[NAFEX] ideas, oh ideas!
Heron Breen
breen at fedcoseeds.com
Tue Oct 19 21:59:03 EDT 2004
Well, a few here and there...Okay, I definitely think there is some value to an
electronic format, at least for catalogueing the past and offering compediums,
which I would definitely buy, I mean a complete set, beginning to end. Having an
online space for pictures, with links listed in Pomona, or an online version, is
not a bad idea, but I would never substitute the tech for the papyrus. Paper will
last, digital format is to changeable, obselete, and degradable. I want to be able
to read Pomona when I lose electricity during our winter blizzards.
But I think the concept of coming up with an advertising/fundraising item that is
of interest to NON MEMBERS may be how we get more members and make money. The
exchange on PDF and etc, made me think about an idea I pitched a few years ago: Is
there any obstacles to a searchable, cd version of the Apples of New York, maybe
the whole set? I saw that I think the Minnesota Grape Growers, or someone had done
the Grapes of New York. The old copies are becoming, well, older, and rarer, and I
know this can be done. I looked into doing the whole project and asked a few classy
tech designers I know, and they agreed easy as pie. Pears, Peaches, Cherries, the
whole caboodle...or has this already been done and I am the only fool who doesn't
know?
Here is the quandry I see: More people writing means more pages, means more cost,
and more members means more copies printed and sent. I don't think membership alone
will get financial solvency anytime soon. Many organizations use memberships to
cover distances left by grants and endowments, as well as products sold, but the
grants and endowments are a serious foundation element. This whole conversation
makes me think a revised direction is in order.
I would hate to think that the only thing I have in common with the rest of you on
line is fruit trees. There are lot of skilled hands here, and pens too. A larger
discussion seems in order...is there any way this topic can be brought into the
Pomona itself, and feedback solicited? This very type of Fast Moving Email stuff
leaves the very Pomona we are speaking of in the dust. At this moment, probably two
thirds of the membership doesn't even know this issue has come up.
Can we make a clear call to membership to be involved, raise funds, and brainstorm?
I think there is a lot of sharing left in this organization.
Lastly, there is a lovely, tasty discovery I wrote about last fall. I named the
apple Kiss of Shannon, and have since had taste tests with many fruit buffs and
flavor hounds. The least stellar recommendation was: an excellent dessert apple. I
will offer grafts for $18, and then shipping. The amount, minus rootstock cost,
will be donated to NAFEX. I will also be rooting softwood cuttings of the tree
(already met with success) and those will also be available, same charge. For more
info, contact me off list. I will probably be only grafting standards, but may be
budding smaller stock.
Lots said I know, bear with me,
Heron
More information about the nafex
mailing list