Would an on-line Cactus Show be viable?

[Apicra]

While researching the next BCSS Photographic Competition, it has been brought to my attention that the Alpine Garden Society hold annual plant shows on-line. That is, members send in photographs of their plants from anywhere in the world via the AGS web site. The plants shown (not the photographs) are judged in numerous classes and awarded first. second, third, etc. See the alpine plant competition results for 2006, 2007 & 2008 at the top:

http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/comp ... line-show/

I can see problems for any on-line cactus show (not least that membership of the BCSS cannot yet be verified on-line), but do you think this would be a worthwhile new service for the BCSS web site?

Best wishes,
Derek Tribble,
London, UK

[Liz M]

Hi Derek, What a good idea! I put plants in the AGS on-line show and would love to do the same for the BCSS. It saves the travelling, as well.

[Bill]

I am sure it has been touched upon in the past Derek and I don't see why it wouldn't work. I for one would be willing to help with the web side of things.

I am sure we could overcome the membership verification, even if it was done manually against the list. I would suggest we could have a few "Open" classes for those who are not members.

[Lindsey]

Excellent idea!! But, as with so many good ideas, a lot of work for Somebody http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/pron ... tmyjob.htm

[Bill]

Nowhere near as much as organising the a live show Lindsey.

[Dot]

I think this is a great idea, I have had a look at the AGS on-line Shows, congratulations Liz on your prize winning entries!

There would be no lifting of plants out of the greenhouse - and finding space to put them back, no worries about damaging them in transit.

An open class might be worth a trial, after viewing the classes on the AGS site, I would certainly think of joining the AGS- if I wasn't already a member!.

Dot.

[Chris43]

I also think that is a great idea, which should be further developed. I don't know how other societies do it, but we'd need to post several pictures of the plant, to ensure that any damage isn't hidden! But other than that, I'm sure that it is feasible and should attract quite a few entries that a normal show wouldn't.
Whoever judges would have to allow for what must be the varying skills (and equipment) of the plants' owners, otherwise this could put some people off, who otherwise would be attracted to the idea.

[David_K]

I don't like the idea. This would surely lead to less real socialising which is part of what any society is about. If we go down that route why have conventions, open days or branch meetings. It is also fraught with problems, plants which are now dead could still win if a member had last years photo of it, damage could be hidden or camouflaged etc. I for one like to keep a real life and not just live in a virtual one.

[Cactus Jack]

I'd probably enter the competition if it go's ahead but whats to stop anyone taking photos of a specimen plant thats not thiers ?? David K. has a very valid point but for the likes of me and others who cant get to the big "BCSS" shows it would be a bit of fun.

[Bill]

I don't think it would ever replace live shows David, I think at most it would be an annual event, perhaps even biennial ie the opposing year to the National and would be a bit of fun.

As to deceased, damaged or other peoples plants being used, simple solution all plants must be available for inspection for xx time after the show ends or something like that.

It would allow people like Stephen and overseas members to compete against mainland members, it may encourage people who don't show to have a go and it could result in plants that don't normally see the light of day to be seen by a wider audience. It could also result in our plants being appreciated by a wider audience.

Bill