While I think that the "FAQ" as outlined by swanoir was presented tongue in cheek ('the humus'), many of the subsequent comments and/or links to threads that could/should be included in a FAQ were presented in a more serious tone. And maybe they do make sense as a foundation to a real LD forum FAQ. But I've also sensed something else in these comments that may contribute to the apparent lack of communication between new posters seeking advice and those that regularly frequent this forum and offer it. And that is that the long checklist provided by Miss R must be (or should be) answered in detail before posting. Well, of course not! But it is definitely something worth reviewing and giving some thought to. This checklist, or something very similar, is what most designers utilize when first meeting with a prospective client. It gives them a feeling for what the client wants to do with the property, how they intend to use it, what they hope to get out of it and how much effort (time/$$) are they are intending to put into it. Hopefully, reviewing an outline or checklist such as this could help to refine and focus some of those blank slate questions and even educate those new posters totally unfamiliar with the process the degree of complexity, the number of variables and exactly what is involved in the formulation of a landscape design. Even DIY landscape texts intended for the homeowner with no previous design or landscaping experience offer similar checklists to get one started thinking about the process. Obviously, this is overkill for those questions that are more issue-specific, but I think very appropriate for those that are much broader and far less focused.

OK. I am brand new here and not even an orchid grower. I would not know how to pot one up if you paid me the current Lottery Prize. But sometimes, I come on over here and read a bit and see your stunning photos. I am, however, a gardener myself. I grow sweet peas, hippeastrums, narcissus, and many other things. I once went to a professional orchid show just to see what the fuss was about. There were many, many different types of orchids and colours and arrangements of them. It really was quite a show. I remember most of all some yellow and velvety brown ones and they were something! But the memory that most stands out in my mind is that of a visit to my hairdresser. On this occasion, there were three Cattleyas in an amethyst bowl on the nearby credenza. They were pure white and very large and had a very frilly, deep purple throat (almost the same colour as the bowl). The picture is still in my mind: that is what an orchid is to me. If I could grow them, I would get that one. I read this thread just to see what kind of remarks you had to make about general tips for beginners. I must say that you all are one polite and nice bunch. I have seen some people get some nasty remarks from others on some forums but so far this one is as you say, very decent. As one member said: just because this is the internet it is not an excuse to forget your manners. I was raised with them too; and I appreciate all of your helpful advice and polite and friendly manner. One should not have to defend oneself on a visit to GardenWeb, after all. You have a great Forum here in the orchid section.

[This Appliances FAQ article was moved to the Laundry Room FAQ on 28 December 2004.]

This is the first test of the new Laundry Forum FAQ system! Testing, testing...