I am greatly surprised by the generosity of NGA members, and this makes me feel this is one of the main reasons I love this web site.

However ..... I have given acorns to new members, to let them feel welcomed and make them want to stay and actively participate. But when a member has joined NGA 3 years ago, has made no contributions at all, wants free acorns to participate in the Not-a-Raffle-Raffle, and has not even said 'thank you' for the ones received .......

I do not qualify to participate in the NARR, but feel the same excitement than the USA members and feel really happy when one of the active members gets one of the fabolous prices.

I know I am not the owner of 'the truth' and would like to know what YOUR opinion is about this.

Ursula, first off I try to give people the benefit of the doubt and assume something caught their attention or some other reason for someone not being polite...AND we don't have any control over that. However we do have control over allowing each of us to be on here as whoever we are and being gracious with one another.
Earlier today I posted something on a different thread about the generosity of folks on NGA it is because I had been having a low moment today and saw that people didn't just answer the question about acorns but they shared some too, it deeply touched me - even though this may seem silly it felt gracious of people to share, and I needed to feel that people care about one another even in this little way! So I wrote that I really appreciate seeing this and that I didn't have any to share but love seeing others sharing...people gave me acorns - how nice is that!!
Thanks for starting this thread, it is important for us to share our feelings!
Peace

Thank you for your reply, Greg. I really like it. I had read all your previous posts re. NARR and liked them too. You are a very kind/sweet person.

My feeling with this is that I think 'compromised' NGA members, that contribute actively with articles, pictures, gardening info, interesting threads, etc. (for which they earned their acorns) somehow deserve more being the winners of the prices than members that just visit from time to time, without being noticed.

Of course, none of us is able to 'sense' what a member asking for acorns is going through in 'real life' and what a difference these donations (that only provide 'the hope to win') can make in such persons current moment.

Thanks Ursula, and I agree very much, it is always nice to see a name I recognize win the raffle. I like taking pictures and feel confident enough to post them (even if a couple years later I see one and think, "Oh man did I actually post that on here!") but I think some people aren't able to do that comfortably...I don't diminish what you say though, I think both things
are important - people being able to engage on forums and database in whatever ways they are comfortable, and contributors getting recognized for their work/effort
I am amazed at how lovely so many people on here are and that is why I stay!

Hi Ursula, I totally agree with your post above. I'm sure I'll take some heat for this but being an old, cranky guy at times I can take it.

How can an individual who's been on this site for nearly 4yrs (since July 2013) have no understanding of how acorns work? I also noticed as you did that this individual has never made a post prior to the one yesterday basically 'begging' for acorns. Had I read this persons profile I may not have been as generous as I was in giving them any of my acorns (I know, it's better to give than receive). I've earned all of mine by either winning in one of the raffle's or with the ideas I've posted.

I know, you all are going to say, big deal, it's not like it's money you gave away. True, but again it's the idea that this individual has been on the site for going on 4yrs, never made a post, never contributed anything that I can find in their profile heck we don't even know what zone they live in.

So there, I've said my peace,

I joined in 2013. Didn't know about acorns until a month or so ago. That's mostly because I'm an on and off visitor. In fact, I was so happy about tarev's response to one of my questions I gave her 50 of my 70 acorns.
.... Then bought a few badges (because I figured I'd be hanging around the site a while longer this time, as the people and "atmosphere" has changed ((though I still recognized some names since my last visit like purpleinnop)) ) AND gave the rest of my acorns away to people I thought provided helpful posts, answers and ideas.
Now, I suggested a friend join NGA. Gave her my refer a link and lured her in with tales of the good folk here and the curious raffle. Also promised her half the acorns I may receive from the refer a link, so that she may buy her first ticket.
Those acorns never came. I was gonna ask someone for help/donation for her. But after reading this, I've decided against it. I think I'll just send in some data base pics, stare at the "loading" ticker, wait for a confirmation and give her her first acorns that way.
Btw, I wanted to give you an acorn for your thoughts, but alas I have none. It's the thought that counts. Consider my thumbs up an IOU.

Thanks for the thumb Sasha, no IOU necessary. I don't participate in all the raffles therefore I have some on hand to share which I actually don't mind doing. I do mind though as others do I'm sure when acorns are given but not even a simple 'thumb' or a written thank you is posted. I guess I'm just starting to get cranky in my old age

Like the above, Ive been on siince the beginning, really never got involved in the acorns until lately. I give them to people who dont have badges, or as an extra thumbs up. I did put a stop to sending people plants or things they asked for. Funny how people will just write you and say...I saw you had such and such, could you share. Well its gardening, and I love to share. Thing is, I too Im finding it to be not such a good feeling to go to the trouble and expense, and never get nary a thank you. Ive alway given things in life because I want to, not for a thank you. So...Ive just put a stop to that.
I know from personal experience, that coming here can be such a relief from a really hard life...medical...finance..kids...spouses, jobs, stupid people . I know things do get lost in the shuffle. I do try to always keep in mind you really dont know what people are going thru in real life.

Im worried now I have been given acorns I didnt thank people for. Im going to have to try to see if I can figure that out. I would hate to leave someone out.

I love the kindness of this site so I shook my tree and let a few 's fly.

Thank you Lin, you didn't have to do that, greatly appreciated.

Just my way of showing appreciation.

Thanks Lin!! I totally agree with you and thanks for unexpected acorns!!!

In response to people feeling hurt or bothered by someone not being gracious, I'm sorry, please continue being kind with an understanding that we might never know what impact our kindness is having on someone!!

There's a lot of negativity in the world and all types of people with different personalities and opinions. Some are givers, while others are takers and we sometimes can't know what another persons situation in life might be. Kindness is always a good thing and kindness can be contagious. My motto is "When in Doubt ... Choose Kindness."

I love the kindness of fellow gardeners and plant lovers on this site!

Humankind - be both.

Deb I love that

Pardon my French but I frickin' love you guys. Everyone here is so awesome. And y'all have the biggest hearts. I'm happy to have found this place.

Yes, me too!

Given the acorns I've earned were for things I would have done anyway (mostly database pics and comments, a few data mods), I have tried to sprinkle them around freely when I remember. It gives me pleasure to share and I never expect any sort of special thank you... sure, it's always nice to connect with people and I love bumping into someone random that way, but I personally would never have a problem with total silence... I try to give them like a sort of super thumbs up, which also does not need any reply.

Various people have been generous with me and I have not thanked them all personally for the gift... hoping that is not a terrible faux pas. Please forgive me if you look at this differently.

I was out and it's going to be too late this time to sprinkle a couple hundred acorns around in advance of the raffle, but rest assured I will shake the tree in the near future.

Well said everyone and Baja thank you so very much. Personally I couldn't ask for a better gardening site to be on or associated with the fantastic people here.