I think a rating system would be hard to implement--it could create too much of a competitive spirit around here, and also even the people who are experts in some areas aren't experts on everything, but they may still post on threads where they're not an expert on the subject so you'd never be able to know for sure whether the advice was right or not without doing some of your own research anyway. I think how much research you do on your own depends on what you're being advised to do...if someone tells you that neem oil will work on your spider mites, probably the worst case scenario is that it doesn't work and you have to go try something else. But if you're being told to do something extreme like cut your plant back all the way to the ground and let it resprout from the roots, then you ought to ask for a few more opinions here and go google a bit before you get out the pruning saw.
Orange Jasmine question
Mercy, what did I start? I would like to second many of the points Chantell and Ecrane made- such as that there is often a family feel at DG and many of the forums, and that no one knows everything about everything. I often say, look I am confident about what I know about nutrition and diseases......ID is another matter. People get to know each other on DG, and I that is at heart what I enjoy about this forum. We all get to contribute- whatever that may be, whimsical or serious.
It's nice to get the help. I realized it was impractical to do what I suggested (so I never submitted it as a suggestion to the site admins.), but at the same time, if it wasn't impractical it would probably be helpful. Does that make sense?
I guess I was just sharing my viewpoint as someone who is new to all this and isn't familiar with 'the regulars' yet!
Nah, green - that's why I said "I completely understand why you'd ask though" - b/c it would be something that would be helpful....don't ever feel bad about stating your thoughts - nothin' wrong with that, ok?