more AOS gloom
 

http://www.aos.org/AM/Template.cfm?S...entDisplay.cfm

--j_a

more AOS gloom
 

Unfortunately, it still doesn't really tell me what good society donations
would do to keep the garden open and it says nothing about a possible move.

I'm one who would very much like the AOS to turn around, but I see no
concrete proposals to boost membership, etc.

Diana

wrote in message
...
http://www.aos.org/AM/Template.cfm?S...entDisplay.cfm

--j_a

more AOS gloom
 

what i want to know is what caused that huge spike in donations in
2006...? or is that the single big donation he mentioned..?


--j_a

more AOS gloom
 

Ya know, I almost wrote to Fighetti. I probably should have. My points
were that I interpret the data differently.

1) Membership in 2007 and 2008 is just about the same. So to me that says
we've finally gotten down to the hard core orchid addicts. In my email
(that I deleted) I said heck, if the magazine was called 'Opium' instead of
'Orchids' and you mailed it out to a bunch of hard core addicts what would
you put in the magazine? Articles about the tasty stuff coming in from
Panama, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Why treat us orchid
addicts any different from street addicts? Just tell us what's hot and
where to get it. Articles and Ads.

2) Donations in the last 2 years were better than donations immediatly post
9/11 and the markets sucked then too. So people are still giving. Granted
interest rates are horrid, but they are horrid for everyone.

3) Just as Bill Clinton told Barak Obama to stop talking so negatively so
should Fighetti. Sure times are tough but look at what you get for
membership in the AOS, and talk about that. If they can't come up with
something better to talk about they'd better think of something quick. Just
look at the subject line on this thread. 'AOS Gloom' Really, is there so
much to be gloomy about? Dump the endeavors that aren't paying for
themselves, the gift shop, the gardens, and whatever else isn't speifically
about orchids. I mean, really, would a street junkie care to have a gold
plated needle? No, he just wants more stuff. We aren't any different.

4) I think the web site has improved, I think the magazine has improved. I
think they should reprint articles from other orchid publications. They
used to reprint from things like the WOC, why not now? I think they should
put the index to the Bulletin in the members only section of the web page.
If what the AOS has more than any other publication out there is depth of
knowledge then give us the index to that knowledge.

Anyway, that's what I deleted to Fighetti.

K Barrett

wrote in message
...
http://www.aos.org/AM/Template.cfm?S...entDisplay.cfm

--j_a

more AOS gloom
 

I think that's the donation from when Mary McQuarrie passed away. But
don't quote me.

K Barrett

wrote in message
...
what i want to know is what caused that huge spike in donations in
2006...? or is that the single big donation he mentioned..?


--j_a

more AOS gloom
 

I think you're right about the McQuery donation, Kathy. The time frame seems
right.

On behalf of our society, I wrote to Jim Jordan. I copied a bunch of peeps,
including Carlos. Jim responded quickly and cordially, but the questions I
asked were not really answered.

Your right to the point questions are much like mine, except that I did
email the letter.

Diana

"K Barrett" wrote in message
...
Ya know, I almost wrote to Fighetti. I probably should have. My points
were that I interpret the data differently.

1) Membership in 2007 and 2008 is just about the same. So to me that says
we've finally gotten down to the hard core orchid addicts. In my email
(that I deleted) I said heck, if the magazine was called 'Opium' instead
of 'Orchids' and you mailed it out to a bunch of hard core addicts what
would you put in the magazine? Articles about the tasty stuff coming in
from Panama, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Why treat us
orchid addicts any different from street addicts? Just tell us what's
hot and where to get it. Articles and Ads.

2) Donations in the last 2 years were better than donations immediatly
post 9/11 and the markets sucked then too. So people are still giving.
Granted interest rates are horrid, but they are horrid for everyone.

3) Just as Bill Clinton told Barak Obama to stop talking so negatively so
should Fighetti. Sure times are tough but look at what you get for
membership in the AOS, and talk about that. If they can't come up with
something better to talk about they'd better think of something quick.
Just look at the subject line on this thread. 'AOS Gloom' Really, is
there so much to be gloomy about? Dump the endeavors that aren't paying
for themselves, the gift shop, the gardens, and whatever else isn't
speifically about orchids. I mean, really, would a street junkie care to
have a gold plated needle? No, he just wants more stuff. We aren't any
different.

4) I think the web site has improved, I think the magazine has improved.
I think they should reprint articles from other orchid publications. They
used to reprint from things like the WOC, why not now? I think they should
put the index to the Bulletin in the members only section of the web page.
If what the AOS has more than any other publication out there is depth of
knowledge then give us the index to that knowledge.

Anyway, that's what I deleted to Fighetti.

K Barrett

wrote in message
...
http://www.aos.org/AM/Template.cfm?S...entDisplay.cfm

--j_a

more AOS gloom
 

Granted one new membership isn't going to help at all...but how does one
join and what is the cost? Perhaps a little more advertising might help a
little.

wrote in message
...
http://www.aos.org/AM/Template.cfm?S...entDisplay.cfm

--j_a

more AOS gloom
 

Never mind,

Saw the membership link. I'll probably sign up, but dopubt if my $60
will save the world. But perhaps indicates a need for a little more
advertisment to for us novices?

wrote in message
...
http://www.aos.org/AM/Template.cfm?S...entDisplay.cfm

--j_a

more AOS gloom
 

Publicity has been an issue, IMO. Until recently, the AOS acted like a
secret society. That is no longer the case. Do join. There are lots of
reasons to do so, not the least of which is the judging program. This board
has a fair number of judges who post regularly. Without the judging, the
whole system of society shows would not work the way it does. It wouldn't
collapse, but the impetus to bring plants and do displays would lose ground.

That would be a shame.

Diana

"eeyore" wrote in message
...
Never mind,

Saw the membership link. I'll probably sign up, but dopubt if my $60
will save the world. But perhaps indicates a need for a little more
advertisment to for us novices?

wrote in message
...
http://www.aos.org/AM/Template.cfm?S...entDisplay.cfm

--j_a

more AOS gloom
 

pricey. i only have a membership now cuz i get it for my birthday.

if i remember correctly, the report said that the trend seems to be
for people to join for a couple years, then lapse. i did that too--
after a while, the articles seemed repetitive, and they weren't all
that helpful anymore as i was no longer a totally novice grower. on
one of their surveys i suggested they bring back at least a few more
advanced articles, and they seem to have done that. the magazine
seems more balanced to me now.

and the subject line was me being tongue-in-cheek. ;-)

--j_a

more AOS gloom
 

I have been a member for almost 35 years, and have actually been thinking
about not renewing. The truth is that I rarely spend more than 15-30
minutes on a new issue of the magazine.

However, I can write it off to First Rays, and I was just down in Sarasota,
and it got me into the Marie Selby Gardens for free!

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies. Books, Artwork, and lots of Free Info!


"Diana Kulaga" wrote in message
.. .
Publicity has been an issue, IMO. Until recently, the AOS acted like a
secret society. That is no longer the case. Do join. There are lots of
reasons to do so, not the least of which is the judging program. This
board has a fair number of judges who post regularly. Without the judging,
the whole system of society shows would not work the way it does. It
wouldn't collapse, but the impetus to bring plants and do displays would
lose ground.

That would be a shame.

Diana

"eeyore" wrote in message
...
Never mind,

Saw the membership link. I'll probably sign up, but dopubt if my $60
will save the world. But perhaps indicates a need for a little more
advertisment to for us novices?

wrote in message
...
http://www.aos.org/AM/Template.cfm?S...entDisplay.cfm

--j_a

more AOS gloom
 

I am not sure where this is all going to bottom out. Not worth looking back
to see which flower shows have gone black since I posted last, but I got
word this week that the Southeast Flower Show is no more and the Atlanta
show staff is being let go. Some of the flower shows have been bought and
are reopening as home and garden shows. This is very good news for those of
us in need of gutter guards, water proof basements, home alarm systems, and
sham wows. Not so good for flower fans.

Pat

more AOS gloom
 

"Pat Brennan" wrote in message
g.com...
I am not sure where this is all going to bottom out. Not worth looking
back to see which flower shows have gone black since I posted last, but I
got word this week that the Southeast Flower Show is no more and the
Atlanta show staff is being let go. Some of the flower shows have been
bought and are reopening as home and garden shows. This is very good news
for those of us in need of gutter guards, water proof basements, home alarm
systems, and sham wows. Not so good for flower fans.

Pat


Maybe events like Homestead is the way to go, rather than a show per se.

K Barrett

more AOS gloom
 

This is anecdotal, and we are Port St. Lucie, not Miami or Atlanta, but
still......

Our show in March made more money than in the past. Not a lot more, but
more. Our vendors were very happy. The societies around us have not been
that fortunate. I chalk up our success in large part to a great effort by
the membership with regard to publicity. We took advantage of every free
advertising venue available, and of course we also paid for ads and
materials. In the past, we did surveys at the door to see what was working
and what was wasted.

The Miami show this year was a bust. Maybe because attendees had to shell
out a total of $25 before walking in the door? Ya think? Many vendors have
said they will not return to Miami next year. Ditto people who went. Since
there were way fewer vendors at Miami *this* year, I don't know where that
leaves them for the future.

Frank & I don't go to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale as a rule. We prefer Tamiami
and Redland. Others are saying the same. Who needs one more white Phal?

It would be nice if, in this area, we could put together four or five
societies and do a regional festival. It would probably take a couple of
years to get off the ground, and that's an issue. $$$$, you know? We're in
great financial shape right now, but who knows down the line?

Diana (heading to Redland on May 15th. Watch out!)

"K Barrett" wrote in message
...
"Pat Brennan" wrote in message
g.com...
I am not sure where this is all going to bottom out. Not worth looking
back to see which flower shows have gone black since I posted last, but I
got word this week that the Southeast Flower Show is no more and the
Atlanta show staff is being let go. Some of the flower shows have been
bought and are reopening as home and garden shows. This is very good news
for those of us in need of gutter guards, water proof basements, home
alarm systems, and sham wows. Not so good for flower fans.

Pat


Maybe events like Homestead is the way to go, rather than a show per se.

K Barrett

Who's going to Redlands besides me and Diana?
 

I will fly into Ft.Ladeeda Thursday afternoon (5/14) Then up at 5:30
Friday morning , get ready, leave my host's home and hit the drive-thru
at the McD's for two hash brown patties and an egg and cheese biscuit
(no meat) - a McDonald's breakfast is a twice-a-year treat for me on
vacation as, being a vegetarian (and working in a restaurant) I don't
generally eat out.

Then the drive down to Redlands to arrive by 8 to be first or second in
line (as usual) when the gate opens at 9. Do the run - and I do mean RUN
- through, picking up that one best vanda and all the plants I've
pre-ordered from S.A. vendors, then slowing to a mere trot for another
hour or two browsing to see what else I can't live without, then done by
1PM or so, lunch with Woji, and stopping by a postal orifice on my way
back to FtL to ship my plants and those of others I'm shopping for.
[anyone know a conveniently-placed P.O.?]

So if you're going to be there Fri AM and see a blond blur rush by with
a vanda hanging over his shoulder, trip me and say hi!

Tennis

more AOS gloom
 

Maybe events like Homestead is the way to go, rather than a show per se.

K Barrett

I am not sure if this comment was meant for me or the AOS. If you were
talking AOS I think you are on to something. The annual combined gates of
the shows I do is between 1 and 1.5 million people. At most of the shows
the local society will have a booth introducing themselves and the AOS. Up
until a few years ago I used the AOS leaflet that included care instructions
and an AOS application as care sheets. I handed out an AOS application with
every plant sold and to every by passer with general orchid questions. I
have handed out boxes and boxes of AOS applications. I have no idea how
many new members I have sent to the AOS. With the flower shows gone so went
this easy access to the flower loving general public. But after reading the
letter that started this thread it seems to me that if you can only hold new
members for two years this might not be to people the AOS currently needs.

What the AOS currently needs is to get back the true orchid junkie, you know
the ones that will drive hours and then pay for the right to buy plants, you
know the type, the ones that go to Redlands. I do not know the Redland gate
but I would bet the number is at least 8 thousand (compared to an AOS
membership of 16 thousand). Maybe the AOS needs to hold a Redlands type
event on it grounds. Vendors are required to be AOS members. How can you
bitch about a $60 membership if you make that money at an AOS hosted event.
Makes the first day of sales an AOS day open only to AOS members. During
the AOS day have a short AOS townhall meeting. I expect the input from the
town meeting to be very different then that from a trustee meeting. It
would be nice to have speakers during the event. Well the experts are there
as vendors, give vendors who give talks a discount on their sales area. One
rule while the event is getting off the ground, no AOS judging. No
displays, no blue ribbons, no awards; just lots of great plants for sale.
This is an AOS event that has nothing to do with the AOS judging program.
If the event is a success, the AOS can consider hosting these events in
other parts of the country. Money maker, outreach, and vendor arm twisting,
sounds good to me.

Pat

more AOS gloom
 

"Pat Brennan" wrote in message
.com...


Maybe events like Homestead is the way to go, rather than a show per se.

K Barrett

I am not sure if this comment was meant for me or the AOS. If you were
talking AOS I think you are on to something. The annual combined gates of
the shows I do is between 1 and 1.5 million people. At most of the shows
the local society will have a booth introducing themselves and the AOS.
Up until a few years ago I used the AOS leaflet that included care
instructions and an AOS application as care sheets. I handed out an AOS
application with every plant sold and to every by passer with general
orchid questions. I have handed out boxes and boxes of AOS applications.
I have no idea how many new members I have sent to the AOS. With the
flower shows gone so went this easy access to the flower loving general
public. But after reading the letter that started this thread it seems to
me that if you can only hold new members for two years this might not be
to people the AOS currently needs.

What the AOS currently needs is to get back the true orchid junkie, you
know the ones that will drive hours and then pay for the right to buy
plants, you know the type, the ones that go to Redlands. I do not know
the Redland gate but I would bet the number is at least 8 thousand
(compared to an AOS membership of 16 thousand). Maybe the AOS needs to
hold a Redlands type event on it grounds. Vendors are required to be AOS
members. How can you bitch about a $60 membership if you make that money
at an AOS hosted event. Makes the first day of sales an AOS day open only
to AOS members. During the AOS day have a short AOS townhall meeting. I
expect the input from the town meeting to be very different then that from
a trustee meeting. It would be nice to have speakers during the event.
Well the experts are there as vendors, give vendors who give talks a
discount on their sales area. One rule while the event is getting off the
ground, no AOS judging. No displays, no blue ribbons, no awards; just
lots of great plants for sale. This is an AOS event that has nothing to do
with the AOS judging program. If the event is a success, the AOS can
consider hosting these events in other parts of the country. Money maker,
outreach, and vendor arm twisting, sounds good to me.

Pat


That's what I'm talkin' about! Sounds good to me too.

N Calif has a much smaller venue called 'Orchid in the Park', held in
October in Golden Gate Park. There's a minor show area in the center of the
sale just showing plants that make you drool and want to check out the
vendor's booth to see if they have that plant for sale. But no judging, no
other displays. no ribbons. Nothing but plant sales.

I have wanted to go to Redlands ever since they started it 6-7 years ago. I
have either the time and no money or money and no time. Speaking as an
addict I think what draws me is the idea of the international vendors
bringing in stuff that you'd never see otherwise, like the Madagascan or
Malaysian vendors.

We are trying a Speaker's Day this August. Sales, Speakers, some AOS
judging since the center is sponsoring this. I'm hoping the combo of
education and sales will carry the day and bring out the orchid addict.

K Barrett

more AOS gloom
 

wrote in message
...
pricey. i only have a membership now cuz i get it for my birthday.

if i remember correctly, the report said that the trend seems to be
for people to join for a couple years, then lapse. i did that too--
after a while, the articles seemed repetitive, and they weren't all
that helpful anymore as i was no longer a totally novice grower. on
one of their surveys i suggested they bring back at least a few more
advanced articles, and they seem to have done that. the magazine
seems more balanced to me now.

and the subject line was me being tongue-in-cheek. ;-)

--j_a

Ya know, I disagree that its pricey. Everyone else charges the same for
less. Orchid Digest charges $60 for 6 magazines filled with features I pay
no attention to whatsoever, like Koopowitz's Auntie Maude orchid history or
the 3-D picture. Really, am I going to go get a pair of 3-D glasses just so
I can look at a flower? I joined the IPA, their journal had few articles
of interest and mainly revolves around shows in Taiwan, which I'll never
see. I subscribed to Australian Orchid Review, that one was OK but again,
costs about the same as the AOS plus international postage. All in all the
AOS mag has a better well-rounded group of articles that may not appeal one
month but over time give educational value. Their back issues are priceless
if you ever have a chance to get them plus the index you'll be in orchid
heaven.

K Barrett

more AOS gloom
 

Pat Brennan wrote:
Maybe events like Homestead is the way to go, rather than a show per se.

K Barrett


I am not sure if this comment was meant for me or the AOS. If you were
talking AOS I think you are on to something. The annual combined gates of
the shows I do is between 1 and 1.5 million people. At most of the shows
the local society will have a booth introducing themselves and the AOS. Up
until a few years ago I used the AOS leaflet that included care instructions
and an AOS application as care sheets. I handed out an AOS application with
every plant sold and to every by passer with general orchid questions. I
have handed out boxes and boxes of AOS applications. I have no idea how
many new members I have sent to the AOS. With the flower shows gone so went
this easy access to the flower loving general public. But after reading the
letter that started this thread it seems to me that if you can only hold new
members for two years this might not be to people the AOS currently needs.

What the AOS currently needs is to get back the true orchid junkie, you know
the ones that will drive hours and then pay for the right to buy plants, you
know the type, the ones that go to Redlands. I do not know the Redland gate
but I would bet the number is at least 8 thousand (compared to an AOS
membership of 16 thousand). Maybe the AOS needs to hold a Redlands type
event on it grounds. Vendors are required to be AOS members. How can you
bitch about a $60 membership if you make that money at an AOS hosted event.
Makes the first day of sales an AOS day open only to AOS members. During
the AOS day have a short AOS townhall meeting. I expect the input from the
town meeting to be very different then that from a trustee meeting. It
would be nice to have speakers during the event. Well the experts are there
as vendors, give vendors who give talks a discount on their sales area. One
rule while the event is getting off the ground, no AOS judging. No
displays, no blue ribbons, no awards; just lots of great plants for sale.
This is an AOS event that has nothing to do with the AOS judging program.
If the event is a success, the AOS can consider hosting these events in
other parts of the country. Money maker, outreach, and vendor arm twisting,
sounds good to me.

Pat


Great thoughts,Pat!

more AOS gloom
 

OD is $34 for a year..... i've found a lot of their articles to be
more technical than the AOS bull, but either i'm getting more
knowledgeable, or they're getting a little more mainstream, as i find
them easier to get thru now. (and i LOVE the 3d thing--but then, i
can do it naked-eyed; tougher with the bifocals.)

either way, i read both mags cover to cover, so i guess i'm getting my
gifts' worth. ;)


"The Miami show this year was a bust. Maybe because attendees had to shell
out a total of $25 before walking in the door? Ya think? Many vendors
have
said they will not return to Miami next year."

--eGADS that's a lot--was there anything else going on besides the
show/sale? i paid $50 for a day at the WOC, but it also got me two or
three lectures as well as the rest of the stuff...

--j_a

more AOS gloom
 

--eGADS that's a lot--was there anything else going on besides the
show/sale? i paid $50 for a day at the WOC, but it also got me two or
three lectures as well as the rest of the stuff...

--j_a

AFAIK, that was all. Parking was $10 and admission was $15. The WOC was an
entirely different story. For most people, the WOC was a once in a lifetime
opportunity. Miami pales in comparison.

Diana

more AOS gloom
 

I have been bad...lost contact with this thread...but will join...$60 on he
way!

"Diana Kulaga" wrote in message
.. .
Publicity has been an issue, IMO. Until recently, the AOS acted like a
secret society. That is no longer the case. Do join. There are lots of
reasons to do so, not the least of which is the judging program. This
board has a fair number of judges who post regularly. Without the judging,
the whole system of society shows would not work the way it does. It
wouldn't collapse, but the impetus to bring plants and do displays would
lose ground.

That would be a shame.

Diana

"eeyore" wrote in message
...
Never mind,

Saw the membership link. I'll probably sign up, but dopubt if my $60
will save the world. But perhaps indicates a need for a little more
advertisment to for us novices?

wrote in message
...
http://www.aos.org/AM/Template.cfm?S...entDisplay.cfm

--j_a