Re: Messenger in Alaska

**"* C* <d*@sympatico.ca>**

From: "Lazy Gardener" <lazy.gardener@comcast.net>> There is also a large
dose of commercialism in this.  I choose to be careful> about promoting
specific products, preferring to advise of generic solutions.  Much of
garden writing has become an apology for marketing products rather than
information. Stephen Lamphear,

I can appreciate your concern Stephen but, if done carefully and above
board, I don't see anything wrong with it. I write a weekly column and am
employed at a local nursery. Many of my readers are aware of this connection
even though it has never been mentioned in my writing. It is tough keeping
the two separate, i.e. ethics says not to promote my employers' business
over their competitors'. Sometimes we have a new plant that the others don't
and I mention that. Sometimes, the others do and we don't but that doesn't
prevent me from writing about it.  At the end of every year, I tally up the
"mentions" to make sure it is balanced. I am satisfied that I am avoiding
being a "shill" for anyone.
Now, add in your comment about products to this recipe. If I have the
opportunity to test Messenger then I will report my results. If some other
company wants to dispute or, better yet, offer me an alternative to try, I
will accomodate them. Whether or not "my" nursery is an outlet for this
product is not part of the equation.  This is expecially true when generics
are available.
But, if a new product, trend, solution comes onto the market I will
investigate it. If someone gives me the opportunity to test it, read it (
such as GWL/GWA member list new books), taste it, whatever, then I will.
 That's part of our job as garden writers and communicators, using our
opinions- based on experience both practical and intellectual- to inform or
warn our readers.
That said, some folks are  associated specifically with a certain brand or
company, and there's nothing wrong with that. In my part of gardendon, folks
like Larry Sherk, Lois and Jim Hole, Brian Minter are very well known-
including their commercial affiliations. Anything they want to tell me ( as
a professional horticulturalist, garden communicator, and backyard gardener)
I will listen and learn.
Bottom line, as long as we are open about any affiliations with any product
there shouldn't be any problems.
Dan Clost
GWA member

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