Are you a member of AOS?

[Tindomul1of9]

Those were thoughts too, money which I could use on books, or orchids, or frogs and supplies. I figured, if I spend $60 on joining AOS, thats $60 I won't be able to spend at the show. Maybe if I get a raise.

[catfan]

As a student judge I have to be a member, but was a member before I started the judging program. The AOS has its faults, but it serves a need. (A fellow orchid grower calls the AOS magazine his "orchid porn"...)

[Piper]

LOL - I like orchid porn too!

Catfan, as a student judge, would you mind a thread or six on what judges look for in different genera? I'm sure there's a ton to it, but never having had a plant judged, I often look at mine and wonder if they'd be worth taking somewhere.

There must basic guidelines that could guide less sophisticated orchid lovers... For instance, I read somewhere that the flatness of a Phal flower is important. That would tell me not to bother with my curvy, cupped Phals.

What do you think?

Julie

[catfan]

Remember Piper...I said STUDENT...still learning...but I've got pretty good ideas on what judges look for.

"Most" hybrid flowers are expected to be flat or near flat...they present themselves better that way...but species and primarys (or close to primarys) are given more latitude...if the species is typically not flat. One of the favorite expressions of judges is "Its doing what its supposed to do."...meaning it is typical for that species or hybrid.

Basically, plants and flowers are awarded if they're seen as an improvement over previously awarded plants or flowers...this is where research and comparrisons come in. Slides and descriptions of previous awards are looked at, flowers counted and measured, good and bad points are discussed, and then, if just one probationary or accreddited judges wants to score the plant, then all the judges award points from different categories, a perfect score being 100...An average score of 75 or better will get you a HCC, 80-90 an AM, and 90-100 an FCC...

I've left out a lot...but this is the basic idea for flower quality awards. If you think you have a plant or flower that might be worthy of an award, post a notice on the forum for information on past awards...many members have Wildcatt or Orchidwiz or the new AOS e-awards program that will give you an idea of past awards to the grex, clone, or species. But you'll have to get it to a judged show or judging center for the final look.

c.

[Piper]

Thanks, Catfan!

I still have a thousand questions, but this was interesting! (I do have Orchidwiz, but unfortunately, it's a bit lean on photos for awarded grexes.)

Julie

[Jmoney]

used to be a member for a number of years...enjoyed the "Bulletin" as it was called back then. was never a fan of the new "orchids" rag, didn't quite do it for me. also the relatively paucity of stuff I was actually interested in, and rising costs, and that was that.

[Rence]

I am not a member of AOS but is a member of the POS or Philippine Orchid Society!

[ATester]

I am not an AOS member even though I have thought about it, but I'd rather put the cash into my collection. I am a member of the New Hampshire Orchid Society though. Sometimes the meeting location is not the easiest one for me to get to (bedford), and the Maine Orchid Society is just as far. Maybe there should be a Rollinsford Orchid Society...but I'd be the only member.

[Tindomul1of9]

I've decided not to join for now. Pe'haps when I'm a bit more aquainted with money. Thank you all, the results are interestin indeed! 2:1!!!! not members!

[LAVIE]

No, I am not a member of the AOS. I understand their need for a AOS however, they need to work on making it more useful for the average orchid enthusiast.

I do belong to 2 orchid society`s, one meets at Tuesday at 10am and the other meets Thursday night 7pm. They were one Orchid Society at one time and then as life goes politics/people created a split. Once you wade through the politics it can be very enjoyable.

I believe anyone wanting to learn more should join an orchid club.