What would you tell yourself when you were younger? (in relation to bonsai) + Book recommendations

[coh]

You should hear me when I've been drinking .

No thanks! LOL.

The question was what would I say then if I knew what I know now--I answered "Get out and meet people in person, the crap you're watching online is most likely bad for you and your trees." For some reason, exception has been taken to that--which is part of my point. We can argue about whether the Internet has made things worse---and it's probably likely, look what it's done to public discourse in general-- or about the value of actually DOING bonsai.

First off, I fully agree with your view that people should get out and go to good shows, good clubs, etc. Some of the online instruction out there today is pretty damn good (Boon, Ryan, etc) and I do think people can advance their skills that way, but there is still lots of benefit to be gained from actually seeing trees in person and working directly with someone with advanced skills (both in bonsai and teaching). That's why I often recommend that people look for a club in their area.

However, remember, you're the one who made the statement "Since everyone has gone online, I've been struck by the regression bonsai has faced." Don't take offense if people don't agree. I think it's a very debatable statement. And even if it is true - let's say that overall there has been a decline/regression, is that necessarily a bad thing? I would guess there are more people involved in "bonsai" (or what they think is bonsai) than ever before. Sure, many will never advance past the stick in a pot stage, but if you start with more people interested, eventually you should wind up with more people who will find their way to good information (which is very readily available), and thus more people who have/do "good" bonsai.

Ultimately this will all be sorted out after both of us are gone. I'm still not convinced that the internet will have turned out to be a good thing for civilization.

 

[coh]

It’s all about the trees. Nothing establishes a pecking order faster than posting your best work. Anyone thinking watching Ryan’s videos has turned himself into a pro, post them up and I’ll tell you where you fit in.

I don't think I've ever seen anyone here claim that "watching Ryan's videos has turned himself into a pro", that's just your party line for some reason.