[QUOTE=rockm
The very concept of cutting a large tree down to a bonsai is a very very foreign thought for those starting out. They usually are of the impression that you have to grown those teeny bonsai into larger bonsai. Understanding the concept of "cutting down" can be revolutionary. So what if the initial tree a new person tries it on kicks off...Ya gotta break some eggs...Demos can supply the egg beater for some.[/QUOTE]
So true Mark, at least with Newbies. Folks at Bonsai Conventions are not as "Suprised".
A few other thoughts that could ALL be expanded on are:
1. Time involved in a demo. 1 1/2 hours...what can you do?
I prefer a two-part demo or "finish the next day" type. The best guys in my opinion will tweak a tree on their own time if not finishing.
2. The material, I've certainly see pro's get the worst material for a demo. Oftn promotors say" Lets give him something challenging ( read crappy) to see what he can do" Well, often the outcome is...crappy. Then you hear "Jeez, he's not so good"!
Sometimes you can't win!
3. Getting a "8 hour " piece of material for a 2 hour demo.
4. Getting a 1/2hour piece f material for a 3 hour demo!
5, One thing I often do is the old,... OK, I'm going to do this NOW at this time and this time of year!....you DON'T!! and, HERE IS WHY!!!
Dale