Attempting to steer this topic back on course.......
Tog brings up a point which is typical of other forums with regard to climate.
For example, if you live in a tropical climate, you have no interest or expertise in topcis genally focused on cold hardiness or storage over winter. I suppose that I am lucky, as my growing season last about 9 months. I salute anyone who tries to grow tropical plant in climates colder than mine, but to be honest, I have no input when the topics is when should I put my corms in the basement.
If you live in colder climes, tropical talk is only a dream unless you have a hothouse that is climate controlled.
Beginners sometimes can be intimidated by those who have so much knowledge that when they post they may as well be speaking Ancient Greek. thids is not the fault of the poster, these terms may be required in order to convey the point.
To attract more participation, some forums have redone their sub-forums in order to allow readers (and posters) to put a more focused set of topics.
I try to read much of the topics here, as I continue to try to learn something every day.
There are a large number of members here and I agree with Harvey, too little participation. There are also seasonal factors at work here as well. As summer creeps up in the Northern Hemispere (and I am discounting our tropical friends on this point) we spend more time in the garden, using the evening for more social activities in the good weather, which last only a few months a year.
I do have a minor suggestion. It is minor to me, of course, as I won't do any of the work
Our webmaster and moderators probably should get together and review the subforums that may direct people to specific areas in which may may have an interest. I do not mean to exclude anyone from any topic, of course, but this may help those who are only interested in specific areas to go to those forums and work in those areas. Here are my suggestions that I provide free of charge.
Tropical and temperate bananas
Cold Hardy Bananas
Newbie Corner (I'll be reading this one all of the time)
Sales and Trades
Other Tropical Plants
Other Plants That Look Tropical
Tiki Hut (non-plant oriented talk)
Thick skinned Forum (for religious, political, and other inflammatory speech)
Meetings and Get Togethers
Recipes (we already have this one!)
I'm sure there are others, but I think a reorganization of the topics might help.
I'll still look at all of the new posts myself, as I am a frequent visitor and less frequent poster.
Now,....go ahead and tear this idea to shreds!!!!!
I'm sure