Is This Your Club?

Bone-sigh

Something got me thinking the other day. I have heard more seasoned bonsaiists advising the new comers to this wonderful art to go join a local club in their city. Which is good advice. But, I for one have been practicing bonsai for about 9 years now and I have never once stepped foot into a club. Why? Because I simply do not have the time. I would love to be able to join a club near me but it just is not possible. So I learn all that I can from bonsaiTALK and other recources on the internet. I consider bonsaiTALK to be my club. Prior to discovering bonsaiTALK I learned all that I could from books; most of which were out-dated.
I am curious as to how many other people consider bonsaiTALK or some other bonsai forum to be the only form of "club" activity they are involved with.

Ryan

__________________
"If God meant for us to run around naked, we would have been born that way!"

----a Quote from my uncle's fridge

Advertisement

Jay

Ryan, I belong to a club. I am have been doing Bonsai for 6 years. Yes, the internet clubs provide great information...but... first hand, in person, help is always better. Thats my opinion.
J

__________________
A Bonsai student living with his trees at N 44.37 W 77.49...
Think before you act... then think again... no good comes from rushing

Bone-sigh

No doubt about that! But, some of us are forced to except the next best thing.

__________________
"If God meant for us to run around naked, we would have been born that way!"

----a Quote from my uncle's fridge

Alasdair

I'm in the 'forums are my club' group. Not so much through choice, but because the nearest clubs i know about are many miles away. It's one thing affording to join a club, but having to spend £40 on train tickets to get there every few weeks adds up to an awful lot of dosh that i aint got. Oh, and when i have got the money i'd rather spend it on my meager bonsai collection.

Al

__________________
I can feel another "I wish that was my tree" moment coming on...
Currently studying BSc Plant Biology at the Universty of Wales, Aberystwyth

bwaynef

Mine too. I keep meaning to drive to the SC Bonsai club, but I usually miss the week that they meet. Thats a 2 hour one way drive though. Its probably worth it.

Proximity is the main reason I haven't joined a club. Proximity being a precursor to the amount of time I'd have to spend anyway.

WF

__________________
----------------------------------
© 2004 - present bwaynef

Pill_Man

I would have chosen "both" had it been available in the poll.

I think online forums/clubs are getting better and better. I belong to a local club, 'cause
the "hands-on" approach is hard to beat. However, there are several Internet sites/forums
which I read faithfully as they provide a wealth of knowledge I'd rather not be without.

__________________
Doug Mlodzinski

My Little Corner of the Internet
Bonsai Society of Upstate NY

rockm

"So I learn all that I can from bonsaiTALK and other recources on the internet. I consider bonsaiTALK to be my club."

That's great and it's also too bad. I am a sometime member of some clubs, as I don't have alot of time either. I have attended meetings and events associated with clubs when I can. Let me say, I learned more in 30 minutes at those events than I ever did online or from a book.

Even attending one meeting at a good club will open your eyes. The Internet is great. It is not reality, though. Hands on is better than pictures and in person chatting with someone about a tree THAT IS ACTUALLY THERE is better than bickering online with someone who may or may not know what they're talking about.

Jay Nolen

Actually, I'm a member of two clubs. I am a active member of The San Antonio Bonsai Society (where I live) and a little less active member of the Austin Bonsai Society.

I like the lectures and demostrations given at club meetings and the "hands on" workshops. It has helped me to "find the tree in the raw material".

Ian_Homer

Hi All,

With a busy work schedule, a new (old) house to renovate, and a part-time job at a pottery, I have no time to make club meetings, although I would certainly like to.

I therefore see bT as my club, and certainly ask on here any problems or opinions that I might need.

I also like the security that a "on-line" Bonsai forum has - in terms of new members do not find out where you live.
Sorry to bring this matter up, but always make sure you trust a person at a club, or others know of them, BEFORE you ever divulge exactly where you live.

With the greater distances in the U.S. I can well imagine many will find it difficult to make club meetings, but if you can, it is a great way to learn.

In light of this thread being useful to other members, I will now move this to the specific "Clubs in Action" forum we have, where you may just pick up a post from someone in your area. So, if you have the time, why not join in or form your own little circle.

Other than that, there is someone here 24/7

Another great benefit of BonsaiTALK.

Regards,
Ian.

__________________
help save The Vulcan...
Return to Flight