I *think* (yeah, I know - dangerous activity) that you can accomplish the no
judging option by simply not registering the plants or the display. That
would not prevent an individual plant from being pulled for AOS point
judging, though. A sign, maybe? The closest I've ever gotten to registration
was this fall, when we were deciding on software. I plan to keep it that
way, LOL!

I can't honestly tell you how anyone else would feel if you do that. For my
part, what I would be concerned about is the possibility that other growers
might follow suit. As you know, we've chosen to continue to present an AOS
sanctioned and judged event, and we're pretty committed to that. The
Societies which display do so in hopes of getting AOS recognition, and
non-members often bring plants for the I table, increasing the number of
orchids the public gets to see. And face it: people like recognition.

For all the discussion and dissatisfaction voiced in this thread, people
around here are reluctant to participate in non-AOS shows. I pulled some
teeth to get our team together to do one earlier this year, and I'm not a
bit sure I could pull it off again. Installing a floor display takes some
work, to say nothing of hauling staging, plants, etc.

So, I don't know what the reaction would be. Probably it would be best to
contact Laurie.

Diana

"Kenni Judd" wrote in message
...
Yeah, Diana, they also have (had?) a person (or maybe it's a committee)
who supposedly works on AOS relationships with growers by coming up with
ways to "support" us. The "programs" they came up with all looked to me
like more opportunities to donate to AOS.

The major thrust of grower reaction in this area has been to develop
alternatives to AOS-judged shows (my schedule for this season has 3 OS
shows and 7 "other" non-AOS-judged events). But I am interested in
learning how to prevent AOS from judging my displays at the 3 OS shows,
the option has never been offered. Diana, how would that work at the PSL
show? Or would there be a negative reaction from the OS, jeopardizing my
tenure? Kenni

"Diana Kulaga" wrote in message
...
Down here, the AOS has formed the South Florida Leadership Council for
Society Reps. The Reps who go seem to think that their input is of value.
Not to denigrate their service, because I value the time these volunteers
put in, but I don't think AOS is listening. IMO, it's a feel good effort.
AOS brass who attend these meetings do not even want to entertain the
idea that dues might be a problem, even though it's so obvious. Lee Cooke
seemed to be trying, but he's *out*. Maybe because he seemed to be
trying? Or maybe it was only part of the overall effort to woo the
Societies.