CLOSED: What is an S.O.B.?

ovation22

Vance, I have never made a claim that I am better than anyone at bonsai or my knowledge of bonsai. Yes, I attended an intensive with Boon and it was a great experience, for me. I have improved (even just a little) in my skills as a result. I have also improved my skills and/or learned something from every workshop or demonstration I have been to. The subject, this time, happened to be Boon, so I see nothing wrong with discussing Boon or Students of Boon.

It was not my idea, or suggestion to make the proposed SOB section an exclusive section (see first post in that thread). Though, like others, I do see the value of keeping the postings (and posters) on track by limiting who may post, which is what I commented on (see post #13 in that thread). Others do not agree, so the subject is dead. This is fine by me.

Yes, I play guitar (pictured is a 2001 Les Paul Premium Plus w/Jimmy Page electronics). I guess I would listen to their words and determine for myself if there was any value there. I would not publicly berate them and tell the world that I thought they were wrong. That is why I gave you a negative rep point.

Your post (#30) is much more level headed and expresses your opinion in a more appropriate manor. I still happen to disagree with you, which is fine by me.

__________________
John Callaway
Matsu Bonsai blog

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HB Smith

Vance,

I have no great desire to teach over the internet. I just enjoy talking about bonsai with others who share the same interests. You may have noticed in your experience that conversations are even more enjoyable when you share something in common with the other individual, such as the same teacher. This was the whole intent of John's original post on a previous thread in what seems a long time ago.

You probably have different aspirations than I do. I hardly look at the gallery, and thus have little desire to post there whether I have show ready trees or not. I enjoy the verbal interchange and seeing before and afters more, as far as internet bonsai perusing.

It is obvious, seeing as to how there are two camps on this issue that there will not be a SOB section. I think this is a shame, because even though I am a student of Boon, I would have looked forward to also seeing the development of a student of Lewis, or a student of Shaner, or a student of Naka, etc... section as well. It could have been a great interchange of different bodies of information; different families of crafts but the same art. I doubt if I would radically change my technique based on these other groups, but I bet I would pick up really cool techniques to fill in the gaps of what I have learned already, and maybe other groups / individuals could do the same. This only could have been a benefit to all. I wonder if the same chasms exist among the bonsai professionals in other countries. For example is there any interchange between the Hamano clan and the Kato clan and the Suzuki clan? I don't know but can't help but wonder.

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Sincerely,
Howard

www.BonsaiSmiths.net

Vance Wood

I don't remember berateing anyone but I did criticize an attitude.