Jump to content
IPS 2025 SAVE THE SPECIES - Please Check It Out - Click Here For Video & Info ×
Monitor Donation Goal Progress of SAVE THE SPECIES - Click Here ×

  • WELCOME GUEST

    It looks as if you are viewing PalmTalk as an unregistered Guest.

    Please consider registering so as to take better advantage of our vast knowledge base and friendly community.  By registering you will gain access to many features - among them are our powerful Search feature, the ability to Private Message other Users, and be able to post and/or answer questions from all over the world. It is completely free, no “catches,” and you will have complete control over how you wish to use this site.

    PalmTalk is sponsored by the International Palm Society. - an organization dedicated to learning everything about and enjoying palm trees (and their companion plants) while conserving endangered palm species and habitat worldwide. Please take the time to know us all better and register.

    guest Renda04.jpg

Palm societies in decline?

DoomsDave

By DoomsDave
in OHANA NUI  -  OFF TOPIC SUB-FORUM

 Share

Recommended Posts

DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

Posted
Posted

Howdyall:

Some of the comments relating to the thread about this forum related to declines in membership of the IPS.

I can also attest to declines in membership in the PSSC.

I've heard, but can't confirm, that a number of palm societies have "gone broke" or vanished completely.

Anyone have any thoughts? Stories? Anecdotes? Gossip?

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

RedRabbit Grand Master

RedRabbit

Posted
Posted

Based on what I've seen there is limited incentive to officially join. 

Howdy 🤠

DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

Posted
  • Author
Posted
45 minutes ago, RedRabbit said:

Based on what I've seen there is limited incentive to officially join. 

What would be a good incentive?

 

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

RedRabbit Grand Master

RedRabbit

Posted
Posted
7 minutes ago, DoomsDave said:

What would be a good incentive?

 

Something substantial that you can't get on your own. I can't really think of anything though so it may be best to just make joining free.

Howdy 🤠

DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

Posted
  • Author
Posted
1 hour ago, RedRabbit said:

Something substantial that you can't get on your own. I can't really think of anything though so it may be best to just make joining free.

We give a free lunch at PSSC meetings (except the banquet), plus visits to nice gardens, plus the Palm Journal.

  • Upvote 1

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

RedRabbit Grand Master

RedRabbit

Posted
Posted
13 minutes ago, DoomsDave said:

We give a free lunch at PSSC meetings (except the banquet), plus visits to nice gardens, plus the Palm Journal.

Do you have to be a member to visit the gardens? I don't believe you do here.

Howdy 🤠

DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Just now, RedRabbit said:

Do you have to be a member to visit the gardens? I don't believe you do here.

You don't have to be a member.

I've found that the big draw is to be among kindred spirits, and the free lunch helps a lot.

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

Chris Chance Mentor

Chris Chance

Posted
Posted

I have actually stayed in the PSSC since joining at my first meeting in El Cajon. Every since I joined I got to experience and learn much more. Sure one wouldn't have to be a member to visit gardens but sometimes people only open their gardens to members. Also the journals are a plus. Honestly I don't have an answer or solution but wanted to point out why I enjoy being a part of the club. Maybe send some small seed packs with the journal that correspond with the palms they are covering? Not sure that's a good idea but it's something right? 

PalmatierMeg Grand Master

PalmatierMeg

Posted
Posted

People don't join groups like they used to. Maybe I look at IPS differently than most people. Whenever IPS membership is mentioned I hear comments like "What do I get?" and "I want freebies" and "Why should I pay money?" I take the attitude that my membership may help preservation of palms and their habitat, fund scientific research, allow publication of said research and the like. I'm not a member for the sake of me, me, me. I'm making an investment (and a cheap one at that) in the future of these plants that fascinate me so much.

  • Like 1
  • Upvote 4

Meg

Palms of Victory I shall wear

Cape Coral (It's Just Paradise)
Florida
Zone 10A on the Isabelle Canal
Elevation: 15 feet

I'd like to be under the sea in an octopus' garden in the shade.

RedRabbit Grand Master

RedRabbit

Posted
Posted
6 hours ago, DoomsDave said:

You don't have to be a member.

I've found that the big draw is to be among kindred spirits, and the free lunch helps a lot.

The last meet here had a free lunch to members, but if you do the math it isn't really worth it... I think there was some talk of an auction that you had to be a member to participate in. I know if they were auctioning some rarities that would be a good reason to join. :) 

Howdy 🤠

Kim Grand Master

Kim

Posted
Posted

It's funny Dave mentions the free lunch -- that has never even crossed my mind as a reason to be a member.  For me, the PSSC is all about meeting other people who have an interest in palms, especially those who have been into it a long time and have growing experience and a depth of knowledge.  But I also enjoy meeting the newer members who are just developing an interest in palms, and their enthusiasm is contagious.  The other part I enjoy are the private gardens.  In most cases, you should be a member or the guest of a member.  It would be very strange to constantly attend meetings in private gardens without even joining to support the organization. 

Meg is on the right track with her thoughts -- membership helps support the existence of everything to do with palms.  All of you are here on PalmTalk, which is available to you for free, but it is not really free -- the International Palm Society pays a lot of money to keep it going.  The members who pay their dues are supporting this.  It's true, the math doesn't really work, because actually dues don't even come close to covering the benefits IPS members receive -- PalmTalk, the journal PALMS, access to research, access to IPS travel, funding research, supporting preservation of palm habitat, encouraging awareness of the importance of natural habitat.  When we travel to a country like Malaysia, it has an impact -- small, but the people take note.  We go there to see palms, to pay people to take us to see their palms. We pay for transportation, guides, hotels, food, cultural entertainment, and side trips. It has an impact on their economy, and they become more aware of the true value of their protected natural lands -- making it less likely that they will be burned to plant more oil palms or to plant rice. 

  • Like 1
  • Upvote 3

Kim Cyr

Between the beach and the bays, Point Loma, San Diego, California USA
and on a 300 year-old lava flow, Pahoa, Hawaii, 1/4 mile from the 2018 flow
All characters  in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

Posted
  • Author
Posted
11 hours ago, RedRabbit said:

The last meet here had a free lunch to members, but if you do the math it isn't really worth it... I think there was some talk of an auction that you had to be a member to participate in. I know if they were auctioning some rarities that would be a good reason to join. :) 

We have auctions, membership dues, and pay for the annual banquet.

The love is there, which is what makes teh money flow. The question is how much. The PSSC does what the IPS does on a much smaller scale, and on a much MUCH smaller budget.

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

Darold Petty Grand Master

Darold Petty

Posted
Posted

Yes, What Kim said !!  :greenthumb:

  I am a Life member of the IPS and a Patron member of the Southern California affiliate.  I have had many unique experiences on Biennial trips, ones that would never be available to an individual traveler.  Before the internet the IPS was the only accessible source of information about palms.   Palmtalk is provided to ALL by a venerable organization with diminishing membership and revenues.  Please consider a financial contribution !  :winkie:

  • Like 1
  • Upvote 2

San Francisco, California

Matt in OC Grand Master

Matt in OC

Posted
Posted

Speaking as a relatively younger member of the society, I think it would be more of an incentive to see how the IPS puts membership dollars to work on preserving palms, research, etc. I'm probably not looking in the right places, but I think this should be the primary driver of membership.

I don't mean to paint in broad strokes, but young people really do like to feel like they are making a difference in the world. The IPS should make the most of this and consider conservation and education as vital to its mission and be the focal point in advertising. 

  • Like 1
  • Upvote 2
PALM MOD Grand Master

PALM MOD

Posted
Posted

For those who are new to palms (and that includes the last 5-10 years) - you have no idea what it was like to be crazy about palms 30-40 years ago. I would suggest that without the IPS, I may have never become involved back then. Just having a small organization with a publication (it was pre-internet), gardens to visit, and people with a like mind to meet, was indispensable in my pursuit of enjoying palms and gardening. The "palm world" today is one that wouldn't look anything like it does today without the IPS and it's affiliates. 

Everything you enjoy now - the plethora of newly discovered palms, their identifications and classifications, the shared knowledge of a world wide community, easy accessibility to purchase almost any palm or seed at reasonable prices, PalmTalk, etc. - are all things directly attributable to the decades of enthusiasm and dedication of those in the IPS.

IMO - many of you take all this for granted. But I do not. I remember how hard and expensive it was to acquire my first tiny Chambeyronia, and the amazement when first seeing a palm with a flamboyant new red leaf, discovered on a remote exotic island - that would grow in SoCal. We have come a long way. So, it is not so much what societies offer you now - your membership dollars are more of a payback for everything you are enjoying today, and that you don't realize is available only because of those who supported these societies before you. And to see it continue and progress.

I value a dollar as much as the next guy. But I think my 12 cents a day to support the IPS or an affiliate ($45/yr) is a small price to pay in appreciation. 

  • Like 1
  • Upvote 5

Thanks to those of you who help make this a fun and friendly forum.

Hammer Grand Master

Hammer

Posted
Posted

I enjoy PSSC for the journal and the great friends with whom I can tour public and private gardens.  That alone is worth the price of poker.

I love IPS for Palmtalk. 

As others have said, there are benefits I am reaping today that I am not even aware of due to pioneers in the past.  So for that too, I am thankful. 

  • Like 1
  • Upvote 1
Pedro 65 Grand Master

Pedro 65

Posted
Posted

Ive only been a member of the IPS for a few yrs ( Thanks to Palmtalk)  as raised as a country boy , and spending years at sea  I didnt even know it existed. ( I didnt start browsing on PTalk till 2010, as I hadnt heard of it  simply because I wasnt a member of any Palm Societies.. When I got into palms I bought plenty of Palm  books to gain  knowledge, which sent me to Cairns to hunt and gather etc. IMHO, its not just the IPS or Palm and Cycad societies that are in decline, most societies are in decline as there's so much info here on the internet "Plus" Land and House prices have skyrocketed since I was young  so its So Hard for the young to even buy a home with soil, most suburban new house and land packages here in Oz have such a tiny areas to even plant a garden as the houses nearly touch ea other. Im not a member of any Oz P&C Soc , I was yrs ago for a few yrs but once I bought a load of books I felt no need to belong.  I must say that raising 5 children, I wasnt interested to be surrounded by people in someones garden I rather do it alone at my own pace and when I have the time and same goes for travelling o/seas. Ive no doubt gone "off track" in some of above but just sharing my own thoughts. Dean, I rang Liz Stansfeld and re subscribed to IPS just last week, I know I was late, but late is better than never  :)  Pete

 

  • Like 1
Kim Grand Master

Kim

Posted
Posted
On June 23, 2016 at 11:55:08 PM, Matt in OC said:

Speaking as a relatively younger member of the society, I think it would be more of an incentive to see how the IPS puts membership dollars to work on preserving palms, research, etc. I'm probably not looking in the right places, but I think this should be the primary driver of membership.

I don't mean to paint in broad strokes, but young people really do like to feel like they are making a difference in the world. The IPS should make the most of this and consider conservation and education as vital to its mission and be the focal point in advertising. 

You will see exactly this in new initiatives adopted at the recent Board of Directors meeting in Kuching, Malaysia.  I don't want to say much in advance other than it is happening now, and will be unveiled with the new IPS web site and parallel announcements here.  IPS has always supported research, which many don't know, but IPS will also have direct involvement in conservation. :)

 

  • Like 1
  • Upvote 1

Kim Cyr

Between the beach and the bays, Point Loma, San Diego, California USA
and on a 300 year-old lava flow, Pahoa, Hawaii, 1/4 mile from the 2018 flow
All characters  in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Matt in OC Grand Master

Matt in OC

Posted
Posted
9 minutes ago, Kim said:

You will see exactly this in new initiatives adopted at the recent Board of Directors meeting in Kuching, Malaysia.  I don't want to say much in advance other than it is happening now, and will be unveiled with the new IPS web site and parallel announcements here.  IPS has always supported research, which many don't know, but IPS will also have direct involvement in conservation. :)

 

Fabulous news! :greenthumb:

  • Like 1

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing



  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...