Does it matter where this forum is located? That people have been concerned and continue to be concerned with where the AOS is located is a reflection of the underlying problem.
For example...it doesn't matter where Richard Lindberg is located. Sure, I'd love to visit his collection but what's important is that he shares his information with everybody who has access to the internet. With a few clicks you can
RSS subscribe to his
orchid blog for free.
Is it expensive to create a blog? No, it's completely free. Does it require any more technical skill than posting in this forum? Nope.
One of the primary
goals of an orchid society is to facilitate the exchange of information between members. The current cost of being a member of the AOS is a reflection of the cost of producing Orchids Magazine. Switching over to a blog format will reduce the cost of membership to practically nothing.
In the most recent AOS Beginner Newsletter the first topic was titled "You Can Help". Basically the AOS asked for more money to fund a magazine supplement. Seriously? Why pay for a magazine supplement that only a few people can read when that information which was freely given can be freely shared on an AOS blog that everyone could read?
If you care about your orchids would it make sense to deprive them of the light, nutrients and water that they need to grow? No it wouldn't, so boycott the AOS until they start caring about the orchid hobby as much as you care about your orchids.
p.s. Feel free to send this post to the AOS for them to include in their next magazine.