? Yes

On a scale of 1 (least important) to 10 (most important) how would you rate the following items...
a good selection of reasonably priced orchids for sale at every meeting 8
a good selection of raffle orchids 6
weekend meetings 9
more young members 9
knowledgeable members 10
friendly members 10
interesting presentations 8
an extensive orchid library 5

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by epiphyte78

The following is a survey for youngish (<40 yrs old) orchid growers regarding their nearest Local Orchid Society (LOS). As the publicity person for my society I figure the answers might be helpful for the leaders of societies. Thanks in advance for your participation!

1. How old are you?
2. How long have you been growing orchids?
3. Are you in school or working?
4. Are you a member of your LOS?

If your nearest LOS...

1. had a monthly e-Newsletter would you subscribe to it?
2. had orchid how-to videos on youtube would you watch them?
3. had a facebook page would you become a fan of it?
4. had a flickr group would you join it?
5. had a twitter account would you follow them?
6. had their own forum would you participate on it?
7. had an RSS feed of orchid articles would you subscribe to it?
8. sold orchids on craigslist would you buy them?

Would you be more inclined to join/rejoin your nearest LOS if they...

1. offered free membership for students?
2. offered free membership for anyone under 30?
3. received a 10% discount at local orchid nurseries?
4. received a 20% discount at local orchid nurseries?
5. received a 30% discount at local orchid nurseries?
6. offered tours of their members' greenhouses/gardens?

On a scale of 1 (least important) to 10 (most important) how would you rate the following items...

1. a good selection of reasonably priced orchids for sale at every meeting
2. a good selection of raffle orchids
3. weekend meetings
4. more young members
5. knowledgeable members
6. friendly members
7. interesting presentations
8. an extensive orchid library

Please feel free to offer any specific reasons why you haven't joined your LOS or why you continue to be a member of your LOS.

1. How old are you? 58 (Yeah, broke the age rule. If it helps, my friends consider me an aged juvenile delinquent)
2. How long have you been growing orchids? 34 years
3. Are you in school or working? Working
4. Are you a member of your LOS? Active member, past president

If your nearest LOS...

1. had a monthly e-Newsletter would you subscribe to it? No, N/A. Our OS does not have staff or volunteers with time to prepare a monthly newsletter
2. had orchid how-to videos on youtube would you watch them? also no, same reason as previous question. In the past, I occasionally look at videos prepared by others
3. had a facebook page would you become a fan of it? OS has a FBP, I avoid FB due to online privacy and intellectual property reasons
4. had a flickr group would you join it? no, have my own photo hosting account
5. had a twitter account would you follow them? no
6. had their own forum would you participate on it? maybe
7. had an RSS feed of orchid articles would you subscribe to it? no
8. sold orchids on craigslist would you buy them? no, members occasionally trade orchids in person

Would you be more inclined to join/rejoin your nearest LOS if they...

1. offered free membership for students? our OS is free to everyone
2. offered free membership for anyone under 30? again, free to everyone, no discrimination based on age
3. received a 10% discount at local orchid nurseries? no
4. received a 20% discount at local orchid nurseries? no
5. received a 30% discount at local orchid nurseries? no
6. offered tours of their members' greenhouses/gardens? that is up to a particular member to offer. Not me and not the OS

On a scale of 1 (least important) to 10 (most important) how would you rate the following items...

1. a good selection of reasonably priced orchids for sale at every meeting 1
2. a good selection of raffle orchids 1
3. weekend meetings 10, we already have them
4. more young members We encourage members of all ages. No discrimination. Same goes for ethnicity, gender, religious or political affiliation, etc.
5. knowledgeable members 10, we have plenty. We also encourage less knowledgeable members
6. friendly members 10, hence the open-to-everyone policy
7. interesting presentations 10, we have one every month
8. an extensive orchid library

1
Please feel free to offer any specific reasons why you haven't joined your LOS or why you continue to be a member of your LOS.