Certainly, the conception and eventual execution of the website
and forum was not a bed of roses. We had our fair share of obstacles.
GCS was meant to be a non-profit oriented endeavor aimed at
the greater good of plant lovers living in the tropics. Both
the administrators are currently studying. GCS is supported
wholly, in the meantime, by Wilson. He pays for the monthly
web-hosting service and is behind the design and maintenance.
We
have been asked what's going on in the background and here goes…
Wilson is our article hunter who pesters plant experts to write
the monthly feature articles relevant to gardening in the tropics.
He, together with the moderators, oversee the daily happenings
in the forum. Whenever the month draws to a close, he would
prepare and upload the webpages containing the feature articles
onto the server. As for Ryan, he helps to pen a few articles
and attempt to answer questions posted on the forum whenever
he is able to squeeze a minute out from his busy schedule.
We also
had problems reaching out to more plant lovers. Currently, members
join the GCS family mainly through the word of mouth. At a point,
we printed namecards that were handed to potential plant lovers
we spot during our nursery trips and at various gardening related
events. We do wish to be able to have the support from members
to launch an all-out publicity campaign to reach out to more
people.
Finding
and enlisting the voluntary services and commitment from dedicated
and knowledgeable moderators has always been a headache. During
this short span of a year, members should have witnessed several
changes in the moderation team, nothing to hide though because
it was Wilson who fell out with a handful of people due to creative
differences, ideological clashes and verbal misunderstandings.
He admits he has much to learn. Luckily, there is Ryan to the
rescue where he helps counterbalance the negativity thereby
restoring peace and equilibrium to GCS…
Initially,
some members had wanted a forum that was focused in discussion
while some others wanted a laid-back atmosphere. Implementing
a strict and focused approach upset and chased a handful of
members off the forum earlier. After much thought, we decided
to let members have a more relaxed pace of discussion in the
forum. After all, gardening is supposed to be a hobby, which
is enjoyed during our leisure time. We don't think anyone would
be comfortable being uptight and overly formal when chatting
with likeminded friends about a hobby of such a nature.
As a year
past, we can safely say that we've gotten our act together…for
the most part. We must also thank the Singapore Gardening Society,
especially Dr Gloria Chay (HortVet) for her enthusiasm, support,
advice and invaluable help rendered to us all this while despite
her hectic schedule.
