Gardenweb gets all this attention?

I think the site is easy for us to accept (even those of us who aren't Christian) because most of us raised in the US (or Army posts outside US) are culturally Christian. I've never felt out of place here, except the times when I've messed up socially, and that was all me ;)

Christian Website? Well that's news to me also! Never really got that impression. I bet you Ishmal from Singapore didn't know that either! Just kidding!

All I know is, I just LOVE this site and was so glad to find it.

Kat

Yes, that's what I found once I subscribed- everyone was welcome.

I don't know that it's some type of a smear campaign though because I distinctly recall at one time that there was a blurb I read somewhere about DG having been created as a Christian community of gardeners or something similar in my mind and I also recall something about it having been "G" rated and now I'm not finding either of those comments in print anywhere on DG from the home page.

Makes no difference though because like he said, if it was only for Christians that's all he would have allowed.

I don't know where you've read it. We used to say that our Christian principles guided our administrative decision making, but other than this, there's been nothing.

I'm a Christian in-deed, but I get bothered when people try to paint a picture that DG is exclusive and un-welcoming to gardeners of other religions. That's a ridiculous charge and has never been the case.

Dave

I don't understand that either Dave. I have never found this to be a "Christian" website.

Had I been given that impression I would not have joined because I had just left a site were one of the administrators had very rudely and unprofessionally screamed and ranted about his Christian Beliefs at a very sweet member who was not a Christian. It was a disgrace and I never went back there again.

This is a Great Gardening Website for All; please lets keep it that way! :-)

Maybe because of the no discussing current events and politics rule.

It got pretty nasty a few years back.

Paul

I've used the expression "G-rated" when trying to describe what's acceptable for posting here, and what isn't.

It's merely a shorthand term to describe subject matter that is deemed "suitable for general audiences", which is the standard we apply. (From my perspective, the phrase has nothing to do with mine or anyone else's faith, but has everything to do with striving to maintain a certain standard of decency.)

I for one LOVE the no current events or politics rule!

Not much in the way of either topic is welcome in my own garden.

I start out at another garden website, subscribed, wish I had not, because I found DG.
I guess I'm just a DG junkie, I don't even care to try to navigate the other sites.
There is so much going on at DG, who has the time to try to keep up with the others??

Hey Equilibrium...Now that we've gotten all of this straight, lets go over to the garden pests thread and see how many "risque" words we can type before being booted! hehehe. YOU KNOW...I'm just kidding. I had one post pulled because of my inappropriate language and I didn't need another warning! H-E-Double Hockey Sticks, I even cleaned up my mouth, outside of Daves! :)

Kat

And...what would we do without all those fabulous pictures of planted Buddhas?

When I was still in California, I gave my local garden centre owner Dave's Garden web site and he said he would look at it...a small amount of harassment later he did and uses it for a lot of the questions that the customers have when he doesn't know the answers and he loves it....He also recommends it to them..Maybe I should start plugging it over here....

Lauri

It was our nursery owner, Jack, of Ornamental Plantings (yes, Terry, I entered it on Go Gardening) who first told me about Garden Watchdog long before I even owned a computer. Bless his heart!

Sadly, dave and Terry appear to be right. Sour grapes perhaps based on some comments I read online? I just did a search and came up with two sites on the first page of results that were perpetuating the myth so to speak and somebody d-mailed me another site that appears to substantiate some of what dave said. I'll try to figure out how to blog so I can go in and add my 2¢ because I AM a subscriber here and they probably aren't or they would know how apolitical and nonsectarian it is over here. I'm not too good with chat, the only chat I've ever been on is here and I'm not too good with blogging and didn't even realize I had blogged before until I realized I was doing it here when they provided us with a space to keep notes so I'll contact somebody to get help in blogging for those outside sites. Their comments were misleading based on my personal experiences and I'm sure I can come up with something diplomatic to blog in reply. Now to figure out how to blog and get my comments in.

I like that subject matter is best described as "G" rated here, I think everyone does. And I don't see anything wrong with stating Christian principles guide administrative decision making and ultimately it was that statement or something similar that did get me to part with my money for reasons stated above. Sort of sorry it was removed right about now because I'd be able to refer back to that when I go to blog to say... "ahem... is this what you are referring to..." .

Hey Kat, still waiting for a non staged video of you.

Interesting posts from everyone--though I admit when I brought up the sometimes perceived Christian nature of DG I guess I didn't mean for the thread to get off topic. So sorry for the digression although it is interesting.

Now to continue to digress...I guess Equi pointing out the statement about guiding principles caught my eye in 2004 when I joined, too. And of course the Prayer forum is rather unique. And also a few years ago it seemed like many more posters included blessings and references to Jesus through out other threads as a matter of course. Not that I object (I need a lot of blessings, that's for sure) it's just that I'm not accustomed to being blessed quite so often!

Nowadays it seems like there is more 'garden content' in the threads which I think is helpful too. And the general civility of the threads has always been at a high level.

And yes, the 'G-rating' approach is quite a relief from much of the other site content on the internet.

I like DG. In many ways it's very old-fashioned, and in other ways it's very forward thinking. And I think that's pretty neat.





This message was edited Nov 28, 2007 10:39 PM

Dear Dave et al,

I added my own .02 to the comments on the article and showed her the friendliness we are known for. Some of the responses from that list were a bit harsh I must say. I'm not sure some of those guys would be happy here.

RE: Christian orientation. My perception is DG is operated on the Golden Rule which is not owned solely by any religion. I had no clue DG had this rep.

I know the membership thing does bother some people. When the Vermicomposters decamped from GW over the new rules- "all content belongs to GW", the best and the brightest in Vermicomposting left, but they went to a free site. Regardless, I firmly believe DG is worth every penny I spend on it and then some.

Happy Holidays to all my DG friends,

Maggie

I agree with equilibrium about the "Christian" word. I saw it somewhere too when I joined. And it was a big factor in my decision to buy a subscription. This is the only site I pay money to participate in, and the family aspect of it is the reason. I love the fact that I can trust the content to be G-rated, and that Admin runs a tight ship.

I am happy to be a Christian, and whereas I love conversations where I can express my feelings about it openly, I see the reason why this is not the place for it. I do appreciate that there is a prayer forum. I think including it was a bold move and I congratulate Dave for doing it.

So although I have nothing new to add to the discussion, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank Dave and Trish and Terry for making this the best website I've ever seen. And for really trying to please us, by paying attention to our suggestions and complaints. Thank you very much!

Having the G rating is very important and I'm happy its in place here.

I am a Christian but have never thought to look online for Christian websites.

I'm most happy that this sight is run so well with great care and fairness and as tabasco said very neat w/ the mix of old & new. :-)

My name is not Ishmael, but Jaye, and I am a Christian from Singapore :-D
I joined DG 'cos most of the the times I googled for answers on certain plants, DG would be the referenced link! I gladly pay for professionalism and it's all about plants, plants, plants.
I'd love to 'evangelise' but all Christian DGers know this site says "Dave's Garden". I notice too that blessings and prayers are given only by members, not management nor staff.
I am glad that our plants aren't religion orientated! Many would have 'left' me :-)
Keep up the good work, Dave and staff.

Go say hello to Toni

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/793989/

she started her own thread-LOL

I too read something about DG being a Christian site. I was a little tentative for that reason. What I've learned is that the site is run with the best Christian principles that we all should aspire to, and a few rules to keep us from being naughty! :-) I don't go around announcing my religious beliefs, and I have seen very little that would make me uncomfortable whatever they are.

wow - i was totally surprised at the mention of this being a "Christian" website too. i thought religion (except on the prayer forum) was off limits along with politics and current events. i'm glad i never heard that rumour when i came here in March, because it probabaly would have kept me away - and then i wouldn't know 1/10th as much as i do now about gardening, and i wouldn't have met (in person or not) so many wonderful people!

so thanks for a wonderful site!

amy
*

I joined Dave's Garden because I love flowers and plants. It really is immaterial to me whether there is a forum called Prayer or whatever. If it isn't something I'm interested in I just don't go there. I am a strong Christian but that only makes me more tolerant for another persons right to believe the way they do. Again let's not make this something isn't. We all love to garden and that's the real reason we joined.

If I may, I really need to point out (ever so gently.....and with a smile on my face) that you don't have to be Christian to have 'Values'. This is just a little pet peeve of mine. I know so many people who have a strong sense of right and wrong, that care for others and the planet, who may be Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, etc., or even affiliated with no organized religion. Just a little something to think about.

When I joined DG, I was very grateful that this site 'kept-it-clean'. I certainly do not consider myself holier than thou, but I really do take offense to smut, sexual innuendo, and mean-spirited individuals. I feel that I have found a family here of others who are like-minded. (And those that aren't, have been 'asked' to leave.) Many thanks to Dave and his admins for making DG the fantastic garden that it is.

Ditto...what Marie said...

Yes, I totally agree! I also remember when I first joined, that "Christian values" was clearly stated on DG's website. I believe it was on the opening page toward the bottom in "fine print".



I participate in other gardening websites, but DG by far out ranks any of the other sites. That is the reason that I am willing to pay for my subscription. I do not subscribe to any other sites.



Have you checked out the Healthy Living forum? Plenty of religious overtones are projected there.


I chose to join DG because of my love of gardening and wanting to learn as much as possible from other knowledgeable gardeners. I don't come here to present or talk about my religious and/or political views. I feel this is not the correct website to do this.....just my 2 cents worth.

As for GW, I use to participate in that website many, many years ago. However, strife, dischord, nastiness and hostility over shadowed many of the forums there. That is what drove me to leave and I have found DG to be a very warm & welcoming gardening community. Yes, DG is based on Christian principles, but I also agree & practice those principles. I greatly appreciate all the hard work, rules and limitations that DG enforces. I would not want to garden anywhere else!

Oops, sorry for the typos.

This message was edited Dec 1, 2007 7:40 PM

Marie, well said!

Could everyone just go back 2 or 3 threads and re-read what Marie spoke about, because all this constant talk about Christian Values is beginning to make me question if this IS a site for Christians.
Christians dont have the monopoly on decency, kindness, Common Values etc, etc, like Marie said, there are a great many different religious belief's where these same values are held, there are even Non believers who live and act with that same mode of values, I dont care what religion, colour, or country someone belongs to, I am only interested in the reasons I joined this site, that was to speak to people who had the same interest as I have, that is gardening, religion doesn't make everything or everyone good, but living by certain values and standards of decency helps and is something everyone can agree on, no matter what religion one belongs to or not, whatever is the case, I personally have never once read a question or reply and thought, OH!!! that person must belong to such and such a religion, I dont care, so can we please remember, others who perhaps are NOT Christian, have good, honest and strong thoughts on decency and values, myself being classed as Christian knows that, therefore dont feel I have to keep telling people about this. I hope I have not offended anyone by this, but it really is beginning to sound all so one sided. WeeNel.

Unfortunately, some of us have, but survived to tell the tale! :-)

I don't think it's one-sided at all, dear Nel. It's just that some of us just realized we went through similar thought processes before we subscribed and we're talking about it. Not complaining, mind you, just discussing. Some people elsewhere are trying to use "Christian" as a bad thing - which seems to be almost a vocation for some people these days - in describing the ambiance of DG.

Sorry I'm not as eloquent as Marie - and you, Nel - you both made very good points. I hope my comments were not taken as negative, they were certainly not meant that way!

So, now that Toni Leland is a member...mission accomplished and I think she knows how much we love one another here, whether Christian or not.

Thank you MM.
Back to gardening, I am going to unwatch this thread since the original post has served it's purpose

Dave [http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/p.php?pid=4239756] I never even considered this to be a "Christian" based site. I just like that it upholds values and refrains from argumentative opinions (politics/news). As far as I know many religions pray so I don't see a prayer forum as a reason to not subscribe. I am a Christian but it doesn't mean I have the prayer forum on my "watch" threads list. I'm glad those members who've spoken here didn't let it sway them on subscribing! The garden has room for all flowers. :)

If you all look back you will see that the post that got this thread onto the Christian values track was from someone who does not profess to be Christian, per se. As far as I can see, NOBODY has implied that Christianity is the only religion that possesses values. This thread has the potential for becoming a religious debate, which we all know is off-limits.

Well put and a perfect end to a topic off-topic. Sorry to hyjack your thread Dave. Perhaps this one can be closed.

I think I was the one who made first mention of 'Christian' and I want to thank all the posters for the good discussion about Dave's Garden and different aspects of it.

I think the comments have been enlightening for all of us and now I'll 'unwatch' the thread too.

Thanks again for your thoughts

Kapec, I never took or take any offence to what people contribute to this site, I just felt that the first topic was most interesting, funny, IMPORTANT and was being dealt with in such a positive mannerly way, but as the topic was progressing, and comments were rightly noted as to the true origins of the site, my confusion was, the thread began to go way off the original topic and had the potential to turn into either a sneaky religious topic or could become hurtful to some people who perhaps are not able/willing to speak there thoughts/beliefs on what some consider a sensitive subject, and before you know it, we could loose some dear friends from the site. I think what is good about the site is, it enables people from all walks of life to be united in gardening, which I assume everyone is, so I felt true values and moral standards are more important than having to express they come under the banner of any single religious beliefs. Dear Kapec, I hope my view did not upset you or anyone else, as like you, I love the site, I have been contacted and spoken with such wonderful friendly people who otherwise I would never have come across in my daily life, I have learned so much and passed on some of my own gardening experiences, without the site, I would never have done that, I truly do understand we are all different and that goes for our gardening methods, skills and attitudes, and may I count you as another one of my new friends from DG, very best wishes. Weenel.

If I had to guess, the original website mentioned declined to add DG
due to the membership requirement to access.

When I joined DG a long time ago, I joined because there was
information I wanted which could not be accessed without membership.
Other sites were fine, but as I live in the country, dial-up is a pain
in the butt, so sites with ads made it near impossible to take part.

To pay or not to pay was easy to decide once I realized what kind
of ads were popping up on other sites. Sex and religion couldn't be
further from my mind, I was seeking information about dirt. Weeds.
And seeds. So, here I am.

:-)

Well said Wuvie, lets get back to gardening. weeds, feeds, and seed, will do for me anytime. WeeNel.

I like this site just fine; no matter what you want to say about it; i feel safe and there is so much information that helps me. i don't belong to any other sites. This fills my needs.

There is a good reason why I didn't re-register at GW after it was sold-- They required WAY too much personal information for my taste (and it is not in my nature to make up a bunch of baloney). I have seen folks at GW claim it is a free site but in my opinion cost is not always measured in dollars. I am so happy that I became a subscribing member of Dave's, made many friends here and I expect to be here for a long time. Just my 2 cents worth of why GW shouldn't get all of the attention (belatedly)!