Part of the problem with the AOS is...
- Thread starter Ray
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There may be some influence of "environmental destruction" education, but cyanide fishing is an issue with marine fish. As far as I know, cyanide is not used for freshwater. My guess the reason why there are fewer exporters in Iquitos is (1) consolidation of the industry to larger more profitable exporters, (2) less interest in the freshwater fish hobby generally (and amazon fish), (3) some of these fish are now successfully farmed (cheaper and easier to export to US from Florida than wild caught from Amazon; most of cost is freight of water). Related to the last point is that people are interested in breeding lines of certain fish (discus, angelfish), buying line bred fish from Asia/US/Europe; occasionally injecting wild genes.
On the flip side, I've seen campaigns for buying cardinal tetras from the Amazon as a "sustainable" industry; and the zebra pleco has brought some attention to the Bel Monte dam.
Happypaphy7
Paphlover
Other than common sense of protecting and respecting the nature, I was not really affected by such ideas. Maybe it is a US thing?
I'm referring to what Lance pointed out earlier.
At least in Korea, I guess totally different hobby culture, it is kind of like Japan where people grow mostly just local species like Cymbidium goeringii and Neofinetia falcate, which are probably the big two among others.
It was not really a hobby, but rather a show off for very wealthy people even into the 90s, and still so in some respect. Money was a driven factor, again I guess.
People went into the wild and removed basically any special varieties with high market value. Even the common types are nearly extinct in Korea now.
Japan has introduced other popular orchids that are seen in the Western world, but in Korea, it is still rare to see such orchids.
Wild form of certain local species are quite common, and anyone can get a hold of those now. Rarer varieties and top notch are still rich people's toy, a dream for average people, of course.
Hobby does pose danger on wild species, but banning without proper education and system to moniter activities probably cause more harm in the form of black market and smuggling.
Sad, but typical of how things work.
I'm referring to what Lance pointed out earlier.
At least in Korea, I guess totally different hobby culture, it is kind of like Japan where people grow mostly just local species like Cymbidium goeringii and Neofinetia falcate, which are probably the big two among others.
It was not really a hobby, but rather a show off for very wealthy people even into the 90s, and still so in some respect. Money was a driven factor, again I guess.
People went into the wild and removed basically any special varieties with high market value. Even the common types are nearly extinct in Korea now.
Japan has introduced other popular orchids that are seen in the Western world, but in Korea, it is still rare to see such orchids.
Wild form of certain local species are quite common, and anyone can get a hold of those now. Rarer varieties and top notch are still rich people's toy, a dream for average people, of course.
Hobby does pose danger on wild species, but banning without proper education and system to moniter activities probably cause more harm in the form of black market and smuggling.
Sad, but typical of how things work.
#2 and 3 are correct.
#1 is not correct The big companies dropped first. It was not possible for big companies to service all clients. The reason is simple lack of demand and interest in general and no one will pay for the cost of collecting now.
Same problem with orchids the public interest that has commercial value is in cheaply produced hybrids.... basically like line bred fish.
Isn't it true that more people in the United States have orchids in their homes today than ever before?
Cheap hybrids are available everywhere - Superstores, Home improvement stores, Grocery stores - and of course online.
I don't think the orchid hobby is shrinking. I think it is changing. Orchids are now COMMON HOUSEPLANTS.
Also, young adults ARE interested. Look at the breakdown of my viewers on Youtube. From a total of 41,600 views from the US:
13-17: 3.4%
18-24: 7.6%
25-34: 24% This group is almost a quarter of my total viewers!
34-44: 17%
45-54: 17%
55-64: 17%
65+: 14%
Now obviously I can't say that my viewer statistics can be expanded to encompass all orchid growers across America, but it can demonstrate who is watching my orchid videos!
Cheap hybrids are available everywhere - Superstores, Home improvement stores, Grocery stores - and of course online.
I don't think the orchid hobby is shrinking. I think it is changing. Orchids are now COMMON HOUSEPLANTS.
Also, young adults ARE interested. Look at the breakdown of my viewers on Youtube. From a total of 41,600 views from the US:
13-17: 3.4%
18-24: 7.6%
25-34: 24% This group is almost a quarter of my total viewers!
34-44: 17%
45-54: 17%
55-64: 17%
65+: 14%
Now obviously I can't say that my viewer statistics can be expanded to encompass all orchid growers across America, but it can demonstrate who is watching my orchid videos!
KyushuCalanthe
Just call me Tom
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I have very similar demographics for my YT channel, though I cover more than orchids. About 30% of my traffic comes from the states, and the rest is broadly spread across the globe, favoring Europe and English speaking countries. Interestingly, men watching outnumber women, 60% and 40% respectively, but in Japan the trend is the opposite, women make up almost 75% of my audience! Go figure. Having said all that, I'd say interest isn't really down worldwide, but the manner in which folks access information surely has changed.
Here in Japan there is a real problem with youth culture not favoring things like orchid cultivation - hobbies like that are left for old folks. I wonder about the future for orchids, bonsai, and the like here. In this country interest may indeed be waning.
Don't forget that the data may be skewed by the demographics of YT viewers in the first place:
http://digiday.com/platforms/demographics-youtube-5-charts/
http://digiday.com/platforms/demographics-youtube-5-charts/
Happypaphy7
Paphlover
Ray has a good point.
Also, certain age groups use internet more than others.
Speaking of internet, people can easily access information they need on the internet and website like this one we are on.
To many, sacrificing a couple hours in the evening during weekday or weekend is just too much.
It's more about socializing, I think.
So in the end, people feel less or no need to join anything unless they just love to drag their tired-selves out to a meeting where they gain nothing to little on something they can gain in just a few minutes of searching and reading online in their comfortable setting.
I have seen a few people in their 20s visit our meeting but none really came back.
They might have felt that it was not the right place for them seeing the demographic. lol
Also, certain age groups use internet more than others.
Speaking of internet, people can easily access information they need on the internet and website like this one we are on.
To many, sacrificing a couple hours in the evening during weekday or weekend is just too much.
It's more about socializing, I think.
So in the end, people feel less or no need to join anything unless they just love to drag their tired-selves out to a meeting where they gain nothing to little on something they can gain in just a few minutes of searching and reading online in their comfortable setting.
I have seen a few people in their 20s visit our meeting but none really came back.
They might have felt that it was not the right place for them seeing the demographic. lol
As far as age goes nothing really has changed. I never really met anyone my age or younger that was interested in orchids.....until I got into the old bracket.
Yes, there are more orchids in houses, but the plants are a disposable commodity, rather than a hobby. More of a live floral arrangement.
The hope was that these mass commodity phals would be a gateway to the greater orchid hobby. Again, I think busy schedules, smaller homes, and spending discretionary income on "experiences" will win out.
I think if AOS or other societies want to grow, maybe they should partner up with other hobby groups. Maybe a joint orchid/gesnerid/master gardners symposium/society?
The hope was that these mass commodity phals would be a gateway to the greater orchid hobby. Again, I think busy schedules, smaller homes, and spending discretionary income on "experiences" will win out.
I think if AOS or other societies want to grow, maybe they should partner up with other hobby groups. Maybe a joint orchid/gesnerid/master gardners symposium/society?
JAB
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The majority of folks whom buy orchids at Home Depot don't have a clue what they have, and with HD BS policy of refunding you money within a year of purchase if it dies... is no motivation for the lemmings to better their culture techniques. I have not met one person that bought an orchid at a big name store and then came out to a meeting to learn more.
Linus is right... they are throw away plants anymore to most.
Linus is right... they are throw away plants anymore to most.
AdamD
Catasetinae Crazed
AdamD
Catasetinae Crazed
I'm in my 20's, and yes, this is my sentiment. I enjoy the people, enjoy the comradery. I just feel out of place sometimes
Don't worry you'll get over the feeling. In another 20 years.
Then you'll have 10 good years.
Then all the 20's year olds will be whining about all the snobby grumpy old people and you will avoid them. :wink:
Happypaphy7
Paphlover
hahaha I love these funny comments.
Anyway, when I first went to the meeting, I felt so out of place, plus, no one talked to me!
I only went because it was easy to get to, and then they were having a holiday party and auction next month. Otherwise, I wouldn't have gone back.
Nothing new to learn about, and rather boring was my impression, plus older demographic and no friendly people. Ok, there was one person who said hello. lol
Anyway, when I first went to the meeting, I felt so out of place, plus, no one talked to me!
I only went because it was easy to get to, and then they were having a holiday party and auction next month. Otherwise, I wouldn't have gone back.
Nothing new to learn about, and rather boring was my impression, plus older demographic and no friendly people. Ok, there was one person who said hello. lol
AdamD
Catasetinae Crazed
After getting hot and sweaty at work, usually driving an hour there and an hour home in traffic, I don't feel like driving an hour and 15 to get ignored. But, I digress, this rant is about the AOS. Not local societies.
I feel the AOS is stepping up its game, too little too late. I used to think of the award process as something of beauty and mystery, adhering to strict guidelines, checking all personal emotions and experiences at the door. I guess I'm disillusioned by the whole political nepotistic process. I do agree that it has brought validity and order to a hobby that could have possibly been as unruly as the fish and tank industry.
For me, I have let my membership lapse both times I have subscribed to it. I felt the cost outweighed any benefit. The website was ( and still is) unnavigable and slow. Nonprofits still hire outside help. Might be time to delegate that one. The magazine has some top notch orchid porn, but little in the way of the creative or informative journalism I crave. Hell, throw in some opinion pieces. Dare to be controversial for content, not for back office politics.
Also, integration of a forum or pic sharing medium would be highly beneficial. I'm sure it'd catch on quick and take on a life of its own. Much like...
I am in the precarious situation of being an energetic enthusiastic young member with my time tied up by work and family. My free time is precious. I spend it where I should, with my family. I try to integrate orchids into that as much as possible, which ends up being once or twice a year. When life slows down I will step it up where I can. Today I haven't seen my wife since Sunday, literally between overtime and her college. Our kids haven't seen us together all week. Am I going to a society meeting tonight? No. Am I spending free time while she's doing homework on orchids? Yup. And I feel a bit guilty about it. But a guy's gotta have a hobby.
In closing, the AOS could occupy this little bit of free time I have right now, if they tried a little harder.
I feel the AOS is stepping up its game, too little too late. I used to think of the award process as something of beauty and mystery, adhering to strict guidelines, checking all personal emotions and experiences at the door. I guess I'm disillusioned by the whole political nepotistic process. I do agree that it has brought validity and order to a hobby that could have possibly been as unruly as the fish and tank industry.
For me, I have let my membership lapse both times I have subscribed to it. I felt the cost outweighed any benefit. The website was ( and still is) unnavigable and slow. Nonprofits still hire outside help. Might be time to delegate that one. The magazine has some top notch orchid porn, but little in the way of the creative or informative journalism I crave. Hell, throw in some opinion pieces. Dare to be controversial for content, not for back office politics.
Also, integration of a forum or pic sharing medium would be highly beneficial. I'm sure it'd catch on quick and take on a life of its own. Much like...
I am in the precarious situation of being an energetic enthusiastic young member with my time tied up by work and family. My free time is precious. I spend it where I should, with my family. I try to integrate orchids into that as much as possible, which ends up being once or twice a year. When life slows down I will step it up where I can. Today I haven't seen my wife since Sunday, literally between overtime and her college. Our kids haven't seen us together all week. Am I going to a society meeting tonight? No. Am I spending free time while she's doing homework on orchids? Yup. And I feel a bit guilty about it. But a guy's gotta have a hobby.
In closing, the AOS could occupy this little bit of free time I have right now, if they tried a little harder.
SlipperFan
Addicted
About being ignored at local society meetings: I felt that way -- terribly out of place and not feeling welcome. But here's the way to change that: volunteer for something for the society. You'll get to know people and they will get to know you. It doesn't have to be big, just get involved.
I think the AOS has a forum on their site, plus a Facebook page. I don't participate in either one because I'm so involved here. And this is enough for me.
I think the AOS has a forum on their site, plus a Facebook page. I don't participate in either one because I'm so involved here. And this is enough for me.
MattWoelfsen
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AOS does have a website, as Adamd remarked, it is slow. You can participate on the website's forum but few people do that. Instead they opt to participate on Facebook. That page has over 25,000 members.
The AOS Facebook has a lot of pictures of orchids. Very few discussions on growing orchids or even descriptions of a posted orchid and its culture. Postings do try to include names of the orchid. But there are numerous photos that someone posts from someone else.
AOS does provide me with a lovely printed magazine and if I wanted, I can download a PDF copy of that magazine. The articles are informative. My local Orchid Society is very small. I dropped out a couple of years ago when my schedule wouldn't permit me to attend the monthly meeting or set up and take down orchid exhibits.
I'm at a place where I don't need inspiration on acquiring more orchids. But I am interested in knowing how to grow what I own. This place serves that purpose as well as AOS and its library.
For these reasons, I do not see anything wrong with AOS. I do wish they would hold meetings in the center of the US--I'd rather spend money buying orchids than spending a lot of time traveling and money for airfare.
The AOS Facebook has a lot of pictures of orchids. Very few discussions on growing orchids or even descriptions of a posted orchid and its culture. Postings do try to include names of the orchid. But there are numerous photos that someone posts from someone else.
AOS does provide me with a lovely printed magazine and if I wanted, I can download a PDF copy of that magazine. The articles are informative. My local Orchid Society is very small. I dropped out a couple of years ago when my schedule wouldn't permit me to attend the monthly meeting or set up and take down orchid exhibits.
I'm at a place where I don't need inspiration on acquiring more orchids. But I am interested in knowing how to grow what I own. This place serves that purpose as well as AOS and its library.
For these reasons, I do not see anything wrong with AOS. I do wish they would hold meetings in the center of the US--I'd rather spend money buying orchids than spending a lot of time traveling and money for airfare.
Ive been an AOS member since the '70's, and a lot has changed in that time. With the number of vendors closing, so no longer advertising in the magazine, it isn't as enticing to me as it once was, but I still enjoy perusing it.
They dredged up a very old article about the "Myths of Kelp Usage" a year or so back, and I was forced to write a rebuttal article... Besides that, I have written a number of articles for it and a few for the Orchid Digest, and for a lark, those are the only editions I keep.
They dredged up a very old article about the "Myths of Kelp Usage" a year or so back, and I was forced to write a rebuttal article... Besides that, I have written a number of articles for it and a few for the Orchid Digest, and for a lark, those are the only editions I keep.
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