FredL

TreeBay, I about fell out of my chair laughing at the picture you sent.

Walter, you mentioned three mental models and only talked about two. If there was a third, I'd love to hear about it.

I have to admit to being closer to the first model you proposed than the second. Shameful, I guess, but the truth is the truth! It has always seemed to me that the purpose of bonsai is to evoke the spirit of ancient trees, but the actual "technology" and even result were quite different from actual trees in the wild. Learning how that effect is created by a small tree in a pot is what the "rules" (I am coming to HATE that word!) are all about.

I will concede without a moment's hesitation that there have been good bonsai produced by people who profess an indifference to Bonsai rules. IMHO, these people apply those rules to an extent they do not recognize. Mental models may be conscious and explicit or unconscious and implicit. If they are the later, it doesn't mean they don't exist. It just means that their owners are unable to articulate them. It also may be that powerful and effective mental models are articulated poorly or inadequately generalized. However, just the effort to articulate them is valuable and productive and leads to advances in the "state of the art". I think the effort to articulate "the rules" is one of the most valuable contributions ever made to our community and feel a deep sense of gratitude for their availability.

And, please Walter, please go easy on this humble newbie. I am stating my disagreement with you in the spirit of wanting to learn more, not in the spirit of contention!

Best regards, Fred