The Ask The Master Forum will be CHANGING FORMAT

Attila

Walter,

It seems like you've finally learned that no good deed remains unpunished.

When one gives away stuff for free, people often take it as of little worth. They say, "you get what you've paid for".

I believe that only those are worth your time who make a real effort to learn something (turning on the computer and using the mouse doesn't count as real effort).

And those people will always find a way to reach you.

Vance Wood

It sounds to me like Walter is not a happy camper regardless of the obvious and present excuses for his departure. It's really too bad, Walter has a lot to offer and it is sad that some that frequent this site seem not to appreciate his expertise. Walter is the first credible artist that the West has produced that can put together bonsai that rival the Japanese counterparts.

Deacon Jim

Walter,

Was schadet eine deutsche Eiche wenn eine Wildsau an ihr kratzt

(You are the Eiche)

Sincerely I will miss your honesty, artistry, and great advice,

Deacon Jim

Delboy

You'll be sorely missed Walter, but as usual, I totaly agree with what you say.

Big Regards
Delboy

RonMartin(deceased)

Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us everyday.
"Sally Koch"

Walter did both the big and small. FWIW I will miss him.
Pity not all saw the opportunity that was dropped in their lap.
My first and last post to the ATM forum. A real pity.

jportock

Walter,
I, along with many others, value your opinion and appreciate the effort you have put forth as a teacher. You and the Ask The Master section will be missed. I hope that you will continue to commune with us at bonsaiTalk as the quality you've brought here is very valuable.

You will be missed.

Trinksprüche (raising a glass),
JP

__________________
I'm an acorn, small and round, sitting on the cold, hard ground. Everyone walks over me, that is why I'm cracked you see. I'm a nut, I'm a nut, I'm crazy. -author unknown

Aaron_K

Walter,

I for one really enjoyed reading your ATM replies, as they were both extremely informative, inspiring and the virtuals breathtaking. I enjoyed equally, visiting your website looking at the masterpieces you have created and continue to evoke.

I fully understand and appreciate your reasoning for leaving, but do not go without the knowledge that an overwhelming majority of people here, hold you in the highest regard as a bonsai master.

Although I do not have a tree in my possession that would be worthy of the ATM, I would still like to thank you for the time you took to offer others the insight and vision to better both themselves and their bonsai, as I have taken much from reading on the sidelines, as I am sure others have too.

I can only echo what other people have said, and express my sadness at your departure.

I wish you all the greatest success for the future, and may fortune find both you and your wonderful bonsai, in the best of health. Like Grampz, I too hope that you will not be a total stranger to the forum and will pay us all a visit as your very hectic schedule permits.

Auf Wiedersehen Beherrscht

Aaron,
Schüler

David Yedwab

Walter,
I am sorry that this portion of our friendship is over and will be missed. I certainly understand and agree with your reasoning. ATM was no longer giving you the pleasure to derive from teaching and seeing your students grow and learn -- and maybe even become competent enough to have another well reasoned opinion.

I have had the great priviledge of meeting, visiting and learning bonsai from Walter in person -- on several occasions. ATM has helped keep myself sharp in my bonsai thinking and technique as it rekindles the lessons I've learned from Walter, like taking off the biggest branch on a two sided ponderosa pine -- improving it greatly and making it into a decent and maybe even good bonsai.

Your advice here, freely given will be greatly missed. I will continue to relish future opportunities to learn and grow together -- even if somewhat less frequently than ATM offered.

Auf wiedersehn ATM

__________________
David Yedwab

Bart Thomas(deceased)

We should note that David Yedwab's corkbark Japanese Black Pine will be on display at the big do in Washington.

Congratulations. Mazel Tov, too!