While we’re not willing to review or link to entirely unrelated sites, we are willing to share a bit of Google-juice, for example with Gary Robertson, who asked us nicely to link to The Green Providers Directory. Not a lot there on seeds, but take that as an opportunity.
Where do we sign, Mr Lucifer?
We got a very polite email from a robot recently, asking us to write an unbiased review of a website in exchange for money, or a free sample of the goods the site was flogging. We took a look, but we couldn’t see any possible link to agricultural biodiversity, so we turned down the nice robot’s offer. But it set us thinking. If we’re that popular, should we put a discreet advert above (or below) our most recent post? Should we have a Tip Jar so all you happening types with PayPal accounts can micro-reward us? Maybe an Amazon wish list? Recalling, however, that we live to serve you, our readers, we thought we’d ask you directly. So there’s a new poll, over there on the right. Vote early, and vote often. You have (about) a week. You can also comment on this post if you feel the poll options are unduly constraining.
Come on, show yourself. We know you’re there
Bloggers are full of fancy reasons for their habit, and we’re no exception. One we might not say out loud is that it feels good to know that other people read what we write. A few weeks ago we implemented a major piece of gee-whizzery to draw attention to a featured comment: that’s it top right in the yellow box. Our primary reason is to reward people who make interesting comments ((I’ve always believed in rewarding behaviour you want more of, and ignoring (not punishing) the rest.)) but we were obviously also hoping to attract more people to comment. Now, another excuse to solicit your input: we are, apparently, in the middle of National Delurking Week. Of course, we’re not that parochial, so let’s hear it for Global Delurking Week. And here’s all you need to know:
Shy? Don’t be!
Don’t know what to say? Just say hi!
Afraid? What of? There’s nothing to be afraid of here on [our] blog. Everyone’s welcome and safe here.
A regular commenter? Say hi so that those who aren’t won’t feel like they have to be the first.
OK, off you go …
And we’re back
Or at least I am. It’s going to take me a day or two to get back fully into the blogging swing of things, but, until then, check out the extra-long list of nibbles to the right, below the photo.
Oh, and Happy New Year, everyone!
We’re taking a break
So, where’s all the agrobiodiversity news? Dunno. Maybe they’ve given up? Nah. Maybe they’re on holiday? Yeah, that’ll be it. So, when d’you suppose they’ll be back? Dunno. Better keep looking. …
Not to get too cute here, but in what has become an annual tradition, the bloggers of the Agricultural Biodiversity Weblog are taking a brief break. Two weeks, or thereabouts. Max.
Afore we go, though, we thought we’d share a last bit of news: Even in Christmas trees, diversity is important:
Choosing the right Christmas tree species must obviously be carefully considered prior to planting. The species must suit the site with respect to soil depth, drainage, fertility and texture. Investigate the potential market for each species that will suitably grow on the site and make decisions accordingly. Growing more than one species will permit some diversity and flexibility at market time. Remember, the first tree sales will be 7 to 10 years in the future and predictions of species preferences by consumers, e.g. Fraser fir versus Scots pine, will be important for marketing.
It must be true, I read it on the intertubes. Oh, and an afterthought: real trees are greener.
Flickr photo by Vanessa Pike-Russell, used under a Creative Commons Licence.