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No Place Special

As I assume most of you know, there will be two growing contests here at BP.com this season. One for Squash and one for pumpkins. The details were posted by Ken last weekend although he is not affiliated with the contests but is in charge of BigPumpkins.com. One can locate the files by entering "contest" into the site search option and selecting "BigPumpkins.com 2003 Growing Contests". Although rules are currently in place, they are not cut and dry. The purpose of this notice is to invite EVERYONE who wishes to attend a chat session this weekend to provide their opinion or ideas on what would make these contests the best for all potental participants. These contests are for the BP.com community and I hope to please as many as possible. This is the first year for such a contest and I could use as many ideas and opinions as I can get. Please show in the "OFF-TOPIC TALK" chat room this saturday nite at 8PM cst to give your support for the 2003 BigPumpkins.com Growing Contests. Thanks everyone for your patience and support while Steve and I tried to bring these contests together. If you have any questions, comments, concerns or will be unable to attend the chat and want your voice heard please drop me an e-mail at [email protected] Thanks, Mike Frantz

2/26/2003 7:17:58 PM

Liverpool , England

Now that was in plain English...thanks Mike



Alun

2/26/2003 7:37:23 PM

Webster, NY

It sounds like fun. I wish I had more space. Good luck to everyone who enters.

2/26/2003 7:40:00 PM

[email protected]

Despite what some feel are rules that may favor an ambiguous outcome, I am looking forward to this contest.
It should be kept in mind, I think, that there has never been a more level playing field for what could be at least a national growing contest. Though it could even go international.
Ken's 840 has great genetics & shouldn't have much trouble finding space in anyones patch. Especially those warm summer growers such as myself & other southern CT-like climates.
But it's more than just a contest. Those folks who partake in this "quest" will be helping to further the AG genetic potential by contributing some valuable research data. Too many good pumpkin seeds are either not being grown, or are not being reported. Look at the AGGC web sites progeny data for how many truly good pumpkin seeds that must be losing their viabiliy sitting in envelopes somewhere. With good participation, Ken's 840 could prove quite "fruitfull".

Steve

2/26/2003 8:16:19 PM

Bristol, ME ([email protected])

Mike, just a quick reminder that the NEGPA Auction is Saturday at 8pm eastern. Just want to make sure you get the paticipation level you need at your meeting, I'm sure a bunch of folks will be at the auction.

2/27/2003 5:32:01 AM

Southeast

To all my fellow growers and to Glenn Andrews. Im goin green. Yeah I know its kinda like the dark side, being friendly with Darth Vader. Please forgive me.

2/27/2003 8:55:39 AM

Midwest

Welcome Aboard David !!!!!!

Clarence & Zach

2/27/2003 9:07:31 AM

No Place Special

sorry everyone I did not notice that the NEPGA auction was at the same time. I will be choosing a new date and time soon as I do want everyone to be able to participate. Thanks for bringing this to my attention Stunner. Thanks, Mike Frantz

2/27/2003 11:01:37 AM

ontario

Nice to have a squash contest..I was really looking forward to it...but must decline.....estimated weights allowed ???.....whats next.....holes, serious soft spots and cracks....why not same standard rules as any known contest out there ..???......HELP (Glenn Andrews) I guess I am wrong again, squash not moving ahead,they just took another step backward .....confused again......wayne

2/27/2003 11:01:50 AM

No Place Special

Wayne did you notice the subject of this message? It is to invite everyone to express their thoughts and opinions on how these contests should be run and what the rules should be. I said " although rules are currently in place, they are not cut and dry." To help clear up your confusion this means they are not set in stone or to put into even simpler terms as to not further complicate this for you I am open to change if that is what everyone wants. Yes Wayne, your opinion counts and your voice can be heard. If some of you growers put half the energy into HELPING me as you have spent complaining we could make this one awesome contest and an anual event here at BP.com. I am very sad to report that Im almost to the point of regreating my attempt to organize what I thought would be a wonderful contest for everyone to enjoy. I personally have found little enjoyment so far. I remember when I first found this site and began interacting with other pumpkin growers. It was like I was on another planet, one that nothing but kindness was found around every corner. I was amazed at the generosity, kindness, and overall togetherness that was presented here at BP.com. I must say that this winter was quite disapointing with attitudes quite the opposite of the days of old. I have heard it blaimed on cabin feaver. I say thats B.S. and just a poor excuse for people to justify acting like jerks. I had hoped these contests would help make us one again and to destroy a portion of the walls that have been deviding us. Anyhow, this is not MY contest and these contests will only be as great as WE as a group make them. Mike Frantz

2/27/2003 12:21:40 PM

No Place Special

This SUNDAY at 6pm cst is the new Meeting time for anyone who cares to voice their opinion. Mike Frantz

2/27/2003 12:25:41 PM

Tipp City, Ohio

Mike,
I definately appreciate all of the work that you have put into this contest. You have also answered my questions about the contest in a prompt manner....Tom

2/27/2003 12:42:02 PM

Long Island,New York

Mike...Your work is appreciated. Sometimes its a thankless job. Everyone with a concern, opinion, a comment....constructive preferred.....please attend the "brainstorming session" and voice it.....or forever hold you peace. The rules arent in stone and can be altered to fit the participants...after all, its a FUN CONTEST and YOU make the rules (the rules as written were based upon general feelings of the people voicing opinions up to this week....now is YOUR chance to voice an opinion you didnt voice earlier ! Nice to have a second chance eh?)Thanks Mike and whoever else is involved in these FUN contests !....G

2/27/2003 12:53:38 PM

Edmonton, Canada

I appreciate your work as well Mike. People like you kepp our sport moving forward.

2/27/2003 1:31:06 PM

ontario

Mike its a thankless job as Glenn says....my only concern is changing from basic rules that have always been around....I think the first basic rule has always been WEIGHING THEM...I have looked forward to this contest and will be in it,if those rules are followed...I can't be around Sunday for chat ,but Glenn Andrew speaks for me on rules...I hope the best for your contest and best in 2003....I remember Paul McIntyre saying once ( all the bullshit stops when the tailgate drops and they throw them on the SCALE)I hope that still happens....pretty simple illustration....thanks for taking your time to put together the competition.........wayne

2/27/2003 3:13:28 PM

Montoursville, PA

This may be an oversight but I have not seen where or how one could come up with the seed presently proposed as the seed to be grown. Is there a goodly supply stashed and committed to those who would like to compete? Of course how to get them would be needed data.

2/27/2003 3:26:44 PM

Huntsburg,Ohio

mike this is clinton is that your time or my time mecause if it is your time i can not make it as a bad boss/judge ok mike e-mail me on that.

2/27/2003 3:30:24 PM

Edmonton, Canada

huh?

2/27/2003 4:15:53 PM

Pulaski Tn [email protected]

hERE WE GO AGAIN...HEHEHE AND YOU GUYS THOUGH WE TENNESSEANS WERE DUMB BACKWARDS & ILLERATE "MECAUSE" NOW THATS A NEW ONE ON ME.. I THINK A SENTENCE WITH MECAUSE WOULD GO LIKE THIS.. "MECAUSE THE COMMODE TO OVER FLOW WITH TOO MUCH TOILET PAPER.." OR " MECAUSE THE ACCIDENT BY DIGGING IN MY NOSE AND NOT WATCHING WHERE I WAS GOING.." DONT ASK ME WHAT THE REST OF THE POST MEANT I JUST CANT DECIPHER IT...

2/27/2003 4:51:26 PM

South Bend, IN

mecause pumpkin to fly with bery big gun

2/27/2003 5:23:50 PM

northern indiana

Not to be critical Clinton, but you might save yourself alot of headache if you proofread your post before clicking reply. Really read it and you will spot the errors before blkcloud has a chance to roast you. (not that i haven't enjoyed reading the roasts, I just hate to see them all at the expense of the same person..) Eric

2/27/2003 5:44:25 PM

canal winchester ohio

I'll throw my hat in the ring for a squash contest. If I remember right any seed is allowed...right? Who knows mabey the first greenie over 1000 lbs will come from this contest. I'll try my best to be in chat a 7 pm eastern time to express my thoughts or ideas. My only real concerns is it must be weighed & must be green....Paul

2/27/2003 6:00:04 PM

blkcloud has missed his calling in life..jay leno better be careful..

2/27/2003 6:01:32 PM

South Hill, Virginia

blkcloud may seem real funny to you yankees but actually everyone in TN is exactly the same way.

2/27/2003 6:05:45 PM

North Ga

Wrong Brent, some live in trailers, not just tarpaper huts!! LOL!! No offense Keith!! LOL

2/27/2003 6:29:42 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

i RESant that all peoples of tN are the same because theres differentsces whare we live and other paoples of Tn live ok and some of us peoplus live in long trailars and sum of us livein tall house and sum peopuls live in a small house at the bottum of a big hill so when it rain then the yard and bassment floods and i hear them cuttin a shine for 2 weaks after that ok and thier dogs bark all nite because the dum dogs are mad for sleepin in the water ok

2/27/2003 9:10:22 PM

North Ga

ROLMFAO Kyle!!!!

2/27/2003 9:48:17 PM

Hobbiton New Zealand

Just what I needed today a damn good laugh!

2/27/2003 11:16:52 PM

In the shade - PDX, OR

It's been 5 minutes after I read Blackcloud's post and I'm still LOL!!


Good for the soul.

2/28/2003 12:59:37 AM

Pulaski Tn [email protected]

tHERE AINT NOTHING BETTER THAN A BIG OLE DEEP DOWN LAUGH..AND HEY PAPPY, YOU MEAN I CAN PUT TAR ON MY ROOFS???

2/28/2003 8:38:31 AM

ipswich, ma usa

Hey blkcloud

Seen my hoe round your neck of da woulds?

John (5150)

2/28/2003 9:20:11 AM

Montoursville, PA

Unes got nutatters? Molls done et hrs.

2/28/2003 10:06:36 AM

Garden State Pumpkins

Huh?

2/28/2003 10:23:43 AM

Cornwall UK.(50N 5W)300ft.

Moles have eaten his new potatoes Alexdad.

2/28/2003 6:33:50 PM

Deer Park WA

At the risk of not sounding like a half baked potatoe farmer.... What if the one viable 840 seed I possess fails to germinate? Will there be a "Sacred 840 Seed Stash" from which serious preregisterd contestants begging for a second chance at "life" can draw from?

2/28/2003 11:10:46 PM

porterville,california usa

Mike, i for one think that you`re doing a fantastic job of organizing this contest! few other people would even consider taking on such a huge endeaver. keep up the good work. don`t get discouraged by the rest of us and our attitudes. believe it or not, you are making a difference!! booth

3/1/2003 12:05:51 AM

Connecticut, USA

I will be making more 840's available before the end of March for contestants. I am inspecting and counting the remaining seeds. Once I determine how many are left I will give more of them away.

3/1/2003 4:51:54 PM

No Place Special

A big thanks to everyone who has offered kind words! You have lifted my spirits and gave me what I need to continue forward. You have once again reminded me what pumpkin growers are really about! Lets keep the Spirit alive.

Mike

3/1/2003 9:21:48 PM