My GW wish would be to have a forum called "General Gardening" or something like that. There are threads that I would like to start that don't pertain to any one of the specific forum subjects, and as much as I enjoy the New England Gardening forum, it only attracts a small part of the GW poster population.

They could also add a forum to discuss any old subject, something like "Hot Topics" only the topics wouldn't be hot.

PS There's a real easy way to get rid of most of the ads on any website - use the Firefox browser and an extension called "Flashblock".

Terrene - They have an any-old-subject forum. It is called The Garden Party. I avoided this forum for the longest time because I took the title seriously and thought it was a forum for people who wanted to throw outdoor parties! LOL There are a very nice and interesting group of regulars there. Several forums have off-topic areas accessed through the individual forum pages themselves much the same way you would access the swap side of the NE forum. Those forums say "conversations". The Perennial forum has a very active conversations side that many NE regulars participate in.

Oh thanks Cloud 9 - I have never even noticed the "Garden Party". LOL you thought it was for parties, I would have also! Also I will check out the Conversations side of Perennials, because that is one of my favorite forums (so is this one).

In trying to check posts and navigate between the Round Robin Exchange and the Winter Sowing Forum I have just seen the Mars candy commercial at least 12 times, and there doesn't appear to be any way to either avoid it or turn it off. The Pledge girl was annoying, but I think this one is the worst yet.

I regularly wish that Spike will come out of retirement when the "statute of limitations" expires and start a new site like the Ol' Garden Web.

Well... you did ask!

drippy...I never see ads, I use the Firefox browser and I love it. :-) pm2

My wish is that there would be a way to skip to the new posts on a thread with a single click. Other forums have this and I find it very helpful, instead of scrolling through everything, checking the dates of posts, and sometimes reading through to rermember if you've read that one already or not. That comes in handy when you go to as many forums as I do!

:)
Dee

drippy,
I had logged on to GW when the candy bar ad ran a muck, for me it was going to be the final straw I am happy to see that it was just a temporary error.
Dee,
Another bell and whistle that I wish we had was the counter of how many times a page has been viewed. There are a number of threads that set a tone of a statement and require little response, or are an offering of photos/info and a page counter at the very least offers the poster the sense of having been heard. Particularly during times of the year when forums are slow folks may be reading but lack the enthusiasm to participate. kt

Oh, Katie, you hit the nail on the head with that one! Yes indeed, that is another thing that would be great. Sometimes I respond to a thread when I really have no business doing so (know absolutely nothing about the subject matter, lol, or something to that extent) but I respond just so the poster doesn't think no one is paying attention! I've been on the receiving end of the "no-response" threads at one time or another, so it does feel good to at least know someone is reading, if not responding.

:)
Dee

I wonder though, if you posted and saw a lot of people reading your post but not responding, what would you think? Would you find yourself wondering if there was something wrong with your post? [g] Or maybe you had bad breath..lol. If I post something that gets little response now, I just figure no one has experience with that subject.

Something I wish they did on GW, is to give the option to return search results in chronological order. My favorite order would be latest to oldest. Sometimes I will make a flurry of posts when I suddenly am able to post more and then wonder if I have forgotten to respond to one of them. So I will do a search of my own screen name but it always brings up the posts in either a random order? Or maybe it sorts them into what they feel is the most relative order? Although when you type a screen name as a search, I don't see how there is an order of relevance.

pm2

pm2,
I thought the same thing until on more than one occasion I have seen the original poster post the question So what's up 200 people have viewed what I wrote and not one response? Immediately we all scrambled to thank that person for some really great photos of a garden tour/what ever. Forum behavior is interesting as the easy thing after a long day is to log on read...feel a part of the forum and not have to put forth effort. Times that are typically slow feed are difficult to break out of. Thank god for the newbies, I must say this fall has me a little worried(it's been so slow my desire to post has been squelched) that the newbies are blogging rather than joining message boards. So what do you think...desperately hoping for more than one response. kt

I am not sure what to think. I guess I am more of an interactive kind of person. I don't find it as satisfying to read without posting. But on the other hand, I can think of a few reasons why people would begin to post less often, including that it is easier. I find there are times that I am less inclined to post too.

I do find this forum particularly less active than it used to be. I have been visiting here for probably at least 7 years and it used to be a very busy place. I have formed various theories along the way about why it has slowed down to a snail's pace, but at the moment, I am thinking that during the growing season, there is just too much satisfying activity actually in the garden to feel as much of a need to come and talk about it. With the warmer fall, there is plenty of gardening left to do.

I don't understand the blogging vs message boards though. Blogging sounds like a whole lot more work for the author. I haven't found myself reading blogs very much yet. The few I did read had very few comments left for the author, so how that could be an improvement over forums, I can't understand. Perhaps there is a different kind of satisfaction in blogging?

pm2

I do find this forum particularly less active than it used to be. So come on tell us why you think this is so.
Blogging sounds like a whole lot more work for the author It may be more work but the out come is more of a permanent cumulative journal than a discussion in a small room lost to fading memory. There is a huge blogging net work that reaches out to all of the secondary elements of gardening (ie the UN reaching out to bloggers two days ago re their efforts in blog/enviro day), news media, and of course blogs can use technologies (video and audio links) that we wouldn't dare to dream of here. Year two of the same dream of Ego doing a visual lesson/workshop on pruning techniques kt

Well, I like to talk, lol, so I do post fairly often. There are times, though, when sometimes I am just too tired to post - because I can hardly ever "say" just a few words, lol.

I haven't discovered the world of blogging yet, either as an author or a reader. I find that I don't like to read things on-line that are fairly long. More than two pages and I tend to lose interest. I'm old-fashioned in that I prefer to read a magazine or book as opposed to an article on the computer.

I do think that the season affects the activity on the forum(s). During the summer we are so much more busy in the garden that we don't often have time to post here, even if we read. In winter we have more time, and in spring, we might have more questions as we get ready to start up again.

Dee

kt, I would not want to hazard what would amount to a guess about the various reasons people who used to post a lot, post less or are not here at all anymore. I imagine there are many different reasons. Some I could identify with and some that I would not even think of.

I can share what some of my reasons for not posting more are, if that will help at all. I think the forum went through a period of time when too often posts would end up in conflict. Sometimes it would get a little personal and uncomfortable. For awhile, I tried to address and resolve conflict if it started on a thread I was posting to, but it just became less enjoyable because of that. Then I took a different approach and tried to just ignore conflict when it came up and leave the post it was on and find another post to contribute to. I had a sense that I was not the only one doing that at that point. I remember seeing posts where people had expressed that they were getting really tired of the conflict. Then it calmed down quite a bit, but so did a lot of the posting. [g]

From that point, I don't know why it slowed down and stayed slow. Maybe it just goes in cycles. I know I have periods of time where due to health reasons, I am not able to post more and I get a little disconnected during those times. I have heard that a lot of people on the forums have health problems too so that could also be part of their reasons.

That's about all I can come up with. :-)

As for the blogs, yes I can see the value of blogs for sure but I think one doesn't replace the other, they both have their niche.
pm2

I reply much less than I used to. I'm not really sure why, but many of the posts are, well... not very interesting to me.

Neighbor "issues", neighbor pet "issues", "I was treated poorly at thus and such a nursery"... .

I miss several of the old "regulars" a lot. And I miss the more technical aspects of gardening/culture. But if I miss it so much the onus is clearly on me to participate more and "up the anty" a bit, huh?

chelone,
Your post was so on target that it really hit a raw nerve with me. I must say I rarely see more than a handful of the old regulars initiating threads, let alone posting on even semi consistent basis. You are far from the first person to mention that many of the posts are, well... not very interesting to me. I do think though the been there done that attitude deflates most enthusiastic newbies from stepping up and contributing a breath of fresh air into a very quiet forum. It wasnt too long ago that this forum was alive with intellectual muscle flexing, humor, sarcasm, and camaraderie, but as pm2 mentioned something happened and when that stopped those threads were replaced with politically correct posts mine included (or at least that is my attempt). So here we areÂsuggestions anyone?

The helpmeet works for a nursery, so I know how it IS for people who work at the places that are "shopped". When I reply you now know that I completely understand the "other" side and will always champion it. "Got it"?

We allow our cats to go outdoors. I'm "done to death" with the whinings of people who feed birds and "cute" rodents and then grouse that the neighborhood cats are "stalking" "their" wildlife. yawn. Umm... how about you THINK about what laying out the "bait" is really doing?!

I don't really give a -hit if you THINK your neighbor is pedophile (I have chosen to forget that poster's name!). If you don't have anything to substantiate your THOUGHTS don't bring it here! I don't care and I don't want to listen to it unless you have something substanitive to offer. Don't waste my time. Whine somewhere else, thank you. And yes, Ida., I do agree that sharing a big part of this forum. But I am offended by unsubstantiated accusations aired on this forum. NOT "COOL"!

I want to talk about gardens. I want to know what you've planted, what's WORKED, what hasn't, and what you THINK ABOUT successes and failures. HOW did you achieve success or failure? these are the things that interest me. And that's what I miss!

My opinion was solicited...

I want to talk about gardens. I want to know what you've planted, what's WORKED, what hasn't, and what you THINK ABOUT successes and failures. HOW did you achieve success or failure? these are the things that interest me. And that's what I miss!
Ok Chelone REMEMBER YOU ASKED I will do a search over the last year and pull up threads that I originated that perhaps meet your criteria and we can review your participation. I will let other original posters speak for themselves. kt

NO, actually I didn't "ask". I simply responded to a question YOU asked, KT.

I've responded when I've wanted to, and posted to questions that have interested/incited me. If it pleases you to search and link then go for it. But I never "asked". Let's be clear about that.

YOU asked for the reply and you've received it. I NEVER asked for anything with respect to replies to YOUR question.

You wanted specifics as to reasons for "my" participation (or lack thereof) and I've replied. I have replied as one of the "regulars" who has been notably absent. I'd hazard a guess that more than a few missing "regulars" would voice similar sentiments. But maybe I'm wrong.

I want to talk about gardens. I want to know what you've planted, what's WORKED, what hasn't, and what you THINK ABOUT successes and failures.
Yes Chelone you did in deed ask for folks on this forum to stand up and confirm that we have been discussing gardens and what has worked. Here is a small sampling of of just my posts over the last year I will let others speak for themselves.
Winds Of Change
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0309151530324.html

Lichens 101
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg1208312016418.html

2007 Banner Year For Hydrangeas
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0719523023282.html

Placement Of Art Within The Garden
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0711380532201.html

Animal Vegetable Miricle
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0812105513812.html

Arnoldia
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg112004007319.html

This Weeks Outstanding Plant In Your Garden 9/21
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0912173323175.html

Notes From The Garden
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0318200314943.html

Notes From The Garden II
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0520543527553.html

This Weeks Standout Plant In Your Garden
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0709060615999.html

What Lights Your Fire
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg011855044376.html

This Weeks Standout Plant In Your Garden 7/16
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0707481519564.html

Juicy Little Tid Bits
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0807142426910.html

Rare For A Reason
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0118313617296.html

Photos Of Plant From Near And Far II
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0300394111111.html

This Weeks Stand Out Plant In Your Garden 8/8/07http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0819375627586.html
Ken Druse Real Dirthttp://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0517342117168.html
The Dirty Secrets Of Your Successhttp://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0707452118167.html
Soil Temperature
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0513592316754.html
Thread That Stiches Your Garden Quilt
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0820220327472.html
You are What You Growhttp://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0417224813611.html
Evolution Of A Garden Design Conundrum
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0608362112234.html
Backyard Utopia
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg060650336923.html
Monrovia Partners With The renown Dan Hinckley
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg081756141189.html
Family And The Garden
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0607504627312.html
Observations From Neglected Commercial Landscape
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0709091629794.html
The Dumbing Down Of Gardening In America
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg040935319659.html
Using Photographs To Show Climatic Changes On Flower..
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0607140127523.html
Hairy Bittercress
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0612402328891.html
Plant Challenge
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0607305227478.html
Longwood Garden Photos
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0719342019285.html
USDA Announces Colony Collapse Disorder
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/neweng/msg0708274115749.html

Those are your posts KT, some have interested me, others have not, frankly. I don't reply to everything I read. I do a great deal of reading on my own and often don't bother to check this forum as it is sometimes quite slow and rather dull and my life is pretty busy.

You asked why people don't post more and I've told you why I don't. I'm pickin' up major hostile vibes from you and you're certainly entitled to your opinion; but it seems to me you're more interested in validating the "interesting" things you've posted.

often don't bother to check this forum as it is sometimes quite slow and rather dull and my life is pretty busy.
Yikes what can I say...I and the folks on this forum are dull..well I guess speaking for myself I will admit to being dull but frankly in the right company I think of myself as being pretty damn funny. That of course can only be a subjective opinion. I look towards those who have posted here in the last year to confirm but it seems to me you're more interested in validating the "interesting" things you've posted.
if in deed the majority agrees with you I am happy to walk away, but before I do I would be interested to read what you have contributed to this forum in the last year.

It looks to me as if we have two very different expectations about what this forum should deliver:

chelone said:

"I want to talk about gardens. I want to know what you've planted, what's WORKED, what hasn't, and what you THINK ABOUT successes and failures. HOW did you achieve success or failure? these are the things that interest me. And that's what I miss!"

runktrun said:

" It wasnt too long ago that this forum was alive with intellectual muscle flexing, humor, sarcasm, and camaraderie, ..."

Those people who are primarily interested in specific gardening information that is useful to them, such as Chelone is, (and I'm in that camp myself) will not necessarily be interested in contributing to philosophical or personal discussions, even though they may be gardening-related.

prairiemoon2said:

"I think the forum went through a period of time when too often posts would end up in conflict. Sometimes it would get a little personal and uncomfortable. For awhile, I tried to address and resolve conflict if it started on a thread I was posting to, but it just became less enjoyable because of that. Then I took a different approach and tried to just ignore conflict when it came up and leave the post it was on and find another post to contribute to. I had a sense that I was not the only one doing that at that point. I remember seeing posts where people had expressed that they were getting really tired of the conflict. Then it calmed down quite a bit, but so did a lot of the posting. [g]"

Unfortunately, this thread is descending into conflict and perhaps it's time to move on.

Claire

and before I get flamed, I didn't mean that kt should walk away - I meant that this thread is not productive and we have better things to do with our time here.

Claire

So, Claire step up what you said is what you meant Those people who are primarily interested in specific gardening information that is useful to them, such as Chelone is, (and I'm in that camp myself) will not necessarily be interested in contributing to philosophical or personal discussions, even though they may be gardening-related. and this of course comes as no surprise to me as you have over the last many years posted only on three of my many many threads and sadly I can tell you which three. You did in deed mean I should walk away. kt

In some ways, I would love to have a life that actually allowed me to participate more in the forums. I've curbed my participation somewhat in Winter Sowing, Round Robin, and New England Gardening from years past, and almost eliminated it in Seed Exchange. This is not from lack of interest or any sort of distaste - rather, the GW can eat up a lot of my time, I've discovered, and I would like to get back to some of the things I never seem to have time for, like crafting, writing music, and baking bread - none of which I've done for several years now.

KT, stick around if you will - I read a lot of yours, and others', posts that I never respond to. GW is a place, just like a town. People come - some stay, some go, some live there but are so busy you only see them once in awhile, some move but come back for a visit from time to time. Not everyone in town is going to get along with everyone else, but most of us have a few good friends where we are.

I like drippy's town analogy... a good way to put it. To tell you the truth lately I mostly use another garden forum website to get my garden information. It has some of the features you are speaking about Kt -- view count, easier to see new posts, find your own postings, etc.

But that said... I still use Garden Web but mostly for the NE forum as I find the competitor's regional NE forum isn't that useful for me.

I like this forum very much, but haven't had time to read or post much recently. It's lots easier to post during nongardening weather, when I don't have the garden itself competing with gardenweb for my recreational time. At this time of year I'm harvesting the last veggies, planting, finishing those last beds, removing invasives since they tend to lose their leaves last and so are easier to spot at this time of year, etc. Once it's dark by the time I get home and too cold to be digging in the dirt, I'll be back on a more regular basis.

I'd also agree with Sedum "I still use Garden Web but mostly for the NE forum as I find the competitor's regional NE forum isn't that useful for me." I have noticed the energy that KT has put into starting threads here on a wide variety of topics, and truly appreciate it. I guess I'm not such a thinker - couldn't possibly come up with as many diverse ideas as she has over the past couple of years, but I do enjoy the energy and range from practical to garden philosphy. Thanks!

When I come across a thread here that I'm not interested in or that has gotten contentious, I don't read it. My internet connection is slow, so I have 2 windows open and load one while I peruse another in order to use my time not waiting for things to load. So I'm not too upset if the content of one thread isn't of interest. However, I do check out most threads, even if I don't contribute to most - I don't have something to add to many.

Here is where I get confused.
I am new to gardening.

I always search on a subject before I post a question.

I prefer to look in New England Gardening so it will be close to my zone. If it's a specialized thing like clematis or bulbs or hosta I go to that forum. But if someone in Texas has answered then I have to keep searching.

Sometimes I am just trying to prevent a stupid mistake and I don't have a lot of time.
I end up searching 2 places instead of New England Gardening to get my answer.
But being new to gardening that is what happens.

I have found some very helpful advice on her so that is great!
I can't offer much help being new.

I would prefer a few more faqs answered like:
when to plant bulbs in fall or what bulbs to plant in fall in our zone. (meaning not the South)

Often I just want a quick answer.
And when I can spend more time online I'll go back and read longer.

I also look to find the old time gardeners methods of using something free and organic instead of spending more money.
I have found a lot about this.

I have also found that the Upstate New York forum can have the a similar zone to mine and may have an answer there.

Maybe what I'm looking for is an advanced search feature.

search: ____________
zone: ____________

CDO and Doug