Thank you

[Cathy A]

The level of discussion is so much higher on this board than on gardening-related sites I have visited.

While it's good to have sites for beginners to learn, I am just delighted to also have a place that regularly discusses back crossing, heterozygosity, Xenia effects, self-incompatability, and much more.

Thank you to everyone who makes it possible, and thank you for making the new person (me) welcome quickly.

[AndrewB]

No, thank you Cathy!

When this board formed many of us jumped ship from the dying old forum run by Alan Bishop. It was a fantastic breeding forum with many unique discussions and projects that still continue to inspire me. In fact, it was projects like blue tomatoes (then still a very new thing), red-podded peas, corn breeding, and runner bean x common bean crosses that captured my interest and imagination. Joseph and others have continued to spread the word and gather more people here as time goes on. But up until now it has mainly been only a few of us participating on a regular basis.

I'm glad you find this forum so exciting and welcoming. I hope to see more posts like this from others and more posts from you! We can only keep making this forum better and more useful and exciting as more and more people join and post! Even if you feel a little timid or a beginner (as many seem to be or do), I still encourage you to post regularly! It is very refreshing to see new people on the forum and engaged! We are working hard to make this as interesting a place as possible!

Please spread the word of this OSSI forum in your other online communities and circles as well if you can!

[UnicornEmily]

I second Cathy's motion.  Here here!   

[Randy Simmons]

I third Cathy's post.  I feel like I learn something each visit it's a privilege to be a part of this group.

[Steph S]

No doubt about it.  It's mind opening to read about other people's projects.  I learn something every time, too.  Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and what you do.

[UnicornEmily]

It's definitely eye-opening.  It's also joyful!  It feels like, "Wow, there are other people who love going down a rabbit hole on these fascinating things, and they're willing to share their discoveries with me, and they're interested in hearing about my discoveries!  This is great!"

I may have just described friendship.