Expert confusion!

[vikkib]

I used to be a pert before i retired, so does that now make me an Ex-Pert?

Before I retired I used to like farm machinery now I'm an "Extractor Fan"

*snigger*

You see, I suspect, this kind of quality content will only ever come from the Vine's non official experts!

Reminds me of a bit on ISIHAC about changing or dropping one letter of radio programme title to give a new title... I can't hear a trail for 'Crossing Continents' without giggling anymore...

... but I digress!

[Bren In Pots]

I thought it would be like the 'Ask Alys Fowler' section we had a while back were only Alys could answer the questions.

[Nicos]

I genuinely don't understand how we're supposed to interact with the Experts.

From what I gather- you are all doing fine.
If you specifically what the 'Expert' to notice your thread- then post it in their section- all other Grapes are welcome to join in too.
In that way people can debate in the usual way about differences in experiences.

I think the Experts will be looking through any other threads on different boards which may 'benefit' (them and us)from their advice.

Lets face it- if they try and hard sell peeps will just scan through -or ignore- their posts entirely

We Mods are the ones obliged to read all the posts- not you! !

[Nicos]

I thought it would be like the 'Ask Alys Fowler' section we had a while back were only Alys could answer the questions.

Nope- this is meant to encourage peeps to interact.

The Experts can only interact with our threads but NOT start up new ones ( ONLY in their board)

[marchogaeth]

I thought like Bren. I am disappointed by what is in there so far. I like that fact that commercial interests aren't allowed to post except in special circumstances in the rest of the vine. I know this is meant to be different (if I have understood correctly) in that they will only post in the expert forum (so will have to introduce themselves in there as well). I come to the vine because the advice of fellow growers has consistently struck me as more balanced and informative than most of the stuff in magazines and fleshes out what I'm trying to learn from books.

If I ask the soil expert (only for example) about soil acidity will I be told to use lime or their product? If I ask about home saving seed or F1 what will a shop tell me? My first choice is not to go to the expert forums at all but because every one is posting there I will end up either missing useful info from the people whose opinions I value.

To me, the original announcement was mishandled. I feel that a more open approach might have been taken eg This week Carbon Gold are available to talk about their product - post here - or similar. It could have been more like a virtual Garden Show. (I would have quite liked this as I try not to travel more than I absolutely have to over and above work miles which give me a big enough carbon footprint.) People could have shared their experiences in an open discussion with manufacturers/providers in a frank and informed way (which would have been better than just browsing a show). Small companies would be able to take part sometimes insted of having to feed through vine members who follow up on their behalf. Maybe we could get some things improved, for instance there is a really annoying thing about root trainers that I'd like to feed back but I wonder if other people feel that same or maybe I'm doing something wrong. Additionally, I'm very curious about some of these bamboo products that are around.

I have a bit of a personal rule about not posting in general forums on any sort of regular basis (not counting birthdays) as that way seems to lie people starting to write in stroppy ways and taking umbridge. So this isn't meant to be stroppy but I do feel disappointed and I am going to say a bit patronised, too.

[Aberdeenplotter]

I've kept my counsel on this expert thing until now but I do have to say that I am not comfortable with it. I fully acknowledge that advertising revenue is required to help fund the magazine and the forum. The forum is very well supported by us guys and advertisers would not be prepared to part with their cash if it wasn't.

Part of the attraction of the forum for me (apart from the feeling of having company with like minded folks) is that the interaction is with folks who have no self interest and share their information and expertise (i.e. we are all experts in some way) with those who ask for it. FB as an example has such knowledge and shares it freely without punting any product at us.

It is the punting of product I don't like. If I ask a question, the remedy I expect to get is the best remedy or a variety of remedies and not the remedy which involves the use of an experts product if that is not the best remedy. I'm going back to sit in my corner.

[Glutton4...]

The way I see it is;

If you want to interact with the expert, then go ahead. If you don't want to, don't!

How difficult can it be?

[Nicos]

AP- just ignore their posts if you feel that way ( and it is a very valid point)

[Aberdeenplotter]

That is what I do do Nicos . I am a wee bit concerned though for less experienced growers than myself who may because GYO has set out that these folks are experts, and as such likely to have more knowledge than the rest of us who give advice, will follow the expert's advice blindly(which may not be the best advice) because the novice grower doesn't know differently.

[zazen999]

Luckily we are here though AP to offer our advice which might even result in sorting it out for free. Which is the best price of all.

[Feral007]

I guess it's a bit hard for them too, they aren't used to us.........did they get lurking time? Probably not, unless they're nutters at heart as well as gardeners and experts then they 'd be scared off!

[VirginVegGrower]

I thought it would be like the 'Ask Alys Fowler' section we had a while back were only Alys could answer the questions.

She didn't answer my question, which Carbon Gold have at least.

[Potstubsdustbins]

An observation if I may.

Not one post in answer to any question raised in any thread but their own.

Don't know about other grapes but speaks volumes to me.

Colin

[Aberdeenplotter]

Potty, you should petitionto be the container growing expert

[Potstubsdustbins]

Thanks for the confidence AP but I ain't no expert just been playing at it a good few years.

Potty