What Other Orchid Forums Are There and How Does OB Compare?

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by Lynn in Michigan

I have been on this board for awhile. it is only 1 of a very few I am on. I don't post a lot, mostly because I am unsure of myself. this board has had it's ups and downs but it is the most informative and friendly place to be.

You can post when you're good and ready Lynn. The main thing is you'll have people that support you here on Orchidboard - friendly support.

Originally Posted by BillieG

I'm not sure how long I've been lurking here, but I am guilty of asking questions with problems and not really participating much in conversations.

Absolutely no guilt in asking questions about problems here Billie. And no obligation to participate in discussions, unless you want to. On this particular forum, if anybody happens to unfairly or rudely jump on you ---- there'll certainly be people watching here that will help you out - and be on your side.

I can tell you in advance that somebody on another forum did the same thing to me. I asked a reasonable question about something, and gave a friendly opinion. And they replied in the thread in a surprisingly rude and arrogant manner - almost a bully type of behaviour.

I didn't stoop to the same level and retaliate though. I'm a seasoned internet veteran - probably like you.

I ended up on this forum instead. It turns out that this person surfaced in this forum too - and attempted to intimidate me as a carry-over from the other forum. The nice thing is that he has apparently ceased with his odd behaviour. So all under control.

Definitely feel free to post questions here Billie. Posting questions about orchids and orchid problems, and having good discussions about orchids is definitely in the spirit of the forum. This particular board certainly is good for friendly freedom of speech in discussions about orchids.

[Jeff214]

I agree that OB is friendly towards newbies. When I started growing orchids I naturally had questions about orchid culture. When I'd ask a question on other forums, I'd get a "already asked and answered" response. I'd read that old post, but had follow up questions. Unfortunately, I'd get a response to "NOT pull back up old posts". It was unhelpful.

On the other hand, OB members were more forgiving and I felt I had a more productive time reading and posting things here as a newbie. Isn't this a hobby to enjoy? I'm always happy to show someone new the joy of growing plants. Not sure why some people are so prickly haha...

I used to be on Houzz orchid and citrus forums. I enjoyed alot of deeper discussions (on the citrus forum atleast) there but it did get unnecessarily hostile at times. Open ridicule of other members, nasty private messages, and people would complain on the forum about that trying to rally support. oy vey.

[Dollythehun]

Jeff214, to be honest, sometimes answering the same questions, or reading overly wordy posts, does get tedious. However we all remember when we were new and needed our hands held. It's that attitude of humility that you see here. I remember well myself my first cries for help. And, truthfully, we still all have doubts and questions from time to time, about orchids and life. We're better as community.

[Jeff214]

I totally agree.

Also, I think I tend to be wordy, haha... sorry!

[isurus79]

This is an old thread!

Honestly, Facebook has the best orchid forums now. The only reason I still post here is because its searchable, whereas FB is not.

[SouthPark]

I do agree that facebook has good photos of orchids and people sharing photos etc. However, stock facebook isn't the same as a forum board, where there is a forum structure. But --- maybe facebook does have a forum feature these days. I will see if they have a forum feature. Maybe they do have it these days. I haven't yet seen a web page style (desktop) forum feature for facebook yet. Will check.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by SouthPark

I do agree that facebook has good photos of orchids and people sharing photos etc. However, stock facebook isn't the same as a forum board, where there is a forum structure. But --- maybe facebook does have a forum feature these days. I will see if they have a forum feature. Maybe they do have it these days. I haven't yet seen a web page style (desktop) forum feature for facebook yet. Will check.

No, it’s not a dedicated forum like we have here. Just better plants and famous growers! A lot more interactive too. It’s what this forum used to be like 8 or 9 years ago.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by isurus79

No, it’s not a dedicated forum like we have here. Just better plants and famous growers! A lot more interactive too. It’s what this forum used to be like 8 or 9 years ago.

I agree! Interaction is very good on facebook orchid groups. The combination of facebook orchid groups and a friendly orchid forum like orchidboard is nice.