Can we have special guests on this forum?

[Karinbob]

Administrator,
Can we have special guests on this forum from the magazine? Either to pose questions or give us tips and ideas? Maybe even a live chat with one of the designers or something? What do ya think? K

[administrator]

karinbob,

We certainly can have guests on the forum. Our editors are so busy, it's difficult getting a commitment from them, but I'll redouble my efforts. I'm guessing that a decorating editor would be most popular, but we also have talented folks in gardening and food. What would be your preference?

Rex
Cottage Living online

[Lisa S]

My pick would be:
1. Decorating
2. Gardening
3. Food

[Karinbob]

decor, gardening and food in that order. That would be fantastic.
Thanks, Karin

[Lynzee]

Works for me, too!

Thanks, Rex!

:D
Lynz

[zuzus_garden]

ditto! :)

[administrator]

We're going to make it happen. Here's what I'm thinking. Let's do a day with our homes editors. I'll set up a special forum thread so they can answer questions. I've tried chats before, but they just don't work well.

To get the word out, we may try to promote the day in the July/Aug issue. That would put the day sometime in mid-July. If we announced the day on the web, it could happen sooner, but would be a smaller affair. What's your preference?

Fran Keenan and Heather Chadduck are our interior design experts. James Schwartz has an amazing depth of knowledge about architecture and renovations. Jessica Thuston is our staff writing phenom who writes many of the homes stories in the magazine and has access to talented designers.

Let me know what you think?

[Lisa S]

That sounds wonderful. How 'bout P. Allen Smith too? He's brilliant.

[administrator]

Getting Allen right now is a bit tough. He's busy about the country promoting his new book on container gardening and spring is always difficult time-wise.

http://pallensmith.com

[Lisa S]

Busy is good. I'll look forward to getting his book. Thanks!

[Karinbob]

Can you start with a smaller one announced on the web and then do a big one in July? If not I think the more the merrier and do it in July!

Another thought I had Is there a way you can put on your home page something really inviting about joining the forum? I have noticed so many visitors but not all of them sign up. This is such a great forum and more people need to sign on. :D There is something about discussing ideas and thoughts with your "girlfriends" on a daily basis.

Thanks again for all you do. Karin

[Lynzee]

I think a forum promotion is a great idea. Seems we've lost some posters along the way and I've noticed many have joined but never posted. I think things were a little slow in the beginning and some folks may have gotten discouraged, but things have certainly picked up and it's a great place to be!

Just my two cents...

I think you're doing a great job as administrator! Any word on our garden forum? Like you're not busy enough already, right? :)

:D
Lynz

[administrator]

I have approval from our editor in chief to put together the "Day with the Cottage Living Homes Editors." Our first event will be promoted via the Web site. We're trying to find a day when all our Homes editors will be in the office and available to answer questions. It should happen soon, so stay tuned.

[Lisa S]

Fantastic! Very exciting. Thank you so much for making it happen!

[Karinbob]

Thank you for your hard work, we will stay tuned for the big day!

[Kristen]

Woo Hoo! This is wonderful news. I can't wait!

[Lynzee]

Outstanding! Can't wait for the big event.

Many thanks!
Lynz