the orchid board is dead

[jkofferdahl]

I started another thread - which collapsed from disinterest - called the Orchid Board is NOT Dead. I think it collapsed because at times people much more enjoy complaint sessions than positivity, and because, frankly, the issues with the board have been off-putting. However, I think that Zabeta has made a great point here about why this board is NOT dead. There are good people on this board. There is excellent information on this board. This board is most friendly to the users rather than the administration.

I have, over the years since I joined, learned more through this site than I likely could have using any other source or combination of sources - and I'm a Reference Librarian who knows how to perform research. I've discovered new plants to try and used the knowledge base here to support me as I experiment with new plants, cultures, and growing methods. However, to me the most important aspect about this board is the people who use it. I'm not always an easy person to get along with (yeah, I can be a total jerk); I say what's on my mind often without first worrying about who may take issue. I guess that's a trait of getting old because I didn't use to be this way. But my point is that even people with whom I've disagreed in the past have become welcome friends here.

Sure, there are some issues with the responsiveness of the site. Marty is working to resolve these issues, and a huge amount of progress has been made. The Orchid Board is not perfect. However, for what it is, and for the wonderful community of people who are active here, it attains a sense of perfection which is rare in the outside world. We're united in our interest and that unites us as a community. I for one plan to be here, to support the Orchid Board, and especially to support the Orchid Board COMMUNITY so long as this site exists.

Simply put, this is a wonderful resource.