Re: GWA Meeting Critique

**"Douglas Green" d*@xplornet.com**

Sheri wrote,"While I am on a roll here - this list used to be really
informative. I loved it when I first joined. It was one of the reasons being
a GWA member was so valuable to me. I would like to see this list like that
again. I learned more from this list than anywhere else."

Sheri - this list is not associated in any way with GWA.  GWA refused to put
together a list when asked. It was done by Lon as a private venture and for
that he gets full marks and credit.  It is also not necessary to be a GWA
member to be on this list.  

As for making it useful or not - that's up to each of us. If you need some
information - all you have to do is ask and somebody will likely answer.

Doug

Doug Green SGF Communications: e-publishing content
Home: http://www.simplegiftsfarm.com
Blog: http://doug-greens-gardening.blogspot.com
Gardens&Plants Blog: http://douggreen.wordpress.com/

-----Original Message-----
From: gardenwriters-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org
[g*@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Sheri Ann
Richerson
Sent: Friday, September 01, 2006 5:37 PM
To: 'Garden Writers -- GWL -- The Garden Writers Forum'
Subject: Re: [GWL] GWA Meeting Critique

Even though I have only been able to attend one symposium - the one in
Chicago - I will put my two cents worth in.

Some of us - myself included - feel that the hotel cost is very prohibitive.
The GWA should have bargaining power to bring that cost down. Many visitors
bureaus and many hotels are happy to sponsor writers. While we are a large
group and that may be somewhat cost prohibitive in comparison to a group of
say 20, we should be able to get rooms cheaper than we are getting.

Another really negative aspect is if you don't go to the symposium you miss
a lot of press releases, information and samples. Why can't there be some
way to get some of the information and those samples to us? For example what
if the people at the trade show brought enough information and/ or samples
that could be boxed and sent as a group to those wishing to receive it who
cannot attend the show? Some of us might even be willing to pay a small fee
to have that.

The Chicago Symposium was very tiring - and I am only 36 now. I missed the
last day because I was exhausted and simply could not make it.

Seminars - maybe you could offer a "Beginners" and an "Advanced" taught back
to back by the same person or people. You could opt to attend one or both. I
do agree the seminars are only a "Taste" of the "Whole Enchilada." Frankly,
I want to learn and am more than willing to pay extra to get that education.
That is what I expected when I went to the symposium in Chicago. The brief
information was good but frankly I did not improve my writing skills or
photography skills while I was there. Maybe there should be some "hands on"
sessions with the speakers. 

Another suggestion - there used to be a contest (back when I first joined
GWA - Orlando Symposium) that you could enter to get your symposium costs
paid for. I have not heard of that contest in some time. I remember you
wrote an essay (I think) and someone was chosen. I think there should be a
contest like this for all symposiums. If it still exists than it should be
publicized more so those of us on the low end of the pay scale might be able
to attend. 

While I am on a roll here - this list used to be really informative. I loved
it when I first joined. It was one of the reasons being a GWA member was so
valuable to me. I would like to see this list like that again. I learned
more from this list than anywhere else.

Sheri
http://www.exoticgardening.com
http://www.sheriannricherson.com

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Send photos for GWL to gwlphotos@hort.net to be posted
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Post gardening questions/threads to
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For GWL website and Wiki, go to
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