From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Fenton, MI

I got this e-mail from a new GWG member.
I am irritated with many of the posting on BP.com due to their negative disposition. We need to keep it clean and fun to help people who are new and want to be part of this great hobby. I love doing this. If not for BP.com, I would have never met the great people I have met. Some people are ruining that for others just like me that could be really loving this also. The GWG needs to keep things professional and set the example. You guys are doing that well and I appreciate it.
We can all work on this and make it better for all. Just stop and think are you trying to help?
Marvin

9/26/2012 6:21:41 AM

formerly RGG

I see nothing wrong with spirited debate. If it weren't for debate, this country would probably still belong to the British. There is always going to be debate and disagreement on this forum. I think that is what the forum is for. We make progress by throwing ideas around. "If you can't take the heat then stay out of the kitchen". Marvin, if you are suggesting we stop disagreeing with each other, then you are wrong for that and so is this new wimpy GWG member. I do apologize for using the word "bastard" but I don't think I used it in a bad way and it certainly was not directed at any one person in particular.

9/26/2012 7:42:25 AM

Garner, NC

Dennis, You directed the "new wimpy GWG member" comment right to the person. Not cool, without members, there is no GWG, just remember that.
I have stayed away from posting lately, and I beleive the last 3 post that I have made have been done in order to try and stop negative posts.

9/26/2012 9:54:04 AM

SW Ohio

Since the subject has been been brought up by a new GWG member, I'd like to throw in my two cents. This message board has not been a source of helpful info on growing watermelons for quite awhile now. Some of the regulars from just a few years ago have basically stopped posting altogether.

There are several chat rooms here on BP.com that are not used. Ever. Maybe this winter when things are calmed down from the weigh off madness...the GWG could host a weekly or monthly Watermelon 101 chat for new members. Live chats, with some of the more experienced growers. Newer growers could come to chat and ask questions or just sit and watch and learn. We had 2 or 3 chats like this 3 years ago and they were very well attended. Speaking for myself, as a brand new grower at that time, I learned a LOT.

Ice Man, you are correct in that without the members, there is no GWG. I would also like to add that without a board of directors willing to step up and run things, there is no GWG. I just want to take this opportunity to tell you guys you're doing a great job and your hard work is appreciated.

9/26/2012 11:31:40 AM

Lexington, Ky

The GWG just needs a little weeding, that's all. I can see the impact they've made already......

9/26/2012 12:40:47 PM

Linwood, NC

I stay away from any threads that have a certain person posting to them. This person is a know it all, and I don't have room for that. I have enjoyed my first melon growing experience tremendously, and will share anything that I have learned. But there are certain downers on here for sure. Thank all who helped me this year. I fully understand where te newbie is coming from, as I'm a newbie myself, and won't make contributions to threads because of exactly what he stated in his letter, negativity.

9/26/2012 12:41:22 PM

Hampstead, NC 28443

There is a time and place for "spirited debate". My observation of the website in general has been the same as the so called "new wimpy GWG member". If you want to start a debate thread, then start one. There are some people who like to hyjack the post and turn it into a debate when it was started so the person could ask a question and learn from many opinions. This gives on lookers the perception that this person is not respectful of the person whom posted the thread in the first place. These indvidual perceptions line up and damage the perception of the GWGs mission. Since I am a member of the GWG, I want to be proud of saying I am part of a club that respects all growers and truly wants to have the club membership welcome new growers.
Sue, I think your idea is a great one. I like the chat room too and it could be used for new growers.
Thank you Marv and Todd for your professional dispositions in how you are bringing this to the members to consider on the club's behalf. Individauls are responsible for their own behavior and need to understand that it may be impacting the club's mission.
I am a new member this year and have learned a trememdous amount from experienced growers. I think this is because I want to get better and people recognize that. I would expect that if my behavior was unprofessional, I would not have gotten the help I have to this point. Thanks again Marv.

9/26/2012 1:25:33 PM

Muddy Waters

I agree with Sue.It's to bad these know it alls have to know everything.

9/26/2012 3:18:49 PM

Lexington, Ky

Brad, you nailed it....hence...the "weeding".

9/26/2012 3:55:38 PM

Flowery Branch, Georgia

Congratulations Brad:

Your melon looked great. sorry you missed it.

Your sister picked the wrong day to get married.

Sam worked his butt off to make up for your sisters wedding.

All in fun:
BA

9/26/2012 4:20:37 PM

Piqua, Ohio

did I miss something? who's the know it all?

9/26/2012 4:49:17 PM

South East

Isnt this an issue that would be more something for discussion within the board and then maybe the club newletter.
I think we had simular posts like this a while back on bp, so I dont see why a single email is a reason to start this nonsens all over..move forward.

Discussing these issues on the message board is exactly what turns people off. How bout putting it in the gwg newsletter? And leave only positive postings for bp.

Last,,i dont really get the timing of this post,,in the middle of weigh off season?



Welcome new member. For seeds f.finders@hotmail.com, we will answer all your questions about growing and help you where ever we can.

9/26/2012 5:10:55 PM

Muddy Waters

Amen! Frank

9/26/2012 5:44:43 PM

Muddy Waters

The GWG is not BP! BP is not the GWG! Maybe the GWG should get there own forum & chat room & pick & choose who they allow on board.As for us weeds we always come back 10 fold!

9/26/2012 5:47:36 PM

Linwood, NC

Thanks Bob! I HATED missing the weighoff! I told my wife that I hate to be selfish, but why didy sister have to take away the single day a year I look forward to as far as giants are concerned. I'll be back next year!!

9/26/2012 6:39:01 PM