A big announcement from Dave

This announcement is lengthier than previous ones I've made, so I made a special page for it. Please read it all the way through before you react. :)

http://davesgarden.com/namemedia.php

best,
dave

'If You Build It They Will Come'


That said....I'm ready to help in this new adventure. I've been here since nearly 'the beginning'...I think I actually even signed up a day ahead of Horseshoe. I've seen this community evolve into the respected force it is among gardeners today.

Change has come at several points in this journey, and Dave has always been a mindful steward of this place and kept 'his people' first in all decisions. That's what has made this community grow and thrive while other similar sites have fragmented and been swallowed up by corporate powers who do not care about the individuals who make up the whole.

Dave has never lost sight of the importance of individuals, and how each one of us are a living human being instead of words that appear on a computer screen. We are his friends, and he treats us as such. He has created a safe...(as possible) place for people from all over the world to gather and compare lives.

This is what the Internet was SUPPOSED to be.

I'm thrilled to be a part of this, and will continue to help wherever my talents can be of use. It's been wonderful to have made the journey this far with you and your family. My life is much richer.

Can't wait to see what's next!!!




(I just copied this from another thread I just posted to...seemed relevant to have it here as well)

First, congratulations to you and Trish and Terry along with some pretty deep gratitude for what was, and is now.

Although there may be some who have concerns, I've none. Just so happy this morning and knowing that the future is looking bright :)

Thanks so very much,
Dea

Change is what happens when the pain of holding on becomes greater than the fear of letting go. James Thurber

Thank you Dea and Melody!

tracksinsand, I don't think that applies here, for many reasons. There's no pain in my work here (some unpleasantnesses, for sure). This change occurred because it makes good sense for all of us.

dave

My congratulations to you all, it does look like a win win situation and your FAQ fully covered any worries in my mind that this will only be for the better of DG. You are a class act.

Dave, So glad that we will remain "the same" and you will have some of your work eased up. Like everything, you must continually move if you don't want to become stagnant. I've been here for 4 years now and I can't imagine not being on DG. We are family and like families we should stick together. So we're here with you and for you. Just maintain the values that you always have, that's why people stay here.

BTW, I'm originally from MA and my first husband was Jeff Bennett, ha, ha.

Have a great day,
Kathy

Surely not the same Jeff Bennett??

Congratulations to you and Trish and Terry and best wishes for a great future!
its been a great 6yrs!

Congratulations to you, Trish, and Terry! Will you all be relocating, or are you able to work from your current homes?

No relocating! We're all staying where we are, thankfully. :) I love my 37 acre ranch in Texas and can't imagine leaving. :)

dave

I'll add in my congratulations as well! This is a great opportunity and totally sounds like the right thing to do, here's to many, many more great years of DG!

thats a good deal!

I am a new member (less than a year) but the Dave's Garden Site has been and, I suspect, will continue to be a vital part of my garden life. Thanks, and welcome to the Boston. This decision is yours and if you see that this is good for you, then, I feel, it will be for us. I know some will fear that this may impact the comfort zone that they have found on DG and will find this news unsettling. But change is part of growth. Gardening is all about growth. If this allows for continuous improvements of the site, I salute your bold move. Congratulations. Are you moving to Boston or is this an online move? I see now that you are staying in out west. I think we would have thrown you a good welcome east party. Patti

This message was edited Jan 24, 2007 10:23 AM

I only became a subscriber last year but was a frequent visitor long before. Since joining up, I've pretty much abandoned every other gardening site. I love DG and am happy there won't be any big changes as it's just about perfect as is!

That said, Congratulations Dave! All the best in your new venture!
You deserve to continue doing things as you like with out the other worries!

Deb

Congrats to all of YOU, and glad to see you don't have to relocate :o)

Connie

Hi and congratulations on your new adventures. You mentioned that subscriber rates would be increased, can you tell us what the new rate will be and when it will go into effect? Will it be across the board or will it be with new subscriptions and renewals? Thanks much!

Diann

And now we know why he didn't want to head up the RU in CS! But the man has spoken and he will be there, he says. Congratulations to Dave & Co. for their outstanding work. And many happy returns of the day at the news. We are happy for y'all (and us) w/ the thought of improvements and less "grunt work" for Dave. Such GOOD NEWS!!

Ann

Congratulations. I, among a great number of your followers, know that you would not abandon us. I hope that this move works well for you and that you can grow in all the ways that you deserve to grow. Best wishes for a very prosperous future.

George

CONGRATULATIONS!!! This is wonderful! I see this as nothing but good for everyone! :-)))

Kylee

If we all don't grow we become stagnant so my best wishes to Dave, Trish and Terry.

I haven't seen anyone post about the increased cost and hope it doesn't shock you, Dave, but I agree.

Three cheers for you, Terry, and Trish!

When's the IPO?!! Just kidding. (or am I?!!)

http://www.namemedia.com/about/releases/08-07-06.html

Congratulations! I'm sure this move will ease minds and headaches.

I'm not really sure what I think yet, I'm excited and terrified at the same time. What is Terry's new title, and did Trish get one too? And did I see Trish in chat last night?

I do see some possibilities like more DG merchandise and maybe, just maybe more chat times?? Now you just stop rolling your eyes!

I think it will be cool to have The Dave back in Davesgarden. Hard to garden if you don't get your hands dirty, huh?

mg

My congratulations as well! This is a great opportunity and totally sounds like the right thing to do. Love the site and will continue to say around for a long time to come. Now that I've joined the site I cant live without it. LOL I get so much info here.

Dave with his team is to change DG into an intergrating Gardens.com.
Good! Over the past five years, it was in DG that I learned a lot of gardening,
and made a lot of gardening friends. I think the coming website must be more wonderful.
I am expecting to see the new DG -Gardens.com!
Jianhua

Good for you!! I'm sure that decision didn't come easily - and I'm equally as sure that it was the right one! I couldn't be happier for you in that you won't have to worry about a steady income!

Looking forward to seeing more - and again, congratulations on your courage and wisdom.

Congratulations!!
I can SO relate to your last 6 years. I had a very successful online business for 5 years. I kept it all to myself and didn't hire or sell and I should have. I know those "peaks and valleys" so well.. and being over burdened so you can't follow through with your dreams and aspirations for the site, or having it compromise your service or home life. I'm so thrilled for you!

This website has brought JOY to my life and I'm forever grateful.

Thank you for the great news.
Joyce

Congratulations! All the best wishes to you all for a Wonderful, Prosperous and "GREEN" future!

I have enjoyed the DG website so much since joining in early October ... I'm still a Newbie and learning so much from everyone who visits your Garden! I have met many imformative people who have become " Garden Friends", always willing to share their trials and tribulations as well as their successes! Many times I have needed advise on a certain plant and someone always answers wholeheartedly with great suggestions and advice!

The more information for All levels of Gardening, the better! I will have to check out the "New" site too. I'm sure it will be a HUGE success just as this one is!


Lin

I'm happy for you guys. I understand the part about less hassles and financial security. I just hope that not much changes as I love it the way it is.

Congratulations!!
Excitement is in the Air...
Best wishes on your new Adventure.

Kin

Congratulations Dave, sounds like a very good thing. And also Trish and Terry. Glad you are able to remain in Texas at your ranch. I have been a member for more than 5 years and enjoy DG very much. Best wishes to you all.

Donna

Congratulations! I'm looking forward eagerly to what may be possible now that you actually have the time, and more resources, to do instead of just dream.

--Ginny

"It's a good thing" (borrowed from Martha)

Onward and upward to better things....glad you don't have to relocate too!!

I've been a member for a little over a year and am so grateful that I found you. I am active on the Butterfly/Hummer thread and have learned so much and made so many good friends.

I would like to add my congratulations and to tell you that whatever you charge, it is so worth it!!

Congratulations, Dave, Trish and Terry...I wish you every success in the future.

A loyal fan since 2001

Jo

Wow Dave! I thought the Gardens.com thing was a big announcement, but didn't have any idea it would be this big. Congrats to all of you.

Like many, I'm sure, am very thrilled to see you rewarded for your years of efforts. Additionally, again like some, have a little sinking feeling that this will bring about change. I truly hope it doesn't go down the path of the "other" site.

I do like the thought of you having some good legal backing, and hope to see the Watchdog get all of its teeth back, with a new listing for a certain nursery in Georgia.

Now that you're a VP, see if the COO has any interest in a small Florida based bulb company. The weather is great this time of year.

;-)

Best to all of you.

Chris

Congrats to you ! This sounds huge for you guys !

I am a new member and would be very sad if there was a noticeable change in DG !
One question- the new owners wouldn't make changes to DG without going thru you first, would they ?

Thank you everyone of you for your kind words of encouragement and excitement. I called Jeff and read him a few replies and he's thrilled that everyone is accepting them so well. He's on the road right now but he'll be popping into this thread soon to say hello. His username is "Jeff" if anyone wants to send my boss a dmail. :)

I am that you all are happy with the change. I however hate change so I may have to have a hand to hold onto to get me moving into the future.

Best wishes to you all.