Newcomers (myself included) to the forum often monitor the posts for quite a while before feeling comfortable enough to join in the conversation. Personally, I don’t mind when a post is far beyond my level of expertise, or written by someone with no experience at all, or even the opinion of someone with a "soapbox." I read them all, and appreciate people’s enthusiasm and willingness to share their ideas. If a particular post or personality doesn’t resonate with me, that’s fine too–no one says I have to respond to them. I hope the friendly atmosphere I’ve come to expect on figs4fun will continue, so that everybody feels welcome--even if they have a soapbox. I’d hate for any fellow fig lover to assume I’m not interested in what they have to say, simply because another fellow fig lover took exception to their post.

Hi Ken, you are right. Maybe some of us get a little carried away sometimes.(Speaking for myself).

Ciao,  I understand what you say tusconken, but, we are like a very large family here. Alot of us have known each other for a very long time. I send Christmas cards to my extended Fig family here.  As with any FAMILY, there are going to be arguements and fussing from time to time. That is just the way it is. Fig people are very passionate, but sometimes there are people who don't appreciate others' passion. i remember a statement that upset me not to long ago with a member telling another member that they were more "practical" than them simply because a member wanted a fig from a particular country that was very close to them. This member didn't understand some of us members who are more sentimental to a particular fig because of where it came from. This person obviously didn't understand that, so he felt the need to in my book insult this other member  who I refer to as Uncle to my son.   Some members need from time to time to be let known that they are upsetting others or have a negative way about them that are upsetting the others. I am no stranger to this as I had a dispute with a member over a year ago, I mean I wanted to pull out the old curse book and throw a wammy that would have been heard around the country, but we ironed it out and to this day, I consider this man (Texan) to be not only a member of my fig family, but a member of my ACTUAL family.  I adore this member now. Personally I get very annoyed at some people trying to take the fun out of this for us and I'm glad some of us get tired of it and say something from time to time.  But it doesn't mean we wont forgive and forget, just so long as these people understand and make amends.  Sometimes an apology is very very important.  Thats all I want to say any more about these matters. Ciao 

Maggie, as far as I'm concerned you are right on with your statement "I get very annoyed at some people trying to take the fun out of this for us". I'm fairly new here myself but I'm here for the fun of it. Fun in many ways that is. Its fun to learn how you do things in the rest of the country. It's fun when someone who has some scientific knowledges teaches us. It's fun to hear a novice tell of his or her experience. It's fun to see all the pictures of trees and figs. It's fun to play "guess the name the fig". It's also super fun to meet so many nice people from all over the country. I think at times we can all be irrating to others if we want to and I think we can overlook rather than challenge. I love all of y'all and hope the goodwill and friendships continue forever.

Agreed. And in any family, giving some time and a little slack can go a long way while newcomers figure out how they fit in. Most will "get it" pretty quickly, and if they don't... hey, they're still family! Personally though, I've found it best to be courteous to everybody at family gatherings, even though I tend to spend my time with the relatives I enjoy the most.