Jay

Fred, yes this topic has been touch on in other places. It ALWAYS is worth talking about. I can not strongly enough says how we must not mislead each other with comments.

Walter has touched on the fact that differing cultures are more upfront with the critque than others. He reminded me (us) that the English (and I guess we are included) will go out of our way to not offend someone. I think I have added that when you are not face to face with someone, you must be extremely careful.

Go back and look at some of the trees that were less advanced (can you say seedlings) than others. When their owners asked for comment they received very little comment. I think this was an attempt by most to be polite. "If you can not say something good, say nothing" approach. Even some of the comments were vague....Nice beginning, perhaps needs some time to grow out... put it into the ground for a few years etc etc

My own feeling is we should respect the feelings of each other. But we should also respect each other. By that I mean we must be honest with each other. Now the way we take this honesty to print is the interesting matter. You can be honest but also respectful at the same time, it does take a few more words but is usually worth the effort!

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A Bonsai student living with his trees at N 44.37 W 77.49...
Think before you act... then think again... no good comes from rushing