Why did you join ABS?

[bmyrick]

The journal and the thought of supporting a organization was the motivator for me first joining ABS. Little did I know of the doors that would be opened to me. As a result of the first copy of the journal I opened, I have started a "intensive" study, meet other ABS members, and attended "Bonsai in the Bluegrass", a well run event, by the way. I live in a bonsai wasteland, the closest person with a intrest is a hour and a half from me, ABS helps me stay connected.

The forum is a plus, it could be more active, but time will cure that I am sure, as more people begin to use it, and benefit from it.

[russ.stevens]

I joined ABS for the magazine subscription 3 years ago. That was one of the best purchases I have ever made. I was interested in the finer aspects of horticulture, and meticulous pruning mixed with attention to detail was right up my alley! Being rooted in Landscape design and installation, we use and create topiary and are training some shrubs as prospective Niwaki, and Bonsai added so many complementary components that helped me further understand simple things such as tree growth habits, specimen selection (start with good material), cultivar selection, soil conditions, fertilizer components, etc, etc... I have attended several Bonsai events, and joined two local clubs to help further my knowledge of this "permanent" and unique living-art form.

[mschmidt]

I joined the ABS as part of registering for the 2011 Bonsai in the Bluegrass Symposium, and to support the organization and friends of mine who are key people in the ABS. I had been encouraged by other members of our local club to join, and it just seemed like the thing to do in order to further my knowledge of bonsai. It’s nice to have an interesting source of information coming to me on a steady schedule. I have been really impressed with the journal, and find it very informative. And now I find myself surfing the forums to increase my knowledge of bonsai. The ABS journal and website are great go to places to find answers to questions that come up while working in this fascinating art form.

[lewisjk]

The Journal is fine, but I joined for the "other" reason. I prefer to work with native species, and I figured the American Bonsai Society might provide some emphasis on that aspect.

I especially like your list of native species.

[wtdavis]

My reasoning for joining ABS (other) is that I am continually looking for new information about bonsai techniques, etc. After a few years of joining other bonsai forums and reading many negative things and the rants of other members about other members, I hardly ever learned anything about bonsai because so many comments contradicted each other. I just got tired of dodging other people's crazy trains. Hence my joining was one of the best decisions because the website is informative as is the magazine. I hardly ever go to the forum, and if I need input or a lesson, I have wonderful members of the Bonsai Club I belong to (Conejo Valley Bonsai Society) who are very helpful.
I also feel that ABS also supports people, so I am glad to help them with support when I can.
I am very happy to be a member of a wonderful organization that furthers the efforts helping others (and myself) do bonsai.

[sdumais]

I am new to the bonsai hobby and Im always looking for places to learn.
There doesn't seem to be a good, active club/society near enough to me so the internet and books have to substitute.

[jpaulhamus]

I'm fairly new to bonsai (I've been doing it for a tad over 2 years now) and I have really grown to love it. At this stage I feel like I have a lot to learn so that's why I joined ABS. I was mainly interested in the Journal because it offers up to date info unlike books which might have been written 20 years ago. While some things remain constant, many things change over time, so it's good to read about what's going on here and now. I also joined for the forum, which unfortunately is not that active. One of my favorite ways to learn is to talk to other people who have been doing bonsai for a while. They can usually really cut to the chase for you. Of course you may hear some contradictory advise from time to time but that doesn't necessarily mean one person is right and the other is wrong. I usually put it this way, "this is what has been working for me". That may change over time as I become more experienced. I'm also really enjoying the new monthly newsletter we get. I think that's a great idea. It gives us info more frequently and helps to hold you over until the next Journal comes. So at any rate I've really enjoyed my time with ABS and I'm looking forward to many more years here. Lets all try to help each other, become more active in the forums, and find other people in your area that enjoy bonsai. If you can't find a club near by start your own. That's what I did last year and we have 18 members now and we have a blast together!