Goodbye AOS

[cday2inflorida]

I grew up in a family of "orchid" people. I remember AOS bulletins everywhere in my childhood home. As I grew up I raided the house for past issues and had my membership paid on many a Christmas. I always longed for more information about plants NOT grown under optimum conditions. My favorite reads were about collecting expeditions into jungles around the world.

I was blissfully unaware of the politics of the "orchid" world. As I grew older I became disenchanted with it. I stopped my membership about 10 years ago. I found the "good 'ol boy network too much to take.

Of course, this is only my opinion. I respect the fact that there are many folks that have a fierce loyalty to AOS. It all boils down to "whatever floats your boat". For me the dawn of the internet, did for me what the bulletin does for the ones that rally for AOS. I found mentors in the orchid world via the internet. I've held on to them tightly.

"Nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion."

I think the above quote would apply to those passionate enough to care. I respect your devotion.