Amen sista LisaI agree. I think people can see what motivates certain posters. I try to reply without making it personal, but still get to the bottom of that motivating factor. DP doesn't like AS - that's fine. I happen to like their products, their ponds, and their philosophy of pond-keeping. I don't really care if other people don't share my opinion, but I do care that things people say (whether about AS or any other topic here) are at least factual OR clearly just that one person's opinion, uninformed or otherwise. "Perception is reality" is so true - if people hear something repeated over and over, even if it's not true it suddenly becomes accepted. A new poster here the other day said something like "I know gravel on the bottom of the pond is not good" - that's when I think another opinion can give that person something to consider. I think it's also very informative to note that the one example DP finally gave of a clueless "Aquascapes certified master installer" (that's not a real thing by the way - someone made that title up) also happened to be a woman. Bias shines through. Some people consider pond keeping to be a manly thing and just don't like us girls messing in their manly business.
I'm not afraid of different opinions. I'm not an expert on ponds by any means, but I am an expert on MY pond. So I can share with confidence what works for me. If other people read what I say and choose to believe it, fine. If not, that's OK too. But people who fear that sharing of different ideas confound me - what's their stake in the game anyway? Enjoy YOUR pond and if others choose to go a different route, why in the world would YOU care?
We happen to live in the Chicago area so our exposure to ponds and water features was Aquascape. That was a lucky thing for us - we were able to tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience and tour dozens of AS ponds and see the concept in action and in the end build a DIY project that we love. I can tell you right now if we had seen ponds with big free standing filtration units and things that required back flushing or filter pads that needed rinsing or water that required regular testing, we would have gone on our way without even considering a pond in our own yard. I definitely didn't need to add more tasks to my day. Our pond requires no daily care. We putter because we like to. But some people want a more active hobby, or want to raise koi for shows or have lots of big fish or whatever - good on them! I enjoy seeing those lovely ponds and hearing about those set ups, too. I just know that wasn't for us.
I love sharing with other people my love for ponds and water gardening and how it has been such a positive addition to our lives. Lots of personal things that I won't go into here, but life can be hard sometimes. There are days when the thought of sitting by the pond when I get home keeps a smile on my face. There is no better feeling than that!
There was nothing helpful about his replies on this tread. O.k. I'm done with this and may have to take a break from the spot for a while.
Where are your helpful replies? What sort of help was even being asked for?
By the way, why are you trying to tell me what to do? I'm rude but you're telling me to shut up? Are we in the third grade now?
Thanks funny, but not question remains. Life if fully of many different people for sure!!!
I'm asking for examples cause I know there won't be any!