Hi Chris,
Well I can see Al's point, and he is quite right that nothing is as good as actually working on "real" trees.
Where TOTD really scores is that various options can be tried all without damage to the tree. This is certainly not the option in real life - Once its cut there is NO GOING BACK !
The biggest benefit to me, is in opening my eyes with regard to looking at trees more objectively. Take my recent discussion with Walter on that "Bar Branch" issue.
Link
Also, that wide elm I have, up till last year, I would have just cut it back to a normal "broom" style and it would look like ALL the other brooms in my collection. It is now unique and a tree of "special interest".
See the Thread here
This has all come about by firstly learning ALL the accepted rules and now finding out that they CAN be bent/ignored/etc... to great effect.
I would say this site and TOTD has given me that insight more than any book or instructor, who more often than not - work by the rules and accepted Japanese styles when teaching. Why has Kevin Willson become so popular ? Can you not see "his style" in the work he does.
See his Website
So in summation - yes, TOTD has been beneficial to me along the road of learning. Please remember though, 2D pictures are not the same as a 3D Tree, but I can look at mine now with a more critical eye and wonder how I can apply my increased knowledge.
By the way. I know that Matt has been so busy with the Server change and Voting for the Styling and Article contests, that he has had to suspend the feature for now. It will return soon.
Best Regards,
Ian.