Actually there are 3 search boxes on that page, only one of which is the correct one to use. The one to use is just below the list of threads there on page one, and it defaults to just searching that forum. There is also one at the very top in the green banner, and that is not one to use, because as you said, it searches all of the many forums and brings up all of their posts. There is also one at the very bottom, just 'above' the green banner and that is also not to be used if wanting to search just the Rate and Review Forum. Here is a bit more explanation about the Instructions and it covers where the right search box is found. Special Instructions for the Forum It would certainly be nice if the 2 boxes that do not apply to searching that forum were removed. I know a lot of members don't likely find the right one, which results in multiple threads being started. Remy had come up with the idea for some FAQ (frequently asked questions) for the forum and a thread was started for it. She volunteered to try and get them together with the help of input from members. I'll go revive the thread and maybe she can find the time to work on them sometime when the snow is blowing this winter. FAQS for Rate & Review Forum Sue Rate and Review Forum

Boy howdy,...does this ever need bumping!

Well, the Special Instructions as well as the FAQ are in need of some serious updating. Example...Special Instructions The exchanges were created to facilitate the arranging of trades of plants and seeds between members. Please do not use them to solicit donations, ask for free plants or seeds, or ask for items in exchange for postage. All requests must be in the context of arranging a trade. If you have nothing to offer at this time, please wait until you do. The exchanges were created to facilitate the arranging of trades of plants and seeds between members. You must be 18 years or older to participate. Please do not use them to solicit donations, ask for free plants or seeds, or ask for items in exchange for postage. All requests must be in the context of arranging a trade. If you have nothing to offer at this time, please wait until you do. This totally leaves out addressing members offering up their excess for postage. Each post must have a type of trade, subject and a message. Might this be better, or something similar? The exchanges were created to facilitate the arranging of trades of plants and seeds between members. You must be 18 years or older to participate. Please do not use them to solicit donations, ask for free plants or seeds, or ask for items in exchange for postage. If you have nothing to offer at this time, please wait until you do. Could the Type of Trade choices at the bottom maybe be changed to Wanted and Have so that one could post offers of their excesses for postage...as in,"Have mixed irises for postage" or Have Strawberry plants for postage?" Or could there be a third option of Have for postage. Or better yet, make it a Type Of Transaction, with Wanted or Have. Often members have excess, and they really aren't wanting to make trades at that time. The FAQ could be set up to better help newbies. Maybe first making an FAQ Outline would be best to arrange the Information and questions in sort of a logical order? 1-Getting set up and started A--setting up your GW profile, garden zone and location, email settings So many new members don't have a member page email link, thus there is no way to contact them. Could the default setting when one joins be changed to Allow other users to send you email via forms at our site. It used to be that way, but somehow got changed several years ago B--setting up your Trade Page C-Member Page Blurb-share a bit about yourself or your gardening style and/or challenges. 2--Nothing to trade? Watch for members posting their excess plants, bulbs, etc for postage. Check out the Seed Exchange, for either trading seeds or checking out the many generous Seeds for Postage Offers. 3--Posting a trade --checking The Rate and Review Forum for member reviews. Basically the FAQ as they are could be scrapped, as even the one covering What is the best way to package and ship plants? doesn't cover bulbs which are packaged dry (daffodils, tulips, etc), or iris rhizomes that are packed dry, or many rooted plants that can be sent dry, with roots not wrapped. There is no cut and dried way, so under packing plants it could list some that are the exception to the rule, or that can be packaged either dry or moist. When in doubt about the packaging, check with the member you are trading with. The FAQ How do I get free Priority mailing supplies? is pretty well obsolete. The FAQ How can I be sure of a fair trade? is also obsolete as it states, "GardenWeb cannot be responsible for 'rating' traders, or keeping lists of those who do not follow through on agreed trades. It makes no mention of checking the The Rate and Review Forum before making a trade, as well as rating one's trading partner after the trade is completed. Just my 3 cents.....for now anyway. Sue...rbb

Hi Countrycarolyn, hmmm...it really depends upon what you are sending bare root, and where you are located (state) and where the other member is (state), and what time of year it is, and what maybe members prefer and agree to. That is one reason why I always encourage members to put their state location in the one box provided for the garden zone. See, I am zone 5/6 S IN I suggest you ask on the Conversation side of the forum, and there will hopefully be several who will see it and give you their take on things. The link to (off topic) Conversations is found just above the list of threads here on page one of the Seed Exchange. I think that would be the best place to be seen, as Conversations on the Plant Exchange doesn't seem to get as much traffic. Sue...resident busy body