The 'Other' Board

[greggnkay]

Last week I was cruising the 'net attempting to find some info on a new orchid that was arriving. I cruised the other board and was reading some posts. One post was from a very new orchid grower who had asked a basic question, much as I have done here for the last few months. I was shocked to see two members really 'jump' this person for asking a basic question because the information was 'easily researchable' both on the board and internet. And this was not just a single negative post by each, but several! Later in the post there were several senior members and an ambassador that came to the defense of the newbie. I just want to thank everyone who has patiently answered my questions and made me feel WELCOME since I joined The OrchidBoard!

Gregg

[Ross]

Well, Gregg, we pride ourselves here in trying to be friendly, not snobish or snooty. Glad you like it here, I do, and have chosen to frequent this place daily.

[Dorothy]

There's another board?

[camille1585]

Gregg, I know exactly what you mean. I have been a member of various forums on various topics, and several I stopped going on because of problems like you describe and a sort of super elitist atitude. The worst was when the mods (of a forum I will not name) would actually condone this rude behavior and take part in it themselves!! If I've been on OB nearly every day for nearly a year, there's a reason for it.

[shakkai]

It is just this ethos that makes this place so special! Thanks for reminding us of just how special it is, Gregg.

So many times 'general' information - i.e. basic information - just raises more questions. Also, each person's growing conditions and habits are pretty unique, which makes 'catch all' answers to basic questions pretty difficult.

I think, in order to really be helpful, you need to have a conversation, get information, then give information.
If you don't do that, you don't really understand where someone is coming from - their specific knowledge, their specific conditions, etc.

This is the first place I would come to ask questions or get advice - because I know that the people here really want to be helpful.

[Dorothy]

I must say that it's the members of this board with their friendly nature and generous sharing of knowledge and experience that makes this board what it is!
Rarely do we have 'attitude' problems here and if so and when so, are discreetly addressed.
Everyone here takes orchids quite seriously but with a smile and a lightness of humor that can be shared by all.
There are as many ways to grow orchids as there are ways to skin a cat (no offense to the felines of the world) and we are all able to explain our individual experiences without making them 'law' or the 'only way'. This makes us a special community as one way is no better or worse than another - in fact, it's highly dependent upon your individual growing conditions.
Isn't great to come to a place where we can share all these differences in a positive fashion.

I thank everyone one of you for making the OB the finest orchid message board on the net!

[luckygrower]

I agree with all of you,I've never received any negative answers to any of my 'dumb' questions, it has been my experience that everyone here has the attitude that all questions need a good answer so that all orchids will survive.
I too have visited another orchid chat but the thing I dislike about them was that all post's would be edited so as not to mention any vendor's by name. How can a new orchid enthuiast find where to by quality orchids.

[cowboy51278]

the only thing I can say is OB= Home

[RosieC]

I want to add my thanks to everyone here for being so friendly and helpful.

I always try and search for answers before asking, but finding exact answers to what I need is often difficult that way... I'm never sure if what I'm reading quite applies to my exact situation. But all you guys are great... because I can ask questions and show photos and get the advice based on eactly my problem.

I've had nothing but friendly advice here from people who really want to help... and that attitude is why I joined this board rather than just lurking as I've done with others... and why on the very few ocasions I can share my own experiences to help others I am keen to do so... and why I'm keen just to come here every day and join in whether I have a problem or not.

Thank you everyone for making this such a great forum.

[Dorothy]

Originally Posted by cowboy51278

the only thing I can say is OB= Home

Paul - you said it simply and warmly
and I agree with you 100%

There is no place like 'home'
(Clicks heels of ruby slippers three times and repeats)