Phil

Yes, I'm also getting them at times albeit not the ones with sound when I switch to a different forum. As for them having anything to do with Google ads an emphatic no. I don't know, perhaps I can get an answer to this problem on the vBulletin Tech. site. My apologies for this irksome little problem that has seemed to appear. I'd certainly hate the thought that this is in any way responsible for driving any members away from the site!

Now that I think about I at times feel like that crazy little guy in my avatar! The problems never seem to end!

~Phil~

__________________

Please, always keep in mind that the typewritten word does not always convey what you wish to say, and to always treat others as you would have them treat you. Think twice-submit once.
I started out with nothing....and still have most of it.
"Its hell out there, give them hell back." ~ Prowler/Victor Gray 12/31/1943 - 11/24/2008

noissee

This was actually the first site I really started frequenting when I got in to internet bonsai forums. Personally, I just gradually started discovering new forums that had more traffic. I actually look at the new posts just about every time I get online to check all the forums that I am involved in. I pretty much only post though if I feel I have experienced input, and I've only been doing bonsai for 6 or 7 years.
I actually have a suggestion though that I think could improve the site. I think if you were to show maybe 10 or so new posts on the home page people would be more likely to see something that they can contribute to.

Phil

It's already there and has been from the beginning. It's called "Recent Threads". Also there is "New Posts" on the navigation bar at the top of both the Home Page and also the Forum page. Can't make it much easier than that!

~Phil~

__________________

Please, always keep in mind that the typewritten word does not always convey what you wish to say, and to always treat others as you would have them treat you. Think twice-submit once.
I started out with nothing....and still have most of it.
"Its hell out there, give them hell back." ~ Prowler/Victor Gray 12/31/1943 - 11/24/2008

McBonsai

Just a correction...this is not the only site with hands on styling contests, Bsite and KoB both have styling contests on a regular basis.

Who is pup? The interviews with Jerry, Brent, and Harry were nice, but that has all been done before over at the unmentionable art forum, why copy, certainly we can be original instead of just flattering them by imitating them?


I go to a lot of bonsai forums, mainly to read the articles and see bonsai better than my own, so I can learn. I would say the lack of really experienced members and the continued grudge against some of the same hinders us a bit, but I enjoy this site anyways.

Mattbonsai

Pup is one of our more experienced members, he may not be internationally famous, but he is very knowledgable, and has some amazing specimens. He is also one of a few who agreed to do the interview for the good of bonsai education and not financial gain.

The Idea of interviews was not based on what is going on at any other forum, it was an original idea that has been pushed around in the background of this site for years, only recently being put to the test and pushed to its full extent. The first interview was carried out with Brent in the beginning of 2008, and was commented on for being the first of its kind around, now I don't know what goes on the other sites, but maybe you should check when they first had the idea. Before saying who's copying who.

There is more than enough reasons to hold grudges, you may not be aware of the history of this site, or certain peoples actions, but if you did you would understand why certain people are not wanted around.

It's hard to get Very experienced people to post on smaller sites like this, as, like said before, they get fed up with the same questions again and again, by people who are either too lazy or computer illiterate to search the answers themselves. But as a site, we concentrate on helping beginners, and newcomers to the art form, where as on other sites they may get laughed off, or just told to google the answer, we will try to help them as much as possible.

Now to get off my little box and continue bonsai loving.

-Matt-

__________________

McBonsai

Whoa, I am just basing my ideas on facts, no personal feelings or slights meant or implied.

The other forum earilest interview that I could find was with Walter Pall on Wed Jan 25, 2006. The interview there with Brent was posted on Sun Apr 23, 2006. The interview there with Jerry was posted on Thu Feb 16, 2006. So, it would appear that the idea there precides yours by at least two years....

Although the information is different and valid, my point was simply that maybe we should be orginal and not follow the format of other forums, after all, if everyplace is the same, why come here?

As for grudges, I have heard both sides of the stories about the old bchat, I have seen screen shots, read emails, and frankly, I could care less about who said, who did, who cares.......all I care about is quality information from a wide varity of sources, it is just a shame I have to go to 6 forums to get it.

The question was posed why traffic here is slow, I humbly gave my opinions and I apoligize if such opinions have offended anyone.

Now, back to searching for good old fashioned bonsai without the politics.....

Phil

As far as interviews go it's not a question of it being original or not or, who interviewed who or when they did it first. Interview the same person whether it be on a forum site, in a magazine, on T.V., radio, etc. and more than likely you will glean information from all as obviously, different people, different questions being asked and therefore more information being obtained.

Getting interviews is not an "idea" but merely a means of placing forth information for everyone to benefit by whether it be on this site or another and more than likely, as said before, more information will be gained from each interview all depending upon the questions being asked.

As for Pup (Derek) he is admittedly not a well known world renowned expert in the bonsai community but then again that really does not mean a thing. His expertise has been proven over and over again here and I've yet to see any tree of his that is not show worthy. But, then again, that is only human nature if you have not heard of him and to question just "who is this guy?" I imagine that this interview is for those that have been on this site for sometime and have come to know just how knowledgeable he is.

As for the past issues that this site and the former one may have had with certain troublesome members I can assure you it was totally justifiable albeit most unfortunate and something in the past. Simply one of those things where "ya had to be here at the time" to fully understand. And, by the way, believe me it was not only this site that had the same issues but be that as it may. Water under the bridge.............

~Phil~

__________________

Please, always keep in mind that the typewritten word does not always convey what you wish to say, and to always treat others as you would have them treat you. Think twice-submit once.
I started out with nothing....and still have most of it.
"Its hell out there, give them hell back." ~ Prowler/Victor Gray 12/31/1943 - 11/24/2008

noissee

[QUOTE=Phil;7673]It's already there and has been from the beginning. It's called "Recent Threads". Also there is "New Posts" on the navigation bar at the top of both the Home Page and also the Forum page. Can't make it much easier than that!
~Phil~ [/QUOTE

sorry, I didn't realize that.

centaura

I don't think its anything that you're doing or not doing Phil, you've done a great job of resurrecting bc, I think you just haven't hit a membership threshold where it picks up with traffic. Unlike a lot of folks, this is the only bonsai forum that I frequent - but I've been spending less and less time online overall. Also, while its the beginning of the growing season down under, its nearing the end of the growing season up north, so hopefully no one is starting any big projects at this time, unless they are just gathering materials and are in the planning stages.

-Centaura

Tom

Phil, Jim and Matt, tough not to get frustrated. You guys are doing what you can to make this a great site, don't beat yourself up.

If you look at all the forums there is not a lot going on at most of them. Could be people are in a funk over the economy, or they decided to work their trees instead of their keyboard.

As for myself I had an illness, and have been working on my online interests with little time to surf the bonsai sites. With the work load slacking off a bit I can now view whats happening online and I will post here of coarse.

The season is coming to an end here in the states so my guess is you'll see participation pick up again soon.

One suggestion though...get rid of the google ads. I as a member would much rather make a contribution to a community chest than endure the off topic advertisements.

__________________
Cheers, Tom

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