Why did martin leave also ?

John, too?
jtp as well? And now Martin?
Who's next?
Will Garden Web be the next forum?
hmmmmmmmm . . .

I hope not. GW is alright, but it seems to me there is so many more people just popping in with ridiculous requests that have no interest in learning anything on their own or contributing. In the beginning of my fig addiction I started with the most recent topics/posts on GW and read backward until I had read about 3/4 of all the posts on there. In the past it was really good, I eventually quit reading it because in the last couple years F4F is so much better.

Would like a PM too. I was just talking to Rafed the other day about finding pawpaws and must have missed something!

Hi Alanmercieca,
If you missed the action just don't shoot with eyes wide shut ...
The problem was with another member, and Rafed had stated it clearly in previous threads... That he would never make trades with that other member ...
To be honest, Rafed did a wild jump ; He seemed really pissed about that other member but sometimes one needs to let things cool down and not push fire ...
But in the end, the decision belongs to Rafed. Let's respect his choice, although I still don't understand his wild jump and his choice ...
I've been always told, that there are words that you can think, but better don't throw or write them down or at least chew them well before ...

I, as others will miss Rafed a lot, but I have met, through posts, emails and PMs, so many great members that I have no choice but to stay a member. I have learned so much and still have a lot more to learn. I hope to share more of my experiences as time allows since most of my 210 varieties will not bear until next year. Then I will be able to post photos, hopefully as nice as all the photos that have been shared this year. I almost started listing all the members that posted photos, shared information etc... but I have learned from past practices that sometimes you could do more damage leaving someone out even though there are a lot of members that deserve recognition for what was previously stated and also for being responsible for increasing our knowledge and skills in starting, growing, harvesting and keeping alive our fig plants. Thanks so much to everyone that have already and continue to share photos and information. All of us appreciate each and everyone of you.

What a shame!

ditto...

Lost a good role model and a good one is going bad... Although I already knew reaching out to Jon was a waste of time.

Rafed asked me to tell everyone that Jon deleted the thread not him. He says he's getting a lot of emails asking what happened and if everyone knows he did not delete the thread it would be easier for folks to understand what happened.

In my view this site is unlike most other fruit forums, it's more a community. That stems from all the trading of plant material which leads to close personal relationships. With those factors there are bound to be spats and hurt feelings. I've never seen a long time poster on Fruits and Orchards forum quit in a spat. But people don't become such close friends there and the moderator isn't someone we know. I guess we have to take the bad with the good in all things.

I saw rafeds thread yesterday I believe it was, then it was gone, its a shame things went down the way they did.

I missed the whole thing.
:(

Doug

Truly a sad day in the community. It is like a divorce not a death. A death couldn't have been prevented, just my perspective but doesn't mean much.

@WillsC -- Thanks for letting us know.

Rafed, rafed, rafed; you have always been an old good fig-friend to me, and you will always remain so.

Not sure what the real ailment was/is apart from b/c of some usual punk newbie self-proclaimed
expert busting every other person chops to quickly self promote his/her own very high ego.

Stay well.

-George (NJ).

I didn't read how this all got started again but what a shame! Never really got a chance to hit it off with Rafed but I knew of his stature here on the forum. Every time he responded to one of my posts it made me smile! He's done a lot for many people on here so just be thankful for the time he spent at F4F. All good things come to an end eventually. Peace out Rafed!

Rafed,

If you see this...
You did what you had to do, and I completely understand.  Stay in touch brother.

Wow, this is not good. Everyone talked him into staying last time so I guess this time there is no changing his mind.