In an attempt to turn this thread back to it's initial concern, I see this effort on Craig's list and other opportunities for those willing to take advantage to provide "bonsai" to the un-educated. This has gone against my grain, and after writing several sellers, I've come to the conclusion that many are just ignorant themselves.
I think that the opportunity to help educate the public as to what a real bonsai is, can be accomplished by the clubs.
having displays in different venues, with knowledgeable docenes is an excellent effort to begin turning the tide. But it has to be done knowing that we'll not be able to totally irradicate ignorance, because as P.T. Barnum was quoted as saying...There's one born every minute.
As a volunteer to docene, I've learned that many would be theives love to ask questions in public displays about the cost or value of the trees. I always field these questions carefully
saying something to the effect that they are valued by the owner depending on how long they are cared for or if they came from someone now deceased that was a special person in the club. The greatest disservice to the hobby is folks who have trees stolen reporting to the media unbelieveable dollar amounts as to their value. Hence creating more interest by would be thieves.
