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[email protected]

I've been on BP for probably 6 years now, seen people squable, argue and disagree, but why are we now so critical of everybody, I used to look forward to reading the new threads, but all there is now is repeat questions, and or slamming someone for asking something.
What is so wrong with Jordan Grimes asking Joe P to email him.1 sentence and 1 question
If Joe doesn't want to answer, that's his business.
I think there are a lot worse things Jordan could be doing,
than asking for a seed.
And what's the big deal if he get's the "seed" and doesn't produce anything. Who cares. We should be supporting, not condeming him. Pick him up and dust him off, and point him in the right direction.

In a couple years, Jordan could very well be the guy that's overseas protecting you and your country, You going to condem him then also.

I'm sorry but this crap is really getting old. And it's not just Jordan, It's what some of us are making BP into.

Eddy

8/22/2007 1:15:09 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Good Job Eddy, I'm glad you said that! I support your thoughts.

Russ

8/22/2007 1:26:30 PM

Minnesota

I thought it was in good fun, he basically said what we were all thinking, it would be nice to have a puko's seed.

8/22/2007 1:45:33 PM

Wi

There are a few ways to look at this IMO. First many say new growers should not be planting top end seeds. Some people feel this way. I personally think that anyone with well prepped patch can have an equal shot at my seeds. There is no sense having the best seeds if you don't have a well prepped area. No 1068 will throw 1000# in a shaded questionable soil 250 sqft patch.

I was fortunate enough to receive seeds from Joe Pukos this year and planted the 1231 and 1225. BOTH of those plants went down to disease. It's unfortunate in that someone else could have grown that 1231. I feel like I wasted it and it's somewhat embarassing. I know it happens, but it still hurts. Hopefully next year I will have the problem solved and the 998 he was also generous to send works out for me.

I'm not real sure that Jordan's method of contacting Joe is the best way, but everyone's different. Maybe Jordan's persistency will carry through in patch prep and patch maintenance next season and he will in fact do a good seed justice. I know I'll do everything possible to swing lady luck my way for once.

8/22/2007 2:31:49 PM

Annapolis Valley Nova Scotia

I can't blame anyone for asking, I just wouldn't ask, but thats a personal thing. Nothing wrong with go getters in my eyes.

8/22/2007 2:45:31 PM

Ohio

Eddy, asking Joe pukos to email him is defiantly a repeat question on here,lol.

But I agree with you 100%. But I must say for the most part of the people on bp.com they seem to do it just for kidding sake and I'm guilty of that, thats for sure.
But there has to be a line somewhere not to step over and thats when people are just out right rude to people.

Brooks

8/22/2007 3:12:38 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

I am also guilty of kidding Jordan from time to time, but have also spent quite some time, trying to lead him in the right direction, and encourage him....thanks eddy and Brooks for making me realize that sometimes kidding sounds rude. Peace, Wayne

8/22/2007 6:07:24 PM

Vancouver Washington

For me there are some other issues here as well. I read the posts following Jordan's request. They seemed - for the most part pretty light hearted fun. I think people - including me do tire at times of Jordan's style of getting what he needs. I have met Jordan and he is nice young man who is very interested in growing.

With that said... We all know that we can't have every seed we ask for and that seed trading is more often than not built on relationship building and trading for other seeds.

Last year Jordan was given several good seeds from some very kind and generous people - who were all about trying to encourage and reward him for his interest. He has seeds from last year that i certainly wished i had. He recently told me that he has another 1502 and some other very nice seeds. I think it is great that some of the biggest growers have stepped up and encouraged him.

I guess I wonder if now might not be the time for Jordan to reflect about how supportive everyone has been and realize that the best seed stock in the world is not always just there for the asking. Sometimes we have to actually invest effort into gaining knowledge, working hard, and building relationships before we are granted things. I would also encourage Jordan to respond to all the critical feedback he has been given. I'd like to be to he first to offer him a trade. I'll trade you that 1502 you have for my 684 Raunig.

8/22/2007 6:09:28 PM

Minnesota

Well, I'm thankful for the seeds that I have been give, I can count 15 people (counting this year) that have or will give me seeds, literaly, they were'nt all 1502 caliber but some were close, some people gave a few, some more. Some day I would like to repay them. I'm glad I was'nt given a extremely nice seed (1502) my first year at trying to get serious about this. I made all kinds of stupid mistakes, planting in shaded area, drowning them, filing them all the way thru the shell coating. I also had a few watermelon seeds thrown in, they died, also sunflower, I have 3 sunflower comming up, hopefully they will keep growing. I don't know jordan, if he is a first year, I would say, yeah that's asking alot, 2 1502's, does he know they ask alot of money for some seeds, langvin has it on his site for 250 dollars (1502) Is that from jordans innocence, naive, persistence? I think if he's smart enough to ask for a super nice seed he's well aware of the ridiculing he could get by asking such a thing. Not that I'm against it or for it. Thanks for letting me vent, express myself.

8/22/2007 6:44:47 PM

Aloha, Oregon

I currently dont have my other 1502 yet just so everyone knows I will likely be getting it in the fall as I have to send a bubble.

Thanks!

Jordan

8/22/2007 6:49:28 PM

[email protected]

I'll be the first to kid, poke fun at etc, and as I said in the title "we" and that includes me as I am part of this site.
Making fun of Jordan started last year, and it seems to escalte every time he posts.
Does he deserve it, Maybe at first, but it just continues. and that's what is getting old.
Now has Jordan been rude, sarcastic, and for the lack of a better word, ignorant at times, Probably
But by continually harping, poking fun and harrassing him, aren't we, his peers as pumpkin growers, forcing him to fight back.
And by doing this to him are we any better in our actions than he is in his.
Also there was more to my post than Jordan.
I'm not seeing the great informative posts of the past anymore. And I think growers are staying away because they want to share information about growing pumpkins, not read about "Jordan's request for an email address" as an example
I'm just voicing my opinion.
Eddy

8/22/2007 7:01:02 PM

Cincinnati,OH

I'm with Eddy
Anyone remember Martin Reiss?
After defending his accomplishment for a couple of months he just got tired of it and never came back.

8/22/2007 7:16:46 PM

Rhode Island

eddie
i think whats missing is that a lot of people dont know that jordan is just a young boy. he sometimes writes down exactly what he is thinking.
ron spent a portion of the day he had at the pacific north west seminar talking to and having some lunch with jordan. the young man means well.
as adults we tend to sugar coat our comments or, if we do want to speak our minds we do it so as not to offend the masses.
young kids dont always know how to do that.
pap

8/22/2007 7:29:03 PM

Carrollton, Ga.

Well said men!
Doug Adams

Jn. 3:16

8/22/2007 8:11:47 PM

Vancouver Washington

I appreciate the way this post has turned out. I enjoy seeing people think through this stuff and sift through issues as group. Thanks for starting it Eddy. I understand what you mean about the bigger issue of the posts being overly critical, mean spirited, or ego-centric. I am always very appreciative of the input and wisdom of the long time stewards and mentors of the pumpkin growing community. There are lots of good examples here of how one should handle themselves before and after success and failure.

8/22/2007 8:39:12 PM

Leicester, NY

I didn't have a problem with what Jordan did. I'm always very honored when one wants to chat with me about pumpkins or requests one of my seeds. We've exchanged emails and all is well.

8/22/2007 9:08:39 PM

Sort of Sunny Sometimes, WA

I agree. I like the way this post turned out.

8/22/2007 9:09:30 PM

Minnesota

I'm beggining to think its getting toward the end of the season and people are getting tired, cranky, sensitive, maybe frusterated with there results.

8/22/2007 11:29:10 PM

Hayward, CA

Not sure if my opinion counts for anything. Personally, I would not feel comfortable if I were given a highly sought after seed and an unfortunate illness or insect destroyed it. That is only because I feel that I need to learn as much as I can to give any gift as prized as someone else's entire season of hard work, the absolute best chance for success that I can give. I have learned alot this first season but nowhere near the amount I will learn next year, and the year after that. I think if this website were not here, it would be alot harder to learn about the plants. That is why I have more respect for the people that have been doing this for a longer time. It was harder for them and took more seasons to get the same results that a "newbie" can accomplish in a single season with someone else's prized seeds. But as it was noted before, unfortunate accidents and incidents can take out anyones plants at any time. So why not give the chance to someone that can show the ability and eagerness to succeed. That someone may end up being a familiar name at the a future weigh off and you may be seeking seeds from him one day.

8/23/2007 12:23:46 AM

Austria

I think I have to make a apology!
Sorry that I have post some things about seeds!
I dont want to go on your nerves!
I only need 3 or 5 seeds in the fall and then I will be very happy!
I hope you have not the false impress of me....that I am a seed hunter and not a big pumpkin grower!
I have made my own diary and there you can see that I am a real pumpkin grower and not a seed hunter!
I think with my own diary I will show you that I can grow " Big " pumpkins without the best seeds!
But I think we don't can compare our austrian seeds with your america seeds! Your seeds are much better, so next year I will plant two seeds from europe and 4-6 seeds from USA! I hope you can understand me why I had post things about seeds!
Thanks!
Chris

8/23/2007 9:22:18 AM

Littleton, Colo

We were all rookies at one time. When I first posted on this sight I asked a question that I'm sure had been answered many times. Didn't know any better but learned along the way, just like training the main vine when it's young. I keep reading post about how they wouldn't plant a certain seed until they've learned more or the soil is better...but what if you never get that chance?? Something happens along the way and opportunity passes you by. Nobody knows what tomorrow brings ! Several times this year I've heard or read from non-growers how we pumpkin growers are "obsessed" or referred to as "pumpkin freaks".......seems to me we really only have each other to lean on and learn from....is it really that hard to help each other out ??

8/23/2007 9:34:11 AM

Somers, CT

Jordan, ask away for anything you want. Joe is a great person and if he decides he can not part with a particular seed he will let you know. He may even send some he likes and wishes to test. What you and everyone else may want to do is start asking for some newer seeds to test. You may get lucky. I planted one I received that was a cross of two very sought after seeds and it is doing well. Additionally, you may receive seeds from him or other growers that contain winning traits but is not from 2000 or 2003. Just remember to have fun and read WIZ, BIZ and Longbeard's diaries for some humor.

8/23/2007 9:59:40 AM

Colorado

What monkey????:<)

8/23/2007 10:38:37 AM

Jordan is a troubled adolescent who lacks proper parental supervision, and is allowed to spend hours in front of the internet, utilizing it as a babysitter, where he often receives negative feedback in his quest for attention from another human being.

8/23/2007 11:45:02 AM

Somers, CT

Wow, Bridgitte. That is deep. I guess Jordan needs to pick up a football and experience the outdoors with others his age. As for everyone else including me, we are all lost causes that are attracted to anything orange. I now have a faded "Orange Anglels" tee shirt. Strange part is that I just got it Sunday and cannot part with it.

8/23/2007 12:12:54 PM

Aloha, Oregon

Brigitte that sounded very false and very rude.

8/23/2007 12:19:26 PM

Knopp, Germany

Wow Brig. I can think of at least a dozen quick comebacks, much less the ones I could think of after a beer or two.

8/23/2007 12:25:56 PM

Knopp, Germany

BTW, your post sounds like an answer to a Social Psych 201 question.

8/23/2007 12:27:40 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

I think Brig is dead on.
Brig fer President!

8/23/2007 1:12:47 PM

Ohio

Dang Brigitte!!, tell us how you really feel?

8/23/2007 1:18:11 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Yep..she will give Hilary a run for the ticket..and we will not having to worry about the Gun Control issue. I think Brigitte called it out pretty straight.

8/23/2007 1:20:08 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Sorry Brigitte but your statement really irritates me. I'm sure you have no idea what this kid's real home life is like. Way to take a post from Eddy and do exactly what he was asking us not to do. Don't they offer an interpersonal communications course at the college that you attend? At least Jordan grows his own plants; I saw your diary. We don't all have mothers that are willing to grow our plants for us I guess. Ouch it kinda stings when someone attacks you like that, doesn't it? So quit doing it to other people. Bottom line, get what you can get; plant what you want to plant.

8/23/2007 1:55:13 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

LongBeard, I hope your not claiming those monkeys on your short form.....Yo Biz can I borrow those handcuffs tonight?

8/23/2007 2:04:10 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Once again I find it necessary to remind some of you that "I like cheese"

I think that Brig attempted to school or mentor Jordan on the useage and proper communication on this website when he was new to the board.....and I guess she had an unfavorable experience while trying to do a good deed...I don't know for sure...just reading between the lines.

8/23/2007 2:04:14 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

Ok, I am going to throw myself out here to get bashed.....
Like it or leave it, those of you who weren't here when we tried to help jordan, only to have him tell us "if you arent giving me seeds I dont want your help", or when he logged on with a womans name pretending to be someone else to get seeds, or maybe when he told us that when he grew the next world record we wouldnt get any seeds, of maybe when he threatened to have the police come after us....lol, lets not forget the times he told us that he deserved the 1068 more then us and could grow it better..lol...yes its comical, but to say that he is just a kid and that is normal is pure BS, sorry folks, I have two children, 14 and 15 years old, they do not act like this, nor would I allow them on a chat site without my direct supervision.
I am as guilty as the rest for "slamming" Jordan, but we did try to give him advice and direction, night after night until he pissed off everyone that was trying to help him, and yes there were many of us!
Is he just a kid...yep, but don't tell me that the stuff he pulled is normal and just kid stuff... everytime you folks that didnt see his nonsense (and there was way more then i could possibly post) make excuses for it, you are just enabling him.
once again, like it or leave it, I don't mean to start a pissing match or continue one, but he has been so far out of line that people want to stop him before he starts at this point.

8/23/2007 2:10:55 PM

Knopp, Germany

Tom, how many times have you told your own kids to ignore ignorant behavior?

This website is only as good as we make it. Unfortunately there are way too many people that will jump on some bandwagon, either hey I got john doe seeds, or hey, i was at this patch tour, or hey, guess where i lept last night, the XXXXX schack.

Do not try to BS those of us that have been around the block.

8/23/2007 2:23:40 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

Owen, unfortunately i dont comprehend yer post after the "how many times have you told your own kids to ignore ignorant behavior?" part
Just how do you figure I am trying to BS anyone? Curious to hear how your block is different?

8/23/2007 2:28:41 PM

Littleton, Colo

Ever read the book.." Give a monkey a cookie" ?? Great story. Puts LongBeard to sleep just like that !

8/23/2007 2:36:48 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

lol

8/23/2007 2:45:00 PM

Knopp, Germany

if you can't lead a horse to water, why keep trying?

sometimes i think it gives some of us a kick to beat up the horse, even when we have done all we can do.

ignore the horse, it will drink when it is ready.

8/23/2007 2:47:00 PM

Westford, MA

Why pickup a football??
When you can play "NFL 2007",John Madden version, on-line.
Seems like my 13 & 18 year old(not to mention wife)are always on their computer.
owen
Was that German Beer, or plain Amer.lite(I'm watching my girlish figure), I lost you on your earlier comment too.
kevin

8/23/2007 2:50:16 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

thank you Owen will do.

8/23/2007 2:50:31 PM

Dillsburg, PA

I think most peoples problem with Jordan over the last year stem from their chatroom experience with him. I don't chat all that much but I can tell you that he has typed some wierd stuff when we have both been on at the same time. I recall him stating "I'm going to kill myself if i don't get a 1502". He seems like a good enough kid and I certainly think that this hobby benefits him socially/emotionally. I worry about him on other boards and running into trouble. I'm also concerned that at his age he is too involved in this hobby and is missing things other kids normally do (sports, girls, school).

8/23/2007 2:56:15 PM

Colorado

Hey!!!

8/23/2007 2:56:33 PM

Westford, MA

What if it's a blind horse in a pumpkin patch Maze,
you want him to drink some Compost Tea w/alfafa, and add to your organic matter.
You wouldn't want him to accidently crush a Main, or bump in to your prize winner.
"Even a blind squirrel finds an occaisional acorn."
kevin

8/23/2007 3:00:07 PM

Littleton, Colo

Do we go to Tribal Council tonight?

8/23/2007 3:37:04 PM

Hayward, CA

So, does it go without saying " If you can't say anything nice......"

8/23/2007 3:41:17 PM

Aloha, Oregon

I have never said: "I'm going to kill myself if i don't get a 1502". I never have.

-Jordan-

8/23/2007 4:28:57 PM

Westford, MA

(tom toms in background)
The Council is gladdened that you won't snuff out your
candle, Little Sprout.
Don't forget.
"When the Chips are down,
The Buffalo run."
kjk

8/23/2007 4:38:10 PM

Ohio

So whos going to be put on the block, and who will use their power of veto is the real question Biz!,lol.

8/23/2007 4:45:40 PM

Wi

I think many of us can read Jordan simply from the responses he has posted to this thread. Like I stated in my original post, everyone is different and we have to respect that for what it is.

8/23/2007 4:56:20 PM

Minnesota

I'm not in the shrink business, I'm in the make the giantest pumpkin in the world hobby business. Something charlie brown and the peanuts gang would be proud of. I myself may just break my 100pd pb, I have 1 that is about 15 pounds, 1 that is about 2 pounds, and there beggining to tare up the patch, with a good month or so to go,)many died, I had to start over) Hoohah, Gung ho, Oohrah, yahoo. Thank You

8/23/2007 5:29:35 PM

Littleton, Colo

Just so everybody is aware ,I think "The Wiz" has the immunity idol . :)

8/23/2007 5:46:50 PM

North Smithfield, RI USA

If Jordan grows a world record someday,,, What will we say ???

8/23/2007 5:49:04 PM

Somers, CT

Luckily I can get my son outside with the football instead of hiding in the batcave with Madden too often. I really think the kids on our street like the real game better. I agree with the dark side here. Now that it was mentioned I remember the chat room incidents that drove our highly-regarded admin (and site owner) to drink heavily.

8/23/2007 5:49:15 PM

Dallas, Oregon

can we get a group hug? yes, you too Jordan. does everyone feel better? good, now out to the patch. lol

8/23/2007 6:46:19 PM

Somers, CT

I am just trying to pump up the response numbers. This is the best showing that did not say "Happy Birthday _____" in some time.

8/23/2007 7:06:27 PM

Rapid City, SD

ok.....my 2 cents......i tried to refrain.....but.....just last night this young man.....after at least an hour of me helping him.....helping with tips to grow a big pumpkin...as in ammending your growing area........the seed your grow will not matter until you get your growing area ammended....managed to just ignore any advice and stated that when he gets a 998 he will grow a 1000 pounder...jordan i hope you do.....good luck

grow em big
matt

8/23/2007 7:37:32 PM

Aloha, Oregon

I can grow a 1000 pounder I just need good soil which includes the awsome amendments,The right Genetics, and Luck.I Litsened to you Matt I was jsut telling you the genetics is part of the key.

Thanks!

Jordan

8/23/2007 7:44:45 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Back to the top (of this thread)...Iceman, I think you have done a good thing for all of us...making us watch what we say, I know that I will. The repeat questions will be a constant as long as this site grows, which is a good thing,(new folks ask "new questions"), I think!!! Hope you stick around, as you are one of the truly good ones!!! Peace, Wayne

8/23/2007 8:34:44 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Kids

8/23/2007 9:18:21 PM

New Castle, Pa.

I like pierogies.

8/23/2007 10:54:26 PM

Cornelius, Oregon

Wow, a very interesting read this thread is. There are definately differences in the new growers, the old timers and those inbetween. I have been growing giant pumpkins since 1992, atlantic giants since 1993 and have seen many growers come and go. I have even been the "Jordan" of the Pacific NW group and worse, heck I was put on probation for a year at one point. I heckled people for seeds constantly (still do). I have even spent nights in the 'seed room' at Jack and Sherry LaRue's house. (I promise I didn't sneak into Lisa's room Sherry) It took years before I started figuring things out and could focus my energy. But then it happened, I grew a few nice fruit and was able to begin to repay those who helped me when I was going through the "Jordan" phase.

8/24/2007 12:52:10 AM

Aloha, Oregon

Well said Brett.

8/24/2007 1:05:44 AM

Cornelius, Oregon

Recently at our patch tour I sat at the table with Jordan and his father and my two boys who are but a year and 2 years older than Jordan. I saw a dad who loved his son, and a young teenager that has a passion. How many young teenagers do you know who have a passion? His posts and chats may sometimes be inappropriate, but give him a few years to learn, not only pumpkin growing, but a little thing called life. I know I wasn't perfect at his age, nor are my boys, but guess what, he likes to do the same thing everyone else on this website likes to do, and that is grow giant pumpkins.

8/24/2007 1:07:00 AM

[email protected]

Is it winter already?

Well the dogs were whistling a new tune barking at the new moon...

8/24/2007 1:26:49 AM

Wood River, IL ([email protected])

Brett,

Those are 2 of the best postings I've read in the year and a half I've been on BP.com.

Kenny

8/24/2007 6:21:14 AM

ordinary,VA

Group hug everyone:)

8/24/2007 6:30:20 AM

Carrollton, Ga.

Here is something I posted in the What is the best advice you have ever gotten post:

Some of the best advice I have gotten about Bigpumpkins.com is when someone makes a post you don't like just ignore it. Don't say something smart, or rude back to them. Same for chat, if someone really bothers you just don't respond or talk to them. If you don't have something good to say, jut don't say anything.
Doug
Jn 3:16

8/24/2007 9:15:39 AM

Georgia

Good advice Doug thats why I dont repond to Jordons posts unless I can help him out with something other wise I just chuckle and read whats to follow. Good luck to all were coming up on September and its make or brake. Wish yall more makes then brakes.

8/24/2007 9:33:50 AM

Westford, MA

Congratulations on your World Record, Little Sprout!!!





























Got ANy Seeds for a Buddie????
kjk

8/24/2007 9:45:26 AM

Minnesota

How about establishing a Teen category on Chat, Replacing the everpopular "Squash Talk" category so the Kids can have their very own place to go? Then when anyone, Any age of course grows ANYTHING over 150 pounds they will be given a passcode to enter the other chat rooms.. This way they would go from "Newbie Talk" To "New Grower Talk" to General Discussion? We could also have a "Time-Out" room for those who have been deemed as sarcastic, Mean, grumpy or just plain out of bounds.. Tom for president.!!!

8/24/2007 10:33:07 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Great Idea

8/24/2007 12:20:14 PM

Austria

Great idea! ( because I have a pumpkin over 400 lbs yet!)LOL
Lg Schiedi

8/24/2007 1:19:08 PM

Ohio

I like roman noodles, they cook in less then 2 minutes and you can get all kind of diffrent flavors.

8/24/2007 1:45:35 PM

Ohio

the chili is my favorite.

8/24/2007 1:46:27 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Brooks, you've lost it buddy :)

8/24/2007 2:08:31 PM

Minnesota

Hey, try sprinkling parmesan cheese on roman noodles, it aint bad.

8/24/2007 3:06:39 PM

Georgia

I prefer to put Cayenne pepper on my Ramen noodles.

8/24/2007 3:20:43 PM

ordinary,VA

Brooks i hate those shrimp flavored noodles. donT
know why cause i love seafood?

8/24/2007 3:54:03 PM

Minnesota

I like a nice big juicy steak, the size fred flinstone eats, the size of a dinner plate, a giant baked potatoe, covered with sour cream, a salad, and a perfectly done piece of cheese cake, and a nice glass of beer in a frosted mug, large size, make it snappy.

8/24/2007 6:29:02 PM

Pataskala,OH

Here is something I posted in the What is the best advice you have ever gotten post:

Some of the best advice I have gotten about Bigpumpkins.com is when someone makes a post you don't like just ignore it. Don't say something smart, or rude back to them. Same for chat, if someone really bothers you just don't respond or talk to them. If you don't have something good to say, jut don't say anything.
Doug
Jn 3:16

8/24/2007 9:15:39 AM

8/27/2007 7:54:34 PM

Pataskala,OH

how did that happen

8/27/2007 7:55:08 PM

Nipomo, California

Bohica, I couldnt agree more with ya. Nicnic, I'll follow your advice.

8/27/2007 8:39:41 PM