The 'Drop Out

[Alan_b]

That's the name of a publication that arrived unexpectedly in the mail this morning.  It describes itself thus:

An occasional publication featuring photographs, descriptions and articles on snowdrops and other plants, new and perhaps not so new.

It was produced by Joe Sharman and the date printed on my copy is Saturday 1 November 2014.  There was nothing included to indicate why I got a copy or how widely it is to be distributed; I'm sure any galanthophile would like to read it.

There is an interesting article on the history of the term 'poculiform' followed by a strong endorsement of the term 'pterugiform' (see http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=12115.msg310666#msg310666 and the discussion that followed for our own take on this controversy).  No guidance on pronunciation, unfortunately, except that pter- refers to feathers so is presumably pronounced as in 'pterodactyl'. 

There are also some excellent colour photographs of 'new' eranthis, galanthus and leucojum cultivars although some (but not all) of these have already been 'leaked' by Mark Smyth (see http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=12390.0 ).

Edit:  This subsequently proved to be just the first volume.

[emma T]

I wonder how many people are going to get a copy ? Nothing in my post box except a flyer for pizza  don't eat cheese or tomatoes

[mark smyth]

I think there should be a cover charge for it even if it only covered printing costs and postage

[Alan_b]

I agree, Mark.  12 A4 sides of printed content, 9 of which have colour photographs, plus the cover; that's going to cost something to print.  Although it is very good publicity for plants that I presume Joe will be selling sooner or later - certainly whetted my appetite. 

I did, out-of-the-blue, have a phone call from Joe a month or so ago where we briefly discussed something that I now find is part of the content so perhaps that is why he was kind enough to send me a copy.  But he did not mention this intended publication at that time.

[David Nicholson]

I think there should be a cover charge for it even if it only covered printing costs and postage

There already is,  it's in the added margin on his selling price . He's a businessman not a philanthropist.

[Alan_b]

That's a point I made in my previous post, David, albeit not quite as bluntly.

[Uwe]

mail from monksilver nursery:

 Joe's new magazine was really only sent out as a trial run, it will be offered for sale via the monksilver website very soon.

[Hagen Engelmann]

Na dann warten wir mal....hoffnungsvoll

[Brian Ellis]

...and hopefully you will get one as mine arrived this morning.

[chasw]

Anyone fancy sending me a scan???

[Maggi Young]

Anyone fancy sending me a scan???

 I was about to ask the same question myself, Chas!

[mark smyth]

My printer is broken

[Maggi Young]

Could you photograph the pages, Mark and email them ?

[mark smyth]

yes, tomorrow in daylight

[Maggi Young]

yes, tomorrow in daylight

Thanks!!