Xeric World Milestone... 1000 Threads Strong!

[Allen Repashy]

I just notice that today we made it to 1000 Threads, which includes over 3,800 individual posts. We have now been online for 18 months, and this snowball is really starting to grow. In the beginning, it was a new member every week or so, now we are nearing a new member every day. As long as the quality of conversation stays high, I welcome these new members.

I think this is a great accomplishment for such a focused group of folks who have found each other via word of mouth, or searching the web. I just want to thank you all for your contributions around here. The member cridentials, knowledge, and general level of conversation around here have surpassed my expectations in every respect.

I had worried that as we grew, the charm and level of conversation would fade and head in the direction of Dave's Garden or GardenWeb... which it definitely has not.

Cheers! Allen

[agavemonger]

The knights who say "NEEK!" congratulate you...

There is a shrubbery (with your name on it) awaiting your next visit to the wood...

A nice one, and not too expensive...

the monger

[GermanStar]

People find forums like this and register to address particular needs and problems. They stay if they are made to feel welcome. IOW, technical expertise draws them here, but friendly banter keeps them here. I administer three different forums (not plant-related), one with a membership of more than 200,000. IMHO, you're right to value the level of exchange in the tech forums, which is outstanding (in fact, much of it is admittedly over my head), but you're under-utilizing and/or underestimating the staying power of your Off Topic section. I would move it toward the top of the page (as part of the Community Center section) and try to get the ball rolling in there. Just an opinion from a long-time forum junkie. Keep up the good work -- I'm certain it's appreciated by all of your members here.

[Allen Repashy]

Thanks for the kind words. I have mixed opinions about off topic forums. I have seen more people get upset and combative when conversations go in the direction of politics... left vs. right. etc. I have seen it totally screw up plant talk between people that enjoyed that discussion till they started realizing their other differences.... there are plenty of fine off topic topics that can be discussed, but I fear that when they start touching on things like politics, choice, sexual preference.......and other subjects of passion, that it can put people who can have great plant discussions against each other because of differences outside the reason we are here.... I hope this makes sense.

I think we should enjoy talking to each other about plants and not worry about whether or not we agree on Gay marriage LOL.....

[Boo Hollow]

Allen - Being new to the forum, did I miss something. I surely know that nothing I have written is political, sexual preference or other. I agree that the forum should be centered around the core topic. Plants. Nothing more and nothing less. It is a wonderful site. You have managed to collect an international team of experts to provide information to us novices. The value in that alone is beyond any metrics. Keep up the good work! Dave's Garden was a tragedy as it seemed destined for success.

[Allen Repashy]

No, you didn't miss anything at all, I was just pointing out the fact that I like to organize the forums around plant talk and not bring in the opportunity for people to talk about other sensitive issues that might put them against each other across the board rather than just enjoying talking about plants with each other....

For example, if we both love to talk about plants with each other, but I hate Obama, and you love him..... our opposing views on Politics might keep us from enjoying talking about plants with each other...... but if politics never come up in conversation, we can happily talk about plants until the end of days......

[kata]

Thanks for the kind words. I have mixed opinions about off topic forums. I have seen more people get upset

Yes they do but if they can't 'take' what is written then its an option not to subscribe.

Myself, I am unsure what is allowed in your 'off topic'. I have seen on other forums..jokes, video. Topics on footie, music.

If this is specifically Palms. You could off topic about flowers, roses etc but I will wait and see...follow the crowds..

Whatever, its a lovely forum anyway.