Having read some of the recent posts I was in two minds whether to get involved with this forum or not. It always amazes and saddens me the way such a positive and inspirational HOBBY, that we all share, can be twisted and used as the vehicle for negative emotions.
I do feel the electronic/digital media is partly responsible. In life there are always situations where disagreements occur, however, internet forums have the knack of being able to foster and intensify ill feeling to levels unacceptable in normal society. In my opinion, the internet is a incredible resource, when used correctly. Both the internet and email are fantastic ways of sharing information and data, but, they are lacking in their ability to convey the human emotions so important in communication. The intent of electonic words are so easily misread or confused, hence the need for Smilies and abbreviations like 'LOL' - Things I hate using but feel I have to to avoid offending or misinterpretation.
Perhaps Flamers on the internet forums are aggressive in these encounters because they are sitting in their own homes. May be its a territorial thing. In the neutral environment of a meeting hall the big shots with the big mouths are usually quiet! Any disagreement is USUALLY dissipated by the fact that most normal people will conform to behaviour expected in polite and civilised circles.
Something to consider before we close the doors on Branch meetings for our brighter future on the Net!
Anyway, back to my quick introduction....
(:P):P...LOL!My name is Brian McDonough and I live in Scotland. I bought my first cactus in 1981, while still at school ( so I suppose I am still in the younger half of the society >:D<). I subscribed to the Exotic Collection until it stopped. I joined the Macclesfield East Cheshire Branch of the BCSS in 1986, but allowed my membership to lapse. I moved to Glasgow in 1988 and rejoined the society. I have been going to Glasgow Branch meetings since 1989. I have been on the committee of the branch for a number of years and I am the current Show Secretary.
My interest in plants has changed/evolved dramatically over the years. Initially I was interested in cacti - mostly South American. However, my interest in cacti has wained and now my main interests are focussed on Mesembs, small aloes and in general small South African succulents.
I also have an insatiable desire to hybridise - Ooer Missus
I started off with lobivia and rebutia, then onto Euphorbia obesa and pals. I have been concentrating on Aloes since 2001ish also encompassing Gasteria. Over the last couple of years I have included Haworthia and Echeveria and last Summer started to look at Crassula and Adromischus.
I have two greenhouses, a 12'x8' and an 8'x6' and as you can imagine... no space!
I am semi active on two Yahoo succulent forums and a lurker on a few others -lets face it ... spending too much time on the computer is UN-HEALTHY!
I think that completes my quick introduction...
... any questions (LOL)
I promise I will not be so long winded next time!
Happy and successful growing to you all,
Brian
