Encouragement Needed Please

[wellie]

I've been talking 'back and forth' with a very lovely girlie for a few months now, and she's really getting into this GYO lark (!) but she's still very nervous about joining the forum/posting up on it for fear of appearing silly?

Just where would all of us be if we hadn't of started out the same way?

Without mentioning her by name, I'd just love a few of you to give her the encouragement maybe that she needs to have the confidence to join in?

As a recent Newbie, or as an 'Old Fart', what made you join in, and why are you so pleased that you did?

and in advance of your replies, I thank you.....
X

[Hazel at the Hill]

.....wouldn't have met you otherwise, hon - that good enough reason for you..?

Oh no, hang on, she knows you already, doesn't she.

ok - how about:

• sense of community
• very funny
• excellent advice
• very friendly (even when you DO ask a dopey question )

now - what have I forgotten.......

[lozza_9]

I can understand being nervous - took me a while to write my first post.

Everyone is so friendly

Everyone has to start from the beginning and this forum makes the process a lot better.

[kernowyon]

• sense of community
• very funny
• excellent advice
• very friendly (even when you DO ask a dopey question )

you have hit the nail on the head with this list. sums up exactly what the 'vine is about, especially the last one!

[Seahorse]

Well, if I had a plant for everytime I've said or asked something gormless here, I'd have a well stocked garden! No-one has EVER been rude or dismissive though. I'd be really quite lost without all the GYO bods now, so please get your mate to sign up Wellie!

[MrsC]

hey come on...we have all been there.. please join up or post should I say! its about sharing your knowledge and experience (however much!) we all have something to learn from each other. We are all from different walks of life, have different jobs etc etc, but it doesn't matter, whatever, we all respect each other!

[lainey lou]

Yeah, come on join in, we're a freindly bunch and no question is considered silly! I love this place!

[Hazel at the Hill]

Oh! Didn't answer the question prop'ly - why did I join?

I'd watched Carol Klein's Grow Your Own prog last January and they showed her at a seed swap event, which I'd never heard of, but sounded brill, and as I'd only had an allotment since the November, I was raring to go!

Did a search for 'seed swap' and up popped the vine - our very own dear pigletwillie was generously giving out Carnival Squash seeds. I was stunned at his generosity - he sent them out for free and didn't even want the postage? Were these people mad? Still - I made myself at home quite well....

[seasprout]

Hello there...say hello back.

Hello there,

there is no such thing as a silly question. If you want to know the answer to something then just ask, there is an awful lot of knowledge on here.

And some very funny people (Heywayne), I mean funny in humor, not weird.

We are very nice people, and quite nosey as well. Just tell us about your plot, if you have one, what your growing, what you want to grow.

Come and go as you please. the kettle is always on. might have some jaffa cakes somwhere..

[workhorse]

I to was new to the gardening scene. I can kill grass just by looking at it, so I needed help.

On a serious note, where else can you go and get so much help, assistance and wisdom for free.

Just tell her to dive in at the deep end and start swimming, and don't be afraid to ask those silly questions. I was always taught that the silliest question is the one you don't ask.

[shirlthegirl43]

Um, can't remember how I came to join, think someone on another forum which was headed belly up told me about this one and I just jumped on board. Can't say I have ever regretted it, it is a place to chat gardening or nonsense when you can't actually get into the garden. An easy come easy go place full of wonderful people who lift your spirits when you are feeling down. Just hope I don't annoy anyone too much with my daft questions....

[AllieB]

I joined because dispite a total lack of gardening knowledge or experience I got myself an allotment. Then had a panic attack about what I had let myself in for. A great friend (Seahorse) recommended I join up here. I am still finding my feet here and am trying to limit myself to one or maybe two stupid questions a day so not to annoy anyone.

[kirsty b]

I saw a patient at work reading GYO mag and I had just got into growing stuff myself so went out and bought myself a copy. Saw the link to the vine and lurked for ages before posting but have found everybody to be so friendly and encouraging. Have learned a lot and had fun doing so.

[Newbie]

Can't remember how i found this place but absolutley love it! Have asked my fair share of questions and everyone has been more than helpful, friendly & never make you feel stupid or an inconvenience. I am a complete novice to gardening and started my 1st plot in the garden last year and am hooked!

[bubblewrap]

.....wouldn't have met you otherwise, hon - that good enough reason for you..?

Oh no, hang on, she knows you already, doesn't she.

ok - how about:

• sense of community
• very funny
• excellent advice
• very friendly (even when you DO ask a dopey question )

now - what have I forgotten.......

Then there's ME!