A Modest Proposal - NABS
James Waddick (Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:14:30 PST)

Dear Friends,
Apologies first to a unnamed corespondent, whose message I
have edited mercilessly in section "1" below.

I propose a name change for the Pacific Bulb Society to 'The
North American Bulb Society'.

1. PBS really is move diverse than the name suggest :
Although our group is called the Pacific Bulb Society, it's
only that in name. In terms of the interest of its members there
don't seem to be many limits. Tropical plants are rarely discussed
and are low on the list of items included in the wiki. The group grew
out of a wish to be inclusive, friendly and geared to gardening.

The PBS list now has 469 members. I wish we had a different
name to reflect who we are. If you look at the Board members of what
will be the new board, there are two from California, one from
Arizona, one from Oregon, one from Pennsylvania, one from New Jersey,
and one from New York so that represents a range of climates.

Actual members are even more diverse.

2. The PBS actually reflects a North American, not just
Pacific interest in all sorts of bulbs. There is no North American
Bulb Society. There is no American Bulb Society. (Either name would
be very appropriate, but would suggest input from other North
American interests (you know who you are ! )

3. A new board and officers will further reflect the diversity.

4. As 'The North American Bulb Society' our group will
attract even more interest from people (like me) unhappy with joining
a group centered only on Pacific Coast interests (as the name, not
the content, suggests).

5. With a new slate of officers and a new board, this is a
good time to seek a change of name that better reflects the
membership and the interests of the organization.

6. Isn't it time for a true North American Bulb Society ? The
structure and organization already exists. The name change is
relatively minor - in name only. It can only strengthen our group.

Can we talk about this and get a response from the
organization that hosts this web exchange?

Best Jim W.
--
Dr. James W. Waddick
8871 NW Brostrom Rd.
Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711
USA
Ph. 816-746-1949
Zone 5 Record low -23F
Summer 100F +