HOORAY!!!! Al WROTE the editorial I have been pouring long thought into doing. (Thanks for sparing me the work my friend... it probably sounded better coming from you anyway.
)
I will repeat though, the sentiment that was planted as a seed for thought in my mind by another member here... Internet bonsai folk eat their own young.
Sounds kind of morbid or extreme. But at the time the person had taken a considerable slap from an established member of the forum... his feelings had basis. We talked at length about other situations, similar or more mild... that were seen every day on the net... NOT just BT... but indeed throughout the various bonsai forums.
It left me with a question, I have read before, very much in the forefront of my mind...
What father, when his child asks him for bread, will hand his child a stone?
One can tell a newer learner that something is not advisable, but do not fail to give the whys or the how to's. If you cared enough to post, care enough to be through. Because the important thing in the end is NOT to quench the fire. Don't just leave them hanging with some offhanded comment about how they shouldn't waste their time with it. Because at that moment... that tree is their hope... who is anyone to crush it and simply walk away? Tom is very correct in being amazed at the tenacity of newer learners sometimes, when seeing what they face.
I have to agree with Al... it would be better to let a newer learner try and fail, than to suck the will out of them to try. Few of us are born into bonsai (in the sense of coming from a home where the art was established), we were inspired to it. Take heart in the unbridled enthusiasm of one who's eyes have only begun to see the vastness of what you attempt to grasp. Absolutely no one is the be all, end all, of bonsai knowledge.... and someday... someone who is a newer learner now will surpass everyone of us... because bonsai as an art is NOT static.
If I have to choose between saving a tree from idiots, or possibly encouraging the next one who will push the edge of this art we call bonsai... I choose the person over the medium. But mistake me not... there is no joy in losing a tree.
It is important to balance any conversation around how more experienced learners interact with newer ones. So I will leave you with this parting thought...
We have all seen times when newer learners have displayed an amazing amount of disrespect to those who are honestly trying to help them. The road of respect is a two way street.
Kindest regards to all,
Victrinia