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Ohio

Can anyone tell me how I can join the AGGC? I have been trying for almost 2 years now and my emails to the site are not getting any response. I sure would like to join.

Brooks

2/23/2005 9:23:10 AM

Md/ Usa

the way heard it first you need grow over 700 lbs then it's a matter of the site owner deciding to allow new members.

2/23/2005 9:59:52 AM

Roanoke Il

I was once a member and gave it up for that reason It wouldn't allow new members. When the AGGC first started it was open to all to use for free. Then it became a pay site I then could see the direction she was going in then it became a privite club. When I first stared grow AG's growers didn't sell there seeds. Web sites where open there was a freindship between growers or a brotherhood you could say now sadly to say It is becoming a money sport and yes it has made it what it is today. It surely saddens me to see the direction in witch our hobby is taken. mark
P.S What are the real reasons for AGGC not to be open to all growers.

2/24/2005 6:44:54 AM

Just in case some of you have not noticed, this site has made some strides lately to clean up its content and filter out a lot of the BS posts that were ruining its reputation. It would be a shame to lose that momentum now. Mark P, perhaps you could save your naive, conspiracy theories for another forum.

2/24/2005 7:58:13 AM

Grants Pass, Oregon

Matfox, I dont believe the over 700 pound theory, Mike emailed me when I asked him to join and he gave me the instructions on how to sign up. My PB is only 598.5 , but I declined the offer to sign up.

2/24/2005 9:24:28 AM

Appalachian Mtns.

Yep, you made that one up Matfox.....I know Mike and that is *not* a requirement to join.
Don't disseminate false info dude, it causes trouble and makes you look like a donkey.

2/24/2005 10:48:32 AM

Webster, NY

Size of the pumpkin is not a factor to join. My personal best is only 412 and I'm a member. As far as the cost, he puts an enormous amount of his spare time and money into keeping the site up and running smooth. I think he is only trying to keep from going broke running the site. And I'm certainly not an expert, someone else might know for sure, but I assume with such a labor intensive database as he has, his server might only be able to handle a certain number of people at one time, so people have to be limited.

Just my opinions
Dave

2/24/2005 2:51:50 PM

New Jersey

What is the cost anyway?

Even a modest server could handle thousands of concurrent users. If the database and it's queries are designed well these should also not be a limiting factor. Site hosting isn't very expensive either, I sure hope it wouldn't make a software developer broke...

My theory on why it is a private site lies within AGitated's post... vandalism, garbage, and data quality degradation due to the contributions of the members themselves. But that's just a theory.

In terms of momentum lost. In Don Langevin 3rd pumpkin book he called the AGGC one of the most useful tools for new growers. Yet now, As the first post of this thread sort of indicates, there are more than a handleful of new growers who have given up on even bothering and are simply left out in the cold. Others who have tried to provide a system for these "outsiders" have been threatened with legal action, the assumption seems to be that if you have data about pumpkins it "must" have come from the AGGC... Based on my conversations the AGGC wasn't willing to give even 1 specific instance which would indicate this as being true, instead making blanket decisions about entire collections of data.

FYI Brooks B., When I made the public announcement about the existance of my website, I was emailed directly by Mike N. within a matter of hours warning me to obey the copyright laws. Yet somehow you can't get a reply for years. Face it, you must not be in the clique...

2/24/2005 4:18:45 PM

New Jersey

PS - Important note so others don't get the wrong idea, "warning me to obey the copyright laws" does not infer that I actually broke the copyright laws.

2/24/2005 4:28:01 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

I have to admit that the AGGC is the best AG website that I have found, I've been to other sites, they cannot touch the amount of data, pictures and ease of use that the AGGC provides. I design websites also, and I for one would not want the work load that Mike must have. I think that your mentioning a "clique" might have something to do with you trying to steer people your way GiantVegenetics.
Brooks, I would avoid the mob of unfriendly and inaccurate advice and keep trying.
Tom

2/24/2005 5:14:10 PM

Roanoke Il

I think its b.s why The AGGC isn't open to the public If the AGGC started private it would be different. No the AGGC was not that way in its begining. The sport wasn't what it was 5 years ago both have involed in to something that isn't pure like they were from the begining. There is no better forum to voice ones veiws.
If the truth be known half if not more of the growers feel the way that I feel about it. But most of them don't have the balls or are afraid of losing there membership to AGGC.
You know what Is great about the internet That someone comes along with a better site every few years giantvegenetics has some rough edges but with alittle more work I fell that it could be a far better site than the Aggc And maybe It will stay open to the public.
I never said that Mike doesn't work hard and down loading the info must take alot of time should Mike make alittle something for his effort yes he should Is Mike evel no just alittle of confused maybe to proud to ask for help Its his site he will do what he wants . But he should have never started the site the way he did then closed it. I feel that it was a coop from the start he didn't take a vote from his members in the direction he took That was wrong. He does what he feels or what he wants enogh said. Mark

2/24/2005 6:20:30 PM

Roanoke Il

The thoery of vandalism, garbage, and data quality degradation due to the contributions of the members themselves. Could be controlled by just not letting new members post or subbmit info untill they are proven trust worthy. That if that was the reason its a pretty dumb one. mark

2/24/2005 6:31:52 PM

Webster, NY

Everyone has good points, and I personally don't know the reasons. I can only guess like everyone. However, whenever I've comunicated with Mike he seems like an all right guy and I'm sure whatever his reasons are, they are justified. Bottom line it is his site and he can do with it what he wants. Just like this site, if Ken and John decide they are going to charge something, or change something, there might be disagreement, but they will do what they want. It belongs to them and it's their right.

2/24/2005 6:54:07 PM

New Jersey

I am in no position to judge the content of the AGGC. I've never been in it. You might think it's the best site on the internet, however the value of the AGGC is virtually zero for nonmembers. Like mark p said if you fall out of favor with Mike for whatever reason the AGGC could easily become worthless to you too. Had I been "driving" people to my site I would have posted the link eh? My mention of clique was simply the use of the correct word for the situation, sorry if you disagree. I'd be willing to call it a limited membership cooperative if you like? Anyhow we could wax philosphic all day but it's somewhat pointless.


There's hope Brooks B., perhaps Mike will come to see the discussion and you may get your wish? :) Good luck.

2/24/2005 7:01:18 PM

That State Up North

I hate it when people say I have no balls...
Probably shouldn't comment on all this because there are so many more productive things I should be doing with my time, but because it is a huge thorn in my side I had to read this post and see what the current gossip is on the AGGC. Once upon a time, what promise it had, I remember the good old days, Cucurbyte, the founding, the data collection, all golden memories. Time is precious for us all, and the time it takes to put something like that together is immense, and an undertaking of enormous size. Something, that if done properly requires a great deal of help. It is impossible for such a database to be constructed, accurate, and even moderately close to complete without the help of several individuals. I can see this, and would like nothing better than to see a complete and accurate database to exist for giant pumpkins (and no there isn't one in existence today even in my head haha). Over the years, I have offered help in creating such a beast, and will continue my efforts as time is available. With the help of other growers, such an interactive database is possible. For my efforts to have a complete, accurate, and freely available database, I am one of if not the most vial offenders of the AGGC as it exists today (even if I was a co-founder and early data contributor). If there is an interest in finishing my dreams, it will take some work, and I will need a few good pumpkinheads to pull together on this. Spending your energy griping, and pointing fingers isn't going to help the situation.

2/25/2005 12:28:15 AM

That State Up North

If there is anyone, with some energy and time to spare, some interest in such a thing, we need to work together. It seems that it would be useful that such a database be designed with a mind to genetics, and the application to our goals in pumpkin growing. Let's band together on this one, not draw lines in the sand, circle in cliques, and twist our undies. There is no reason we can't all have free data, pictures, and free seeds capable of growing 1000 pound pumpkins. Just takes a little love to nurture it along even if there is some sweat and blood between here and the finish line.

anyone who is interested in working on such a project (I know I am not the only person sitting on data and databases) Lets team up, see where we are all at, and unite. And anyone else who is sincere and interested, there are many ways to help out.

Nic Welty

2/25/2005 12:28:27 AM

Indiana

Nic,
I'm in!

I offered my 2004 data, and I never got a response.
I think we could have something up and working in just a few weeks, where do I send my seed lists and data to?

Tom Beachy

2/25/2005 1:08:30 AM

Key West, FL

I can offer up my seed info to anyone. I'll help you Nic.

2/25/2005 1:38:07 AM

New Jersey

My philosophy has always been it should be a community effort, never restricted from the view of a 'first time ever hearing of such a thing person'.

You have mail Nic, we should discuss and perhaps organize a time for interested parties to meet up for a chat if the interest drives it in that direction...

2/25/2005 8:51:31 AM

Joliet, IL

i never had a problem with the AGGC until
i got kicked out for possibly sharing genetic info on
this site. but i will never know because i have emailed
mike at least 40 time, no lie, with out one response
to as why i was kicked out. i have repeatedly tried to
at least get an explanation. NOTHING. no response.
this has left a bad taste in mouth that still lingers
to this day. i paid for 2 years and was kicked out with
over a year still paid up. that is a shitty way to run
a business, and a pussie's way out with out even the balls
to give an explantion to as why.


Mike, not responding to over 40 emails, that sucks.
it a f---ing joke.

2/26/2005 7:00:56 PM

Knopp, Germany

shazzy, you really should not hold back on your feelings

2/26/2005 7:08:41 PM

stop sending the guy info. on any big pumpkins you grow, sooner or later the site will suffer for it then maybe he'll have to open to everyone or have a site with lots of omissions. Ive personally never seen or had a desire to use the aggc website.

2/26/2005 7:20:42 PM

Joliet, IL

o,
you are probably right. too harsh and i am sorry.
i shouldn't vent my frustration here.
i apologize for language, but the
feelings are true. i have written so many emails
asking for at least a response that its maddening.
i just do not understand why not just respond and give
me an explanation why. i think i at least deserve that.
wouldn't you be a little ticked off?

2/26/2005 8:04:00 PM

Interesting dialog here. From what I have read, the AGGC's roots go back 7 or 8 years with the AGGC site going online 5 years ago. I wonder how many of you 'visionaries' here have what it takes to commit to such a project for such a period of time. Tons of work, no rewards, with the added bonus of seeing your name dragged through the mud whenever someone you don't even know is upset because you arent making enough sacrifices for them. Its always easy to throw stones, a bit harder to catch them. Be careful what you wish for...

2/27/2005 4:05:16 PM

Joliet, IL

i wish i knew why one day my password no longer worked.
i wish i got maybe one response from numerous emails sent
to mike over the past 9 months.
all i wanted was to have genetic info. i had it, then
it was taken away from me, why i do not know.

so then i was excited to find the ag lite. once again
i had the access to genetic info i was seeking.

then i read that it won't be updated because mike
is strong arming the competition along with
the 2 hour response to the giant vegentics for possible
copywrite infringements, when i can not get a response
for over 9 months. i have even asked some fellow growers on
here that know mike and said they would maybe see what the
deal was...no response.

so once again i will have my genetic privelages taken
away.

last night it boiled up too fast before i could edit my
words and i regret the vulgarity. i am usually a very
laid back guy always trying to help as much as possible,
but this one got the best of me.

sorry to all for my language, but all i wanted was
to have access to genetic info and i feel this being
taken away from again.

jeff shenoha

2/27/2005 8:34:33 PM

Roanoke Il

AGitated sounds like you might be Mike N. Our sport is one of passion When people are excluded from something which has been open and giving from as long as I have been involved with it and most likely from the start, people get mad and upest with actions that have been Taken bye the AGGC. I don't want to see the AGGC fold I never have I want to see It open to the public. If he needs a bigger server lets get it for him if Mike needs praise lets give it to him.If He needs help lets help him... Lets make the AGGC the best site in the world for all that wish to use it it could be such a valuable tool for all growers to help them reach there goals....mark

2/27/2005 8:36:41 PM

Nope. Not Mike Nepereny here. Just a fellow grower and AGGC fan.

2/28/2005 7:26:07 AM

New Jersey

Mike N. surely deserves credit for his contributions,
This is why Mike N. closed the doors, no speculation needed...


http://web.archive.org/web/20021202194633/aggc.1wh.com/aggc_main.asp

3/2/2005 1:43:11 PM