AGA Mission

[Neil Frank <nfrank@mindspring.com>]

This email was sent to me. I am submitting it for MC consideration and
appropriate action. Neil


>From: Robert_ Hudson <RHudson@espritsys.com>
>To: nfrank@mindspring.com
>Subject: AGA Mission
>Date: Fri, 17 Jul 1998 11:07:12 -0700
>X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.0.1457.3)
>
>    Gentlemen: 
> 
>I would like to see the AGA expand its method of attaining its mission
>beyond what is provided on the internet, individual WEB sites, and TAG. 
> The Aquarium hobby in general ranges widely from young people with little
>experience to those that are most serious. The biggest challenge is
>availability of aquatic plants, not only what is limited by what is
>available for import, but what is available at the local retail level. The
>majority of local retail stores have a very limited number of plants,
>little information or expertise in how to grow them, and little incentive
>to promote the hobby to their patrons. Typically the average patron may try
>a few plants for a short period of time and then become discouraged. I
>found most stores in my area do not even carry proper substrate material,
>and equipment. 
> I personally live in an area where there is a LFS on every corner, and yet
>very few carry much in the way of plants or have the knowledge. I would
>like to visit each store in my area, talk with the owners, and provide them
>with materials on a variety of subjects relating to the care, needs, and
>how to best display and promote aquatic plants. I think it would be great
>if these documents were provided by AGA. 
> I propose the creation of a retail kit that includes documents that the
>retailer can reproduce and hand out as well as documents targeted to him
>specifically. 
> Here are some examples: One or two page documents per subject 
> 
>Growing plants in a low light enviorment: Ferns, Crypts, and other
suggestions 
> 
>Basic lighting requirements 
> 
>A beginers substrate 
> 
>Understanding CO2 
> 
>Displaying and keeping plants in a store 
> 
>Suggested related products: proper sand, gravel, fertilizers, decorations 
> 
>Die hard plants for the beginer 
> 
>Care tips for tuber plants 
> 
>Care tips for Amazon Swords 
> 
>Why do my stem plants rot away? 
> 
>Plants the retailer should avoid 
> 
>Proper indentification and grouping of plants 
> 
>A good suggested mix of plants for the retailer 
> 
>Get the idea? I want to make this my mission in my area. I would appreciate
>any help from AGA and I would like to see AGA do this aggresively. 
> Regards, 
> 
>Robert Paul Hudson 
>robertph@worldnet.att.net 
>1200 Ranchero Way #53 
>San Jose, CA 95117 
>408-248-8605 
>