The American Orchid Society

[MrCym]

Those of you who know me personally are aware that I have been sadly but confidently predicting the demise of the AOS, as we know it, for quite some time. The level of incompetence exhibited by various officers, in the judging arena, in the planning of future activity etc is memorable, for all the wrong reasons. Now the long-time Editor of Orchids, Jim Watson has been terminated, supposedly for reasons of budgetary shortfall. It doesn't matter that some incompetent "suit" was hired recently at a high salary to do heaven knows what while the person who meets monthly publishing deadlines, year after year, will soon be gone. For all our overseas Forum readers, it is a sad day for a once proud and successful organization. I am happy to say that I am no longer a member and am looking for something else to take the AOS's place in the future world orchid scene.

[richardb]

That is sad news, Andy.
As a UK member I still enjoy the magazine even though I have seen it reduce from a fat informative publication to almost a pamphlet. There have been some practical items in recent issues, but I do get the impression that most articles are just so there is something to print.
I still like the printed copy to browse at will, so the on-line version is of little interest, but I guess I shall need to review my membership criteria (if any remain) when my current subscription expires.
With the RHS Orchid Review reduced to just four issues per year it is difficult to find another "regular" publication. I have always liked the German Die Orchidee from DOG, which is a fine publication but being in German one is reduced to looking at the pictures and deducing the content from the precis of each article which is usually in English.

Richard

[Gary S]

Andy

I stopped subscribing to the magazine a couple of years ago when the overseas subscription price went through the roof and the content started going downhill at a great rate.

I only get the AOR published here in Oz these days.

I also once subscribed to the Orchid Digest from the US - this was at least full of reading with no ads, but again they wanted a lot more money to post it air mail and it did not arrive on several occasions I was constantly chasing them up. I do not know what state it is in these days.

Gary..

[MrCym]

In that the Editor of the OD is the AOS President, I would say a state of disarray!

[Gary S]

It all sounds like the state of play then over there with orchid societies, magazines, judging and many nurseries is going from bad to worse!

More disturbing is, this can probably be said about the world orchid scene in general!!

Very sorry state indeed.

Gary..

[MrCym]

Well at least we agree, the AOR is the best orchid magazine in the world!

[Gary S]

It is a good read since David took over.

Gary.

[richardb]

I took the AOR for a few years, but have ceased now because it has become very Cymbidium orientated (No offence to other subscribers here).
I do still take the Orchid Digest.
Richard

[MrCym]

Well I take the OSGB magazine and if they would just ignore all those silly attempts to change names in the Odontoglossum Alliance, it would be a wonderful publication. The AOR is better than the Orchid Digest but the OD is OK despite its Editor! Though nowhere near as good as when Harold Koopowitz was in charge. Just my opinion of course. Any orchid magazine is only as good as its writers and all editors struggle for quality content these days.

[richardb]

It is my personal opinion that OSGB is a huge misnomer. Within "GB" activities centre around London and surrounding counties - to call it GB is just not accurate. The magazine is, however, a creditable publication.
Richard