Rumors about changes at Dave's Garden

Dave & Miguel:
After reading the posts on this thread today, I felt I had to write in again.
I wanted to thank Dave again, because of him, I was able to weather the loss of my Dad to Cancer. My Dad became a member of DG early on, and tried to convince me to join. I promised him I would but put if off due to health issues. We were still using email every day to keep in touch, and it wasn't until after he passed that I joined DG.
I said I was a Legacy to DG from my Dad, and he left his legacy to us, his family, extended family and friends here at DG. He contributed many entries, posts, and most important to him was sharing his humor, stories and photos. That is one of the reasons he lovedd and I've come to love Dave's Garden website. Our photos are copy writed and backed by the integrity of Dave.
Without the friendship and support of my Dad's friends, who took me under their collective wings, I wouldn't have made it through the past year.
As many others have said, DG is my homepage. The first thing I look at in the morning and the last at night. I seldom even go on-line anymore to check my email because of all the trash on it.
I love the KISS principle (it means Keep It Simple Stupid), which really helps me, as cyberspace is a whole new world to me. DG is a welcome relief from all that garbage I have to wade through on my email. I really hate pop-ups.
Dave, Joan, and Terry have really been helpful in particular, to me personally. They have helped me learn how to use this site. I know all of the Administrators for this web site work hard and are invested in their work. It's not just a job for them, but a passion.
There have been many members who knew or just admired my Dad, many of whom have become friends. They've helped me weather some tough times since I joined. They continued my education in how to use Dave's Garden's Tools, and how to navigate through this new world.
They've made me laugh, encouraged me to post my photos and share what is going on around me. They've let me cry on their shoulders. The members of DG have become an extended family, and we do care about each other.
Many of my Dad's threads are still popular. He touched many lives here, in a positive and always caring way. Dave has a site for members who have died, so that the extended family has a place to grieve together. This is my Dad's Memory Thread. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/898616/
I believe it is because of Dave's response to others needs, whether it be on a subject, technical problem or a topic, even the emotional ones, Dave has met that need.
Dave has touched even more people's lives than my Dad.
Dave is deserving of all the respect and honor shown in all of the posts above, and for every post there are at least ten other people who feel the same, but didn't post.

Poor Miguel,
We inundate you with our posts. It is obvious to me, that without the members support you are going to have a tough job.
Thing is, we aren't complaining, we are voicing our concerns and letting you know what makes this website our favorite place in cyberspace.
I think we DG members should all step back and let Miguel and Dave work this out between them. I know that they will, if given the time and space to do so, without being pressured by us.
Some of you don't know me, but I always speak from my heart.
Miguel, I sincerely hope that you will be able to come out and join us at the RU, I am hosting on April 24th. You will be welcomed as will any family members/guests you would care to bring.
It would be good for the membership to see the face behind the name. It would be good for you to see a part of what we are all about in person. Some of the folks who have made posts above will be attending. Here is the link again:
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1069634/
Hope to see you at the RU, Miguel!
With Sincere Honor and Respect for Dave,
With an Honest and Open Welcome for Miguel,
Walk In Beauty!
SingingWolf

Beautifully sung, SingingWolf. I enjoyed Trois' posts too!

Welcome Michael.
I didn't read this thread word for word, but did catch a lot of it.
I've personally met many, many wonderful people that I would have never know existed if not for Dave's.
I went to Iowa Round Up in spring of 2005. 50 or so strangers got together & had a wonderful time. I have been back every year.
Fall of 2008 we traveled to Kentucky Round Up. Again we met some great people, including staff members Terry & Melody. After the party we traveled to visit Kathy & Ralph at Misty Meadows. She "forced" us to spend the night there instead of a motel. Later we drove to Ohio & visited Badseed & family. I had to see the property so many of us had spent half a year helping her buy it. Everyone gave her so much support at that time.
Now we have friends we have never seen personally that would welcome us at any time.
Really hard to describe how one feels, it is so awesome!

If you cross paths with Jo, just have a pan of fudge ready!

Dave has done so much for so many people!
Have a Great Day!
Bernie

Computer in the shop! How quickly things can change...

Let me add my voice to every one elses, saying this site is so important to me, as is Dave and his crew's input.

And, Welcome, Michael!

Please don't change anything!

Cheers,

MolaMola, aka Melissa

We are seperate, yet we are One. We each have our differences and backgroud but we are all of one mind when it comes to our enjoyment of Dave's Garden. Like many others it has had an effect on my life that has been wonderful. There is no other place that is as close-knit as Dave's Garden. I know he is very proud to have all of us just as we are so very glad to have him here for us. This forum is the first thing I go to in the morning and the last thing at night, sometimes if I can't sleep it is here for me too. I have meant very many wonderful people and hope to meet many more that shows just how much we do care for each other.
For without Dave there is no forum. Thank you all.
I forgot to welcome you, Michael to our ever growing family.
RRM

This message was edited Jan 22, 2010 3:20 PM

Micheal,

Quoting starlight:
Thanks to Dave and his teams management, we don't have to be afraid to let our children our grandchildren,
future Dg'ers be on DG.

This rings so true for me as well. I have two young children ages 9 & 10 and both are interested in gardening as well.
I am glad to be able to allow them to navigate this site without having to look over their shoulders all the time. They are able to gain a world of knowledge in a SAFE atmosphere. As a result my children continue to become more and more interested in the word around us. Please allow this kind of "world" to continue to grow on the principles it was founded on.

Steph

Just found this thread, don't have anything to add except "ditto" & a great website for us gardeners.
Lorine

WOW- over 4100 views on this thread-is that some kind of record??
I guess it pretty much sums up everyone's view...

Have been here a long time , more of a lurker than other's have shed tears with others as the family has grown , have a gardening problem you always turn to Dave's , Friends ask where do you learn all this then you send them to Dave's and it grows and grows because gardening is good for the soul but when times get tough the tough get going with support with your family problems , how to build and how to rebuild. When you are walking in the shadows fellow gardener's pick you up give you a reason to go on!! Rebuild your life and your garden and give your childern reasons to watch the butterflies and figure out what the bee's are doing , growing different foods that help us . Seeds are endless, the grower's are over and behond , lord we need to keep Dave's power of caring for others going here !! We have to keep the power going!!
Really glad michael that you stepped forward to meet a few of us and see why we are all here.
Carolyn

Country Gardens!! Just because I was lost in Nashville with you ( and your DW, Bertha) for half the day, does not give you the right to frighten Michael that way!!

Everyone on DG knows how I love chocolate...and that it goes straight to my hips...and that RICE is not one of my favorites...just ask Kathleen!!

I feel that I should now challenge Michael to a face to face meeting...to prove that I am a harmless old lady...so, Michael...if you're up to the challenge...meet me at Singingwolf's home on April 24th.

Jo..who gets her username honestly.

I don't post very often either, but wanted to join in with everyone else here to say welcome Michael and please try to make your coworkers understand what Daves Garden really is. Please don't mess up what we have here.

Well, it is true, many of us have several family members already here, and I just came back today from being gone for awhile. I'm glad you are staying Dave, otherwise you would have more than one of us in this family that will follow you, among the 1000's of DGer families across the board.

A.

daves garden has changed my life. i dont know what id do without it . im on here like 10 times a day. i fear change lol so i hope its a smooth transfer.

This message was edited Jan 22, 2010 3:16 PM

I'm sure glad I was in a conference all day yesterday and missed some of this drama!

Michael: Since you're smart enough to buy Dave's Garden, I hope you're smart enough not to mess with success. This is a unique global community that Dave has created here---I suspect even he has been surprised by what's happened with it over the years. As you can see from all these posts, we're all quite passionate about DG, its founder, its administrators and our fellow members. This site has educated me about a wide range of my interests, and given me an opportunity to share my knowledge and experience as well. It's a rare day that I don't log in at least twice, and on those days I feel like something's missing. I've recommended DG to a lot of people who share my interests, and some of them have joined the ranks of subscribers.

Dave: You've given the world something really special, and I sincerely hope you and your team find that the new regime provides you with better tools to continue doing what you've already done so well!

Janet

Jo, yeah, right, harmless old lady - Michael, she's right, as long as you don't get between her and the chocolate. A word of advice, if you do go to the roundup (and you really should - it's a great way to understand the spirit of DG), if you see a plate of fudge, snag yourself some, before Jo sees it! It's the only way you'll get any!) As long as you're not competing for chocolate in any form, Jo is absolutely delightful, and a charming companion - oh, and "PRECIOUS", too. ;-)

Michael, kidding aside, welcome to DG, and I echo the sentiments of those before me. This is more than a forum, for me. I have met people here who who have become as dear to my husband and me as family members. They have supported us through troubled times, and celebrated with us in good times. It is because of Dave and his admins that this community is what it is. I love "living" here. Don't "fix" what isn't broken.

Love to all,

Bonnie

Bonnie...I'll get you! At the KY RU in September. Jo

Hi Michael,

Make sure Dave has a meaningful place here.

You earn loyalty. You don't buy it.

Amen sister mittsy!

Alan

whew! well, i'm glad THAT's over. I don't do well with change! =)


( i'm still grinning about "Conan's Garden" )

Wow!
I've been without any internet for the past couple days-and look what happened while I was gone!

Dave,
I'm echoing every positive comment that I've read on this thread. I want to especially thank you for keeping this site so family friendly. It means so much to me.

Thank you and the rest of the Admins for everything you do in our garden. You've managed to "GROW" a pretty terrific "FAMILY".

Michael -- Huge welcome to Daves.... The best gardening site on the internet.

nannie -- I agree, I don't do change well either.

Terese

It is Dave's everyday presence that makes DG what it is. He is always here to fix a problem (many times before we even know it is broken). Even the smallest technical problem he is ready and willing to work extra hours to correct.

Dave is always there to settle problems on non technical issues too. He will wait and see if the problem resolves itself, but will jump in when needed. His fair and no nonsense approach is what keeps us coming back every day.

Yes, Dave built a great site, but it continues to be great because of his continual relationship with this site. We love his down to earth common sense, his technical skills, his humor, and his love for his work.

Starlight had some great comments about Dave's everyday work here.

It is no wonder that we all agree. The place would not be the same without Dave.

I'm still laughing about Ric's comment about Spike and Disneyland.

Karen

Many a user of GW managed to find the Disneyland site thanks to Spike...even I landed there once. Just the slightest hint of untoward language, I guess. Too bad GW went downhill after the sale. Hopefully we won't have to go through that.

Five minutes after I found DG, I subscribed. It has changed my life for the better and I got to do something I've always wanted to do, write articles. Michael, please don't change the heart and soul of DG.

GW did go downhill after their sale...but the venom of Spike lingers on. Most unrational and bitter person I have not met and don't want to.... Thanks Goddesses DG is run by grownups!!!

Yikes, "rumors about changes" not the headline we want to see at Dave's! So glad to hear there was some miscommunication and Dave will certainly still be in HIS "garden". Since the last sell a lot of great things have happened with Dave and his gang continuing at the helm and I'm in great hopes that this gem will continue to flourish in his (and their) presence.

5500 or so messages should tell the new company something about how we all feel about Dave's Garden. Hope they are listening.

Donna

Ummm....Dave? You get what you paid for, y'know? So for all of your blood sweat and tears you get...us. And that extends to all the admins and ubers and others whom I don't know as well as I ought. ^_^ Cheers!

Michael -a warm welcome, a wink, and a warning. As (I think) defoecat said "We are indeed very possessive of our Dave and the rest of our extended family" lol. Obviously.

Z' Garden just won't do.

I'm glad to hear Dave will not be uprooted from his garden!
And welcome Michael, nice to meet you!

The Disneyland Spike thing has me confused. Must be an inside joke. I have only been here since Dec 2008
Veronica

Maybe some one can link us to it?
Been waiting and watching.

Not so much an inside joke (Disneyland). A few years back another website that was rather contentious (well "Spike" anyway) would get rid of folks they did not want on their site by re-routing them to another (I believe).

Yep - after you were banned (without being told you were) the next time you tried to log on you landed on the Disneyland site.
Interestingly I can now get back on to the site (but never have the urge to!)

Spike ran a garden site called GardenWeb. He ran it Hitler style. You said or did one thing he didn't like and he would set your login to connect you to the disney website. I made it to disney for attempting to put plant relief together fot the 2003 hurricane victims...

This message was edited Jan 22, 2010 8:04 PM

All the wonderful things that have been about Dave how could you not keep him. I am one of the thousands who can't wait to get on line to see what DG has to offer us. I've learned so much about plants since I have joined, am on my 2nd year, and I don't want anything to change mainly for the piece of mind that I've acquired here. All questions answered by caring people who want to help in any way they can. I'm back into gardening and even into crafting that I had put on hold for years.

Thank you Starling for posted the song of "Follow Me' on youtube. That has been running through my mind and just before I read your post I remembered it from "Sister Act"

Don't forget to mark Menifee April 24th on your calender, Michael.

I've read through all of these many posts, and Sunny Borders captured the spirit of what I wanted to say so exactly. We are so fiercely loyal to Dave and his crew of administrators because they have treated us with such understanding and respect, without exception. I have visited Dave's Garden nearly every single day since the day I subscribed, and it has changed my life profoundly. My heart just sank when I received an e-mail from my mother (also a subscriber) asking if I knew anything about Dave's Garden getting sold.

Michael/Miguel, I'd love to give you the same warm welcome that I received when I first joined Dave's Garden. I hope you find us all to be a friendly, generous family, and that you'll come to understand why we tremble at the thought of changes coming to our much-loved website.

I'll be watching for any updates or announcements, and also for any subtle changes. Dave's Garden is my internet home!

Angie

Dave is my friend.
DG is my home.
Always consult with Dave prior to making any changes and you will be successful and rewarded.
No Dave....No DG.

jlmcv45 new on line but good dave is going to stay. jim i have a son michel so you can?t be all bad mike.jimcv45

I have made MANY wonderful Friends here on DG. They have supported me in my Chicken and Garden endevors, and have cheered my Billy in his horse shows. I have even met one friend in person, and plan on meeting many more. I am glad DG is going to be around, since my Livestock and gardening questions will only get more detailed...