Dave's Garden: Rumors about changes at Dave's Garden, # 2

Love that picture, GGK. I found my name on there, and am honored. :-)

Michael and Company,

Dave's Garden is wonderful zen place to be, and I haven't even looked at everything yet! So, I'll renew too as long as nothing changes.

I would like to second all the positive remarks about the DG website made above. I have especially appreciated the wide variety of different kinds of people and perspectives on DG that through the synergy of so many different colors have made a rainbow of amazing potential.

To me, inasmuch as the human rainbow is a dynamic, changing process more than a static entity, I think it's something that we can never take for granted and therefore I too - like Potagere - lean toward some improvement in following guidelines like the Golden Rule with regard to how we balance different faiths and monetary concerns relative to free exchange of ideas.

Dave, I never would have had the opportunity to meet so many folks I admire if not for what you started. If you go, I hope you'll let the rainbow follow.

Karen

I assume Jim meant "I don NOT wish to be lumped with either side...."

I'm not at all religious, but my religion or lack thereof is nobody's business but my own. I've never seen Christian "assertiveness" on Dave's Garden. Does it bother me that there might be a "prayer forum". Not at all, for one reason: I don't have to visit that forum. If I want to limit myself to one forum or ten, that's my choice. The Hail Mary has never popped up unwanted on my screen, nor the bible or Koran or anything else. The "Christian Values" clause was presented when we all joined. Anyone who joined the site did so of their own free will. If they find it offensive the have the option of leaving.

Karen

Dave, am I right in assuming you signed a non compete clause when you sold to NameMedia? If this is true would you still be held to it regarding this sale. I know you want this to work out because I'm sure you do not relish taking on full responsibility of a large web site again.

Potagere, I don't care what your beliefs are as long as you are a nice person. That's what really counts in the long run isn't it. I hope my deeds speak for
what 's in my heart. I hope you don't judge me because of my beliefs. I think
Dave , Melody and Terry have done an excellent job keeping things equal
for all.

Cindy

"Where being whatever was just fine and I did not have to hear your prayers to whomever with more respect that you will give to my chants to whomever."

Oh boy, if I ever log on and find I have to listen to him chanting, I'll be outta here in a heartbeat.

Karen

I`m a Christian and I certainly don`t want to see the prayer forums disappear. Sometimes people do what is customary and they unintentionally step on toes. I think if we look around the different forums it is possible to find places where whatever kind of religion is not the main focus. I enjoy plant forums but I stop visiting when I sense the topics are getting a little too random or I can tell there is a agenda(whatever it may be..name it) beyond simple on the spot sharing of gardening methods,plants and seeds. That is just me.

Karen

Edited: To clarify that in my past experience here I have never had a problem with people being overbearing with their religious beliefs. Also,most of my experience has been very positive with supportive listeners and honest and generous traders.



This message was edited Jan 23, 2010 1:40 PM

Garden Guy Kin, I too love your photo of Dave and supporters. Thanks for taking the time to lay it out so nicely. Did you go down the list of posters on the original "Rumors" thread?

Potagere, your concerns are well-voiced, but I really feel DG has been stellar in allowing acceptance or at least tolerance of all views AND putting an end to what may have become heated discussions be they political or religious. Just another of the many advantages of participating here.

BTW, if that photo is you in a socialized medicine hospital, I wish you both a speedy recovery AND that they put a little more money into the Dietary Department. Looks like a real lean meal tray :)

"But that is not going to happen if Fundamentalist Christianity is continued to have its free run of DG."

Potagere, could you point me to that Fundamentalist Christianity? I either haven't seen it or don't know what it is?

Karen

wow I just saw all this news!! OMG I love it here and hope for all of Dave's team and himself that the new company really looks at what they have. Dave's garden would not be what it is today without Dave and all the staff , and all of us. We have all grown as family over the years and family sticks together!! My member ship is up in April. I will keep everyone in my prayers as to the future. Gardeners are a great family and good people. Keep positive !!

long time member

cheryle

I have spent quite awhile reading these posts and I agree with those who do not wish to have this website changed. I have asked "dumb questions" without being rebuked or insulted. I have also offered some advice on things I do know about and participated in "discussions". I have the option of joining in on forums which reflect my interests or leaving them alone if I do not wish to participate. I feel that if Dave leaves, I will be with the great number that will follow him. (That great sucking sound would be all of us pulling out of Dave's Garden!)

Hey I just noticed the quote in our namebox. Where have I been?

Hi Riverland. I noticed it a few weeks ago and thought,"Isn`t that nifty?" Now I`m looking around seeing of we have any more toys to play with. Karen

We're not going to let this thread turn into a diatribe about religion. Potagere, your comment is noted and I don't want it discussed in this thread any more.

Thank you.
Now back to scheduled programming.

When is that great T-shirt GGK created going to be available at the Mkt Place? Its gorgeous and I want it close to my heart ... as is DG.

I can't believe all of what has happened....

I so love this garden spot of the internet world. Several years ago I came across DG and have and will continue (provided Dave is still at the head of it) to come here.

I've met so many and made wonderful new friends, not to mention all the knowledge I have learned here. When I have a question, I come to DG, when I'm looking to try something new, I come to DG, when I need to ID a plant, I come to DG, .......you get the picture Dave. Without DG I would never have fallen so head over heels into gardening the way I have. From Dave and all the others who help newbies, I've an example of what DG has to offer folks.

I really, really, really enjoy this haven.

Janet Matherly

edited to add I go where Dave goes, just make sure to let me know where that is should it not continue to be here.


This message was edited Jan 23, 2010 2:57 PM

Yes sir, Dave. Karen

Absolutely lovely composition you created Kin! Like others, so honored to be a part of it, as well as honored to be part of Dave's.

Welcome to you Michael of Internetbrands! Wise choice in your company's purchase for sure.

I too hope there is a place for Terry and Melody in the new owner's structure. Nobody is more capable than Dave of discussing the efficiencies of an integrated team into a new venture which truly is a community. As with all things that have transpired over the years, I'll trust those discussions in his capable hands to present and then allow things to unfold.

I could get all mushy but I won't except to say that DG has brought to me and my family friends for a lifetime; some, way more than just friends. Things shall fall into place as they always do.

What a lucky bunch of folks we are, eh?

Dea

GReat idea on the T-shirt thing...How do we get it on Razzel...or which ever T-shirt company we use? Of course, that's if GGK is willing to let it be used...after all...it is HIS copyright! . Jo

I feel honored to be part of such a great family!

My main non-compete agreement with NameMedia expired on January 11th, 2010.

There is also a standard employee level non-compete that lasts for 12 months after I leave NameMedia. That non-compete is much less restrictive. It basically says that I will not compete with any business that NameMedia is directly involved in. With NameMedia selling their gardening and other community sites, that leaves me free to work in that area.

Having said that, my heart just isn't in the idea of building another gardening site and competing with this site that I built. My plan instead is to do what it takes to make DG successful for the long term and I just don't want to do it over again. Ideally, I will continue with IB for many years to come.

That doesn't preclude the possibility of my building some other community type site some time in the future, but even if I did do that, it would not be directly gardening related and wouldn't be something that anybody would consider a competitor of DG. The biggest reward of DG for me has been providing a place for people to gather and form relationships. If I ever built a new site, that would be the focus.

But, again, I have absolutely no plans to do anything but DG.

Dave

I'm very very late to the party, but I love Dave's garden! I have indeed been blessed by the sharing of gardening knowledge, friendships, insights, seeds and so much more....just can't imagine any other site that could approach within ten miles of what is provided here!!

I've acknowledged many, many times that this Web site is a very special place. Its simple and complex, at the same time. Human beings (and their fur and feather friends) are like that *smile*. I think that when Dave says "... be with IB for many years to come" it tells me that DG will be accessible in space once we get up there as a community. Yes, that many years, old man! It's worldwide now which I think is just awesome, but someday it will be accessible in space and provide a forum, still, for folks who are even farther separated. Can you imagine a Forum titled "Your Favorite Hydroponic Methods in Space Craft"?

Already there, Aguane! We should alert the International Space Station personnel to check in and join DG. Hope they can't see the weeds in my garden.
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2010/jan/HQ_M10-011_Hawaii221169.html

behind u 100% Dave.. no Dave no membership for me..U are Daves garden and well we love you !

Yea, Poochella, I know the Web has been in space for at least 15 years... I was just thinking that when travel becomes available to ALL of us DG will be a means to stay in touch! Space is soooooo cool.

Mercy, and I am just getting the hang of growing things here on earth. Oh dear. And again, only because of all of the awesome growing advice, tips, plant files, Watch dog, and on and on, that is found here on Dave's. Yep, I'd follow you too Dave. It's still mind boggling to me how you get all of this to run so efficiently.

I'm one of the daily article writers on DG. When I first began, Dave was always there to answer questions and to shepherd me along the way. Being a nightowl, I was on DG after midnight one night and caught Dave posting. I sent him a dmail, and he responded immediately. We had a great chat, talking about our accomplishments and concerns and commenting on the general state of things. It was like talking to a best friend. And he certainly has been that to other DGers as well, as the posts in this thread attest.

I also want to put in a good word for Terry and Melody. They are both superb administrators. I sincerely mean that. I was a central administrator at a Big Ten university for 25 Years. I know from experience what skill it takes to choose just the right words in an email. There are only a few basic conventions to express intent and body language. But even they can be misinterpreted. Terry and Melody always have the right words at their disposal.

As articles editor, Terry is a joy to work with. She is experienced, helpful, fair, congenial, and always respects the integrity of the author. I know that other writers will join me in attesting to these special skills.

At this point in the IB acquisition, I'm keeping a positive attitude. I will continue to do so unless or until circumstances convince me to do otherwise. Larry☼

i just wanted to say that we need melody and terry. terry has been a great editor to me and i appreciate her in the article department. which i hope stays! i have many more good ideas to get out! and melody has kept the peace on here when people get childish. they know everyone already they can put it in perspective when the written word comes off wrong and people fight. it would be weird if there were new admins . ...

daves is definitely a family . when i talk to people and a story from daves comes to mind i say '' i have a friend in california , or tx or where ever who does this or that with this plant '' and the trading is great.. i cant describe how fun i thought my first trade (and all of them) was. my generation was raised to be suspicious and not to give your address out ...''what if they are killers '' lol . but i pushed that fear aside and i learned a lot about people .. they are not all killers lol !!

larry we cross posted and said basically the same thing lol only you said it better

Beautiful post Larry & I am going to adopt your positive attitude. Wonderful.

I am not a writer or editor, but iris & larry both did a great job on describing how I feel about Terry & Melody. I have not been here very long but both have been so helpful to me and in such a pleasant way. Larry is right, it is not easy to impart an idea in type, but both Terry & Melody do an excellent job.

((((DAVE et al))))

Welcome Michael. I've been a part of this wonderful FAMILY since 2001. At some point...don't remember when,but awhile ago...I asked Dave could I be adopted. LOL Why??? because he is the BEST Daddy to all of us spoiled brats...the more we have, the more we want, and the more our Daddy Dave provides for us.

Ginger, that is a great way to put it. : )

Great picture of Dave, GGK! It definitely shows the loyalty all of us have to him and to DG. I, too, would love to see it as a t-shirt, calendar, bag, mug, or anything else that would promote DG.

PS: Thanks for putting my name in!

Thought I would pop in and mention that this is THE ONLY website for which I PAY a membership fee.

Me too. Why pay for others when there is nothing!

Hap

I can't add much more than what has been said by the members here already... Such a wonderful outreach of support for Dave and the Team!!

Thank you all for the compliments on the Support Photo of Dave.
I did make every attempt to include Members names from the first thread. So sorry if you were
not included. So so many names and not enough room for ALL

Yes, you may use the photo for wallpaper...As for products. Well, I think it's best not to get into that.

Hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend!!

Well Said

Dave , turn around and get Trish to take a picture of you backwards so GGK can make the back cover for the calendar and add more names. LOL Kin, thank you for letting us copy your photo. Awesome job.