I couldn't agree with you more, Jim. One thing I would change, and it's because of the internet, I would make it a little longer, The North American Flower Bulb Society. Other considerations: The Cooperators' Flower Bulb Society The Intercontinental Flower Bulb Society and, quite frankly, The International Flower Bulb Society, which is not in conflict with any other name. Almost from its inception the PBS has spanned beyond the boundaries of California and Washington, and the name very well may turn people away who may be interested in flower bulb culture but get the impression that a west coast climatic emphasis will not help them. Mr. Kelly M. Irvin 10850 Hodge Ln Gravette, AR 72736 USA 479-787-9958 USDA Cold Hardiness Zone 6a/b http://www.irvincentral.com/ James Waddick wrote: > Dear Friends, > Apologies first to a unnamed corespondent, whose message I > have edited mercilessly in section "1" below. > > I propose a name change for the Pacific Bulb Society to 'The > North American Bulb Society'. > > 1. PBS really is move diverse than the name suggest : > Although our group is called the Pacific Bulb Society, it's > only that in name. In terms of the interest of its members there > don't seem to be many limits. Tropical plants are rarely discussed > and are low on the list of items included in the wiki. The group grew > out of a wish to be inclusive, friendly and geared to gardening. > > The PBS list now has 469 members. I wish we had a different > name to reflect who we are. If you look at the Board members of what > will be the new board, there are two from California, one from > Arizona, one from Oregon, one from Pennsylvania, one from New Jersey, > and one from New York so that represents a range of climates. > > Actual members are even more diverse. > > 2. The PBS actually reflects a North American, not just > Pacific interest in all sorts of bulbs. There is no North American > Bulb Society. There is no American Bulb Society. (Either name would > be very appropriate, but would suggest input from other North > American interests (you know who you are ! ) > > 3. A new board and officers will further reflect the diversity. > > 4. As 'The North American Bulb Society' our group will > attract even more interest from people (like me) unhappy with joining > a group centered only on Pacific Coast interests (as the name, not > the content, suggests). > > 5. With a new slate of officers and a new board, this is a > good time to seek a change of name that better reflects the > membership and the interests of the organization. > > 6. Isn't it time for a true North American Bulb Society ? The > structure and organization already exists. The name change is > relatively minor - in name only. It can only strengthen our group. > > Can we talk about this and get a response from the > organization that hosts this web exchange? > > Best Jim W. >