It is time to return to the topic of figs; even past time.

The same people that complain about the slow and tolerant approach also complained about the quick and decisive approach.

Some members give the appearance of being great and wonderful people who are indispensable to the fig community, but they are often far from who they pretend to be, as evidenced by their words and actions behind the scenes. They would be more than a little ashamed if their words were to be plastered on a forum for all to see. They should be thankful that I don't follow their example. They should be thankful that I do not publish the actual words, or make up complete and utter crap about them like they do about other forum members. Some pretend to be great supporters of the Foundation, even touting the money they have given, but the records will show that they have never given a dime. I will decline to embarrass them here.

If you desire to be contentious, dramatic, unforgiving, or impatient with others, there are other forums that can provide an outlet for you. This forum was started solely for the purpose of introducing people to figs and to teaching them how to grow and enjoy them.

It is time for every member of this forum to return to that focus.

Posts that want to return to that past have no place here.

Thank you for bringing us back to focus of this forum. 

The drama has been a bit much, as of late.

I have learned so much and appreciate the wealth of information here.
How bout them figs!

THANK YOU !!!

Glad to see you posting wish it was under better circumstances. I use this forum everyday. And this will pass people will calm and figs will grow. Richie.

I think too many of them have their own personal agendas . Motivated by the possibility to make a buck on e-bay they come to this forum and try to come across as great helpful contributors and if someone tries to contradict them or tarnish their stellar reputation  which may affect their profits they go on the offensive . Often this is done behind the scenes so the average forum member doesn't have a clue .
I long for the good old days when it was just members helping each other out with no profit incentive in the back of their minds .

John

I discovered Figs4Fun searching for information on figs a year or so ago.   I personally have benefited tremendously from the generous and knowledgeable members sharing their love of figs and to the wealth of fig information here.

Not sure how or why a few months ago several personalities came into conflict publicly.   I didn't like it but I simply ignored the commotion as I would if I was in a public place and 2 people were having a non-violent argument with no profanities.  I still love this forum and will abide by the rules. 

Also let's not lose sight of the fact this is a non-profit initiative and Jon has done a tremendous job establishing and maintaining F4F.   I think Jon deserves a huge thank you from everyone for Figs4Fun (and a contribution)!   

Forum moderation has been suggested and if done fairly I can see benefit for this keeping the discussions focused on figs and related topics.   I have seen a few members doing this already and through their suggestions and guidance they put things back on focus.

However forum moderation requires a lot of time and effort so being a non-profit organization if the technologies allows this means trusted members will need to volunteer for this role. 

Like most I miss some of the knowledgeable generous former members and I don't see an issue with a new forum with possibly specialized focus. 
My fear is F4F is an established centre of excellence for fig information and network of fig contacts.  There is a lot of benefits from F4F reputation built over the years.   This place is too valuable to lose.
 

As a new fig grower I would be lost without this forum and its knowledge.   Also, where and from whom to buy my fig material from.  When I joined, I stated that I would gladly compensate members for their time and trouble.  I remain serious about that.  I am so glad that it will be returning to a learning center with nice people sharing as they see fit---knowledge and material wise.  Joyce

Bravo Jon!  You are a very busy man.  Thanks for taking the time to explain some of the recent unpleasant events. 

There are many forums out there to discuss anything, even figs.  I visit the others now and then, but I happen to like this one the best.

I'm a shopper, and I love Amazon Smile!  It's a great way to donate to Figs 4 Fun!  With my big family, there are always birthdays, showers, weddings, and the holidays, plus I purchase supplements and garden stuff there too!  Figs4Fun benefits because Amazon Smile donates 0.5% of whatever I buy, and I spend a lot.  0.5% doesn't seem like much, but it does add up.

Thanks Jon!

Suzi

Thank you Jon for the comment.   I do my part by trying to change angry mindset in certain post.  Why?  Because for every finger you point at someone, there will always be 3 pointing back at you!  Some folks got way too much pride and huge egos!  It's sad.  But,  I hope the clique is dead!

Years ago when I first joined this forum I posted a comment about, "not being part of the clique" and the wave of PMs swarmed my inbox.  I was reprimanded by certain folks for making the statement.  I was told, "not to call it a clique even though everyone KNEW it was a clique."  I laughed.  I didn't get mad at that person's comment.  I just deleted it and kept being a good friend and forum member.  In other words, I didn't let that person stop me from sharing my experiences and lessons learned about how I grow figs in my area.  I just let it go and moved on.  There's hope for us all!

Thanks again Jon!

Jon, your a man of honor, thanks for running this forum.  Dennis well said.

My fig growing would be not going so well I'm sure without this forum.  Thank you for it Jon. It has been hard at times to and ignore all the BS, I'm not going to lie and say sometimes it hasn't been a tiny bit entertaining, but it had definetly gotten old. Moving onward.

Thanks Jon.

Well Said Jon.

Like your comments very much too Dennis.

Nothing wrong with anyone else's comments of course........

The golden rule isn't broken ya just gotta be willing to learn to use it. Then it works every time :~).

Thanks, Jon, for reminding everyone about the real purpose for this forum.  The constant attacks on competitors on Ebay are distasteful.  Although I don't sell or buy on Ebay, I don't like seeing attacks on sellers who are probably competitors for those members who want to make a quick buck selling figs.

This forum has been a great resource and learning experience for me and still is.  I may not contribute a lot via comments but appreciate all the posts from others and hope to still use the form in search of ideas and solutions.  Thanks all.

Good job taking the high road on this one!

[QUOTE=alanmercieca] There is definitely room for 2 major fig forums, I think that it would be very difficult for the remaining weaker ones to survive. I do not know about the strength and the determination of F4F, and of it's supporters, yet the forum I run is not going to be a weaker one.[/QUOTE]

I think there is room for as many good fig forums as there are good people to read and contribute. There is Alans, this one, GardenWeb, and the new one Wills just started. Ourfigs.com (which also has a separate blueberry forum!)

I hope they all survive. There are good people posting good information at all of them.

Love them figs. :)

I really like F4F because of its members, being able to search for so many areas of interest and topics, and the help when needed. I have visited the other forums and I think they are good also with really knowledgeable members. But, I really feel bad for all the work that Alan put into the forum that he started and only 4 members have posted something there in the last 3 days. I am sure that he was encouraged to start the forum by several members and they seemed to abandoned him and his hard work. I apologize if I am missing something because I have to admit I do not know why everyone fled, if there is a reason. Again, I never joined Bountiful because I like it here, although I visit the other forums often. I just wish the ones that left would come back.

For anyone who might have seen a post I made here (previously post #20). I changed my mind. I really just didn't want to get in to it, so I deleted that post. Don't think my heart (literal) could have handled any possible negative responses. Must stay focused on peace of mind :) .

Bill, you are a good member, you have re-posted for all the right reasons, sometimes people say things out of hurt, keep mind I am definitely not referring to you. That is why I had to post #19.

Thank you for posting anyway Alan. I appreciate & agree with your clarifications. - too much friction sometimes & we'd all do well to try to let it "roll off" a bit more. You used a very accurate word in your previous post concerning my "reaction". Very true. All too often we may tend to react before "sleeping on it" - including myself (as was evident).

Sometimes imperfection makes it difficult to apply such sage words that can be found in the book of Psalms - "A wise man thinks before he speaks". I'm working on it ;) .

Its a big world with lots of people, and many jerks... even jerks that love figs.  

I like your pragmatic approach!