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What do you think about Dirt Magazine online vs in the mail?
Love it! 21%  21%  [ 16 ]
Like it. 9%  9%  [ 7 ]
Undecided. 15%  15%  [ 11 ]
I wish we could go back to a printed edition. 44%  44%  [ 33 ]
Very dissatisfied and will not renew. 11%  11%  [ 8 ]
Total votes : 75
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 Post subject: DIRT
PostPosted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 9:56 am 
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Location: Hubbard,TEXAS
Having just spent the last two hours trying to print off the magazine, I've decided I don't like it. I tried to accept it on line, but it's a problem for me to print it off. My HP Laser printer is probably older than what will print easily.

Pat Akin


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 Post subject: DIRT mag
PostPosted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 1:37 pm 
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Location: Rockwall,TEXAS
I like the beautiful color and all, but is rather expensive and time consuming to print. I also have an older computer/printer. I did print the magazine all in black ink and that really helped. Maybe if we had the option of online or hardcopy....just a thought.


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 2:59 pm 
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I'm very dissatisfied. Howard constantly refers to how it is so much better because it has so many more pictures. I'm not interested in the pictures, I want information.

I spend all day reading at a computer, and the last thing that I want to do is spend my leisure time in front of a computer reading.

If I want a hard copy, I must spend my money to print ads that I'm not interested in.

I can't think of anything positve about the magazine being online except that Howard makes even more money because he doesn't have printing costs.


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Apr 28, 2005 4:55 pm 
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Even printing the 'Dirt' on a high quality lazer printer, (HP 5SI), the words in the adds are blurred. I complained about it when the DIRT first came out on line and was told that the advertisers were to submit new adds so when you print it they are clear and sharp. How many months later and they are still the same.

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Greg...
Converting one person at a time to Organics, the only way to go!! [ ME ]


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 7:10 am 
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I voted undecided because there wasn't a choice for "Didn't read it either way." I have a pile of unread printed copies and I have not bothered to look at the online version. I looked at the first few copies and didn't see anything interesting. I think I'm more interested in the science behind the organic soil program rather than pictures of Howard's garden. The black and white photos in the print version were worthless, as I think most people realized. And all the ads were for North Texas so I you live anywhere else you're not getting much out of the advertising.

I realize as a moderator I'm not exactly a Howard Garrett poster child, but that's how I see the Dirt.

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David Hall
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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 4:38 pm 
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Dchall-
Just because you are a moderator doesn't mean you have to be Howard's mouthpiece. I think the criteria for a moderator is, "do you know what you are talking about". You have proved that many times over IMO.
I think Howard likes the controversy over anything on this forum. When it comes to going against the grain, he has a lifetime of it. Ten years ago many people thought he was the nuttiest guy in town. Some people still think so but many more respect him for his knowledge and what he has done.
I've had disagreements with Howard before; I have even changed his opinion when I presented him with credible information. Please don't hold back even tho Howard or me or Captain Compost or whoever may not like it.
Tony M


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 8:49 pm 
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Location: Garland, Texas
Currently the only "information" that really interests me in Dirt is the "ponding" articles. I don't have one, but the idea has a certain lure for me. Fortunately, however I have a very good local resource for information regarding this topic and people on-site ready, willing, and able to answer my questions.

Pictures do provide an additional resource for flora and fauna identification, but alone do not merit the cost of membership IMO. And of course it is not practical to carry your computer monitor into the "field" :lol:


Wandering (and wondering) afield...
For those who have no interest in the content of the Dirt, or simply don't care for it's online (only) format; what will be the impetus to keep them (us) on the forum?

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sat Apr 30, 2005 3:11 pm 
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I think the forum is 10x more educational than the magazine. And as for the rest of the website, I've tried to look at it but I get lost in the navigation. Maybe it's me but I can never find what I'm looking for.

I'm a lot more active on another Internet forum than I am on this one simply because the other one is not 100% organic. In fact there's probably only 5 of us on their lawns forum that are organic. When you look at it, this organic garden program is so simple, how many times do you need to say it? How many different ways are there to say the same simple thing? On the other Internet sites there are people who have never been exposed to Howard or anyone (ever in their life) who even suggested that you can have great garden without using chemical fertilizer. My own mother is so set in her ways she can't bring herself to not use chemicals - she waters every single day for 5 minutes - I don't know what I'm going to do with her. On Howard's site, usually the people are already "organic" but for some reason never knew that they did not need to use compost every year, or they never heard about using corn meal to fertilize and get rid of fungal disease. Or they don't know how to water and mow. But after that they are on the program and don't need much help.

But I've learned a lot about turf, soil, watering, mowing, mowers, compost, and other aspects of turf management from the variety of participants on the other Internet sites, so I don't think you need a magazine to get people to come here.

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David Hall
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Dirt Doctor Lawns Forum


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sat May 14, 2005 11:44 am 
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dicksie wrote:
I'm very dissatisfied. Howard constantly refers to how it is so much better because it has so many more pictures. I'm not interested in the pictures, I want information....

...I can't think of anything positve about the magazine being online except that Howard makes even more money because he doesn't have printing costs.


I understand your frustration. However, some information is best illustrated with pictures and video.
8)
The cost of video production is much higher than the cost of printing. The cost involved with website development is another thing to consider. DirtDoctor.com is constantly evolving.

When the Dirt was in print form, it would sometimes arrive with a torn cover. I no longer have to worry about that! :)

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Nadine Bielling
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Gardener Exchange Forum

The Laws of Ecology:
"All things are interconnected. Everything goes somewhere. There's no such thing as a free lunch. Nature bats last." --Ernest Callenbach


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue May 17, 2005 4:51 pm 
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Posts: 47
Location: Hubbard,TX
My husband and I are not thrilled with the online version. In fact we liked the three hole punched version the best. The mailed version could be read right away when fetched from the mail box. Now if we want it that way we have to pay attention to the release date, go online, load paper, and print. This takes way longer and it's worse quality.

Having everything online has roaylly screwed us up. I had a user name on the forum (Pamzilla) and my husband read the magazine. That user name was given a free subscription but has now expired along with my user name. Now we have to share a user name. Actually only I use it because he doesn't use the forum. Why did the forum have to be members only? Didn't we want people not in the loop to join in the discussions?


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue May 17, 2005 6:22 pm 
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Pam, I totally agree with you on this matter. I liked the 8-1/2 X 11 inch magazine with the three holes the best. I could put each months magazine into a 3-ring binder. Then came the small magazines. No longer have the 3 holes. Next came the online magazine, which when printed on a high quality printer (HP 5SI Lazer) the advertisments are blurred. When the online magazine came out I complained about the blurred ads and was told that the advertisers were to submit new ads that could be printed clear. (See earlier posts) It has been how many months and still blurred ads. I am not as pleased with the new format as I was with the printed and mailed magazine. What about the people that don't have a computer or can't afford a computer, fixed budget? Also, I see a major decline in posts and more arguments since it went 'members only' I am also thinking about not renewing my subscription when it expires. I, like you, thought this forum would be a great way for non organic people to learn about and hopefully convert to the organic way. Now I have my doughts this will ever happen. Looking forward to seeing you, Cliff and Agatha on the 6th.

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Greg...
Converting one person at a time to Organics, the only way to go!! [ ME ]


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sat Jul 23, 2005 12:25 pm 
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Location: Dallas,TEXAS
I don't like the online distribution method of the magazine for a good many reasons that others here have stated quite well, so I'm not going to bother going over them again. To be honest it's a small issue in my world since the majority of its content wasn't useful to me personally.

What's more distressing to me as a once active member of this community is that the vehicle which serves as one of, if not the, primary means of getting people onboard and involved has been drastically hamstrung. These forums. Howard's radio program obviously gets tons more exposure, but in my opinion there is far, far less detailed information particular to an individual's specific needs disiminated via the show. Heck, the few times I've called in with questions about a problem, I was cut off before I could actually get my issue understood and answered fully either because of an impending break or Howard just felt like moving onto the next caller. Forums like this are where questions or problems are really addressed, via the back and forth sharing of information, experience and ideas.

That the forum has become 'pay to participate' is why I stopped showing up here and have moved on to other organic forums. I will not be renewing my soon to expire ground crew subscription either. From what I've read in this thead it would appear that a few other long time members regard this issue as I do. I'm sure there was probably a great deal of discussion and/or thought that went into the decision to make full participation in this forum a subscription based 'feature', but I've got to say that I'm still incredulous given what I thought the overriding mission was supposed to be here. :roll:

I am intimately familiar on a professional basis with the need for revenue streams to help support web-based content. The video segments, while not particularly useful for me specifically, as well as the magazine and other 'web exclusive' content are valid subscription-only items which should serve to generate revenue along with advertising dollars. Would that be sufficient enough to cover the costs of running the site? Obviously I have no idea of the specifics here and can't do much more than speculate. Regardless, the way I see it, the overriding mission of growing the organic movement absolutely was not helped the day pay to play was implemented here.

Lastly, for those of you still reading this rant, I'd like to extend a heart felt Thank You to all of the moderators and members here that helped me along the way. Good luck everyone and happy gardening.

~Dave


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Jul 24, 2005 9:09 am 
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Dave-
Thanks for your participation, I'm glad I got to meet you.
Tony


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 10:30 pm 
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Location: Denton,TEXAS
Dchall_San_Antonio wrote:
I think the forum is 10x more educational than the magazine. And as for the rest of the website, I've tried to look at it but I get lost in the navigation. Maybe it's me but I can never find what I'm looking for.

Since I'm still pretty green--HA!--at this organic stuff--and gardening in general--I have found some of the DIRT issues useful. I never saw any of the print ones, so don't have anything to compare against. I'll say this: I do like how one can print out just the article one is interested in. I don't have to waste time and materials printing out the entire thing just to get at one or two articles. So in terms of an on-line presentation, I think it's one of the best, most convenient I've ever come across.

Though, as one that works on a computer all day, I have to admit that I don't particularly enjoy reading books or magazines on-line. It just gets a bit draining on the eyes.

So what I generally do is skim through it really quickly and then just print out an article or two that I want to read. The other pages--and their ads I might add--loose out. Oh well.

Anyway, I have to agree with Dchall that the forum is by far the most useful resource to me on an on-going basis.

Dchall_San_Antonio wrote:
I'm a lot more active on another Internet forum than I am on this one simply because the other one is not 100% organic. In fact there's probably only 5 of us on their lawns forum that are organic. When you look at it, this organic garden program is so simple, how many times do you need to say it? How many different ways are there to say the same simple thing? On the other Internet sites there are people who have never been exposed to Howard or anyone (ever in their life) who even suggested that you can have great garden without using chemical fertilizer.

Yeah, and I think I know what site you're referring to. It's at that site I first learned about cornmeal and the luck you had with it from blackspot on roses (I think that was you) to the lawn.

Though, one downside to that site is the fact that they do not maintain old posts. I think this is a great loss because you can't go back and search through the old post to dig up some of the wisdom shared in past discussions. On numerous occasions I have found that to be very useful here.

Dchall_San_Antonio wrote:
But after that they are on the program and don't need much help.

Maybe some day I'll get to that point, but I'm still amazed at how much there is to learn, understand, and experiment. I'm doubtful that learning will end any time soon. At least I hope not. As an Example, that article in the news section of the July DIRT on bio-fungicides was interesting.


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 Post subject: Online Mag
PostPosted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 1:27 pm 
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Location: denton,TX
The problem I have with the online version of Dirt is that I tend not to want to read all the articles and stuff in it. With a printed version I can mull over the articles and go back to them with ease. I can also tear out info to put in folders for later use. With it online, I look over it quickly, maybe read some of the more interesting articles, but never go back to it again after that until the next month's issue. There's just nothing like having it in your hands and reading at leisure with a drink or snack in one hand and your feet propped up.


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