Not looking for rep points, so with that having been said....

Bone-sigh

I appreciated the fun and somewhat quirky thread started not to long ago where we had the chance to voice our "pet-peeves". While I believe that was a harmless thread, it did focus on the negative aspects of the fellowship we have here on bonsai talk. And it got me thinking, too often we voice whats wrong with something or someone.

So here is what I propose: If someone has helped you personally by being kind, thoughtful and intelligent in thier endeavor to further bonsai knowledge and artistry call them out! Let them know what they have done so that all can see.




I'll go first. *No particular order of importance.

Joanie, while fairly new to bonsai, and would probably consider herself a student as well, she has a fine ability to diffuse situations without taking sides, looks to help any where she can and is always kind. She makes funny jokes too! Thanks Joanie.

John Dixon, I appreciate both his knowledge and experience coupled with humor. He is always ready to help and guide but seems humble enough to take direction when needed. Thanks John.

Pootsie, you make me laugh! Thanks Pootsie.

I don't have time right now to mention every one that sticks out in my mind, but this should give you all an idea of what this thread should be. Have fun with it!


--Ryan

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pootsie

Bone-sigh Had a great idea for patting people on the back (glad I give you giggles, bro)

RockM Gave me essential advice on basics and helped set my sights beyond twigs in pots on another forum

Mike P Challenges our design ideas and presents complete presentaitons for us to see and learn from

BonsaiAl1 Those stands! That humor! The gloves-off critique!

Will Heath The thorn in the side of the backyarder, since Andy Rutledge isn't here anymore

ThomasJ Sharing years of progession of many trees, a very valuable thing to see development over time

FlyBri Always good for a giggle and sharing those crazy Australian species/landscapes you don't see much here in Ohio

Ficus Jerry A pro who helps the amateurs and generously shares his knowledge and know-how

Walter Pall Another pro so generous with his time and talent with the amateurs to help raise the art

Carl Bergstrom Also encouraging us to see better and present better

Matt Chroust Treebay, our beloved host and technical wizard, ringmaster extrordinaire, and patient, humorous mod. Where would my art be without him? Not where it is, for sure!

Brent Walston A constant reference for those who know

Vance Wood A big help to the beginner

HeyMikey More than just a joker. I miss him.

[EDIT to add more wonderful people]

Treebeard For the funny words and inspirations and landscapes

Earthgrrl For being down to Earth, girl

JTriptow Kindness

Joanie For being an enthusiastic newbie and sharing her learning

Dale The pots and how-to's and vendor's perspective

Ian More pots

Stonemonkey Continued pottage

Ron Lots of good stuff

Newt For learning online along with me

Larry For never giving up

And a special shout-out to my peeps in Columbustown, JHill, Ethanopia, cfdMike, Wen and anyone else

[/EDIT]

Everyone else If you are not on the list, it's only because I had to end it somewhere. Even the noob who posts the most basic question helps us by keeping the basics in mind, and getting answers for the other noob who wonders

pootsie

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p.s. My cat is a bonsaiTALK Master.
Columbus Bonsai Society

BrianBay9

Tough to make a list. I'm pretty sure I've been improved by almost everyone here. So, I'll just note the regulars in the chat room, who keep me entertained, and more:

Aaron K
Andy Graham
FlyBri
Grampz
New4Me
Redpine
Repotter
Sunday
Tuckerg

Cheers
Brian

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bonsaimaniac

I'll give a shot out to bonsaikc. Very knowledgable about japanese black pines and also very eger to help anyone regardless of skill level out. He does a great job documenting his efferts and shares them with everybody.

EarthgirlOK

Bone-sigh Had a great idea for patting people on the back (I agree)

RockM Told me "you're wasting your time on that" (on another forum) more times than I care to count. I have come to value (and listen to) his input.

Will Heath For responding to more posts than most of us put together, for his input and encouragement, and for his willingness to use PM's when appropriate. Also has written many articles that are helpful for all.

FlyBri For his unique view of things and fun Australian lingo.

Ficus Jerry Whom I wish would post more often!

Walter Pall Who, although he never refers to himself as a final authority, is not often argued with when he weighs in on an issue. I am often surprised by what he has to say, and I always learn something.

Carl Bergstrom For striving for excellence and not mincing words. Also for his photographic expertise. His photos of his beautiful accents inspired me to try my own accents.

TreeBay Who generously gives his time and close attention to this site, and to the dignity and rights of its members. He is fairhanded but does not shrink from sensitive issues when he has to call one of us out. Other sites are not monitored as closely, and I really appreciate it here.

Vance Wood An impressive individual with priceless experience and knowledge with mughos.

Vance HannaA good all around artist with a level head and tactful voice.

Dale Cochoy and Stone MonkeyTwo fellow potters who generously share tips, techniques , and "how-to's" with those of us who might benefit from it, and who use pm's when appropriate..

BonsaiAlFor his long list of articles; especially the one on scroll making. I haven't tried it yet but I have most of my materials...

PootsieFor his fun-loving posts

Joanie for her level-headedness and straightforward input

Emperor FishWhose presence and refreshing posts are just very likable.

John DixonUnwavering in his particular idiom...you never wonder where he stands.

Jtriptow and JPortock whose posts I always read, and often agree with.

Grampz who has answered those nagging boxwood questions and makes me feel needed...

There are many more of you who have been helpful to me but I've already taken up too much room.

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Sonlight NurseryGreen Country Bonsai Society

Ralph

As stated before, if I were to attempt to list everyone who has so generously assisted me, or helped, I would never manage to end this list. To all of you thank you so much.

More importantly, If I were to call just one person out, without the efforts of Matt Chroust in the very beginning, I surely would not now be on this journey.
His generousity is unequaled. I know how dificult it is to keep a fully functioning website up, that matches the standards and the many options this one has.

A special thank you to those local club members, and friends who have generously offered their expertise and patience along this journey.

__________________
Emerging from winter slumber
Bonsai trees burst buds anew
Spring is upon us!


-Paul S.

Will_Heath

Although the forum could not exist without each and every member here, there are a few that stand out in my mind mainly because of their knowledge, the willingness to share it, their politeness, kindness, and their outstanding attempts to learn as well as teach. I am a better bonsaist because of them.

Carl Bergstrom
Attila
Walter Pall
Candy Shirley
EarthgirlOK
Vance Wood
Pootsie
Treebay
Mike P
Joanie
John Dixon
Rockm
Ian Homer
Jerry Meislik
Repotter
Gary Marchall
Vance Hanna
David Yedwab
Marija Haidic
JTriptow
Brent
HB Smith
Fish
Dale Cochoy
Clrosner
Jportock
Pdbbonsai
David Chauvin
I.B.

I could go on and on but I think my point has been made. Thanks to everyone on the forum that helps to make this place a place to learn, to grow, and to advance in this wonderful art we call bonsai.


Will Heath

rockm

I couldn't provide a list of the folks that have inspired, helped and spurred me along the bonsai trail. It would be a very long one.

However, Vance Wood, Vance Hanna, Brent Walston are still my heroes . They are pioneers for bonsai on the Internet.

"Newer" posters like John Dixon, Fish, Will, Candy, Poots, Joanie and others have also opened my eyes to alot of things I hadn't given much thought to. They are also inspirations for me and push me to think.

Ian_Homer

Hi All,

Back in action.....

Will,
I make your list twice - so I must be twice as nice to you

So long as no serious backstabbing is going on, this is just the best Bonsai site around. A great community is made up of individuals of many levels and talents and I am sure any single one of us can bring "something to the table".

In this light, I will not list particular names, except certainly one for holding the whole show together. Matt Chroust - just thanks for the efforts.

I enjoy the banter between several regular contributors and have many good old "pen-pals" (ok e-mailers) in my address book as a result of my time on bT.
I certainly learn too.

This all adds to my pleasure in the hobby and gives me a warming satisfaction that people from ALL OVER THE WORLD can become as close as "buddys" in this on-line world we live in.

I raise a glass to you all.

Ian.

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