Why did you join ABS?

[admin]

The American Bonsai Society would like your feedback. Why did you join ABS? What brought you to the organization? What do you find most attractive? How would you like to see the organization improve?

Please vote above and add your thoughts to the discussion below.

[ED TROUT]

If my memory serves me right, I first became a member in ABS back in the late 70's, or early 80's. Information on the art of bonsai was sketchy at best, and I remember how great it was to receive a magazine filled with information. I still have some of the early ones, and believe it or not, still pull some out to refer to. There was no Internet back then, and my ABS magazine was the only link I had to other folks in the hobby, and as a source for materials. Our hobby has obviously grown since then, and the Internet has made the world smaller. But even though information is now available literally instantly at our fingertips on a keyboard, I still look forward to receiving my Journal....and enjoy it now as much as back then.

Ed Trout Pembroke Pines, Florida

[MatsuBonsai]

I first joined for the Journal. I've continued my membership for the Journal and to help support the organization. The old email group was not a factor for me. I get too many emails as it is, so didn't participate. The forum currently is a little slow, but hopefully that will pickup and become a major factor in mine and other's memberships. Discounts and eligibility to participate in ABS events are nice features, too.

[plantmanky]

I joined ABS to connect with other bonsai enthusiasts and share my love of plants. I live out in the countryside where there are no other people interested in bonsai and my closest club is a 3 hour drive away. I find with the advent of the ABS website and forum I can feed my addiction from the chair in my living room and hopefully get others addicted to this wonderful connection to nature. I enjoy the Journal, the people and the journey that often provides unexpected twists and turns.

[BillsBayou]

I joined for the journal. I renew for everything else.

[mboatman]

I joined due to obtain eligibility to participate in the new talent competition. I was also very excited to learn the benefits like the journal as a member. I have enjoyed every bit of my ABS experience so far. I plan to be a long term member. I am also planning on submitting more to the forums. Thanks

[bonsaihunk]

Being a long time ABS member I think the only thing that represented ABS was the magazine and the yearly meetings.
For these reasons I became a member and have been for the last 30 or so years.
In the current world the ABS must have a vigorous and viable online presence.
The magazine may dwindle over time as the audience of us old timers pass on. The newer generation will want their information online, and in any digital format that can flow to their computer, phone, iPad or whatever is available to them. Print materials will become rarer and rarer.
Jerry Bonsaihunk

[bschanding]

I'm going on my second year as a member of ABS. The journal was my biggest motivator. However, if it hadn't been for the persistent encouragement of my local club's newsletter writer (and current ABS president), I still probably would not have joined. I'm grateful to him for that.

It's only recently, upon hearing that the site and the forum had been revamped, that I have begun revisiting our online features. Before, the Yahoo forum was just too archaic and roundabout for me to deal with. I enjoy the forum, and I'm hopeful it will rival other forums out there (e.g. the study group forum). I suppose a question is, how does it set itself apart somehow from the others? What could be something that people have to come here to get/see?

Maybe some fundamentals on video, that only members can access? Or even more advanced techniques? (And maybe those videos could be broken into region-specific groups, as things like soil choice, watering, etc. will vary.) Perhaps a special section for those going through that bonsai mentorship? Just some ideas.

[tj.weckman]

I joined because ABS is the focal organization for bonsai in the states. I belong to several clubs, study groups,etc and attend workshops, nurseries, studios throughout the year. ABS is the central node for keeping in touch with bonsai in the US. The ABS journal is good, the ABS programing is good; ABS provides a non-commercial view into bonsai that is top notch!

[bunjingi]

Like many, I joined all the organizations / subscribed to all the magazines, etc to feed my new found love of bonsai. That was over 25 years ago. Later on I was enticed by then ABS president and friend, Marty Klein, to join the board as the recording secretary. This was followed by a term on the board, managing the ABS Bookstore for a few years, etc.
ABS intrigued me (and still does) as it is focused on our unique cultural participation in this art. I do see that we should include a more fully American flavor, including Canada, South and Central America. There could be some recruitment on this front (and maybe a Spanish translation? or section?)
With the transformation of technology, this forum is a much needed and great addition. It was preceded by the Yahoo group that Andy Walsh initiated (kudos to Andy for a great job!). The transition to this new (better) forum was not smooth, however, and we lost a few participants along the way. We need to get more participation from our members. Maybe sending an email to every member, an insert in the magazine, letter to first time members, etc? that invites them to a fuller participation on the forum. Just a thought. Also, columns in the written magazine highlighting forum topics might be useful. I also notice that some websites utilize FaceBook to highlight articles, pictures from their website - this could also be done.
I think that magazine has actually gotten better - I enjoy and learn from the regional care columns and Bjorn's apprenticeship in Japan thoughts and lessons. Shows a great range.
My focus has developed in the direction of teaching and writing along with my bonsai creations. ABS is a great tool for bonsai education in American culture - let's utilize it to the fullest!
John Romano
www.kaikoubonsai.com