Boy howdy,...does this ever need bumping!

Why did some one respond to this when it says not to so it will stay at the top? After there are X numbers of new threads started after a post is posted, the 'said' post will start to drop, even if there are no replies. I'm thinking someone did a test, just for fun, at the Test Forum to see just how many new threads it would take to get a thread to drop even though there are no replies. There are likely a few examples of this at the Rate and Review Forum...a thread with no replies that has dropped on down the page. Sue...rbb Here is a link that might be useful: Rate and Review

Hi onthebrinck, Welcome to The Plant Exchange. wasn't able to open "Special Instructions" for this forum, so forgive me if I'm not playing by the rules. You're doing fine, and playing by the rules. The link to the Spec Instructions is malfunctioning, but here they are (Special Instructions for Exchanges) in a thread that we kind of try to keep bumped up to the top of page one here so it might be found and read. Ok, first things first. You should get your Member Page email link set up so that you can be easily reached for trading. Please see addressing newbie and newer member issues for instructions on getting your email link set up. I suggest you also set up your garden zone (if known) as well as your location, in the one box provided for the garden zone. That way, your location will be shown on your Member Page and will also automatically be shown whenever you post. See, I am zone 5/6 S INDIANA Ok, lastly...I'm assuming that you have cuttings of the things shown in the pics. I'd suggest you list either in your post, or better yet, on your Member Trade list, just what you have for trade...ie, cuttings of white azaleas, cuttings of Abelia, cuttings of unknown boxwood and holly, or be more specific if you know what cultivar they are. If you have any of the above rooted, that is even better and you should note that they are rooted cuttings. I'm not interested in trading, but would be glad to send you cuttings of numerous named sedums, for postage. It sounds like you already know that they are easy to propagate from cuttings. I require postage up front, and also that a member have both an email link and a location set up on their Member Page. If interested, once you get set up, just drop me an email (via the link on my Member Page) and please be sure and mention your Member Name, because even though it is sent via GW, the Member Name often is not shown. Sue...aka chemocurl

Well, the Special Instructions as well as the FAQ are in need of some serious updating. Example...Special Instructions The exchanges were created to facilitate the arranging of trades of plants and seeds between members. Please do not use them to solicit donations, ask for free plants or seeds, or ask for items in exchange for postage. All requests must be in the context of arranging a trade. If you have nothing to offer at this time, please wait until you do. The exchanges were created to facilitate the arranging of trades of plants and seeds between members. You must be 18 years or older to participate. Please do not use them to solicit donations, ask for free plants or seeds, or ask for items in exchange for postage. All requests must be in the context of arranging a trade. If you have nothing to offer at this time, please wait until you do. This totally leaves out addressing members offering up their excess for postage. Each post must have a type of trade, subject and a message. Might this be better, or something similar? The exchanges were created to facilitate the arranging of trades of plants and seeds between members. You must be 18 years or older to participate. Please do not use them to solicit donations, ask for free plants or seeds, or ask for items in exchange for postage. If you have nothing to offer at this time, please wait until you do. Could the Type of Trade choices at the bottom maybe be changed to Wanted and Have so that one could post offers of their excesses for postage...as in,"Have mixed irises for postage" or Have Strawberry plants for postage?" Or could there be a third option of Have for postage. Or better yet, make it a Type Of Transaction, with Wanted or Have. Often members have excess, and they really aren't wanting to make trades at that time. The FAQ could be set up to better help newbies. Maybe first making an FAQ Outline would be best to arrange the Information and questions in sort of a logical order? 1-Getting set up and started A--setting up your GW profile, garden zone and location, email settings So many new members don't have a member page email link, thus there is no way to contact them. Could the default setting when one joins be changed to Allow other users to send you email via forms at our site. It used to be that way, but somehow got changed several years ago B--setting up your Trade Page C-Member Page Blurb-share a bit about yourself or your gardening style and/or challenges. 2--Nothing to trade? Watch for members posting their excess plants, bulbs, etc for postage. Check out the Seed Exchange, for either trading seeds or checking out the many generous Seeds for Postage Offers. 3--Posting a trade --checking The Rate and Review Forum for member reviews. Basically the FAQ as they are could be scrapped, as even the one covering What is the best way to package and ship plants? doesn't cover bulbs which are packaged dry (daffodils, tulips, etc), or iris rhizomes that are packed dry, or many rooted plants that can be sent dry, with roots not wrapped. There is no cut and dried way, so under packing plants it could list some that are the exception to the rule, or that can be packaged either dry or moist. When in doubt about the packaging, check with the member you are trading with. The FAQ How do I get free Priority mailing supplies? is pretty well obsolete. The FAQ How can I be sure of a fair trade? is also obsolete as it states, "GardenWeb cannot be responsible for 'rating' traders, or keeping lists of those who do not follow through on agreed trades. It makes no mention of checking the The Rate and Review Forum before making a trade, as well as rating one's trading partner after the trade is completed. Just my 3 cents.....for now anyway. Sue...rbb