Joanie

Tim, where do you get that impression? Sticks in pots are something that most people feel comfortable talking about... people like to chime in on how to do this or that. But when really impressive trees are posted, they get plenty of attention and admiration. There just isn't as much to say about a finished tree.

Maybe our perception of how the forum works, is different. Instead of looking at the actual replies, look at the views. Replies are made when people feel that they have something to contribute to the conversation. Views of a post are because people are interested. Many people will view, and admire, but not make a comment. Do you comment out loud about every tree you see in an exhibit? No, you merely admire and appreciate in silence most of the time.

Check out the gallery, and see how trees are rated and the comments made there. Finished trees (no matter what their origin) are appreciated there, because that is our 'exhibition'. Otherwise, trees posted in the forum will draw comments as I said above... when people feel that they have something worthwhile to contribute to the conversation.

Bonsai is still very much a personal journey. Starting a tree from scratch seems to be the most popular way of starting the journey. By the time people are willing to spend serious money on a tree, they usually don't really need critique from the forum, they already know pretty much what they want to do with it. If they post it, like Mike P or Al K do often, it is as much for the education of the members as it is for gaining information.

Joanie

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