"I am saddened that over a period of 6 years this forum is not able to produce trees that are more finished. That is a huge amount of time to not have at least two or three hundred trees of show quality to present on a yearly basis and see how each has improved."__Al Keppler
I wouldn't let it sadden you too much.How many of the same people from 6 years ago are still here?And how many of the people here now are relative beginners?It is a relatively transient group that participate here.And....there actually are quite a few nice trees posted in show and tell and in the gallery.There is a lot of other stuff to wade through though.
No matter what the original goals for bonsaiTalk were....it has become a "club" as opposed to a study group or association.It has the same mix of experience and talent levels as local clubs.That is not a bad thing.Just different than some others.bonsaiTalk is welcoming,open, and congenial for the most part.Maybe not the best atmosphere for developing great bonsai....but a great one for developing friendships.
Other than that....I agree with you wholeheartedly
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And Hans....I think Al is correct in saying that it takes many of the same skills(even more skill)along with correct timing to maintain a tree at a show quality level.It just doesn't take the initial artistic vision.
andy