Re: GWA Meeting Critique

**"C.L. Fornari" c*@mail.com**

Although I don't agree that there should be a scheduled "nap time" I do concur with Jeff's opinion about needing seminars that address more experienced members. It was telling that in the publishing seminar over half of the people were published authors/photographers.  

 I also agree with Jeff's comments about panels.  In the past four years I have attended several GWA panels and for the most part they never get to the meat of the topic because the first forty-five minutes is filled with the panel members introducing themselves and talking about their personal history with the topic at hand...interesting, but that could all be written in a few short paragraphs and given the audience to read later. I liked what Anne McCormick did at the query letter panel (again, with the personal info that took up too much time) - by passing out cards at the beginning so that people could ask questions, the panel was brought back on track by answering the questions on the cards.  Perhaps all seminars should have to leave 15 or 20 minutes for questions on cards, to be sure that at least some of the audience's needs are met. As Anne plans with her cards, questions not addressed (or even some that were) could be put into an article for Q&T later in the year. 

I completely disagree that fewer private gardens be visited - I can go to a public garden anytime (although I don't usually get served food and wine while there!) but at GWA meetings I see private gardens that I would, in all likelyhood, never be able to visit.  Private gardens have a singular spirit or soul, and these visits are one of the main reasons I come to a GWA meeting.

Long bus rides?  I know that it's a challange to find gardens that are close to each other and are located where busses can drive and turn around.  It is unusual to find three or more worthy gardens that are close to each other.  And for many of us, the bus rides are the place where we can connect with other GWA members.  I've picked several brains, and often had my brain picked, on a bus moving from place to place.  This is a valuable way for members to create networks. 

As always, I came away this year both exhusted and energized.
C.L.

C.L. Fornari
www.gardenlady.com

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