Non-subscriber's use of d-mail

I have received a few requests lately in response to seeds I have offered on the forum from non-subscribers.
I don't mind the d-mails, but wonder, can non-subscribers send d-mails back and forth or is it like the forums where they can only read the first post.
If I reply to their d-mails will they get the answer?

Their dmail works just like yours, with one exception (that won't make any difference to you): they can only initiate two new dmails a day. We did that to cut down on spamming.

Once they send you a dmail, you ad they can reply back and forth as frequently as you wish, just like any other member/subscriber (and that's why their limitations won't affect what you're doing.)

Thanks for the quick reply.

Windy,

I sometimes get dmail from non-subscribers. I just either ignore or write back to say they should pay their $$. I do not ever give info (answer the question) or send them seeds. I do suggest that the info they are asking bout can be found by doing research on the web.

El groucho today because mice got at some of my seeds.

MICE! I had stored some four o clock seed in a bucket in the garage. The mice cleaned it out. The good news is that they took them all into the attic where they decided they weren't tasty enough. LOL
Thanks for the information. I will take it into consideration. LOL

Just another perspective I'd like to add.

I joined this site because 3 years ago a member named Dolores told me to, "Just send a SASE. My address is:". She was my first d-mail and she is one of the only people I have ever reached out to and asked for anything. She had a particular species of milkweed that I wanted and she shared with me. I found this site while searching for Milkweed seeds. She was the only person I contacted to ask for anything. I have her milkweed growing on my property today. She didn't ask for money, she didn't ask if I was a subscriber or not, she simply typed what I shared above.

I try to answer the questions of non-subscribers. I won't send plants or seeds overseas and I must admit I've gotten abrupt with a few overseas non-subscribers who simply were demanding when I told them I was not in a position to ship-out anything overseas but I know I've sent seed and a few whole plants out to non-subscribers in the US without even asking for postage.

I don't know that any non-subscriber I ever replied to has joined because I never paid attention but I know that I joined because a member I didn't know sent me milkweed seed. I bet there are others who joined because of a random act of kindness.

Amen to that. Equilibrium. I have been impressed with the friendliness and helpfullness of this site. But if my first contact had resulted in a snippy, you have to suscribe before you get an answer I would not be here. Maybe I get my back up too easily, but an elitism really annoys me.

I too found this site searching for information of some kind. I liked it, and tried a 1 month membership, to see if it would be a good fit. I met some wonderful people, and decided that for the money this site is a real bargain. I try to be helpful, but have had some really pushy people too. So if you don't feel comfortable with them, just ignore them.

I kept coming up with hits at Dave's Garden in previous web research too. When I saw "only subscriber's can post...." I thought 'To Heck With That' and moved on. (But I always wondered......) Then a wonderful little east coast elf appeared and honored me with a gift subscription! Out of nowhere... how cool is that? Well, that seems to be the way at DG, and I am a happy subscriber because of the well run, respectful interchanges and wonderful generosity in sharing of knowledge or garden goodies that happens here.

DG Happens! How about that for a motto on a mug or T shirt?

Poochella,
I love that! "DG Happens" T-shirts

I'd love to get more mugs, too, like the last ones (I have 2). "DG Happens" would be great on there, too, along with our Logo.

Deanna

I'm with you Equilibrium--if I offer free seeds on the trading forum, I give them to whomever replies and don't look if they are subscribers or not.

Well, guess I became fed up with questions from strangers that can be answered by researching on the web. Mainly lilies & iris where there is TONS of info available on the web. I do expect people to do some research.

Maybe got burnt by GW people (this was years and years ago, long before I joined DG). DG people are totally diff. If somebody wants seed, they get seed BUT if someone wants a specific -for example - martagon seed and cannot understand that OP means you may get any colour - too bad. They need to do some reading.

still sneezing, grouchy and COLD

I never have been involved in seed trading, but I love sharing my knowledge with anyone needing it. I have made tons of friends because of sharing knowledge & thoughts, be right or wrong. Come spring, I am going on a trip just to meet many of these people. This would never happened without Daves. I have never asked the status of anyone
& it don't matter anyhow.
Long live Daves Garden.
Bernie

I remember the first time I found DG when looking up a basil plant because my sister was growing it, and I was the girl that could kill a house plant. ;) I found DG when doing a google search. The next plant I purchased was Italian parsley ... looked that up ... and there was DG again. :-) I signed up but didn't join at first. I was real *green * because I had just found my very first " chat room?" Told my DH I wanted to join ... it was * only * $15, and he said OK but gave me all these warnings. Said be * careful *. He's in law enforcement and said "you never know who you're * really * talking to out there." So when I joined I did what he said and was * very * careful. I * even * used my middle name when I signed up! hahaha Well, I've said all this to say, I've never met a nicer bunch of people. I've had some DG members send me surprises, too. :-) It's been a wonderful experience for me. I've learned so much and have plants from all over the US in my house and yard. Thank you, Dave for such a wonderful and friendly garden. :-)
Hugs&blessings ... Elaine
edited for typo

This message was edited Jan 24, 2007 1:29 PM

Inanda, you opened my eyes to alot with that post. You are so right, there's so much info out there that be obtained without having to ask questions here. I think the main reason I ask here is to get to know people better, but will think twice about asking questions without first doing some research myself. I've noticed alot of threads that have "sticky" with FAQ, I hope those that went to the time and trouble to post those, know that there post is very, very helpful.

My DH warned me of the same esp. when someone sent me my first package of seeds. OH the looks, the warnings and the lectures I got, he couldn't believe that someone would send me something for "FREE" for nothing. When someone tried to spam DG, I told him how quickly that threat was resolved BEFORE it became a problem, even before I was aware of it! I am so glad that DG gardeners encouraged me, and in return I hope to encourage someone else... as my DFather says "Encouragement, pass it on !", it is the gift that keeps on giving! Here I am more than 100 types of seeds richer because of an innocent search for gardening suggestions in a new region.

At the DG helpdesks, I think it's fair to say we generally answer a single question from a visitor or member - if we have time (and that's a big if ;o) and we usually give a gentle steer toward the forums in our reply, with instructions for signing up and/or subscribing (depending on the situation.)

A second question from the same person is more likely to result in just the steering part ;o) (Some days it's hard to be disciplined and not jump in and answer people's questions, but if we did, that's all we'd get done. Who wouldn't like having someone you could ask any gardening question, and they'd gather up all the information for you?)

So I guess I'd say we try to take a balanced approach. Easy questions are most likely to get a quick answer; in-depth questions involving research......probably not. But I do try to be positive in my response, and encourage them to check out the forums, especially if there's a free one that's particularly suited to their question.

AMEN Terry~ you guys are the best, positive and encouraging!