saint

I think that one of the things that one has to understand is also how to accept criticism of one's tree. When you ask someone "What do you think of this tree?" what you will receive is an opinion. This opinion may be right, it MAY be wrong, (it may be also neither or both).

One of the things that I am always saying in our work group here in response to advice is "I'll think about it"

As a group Bonsai Barbados members thrive on offering opinions (whether asked for or not) on other members trees. When I say "I'll think about it" it generally means one of two things.

1. I disagree with your opinion (even though it may be artistically valid (whatever that means)) and will disregard it.

or (more usually)

2. I hadn't considered that option, but I will see how it fits with my long term plan for the tree and I may or may not follow your advice.

Sometimes, after some thought I will decide that my plan is right and the advice doesn't advance that plan. It may be valid but it may not be the way I want to go forward.

Other times after much thought I will accept the advice and act on it.

In either case I am not offended by the persons opinion, and they are not offended by my decision to disregard it (if I do) or my failing to implement it immediately.

My point being that if you ask for an opinion you will get an opinion. Don't take that opinion as a rejection of yourself if you don't like it.

The tree remains yours to cut or not. But if you aren't going to at least give that opinion serious consideration, why do bother to ask for it in the first place?

If you've offered an opinion on a tree, no matter how well informed you believe you are, accept that what you are offering is just an opinion and not gospel, and that other people may disagree.

Just my two cents....

__________________
Best Regards,

Leslie St. John
Barbados
West Indies


Remember: Opinions are like bellybuttons, everyone's got one