Rumors about changes at Dave's Garden

There is absolutely nothing that needs to "grow or improve" on this site. Nothing. It's caring gardener to caring gardener without the burden and distraction of commercialism. I can think of no other place on the planet where I can trust what's posted as I can here.
No matter the query or topic, there's someone who can point the way, often with humor and always with respect. This place makes my day - everyday.

Thanks You Dave

Me, too, I have a son named Michael in California, and he's a great kid! (northern Ca)

Last time I looked members of a club have voting rights dont' they. All in favor of Daves' Garden Club keeping our
Dave say "Aye". My vote "Aye"
joy

"Aye"

Ridesredmule, here's an interesting old thread I found that explains some of the goings-on with 'Spike':

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/395353/

I am still a 'newbie' but DG cannot be anything without Dave...and Melody!!

I agree ... the many admins here on DG are just wonderful folks who help keep this site running seamlessly! This site works because of the teamwork going on behind the scenes! Thanks to all of them as well! I hope they all remain in place to ensure such a wonderful interactive website!

Mystic...who was my first friend on DG...was very instrumental in helping get the Plant Files built up to what it is today. Joan is a big help too. Jo

Definitely!!! That's why those two are "PF Admins"!

To even think of losing this oasis, goodness, what a heartshock!

Welcome Micheal, I hope you can truely see just how much we honor Dave and his crew here. You now know that you made the best business decisions you've ever made, right? And you won't mess with our man because we won't let you. There is no DG with the big D and make no mistake, if he were ever to leave, we would follow.

...so keep our man happy and give the guy a big raise for us, huh?

I hope the best thing that will happen to us is that we at least get to see Dave's Garden continue exactly as it has and exactly as we've grown it over the years. Maybe even better experiences directed by Dave and crew and possibilities and support provided by the marriage with Internet Brands. I've done a little homework on that publicly traded company (INET) and their business model. Looks OK. Looks like advertising revenues are important. It will be interesting to see how IB manifests revenue growth.



This message was edited Jan 22, 2010 8:48 PM

Aye! This is a great site. I wouldn't want to see anything changed.

Doug in New Brunswick, Canada

"For Gardeners
"By Gardeners"

Whew ...
It took me a while, but I read the entire thread, beginning to end! I echo what everyone else has said!

No Dave, no DG!
^_^

Michael

I'm one of the ones who have been touched by the generosity of the many people here at DG. Thanks to so many, I can read the products in my home with my Scannacan, a scanner used to read the bar codes on all products. I even use it to label and read my seed packs, so I can look up my information in plantfiles.

So you see, when we say "For gardeners, by gardeners" we really mean it.

As mentioned in many posts, this is a friendly and informative site, and these are my main reasons for being a subscriber. I have made lasting friendships and learned things I could never learn just by reading a book on gardening. However, another main reason is, this is a family friendly site, one where I'm free to discuss not only my plants, but my family and my Christian beliefs. I'm allowed to pray for and with my fellow gardeners. This is very important to me. I pray this won't change.

Thank you for the privilege of meeting you, if only in posting ... and Welcome to Daves Garden!

Dave, thank you and your family for all you've meant to me in the past 5 years. I'll be looking forward to traipsing around in the garden for a long long time. I've learned a lot here. :-) But if * anything changes ...
I'm outta here!

~Susan

Well-guess I got censored in my last post as it was posted as blank--so let me try to re-phrase it:
If they change too much I am in the spring loaded position to haul A.

Welcome Michael from WI ,where spring will come....sometime.
I was So glad to hear that Dave and the DG will go on doing what they have been doing so well, for so long.
I have been a member since 2001..with a bit of lurking before joining. It has meant so much to me; being the only site that I check daily; even if I don't always chat.
If you can make it to WI during our nice season, check out the Upper Midwest forum..we can show you some great stuff here (after the snow melts that is)

FYI - -the big picture

http://www.internetbrands.com/ib

I'll bet somone on that site could tell me how much my old '96 Buick LeSabre is worth! She's like DG...Been with me through thick and thin...Jo

$$$$$$$$$$ Is all I see for them, They need to see what we are!!!!!!!!!!
P.S I got lost looking at the MANY . many sites they host

Edit to add:I was wondering what category they would place us in? home would be the only one they have to offer.

This message was edited Jan 23, 2010 12:20 AM

But...they NEED a nice Garden Site to round out their offering. Jo

I would think "Travel and Leisure". Actually, I would rather it stay right where it is. I love seeing that pretty gazebo when the site first comes up. The IB site is too..... clinical.

Don

I just suggested that someone sign up on DG... so....it better stay the same or my goose will be cooked!!!

I know. It's very sterile. LOL Aloha, I did too. I told her I would send her the info needed to join Daves, but I'm going to wait to see the results first.

Internet Brands, This is a publicly traded company. Its all about shareholders, revenues, analysts, advertising and exec. salaries. We can only hope for the best. We just want to continue as we have with a great ambiance, fellowship, learning, communications and love for one another in this awesome neighborhood. Worldwide.

Well...Wall Street is learning that they can't run faster than Main Street or ....OOOOOOPS...

I'm sure I am right out of line with this, but I looked at what they have & all the garden places are NOT what any of us would recommend to our fellow Gardner, I am so mad right now I could spit worms! Anita
P.S If You Are Into Cars You Might Like This New Owener

OK...let's not panic. Opinions have been voiced and the new owners should have the idea by now. Fear never solved anything...so lets just take a deep breath, trust Dave to strike a good deal and trust that the new owners don't want to see a good thing die.

"If a man wishes to know the true measure of his wealth and success he needs just to count his true friends".

Dave you are a wealthy man!

I am hopeful that you and your team will be recognized by IB as such and regarded as an indispensable asset to this investment they have made.

Michael, at your earliest convenience, the issuance of a mission statement for Dave's Garden would undoubtedly answer many questions we all have and provide some measure of reassurance that all is well in the world of DG.

This message was edited Jan 22, 2010 11:27 PM

Dann_L...Great post! Well worded.

I wouldn't worry about DG being morphed into a clone of their site, you guys. Companies like Internet Brands don't buy websites with the intention of making them cookie cutter images of their own website. They buy them to form a broad portfolio of holdings, because all those uniquely branded sites and their members are target markets for advertisers. Like Dave said earlier in this thread, targeted advertising is what makes the ads on a gardening site things that would interest a gardener. Advertising isn't eveil - it pays bills. From their perspective, I am sure DG has unique branding and that in itself is valuable. They would be foolish to mess with DG and change it.

I don't understand - how will the new owner(s) make money from Daves Garden? I never got the impression that Daves Garden was a big money maker nor that making money was its primary goal.

We support ya Dave...

Now THAT'S pretty cool! And since the majority of the USA is probably sleeping, I get to be one of the first to see it. Very nice, Gardenguy.

Thanks Cmoose!
I know many DGnames couldn't get into the pic but I tried!!

Great pic! Nice touch.

I am sure Dave's Garden and Internet Brand can have a rewarding symbiotic relationship. All advertising is not bad if they have something I'm looking to purchase. :) We can both learn from each other. Internet Brand has acquired a very unique website were the heart and soul is mutual respect and loyalty. Dave's Garden has as much to offer them as they do us and I look forward to a great and lasting association.

Dave, thanks again for making Dave's Garden the place to be.

Tami :)

Most excellent, GardenGuyKin!
I'm thrilled to be one who's name appears.

That was an excellent adaptation with Dave's picture. Speaks for itself.

Dann-L said.....
"Michael, at your earliest convenience, the issuance of a mission statement for Dave's Garden would undoubtedly answer many questions we all have and provide some measure of reassurance that all is well in the world of DG."
I agree. The unknown gives fright and opens the door to rumor. Michael welcome to Dave's Garden. I am sure you will learn a wealth of knowledge here it you take the time to become part of the family. My only concern is that your post seemed to be a dowsing of water to a fire that was raging. It sounded as if you decided to allow Dave a position here only because of the outcry of the masses . I feel you have overlooked what an asset he can be to you and your company. Anyway I am happy he will have some input even though we know not what that might be. I think you have taken the right step to keep your purchase from taking a potential nosedive.
I realize you expect to make money. The thing is this web site revolves around one person that is a hands on administrator. When you have this type interaction you develop loyalty. I hope you can recognize that this is not your normal cookie cutter forum web site. I pray that you will allow the site to continue to operate chiefly as it does now. We have had changes in the past and have adapted. We will adapt again as long as the purpose of the site stays basically the same. Cindy

Please remember us dial-up people. Many of us here are out in the boonies and have no other choice.

DG is a clean uncluttered site that is easy and fast to download. I frequently cruise around here waiting for other sites to load.

This site is very dial-up friendly.