This is an important discussion and I hope it doesn't degenerate to personal abuse or further disparaging remarks.
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Not everyone sees paper publications as clutter!=A0 I have been involved in and used the internet, almost since its beginning, but still prefer using hard copy when it comes to important matters.
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Aroideana has been around for many decades, servicing both the hobbyist and professional botanist.=A0 I believe, in that regard, the IAS is unique.
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Digital is not everything, and, as some of the professionals on this list have alluded to, has its own problems in relation to photographs.
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This is actually a part of a much larger discussion that the board of the IAS needs to have regarding the future of the IAS and what it offers.
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The professionals can publish information in a range of other publications which makes life harder for those of us who don't have access to those publications.=A0 This would be our loss.
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If some chose not to pay the pittance that is our annual membership because Aroideana is not published in full colour then that is their loss.
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I have seen comments from individuals that they won't join the IAS because they might only access the website once or twice a year.=A0 I use it a few times per week!
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As one of the non-professional I say "What the Hell?"=A0 On average I spend more money on plants/seeds per week than what one year's membership (including my copy of Aroideana) costs me.
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Maybe there needs to be a balance between professionals wanting black and white or line drawings versus the "eye-candy" of glorious colour pictures.
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What must not be lost sight of is the incredible value of our organisation, the work it does and its publications (both hard copy and internet based).
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What must also be kept in mind is the wonderful work that is done by volunteers within our society.=A0 I, personally, give them ALL my thanks and appreciation to them.
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For most of us we put in a small amount of money and receive access to a phenomenal resource.
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It would be good to see those that want change putting in effort to do something within the IAS to bring about change or improvement.
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While on my soapbox, I have also seen negative comments about the CATE-Araceae website.=A0 This site is part of a much bigger botanical vision but has the potential to be the most incredible resource for aroid nuts.=A0 There is a mountian of work to be done there but very few volunteers actually contributing.=A0 I have seen some of the capabilities in development on CATE and they are spectacular.
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I welcome discussion but rather than critics these things all benefit by having more volunteers giving input!
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, November 21, 2011 2:14 AM
Subject: Re: [Aroid-l] Colour Pictures in Aroidiana
Also, not having piles of paper publications cluttering up my work area is another definite plus.=A0 I do, however, print and mail hard copies for the six remaining technologically challenged members of our club.
Sheldon Hatheway
Canby, Oregon
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