Rethinking some things...

Well, I gotta say... I love my job.

I just got to spend half the afternoon chatting with Kiva Rose. A rare event being she does not have a phone. What a GREAT interview, and I will of course be posting that a little bit into July.

I have all of you to thank for this great job. There is no way I could have the time to produce what this web site produces if there were no member fees. So thanks so much for your trust and support.

I never lose sight of the fact that I am here to help you out. To be a guide if you will on this herbal learning journey. Not so much the teacher or mentor myself, but to connect you with others and help you figure out how to do this yourself. And if you do this yourself already, then you have a way to share your knowledge and teach. It's the best way to learn.

So, over the next couple months I am going to think about changing a few things around on this site. Nothing will cost more, etc... All that is the exact same. What I am thinking about is a way for those who really want to sink their teeth into HerbMentor and have more guidance, that well... they can get that.

I want to have a way so the folks who just want to do a little and dabble can do that, and those who want to really get into it, can. I THOUGHT I was doing that already. However, with the attendance and interaction on the last couple HerbTalk Lives, I'm just not feeling like I am giving you (and I am speaking to you who wants to delve into things more) what you need.

The purpose of HTL was for folks to "gather in my kitchen" to share stories, discuss any blocks or issues to learning, ask questions... to really feel like we are hanging out with each other.

There are some folks who email questions, there is a person or two who actually dials in and shares... but well, it doesn't feel like my words are falling on the ears that need to hear what I have to say. AND I feel that YOUR voice is not being heard either.

Of course we have the Forum, THAT IS GREAT... I love it and think it's perfect.

So, Kimberly had the idea an option where people can "apply" to be in a more serious study group. Once again...no extra cash... but more of an energetic exchange. So, if you want to be part of this group, then you commit to doing the Home Study Guide and do your best to meet once a month or every 6 weeks or something on HerbTalk Live...and HerbTalk Live would just be for this group of people. A place where it would be "call in only"...no web listening...and that might encourage more to speak up.

So, this doesn't change HerbMentor, but only enhances the experience for the people who do well with commitment to a learning process. I don't know..we could made certificates, or feature members who complete a year on a special page... stuff like that to acknowledge your work.

I think you know who you are if this would be for you. If this does not sound like it's for you, then what you see and how you use HM would NOT change a bit. However, if you have been longing for more interaction in your work, then we can have that for you.

Who knows, maybe after a year, we can chat on the phone, look over your work... give some personal coaching. Maybe... just ideas I am tossing around.

This is all in theory folks. I will come out with surveys and stuff later to get everyone's voice. Feel free to comment below as well.

So, on HerbTalk, we have about 20 people participate the other night. What I would like is that those 20 people get WAY more out of it than they already are. I think we can make that happen. Chances are, those 20 listeners would be the ones who would sign up for this...including the people who listened to the re-play. I know the time does not work for some.

Well, I would appreciate any feedback below. This is all just thoughts in my head now..nothing is really happening yet. I just really want to serve those who desire more assistance even better... for I know we have the casual HerbMentor user needs covered.

Whadya think? I can use your comments to guide my ideas more before I release any surveys in August.

Thanks!

Comments

[Marie]

I think this would be great. I haven't participated in the talks because it just doesn't work for me. I wish I could and I will dream of it but not at this time.

However I still think it would be great. If I had the 2 hours I would do it. As is I will just keep plugging along as I have been doing.

I would like to see a special spot on the forum where information is put. Like exactly how to make a tincture, exactly how to make an infused oil. What is the difference between infused oil and essential oil. Do you use dried herbs or fresh to make this or that. Sometimes I get confused with all the information out there. Until I get it set in my brain I start to panic and then I can't remember and of course I don't do this every day so I forget some of the little things.

A place would be helpful for the information. This way beginners wouldn't have to keep asking the same questions and we wouldn't feel embarrassed asking over and over for the information because it would be right there.

I hope this makes sense. I am just a beginner and unfortunately my other life is really stressing me for time to actually study.

[John Gallagher]

THanks Marie.

We do have all the basic info..especially f you listen to the Village Herbalist. Then, with that, combine the various videos we have on all the skills. HOWEVER, you idea is wonderful and I will work towards a "beginner" skill section. Now, if you just follow the herb of the month study, you get all the basic skills wrapped into learning about a particular plant... so you have a context to work it. So it is REALLY simple to stick with the Herb of the Month. Thanks!

[Christina]

I think you may be on to something if there is enough interest. I for one am working hard this summer studying, sketching and most importantly using the herbs as we study them. After August however, we start home schooling again and I could use the support and the herbal direction as my plate fills with other activities. I would love the opportunity to bounce ideas, questions, thoughts and theories off of others studying and learning the same thing.

Christina

[Shadda]

I also think its a great idea, however, I am shy and quite embarrassed when it comes to asking silly questions (and that is how my questions come across, every time!! :) is why i personally do not share on herb talk, but i do listen on the web. My family knows on those days mommy has a class, and as for a class that takes a heavier bite off of studies, I love that idea, I feel as though i can't learn enough and it doesn't help that We are in the midst of a move and building a house, and like christina said home schooling come fall, so a support group where we all could have a required time set aside to the activities we love, would be a refreshing idea, a motivation.

[John Gallagher]

THanks Shadda...

Folks...your questions are NOT silly... no questions are silly. Ask away..it's how we learn...or one way we learn anyhow...

[Corri]

John,
I think this is a wonderful idea! I really do also like the idea of having a more "beginner" section as well...since I'm a beginner :) Honestly I think the more info and support that is given the better we will all be. We can't ever learn too much or have too much support!
Hugs,
Corri

[Diane]

John, having a more indepth study sounds great, I've only been a member for about 3 months and along with following the site and increasing my herbal book library with your suggested reading, making medicine and other natural products (by the way, I only make my yogurt now the way Kimberly shows in the video)has helped me start on my way to learning as much as I can for as long as I can. I don't think we ever stop learning and gaining experience, but a study course would be a way to like you say....sink your teeth into it more. I too am one of those folks who just haven't been able to go live on air, just because of scheduling conflicts, I have so many questions and want to participate in the live talk and really see what I've missed when I listen on the recording. But, low and behold most of my questions are answered while I listen. I have learned so much in the past 3 months, I used to think I knew a little about natural and herbal ways but boy....was I wrong, I've only chipped a tiny sliver off that iceberg. I can't wait for the next level, the next herb of the month, the next video, the next guest speaker. I thank you and Kimberly and everyone who contribute to this site for all the time and hard work it takes to keep a site like this going, because I know that you and everyone involved has made being green and being more involved in caring for your family and their health and sustaining our earth has probably made sparks lite in other areas of the way we live. Example: recycling, composting, gardening, plant preservation, chemical usage (or non-usage) etc. So, I'm up for the next thing on the agenda John.

[Val]

I love this idea, John! Will the calls be limited to the herb of the month? I enjoyed our conversation last time. I was glad I stepped out of my comfort zone. I was worried that because I didn't have any questions on comfrey it wouldn't have been appropriate.

I really enjoy the interviews you do with all the herb folks. Thank you! I am looking forward to Kiva's interview.

[raspberryleaf]

I have wanted to get on the Herb Talk Live calls but have run into scheduling conflicts. Also, until reading this post, I didn't realize what you were trying to accomplish with the calls. I thought they were more along the lines of the conference calls that you have done in the past. I like things the way they are in regards to who can listen on herb talk live.

[John Gallagher]

HI ALL!

I am liking the feedback...Keep it coming. I have not decided on anything...Just gathering data... Thanks!

[Tammy Hess]

I'm definately interested in a more serious study group. I hope i can make more of the talks. I'm enjoying what I have time to do know.

[Doug Streets]

There have only been 3 HTL shows since my joining and I've enjoyed them (2 live and 1 mp3). I think it is a good format and participation will grow with time. Although I look forward to the opportunity to join a more serious study group, I will miss HTL. You had mentioned on one of the shows or interviews that as you role into the second year and beyond, you may have more than one herb of the month. I think this is an excellent idea due to the biodiversity of the country/world and would stimiulate more call-in participation.

You've done a good thing here, John. I am glad to be a part of it.

Thanks,

dbs

[Tonny Wellington]

Hi John;

I have not made the time to properly introduce myself as yet, but I am really interested in joining a more seriuos group even if it costs a litle more, I am enjoying herb Mentor and I thank you and everyone else that made it possible for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community, without it, it would be practically impossible for me to learn so much about natural herbs, you are doing a wonderful job, please include me if you decide to go ahead with your new project.

I want to get on the Herb Talk Live calls but cannot at this time, after the end of this month i will have a little more time and will try to join once I have the correct time schedule, once again thank you very much for all your hard work.

[Steven]

Hi John And Everyone!
I am very new to all of this (even to windows. Wish I still had my Apple. Probably, healthier for me anyway. Less stress :)) I haven't introduced my self or mad a profile yet, but I will. This site is FANTASTIC. I absolutely love it! More about me later. As far as the HTL I will really miss it if ya put it for ONLY serious learners. I am for one, a serious learner but can't always participate. (I drive for a living; out 6 days) so my off days will vary with rotation. I can be very committed, but again like others have said; we all can't be committed all the time due to scheduling conflicts. I would really miss the HTL if you took it away. I have decided to do the home study thingy and I think the HTL would compliment it very well. On days I miss it (due to working) I could always podcast it to listen to at a later date. Maybe for the more "serious" You could have more in depth topics (ie. maybe more into the scientific aspects of an herb or somethin) which the rest of us could download later to listen to. (Got that idea from the guest u had w/Mr. hoffman. Great interview. But, overall, just wanted to say I want to participate as often as possible on HTL when time permits... I think this idea was great form the get go and will compliment my home study of the herb of the month nicely. I would be sad to see it go ornot be able to participate. These are just my thoughts. Again, Thank to you John and Kimberly and family (even the kids, they make me laugh and lift my spirits when u incld them one ur work in da videos lol) Have a great week!
Steven