since i have joined

i am member 8371 on mar 5th 2002 in 4 months the member list has almost doubled.last reload was 16001 thats one more since i have startedtyping. but what does that realy mean?
was surfing asound the DB and saw that some people have never contributed or started anything. do they realy count? do they even remember joining. i had the idea of saying something about some of us looking up these people and sending them a friendly reminder that the site is still here then i thought what the he** is the matter with me. with all those members on here i would NEVER be able to keep up with all the posts unless i stayed on the puter 24-7 since i started typing this 6 forums have had posts oops 7 and a couple multiple posts. I think i am glad that there only a small percentage that participate. but it would be nice for the handfull of people that do all the HARD work behind the scenes if more would subscribe $15 for all that is here is not much even for someone like me who is broke most of the time. I have got WAY more than that in just info and resource info alone not to mention the money i have saved making trades.

It's my understanding that the majority of people who join are using the PDB, Watchdog and other free features (and yes, some sign up and never do anything with their membership; true of any organization, online or otherwise.) And their use of the free features is fine: they exist "by and for gardeners".

I've noticed a recent small-but-noticeable trend in those who contribute to the GWD or PDB seem most likely to migrate their way over to the forums (like a moth to the flame (grin.) More subscribers is better in some ways, but steady growth has its merits too.

Here are more do-able projects than try to keep up with every new member:

1. Watch the PDB and Watchdog for new additions (I check the newsletter every day) and when you notice a new member contributing photos, plants, and/or opinions - drop them a note and invite them to take the tour http://davesgarden.com/about/index.php?page=tour and consider joining the discussion forums. If you enjoyed a specific photo or other contribution - tell them so (we all like to know that someone admires our work.)

2. Take a peek at the current month's member list, and find out which newbies have created a public journal (another good sign of someone who might be willing to subscribe, if given a bit of encouragement.)

3. Take a minute to email the birthday boys and girls a happy birthday. If they chose to share their birthdate with us, they may be looking for a friendly gardening community to call "home". We've had some subscribe based on the friendly birthday greetings they received.

If everyone of us does just ONE of these activities every now and then, there would be a steady, healthy stream of conversation directed toward those "most likely to subscribe."

Yes, like the new guy in church. Nobody was friendly, I won't go back. Someone spoke to me, I hope to see them again.

:-) nice to see another neighbor(well comparitively speaking anyway)