Read me!

[Compo]

Allan, it is not about social control or pigeon holing folk it is about the old thing that 'maketh man' that is 'manners'. If we were stood in a circle talking and one invididual persisently changed tne conversation to the tack that they preferred I would say that that is bad manners. Ok you might say, go and join another conversation, but in here, it is difficult because the same happens to all threads, certain people crop up and jump in and change the thread of the conversation, As Cherrycoop, Iain and Chantal have just said, go into general chatter and do that or start a new thread, guess I am wasting my breath though as bad manners usually win out............unfortunately.

[Brenjon]

I go along with the feeling that if contributors put in a question that requirs an answer they do not wish to go along the path of other diversions that may suit other people. All that they require is an answer to there problem. All these diversions will deter new people from asking questions as surly that is what the forum is all about.
Regards brenjon

[Allan]

I still say that like it or lump it, you won't stop 'matters arising' from coming in ,it's just human nature, but if the original question has been answered, does it really matter. There is nothing to stop anybody adding to the anwers in the original topic.
Also supposing the subject has been for example whitefly on tomatoes, do you forbid any further contribution on tomatoes alone, or whitefly alone, or any further discussion on the dangers of the remedy that someone has mentioned. It's all very well to preach a sterile question and answer regime, it just won't happen whatever you or I say.

[peter]

The nice things about this forum.

It is compact, I tried Allotments 4 All and it is well nigh impossible to use as there are so many sub-forums and threads. GYO forum is similarly over-divided.

It is serious about gardening and allied subjects.

It allows a narural flow of conversation, as mentioned above what starts out as one question flows into more, related (or less related) subjects.

The asides, banter and argument make it interesting and add liveliness, as previously noted, the people here make the place.

The posters tend to be thoughtful, I note in other places an abundance of less informed posting.

I do think the forum could do with a more visible link off the home page of the site and a deal more publicity in the magazine.

Also, could we please (going against my first comment a bit) have a sub-forum about greenhouse/polytunnel matters as it does not really fit into the existing fora divisions.

[David]

May I just second Peters request for a greenhouse/polytunnel section. I have just got a greenhouse this spring and would benefit greatly from seeing the things people discuss.

The mag has separate inside/outside sections.

Thanks

David

[Mr Potato Head]

... and now there is a 'growing places' forum, for all your coldframe / hothouse needs...

[peter]

MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Thank you Mr PH, love you to bits you old spud you.

Course that means I've got to finish building mine now.

[Tigger]

As you love Mr PH to bits, would that be a mash then Peter - as opposed to a crush???????

I know, it's late. I apologise.

[peter]

Nice to know he listens, when he has time away from his movie career. My kids like Woodie and Buzz, I just like Mr PH, he's a star.

[Tel]

Cherrycoup,

OOH, get her!

[pillbug]

Newby-greenhouse help,yes please.Diversions,object asap..or join in..oh dear,controversial already!

[jopsy]

I LOVE YOU ALL
even if some are akward pants!!
i tend to read the serious stuff-but not contribute-because i know not a lot!
i like the general banter-it makes it feel like extended family-a home from home
i'll try my best to stick to the point in future

[oldherbaceous]

I have finaly had enough of looking at Jopsy's name everytime i go on to general chatter, knowing that we are unlikely to hear from her after all this while.
So it's my name that will annoy others now.

[John]

I'd always thought that the Chatter section was for rambling, verbal wandering and for silly comments. I rarely add to it but I do enjoy all the joshing and banter that goes on in here - keep the serious stuff for the other sections.

John

[Nature's Babe]

May I suggest an intoduction section / for welcoming newbies and perhaps some clear guidelines regarding the use of the forum and perhaps for want of a more modern word using an old fashioned word suggested etiquette for members, or perhaps a code of conduct, neither seems right both seem a bit stuffy but perhaps someone can come up with a better title.