"Memories, like the corners of my mind" or whatever the lyrics are=== I started with AWGS during the winter of 2001, just happened to stumble across it. At that point I had no idea what a forum even was. I also didn't have a pond or water feature. I did have an inground pool that was here when we moved in December of '69. So after following the watergardening forum for 6 or so months, I purchased a small preform. How could it be any harder to care for than the pool? LOL. It lasted about 6 weeks and I decided it was tooooooooo small. Then my DH dug a 4 x 6 pond and Cindi's DH lined it for me with rubber roofing and I was hooked. By that time I had heard enough conversation about ponds, water quality, fish, bogs, algae, lilies, and pond plants to feel pretty confident in my understanding of the hobby. HOBBY?? I found out it was a job and an addiction.
About two years later, we decided the fish weren't going to make another summer in the little pond so DH dug my current 10' X 13' X 30" pond. Ever since 2001, I have learned many things from my internet pond friends. I have exchanged plants and simply given plants or embroidery projects to some of them. I have received plants, gifts, and much emotional support and advice during those 7 years from the pond/watergardening community, as DH and I have experienced some bumps in life's road along the way.
As it has been mentioned, AWGS was not moderated in any way so I found it very difficult to tolerate the flaming etc. I began to feel uncomfortable with the goings on at AWGS and began to express my feelings about it. Someone curtly told me if I didn't like it to leave. So, realizing she was right, I left. Luckily, it was right then that Jerry saw the need to give us another home. What a relief!!! American Ponders is like comparing day and night to AWGS IMO. Thanks Jerry and Sean.