I pretty much agree with everything that has been said, particularly that experienced people are GIVING away their work on these forums when they create an online styling session. This is work that would cost $25 to $100 per hour if you had to get someone to help you personally.
But I am going to put the shoe on the other foot. I don't see the problem as a dearth of professionals donating their time and talents, I see it as a dearth of good material being presented by the readers of the forum. Let's face it, when there is a really nice piece of material submitted for comments, there are plenty of them. That is what excites a professional. You really can't expect them to continually comment on sticks in pots. About 90% of the time or even more, my basic comment would be a one liner: Cut here, let grow. Nobody wants to keep saying that, and you all don't want to keep reading it. Want good advice? Bite the bullet and buy something worthy.
Gettin' old and cranky.
Brent
EvergreenGardenworks.com
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http://BonsaiNurseryman.typepad.com